Christina reads more series in 2023

Christina reads more series in 2023


Albert Aublet, "Reading on the Garden Path"

Hello, and welcome to my 2023 category challenge! I'm Christina, and by day I'm an editor at a nonprofit in northern Virginia. Aside from reading, my main hobbies are music (piano, trombone, and singing) and community theater.

Last year I decided to focus my challenge on some series that had been languishing on my shelves, and I read about one book per series per month. That basic plan worked out really well for me: It motivated me finally to pick up books I’d ignored for a long time, and it helped me rediscover some excellent series (the Vorkosigan saga, the early Temeraire books). The pace was ideal for me, too — series installments were spaced far enough apart that I wouldn’t get bored, but close enough together that I wouldn’t forget important characters or plot points.

So I’ve decided to do something similar this year and base most of my categories on series. My goal is to read at least 120 books in 2023, and 60 of them will be in the following categories (5 categories, 12 books in each). The other 60 books will be "free" reading -- I love having that flexibility!

1. Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series — I loved this series and bought each new book as it came out, but I’ve never revisited any of the novels. I’m curious to see what I’ll think of the series this time around, and I suspect I’ll end up keeping some, but not all, of the books.

2. Historical mystery series — I’m planning on three different series in this category. The Robert Fairfax series by Hannah March (5 books) has the unique setting of Georgian England, and I remember liking book #1 when I read it several years ago. The Rosalind Thorne series by Darcie Wilde (6 books as of 2023) is set in the Regency era and looks like it will contain some romance, which is always a plus in my book! And I’ll round out the category with Ashley Weaver's next Electra McDonnell book, Playing It Safe, which comes out in May.

3. Fantasy series — I’m going to squeeze four short series into this category: Sylvia Izzo Hunter’s Noctis Magicae trilogy (Jane Austen + magic!), Lois McMaster Bujold’s Chalion trilogy (because I’m not ready to say goodbye to the author of the Vorkosigan saga just yet), Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart quartet (I really enjoyed The Ruby in the Smoke when I read it in 2020), and the Carolus Rex duology by Andre Norton and Rosemary Edghill (described as an alternate-history romp in which the American Revolution never happened).

4. Historical romance series — The year 2022 taught me that this is one of my favorite genres, and I should just embrace it! I’m planning on Anne Gracie’s Chance Sisters series (I loved The Winter Bride but never read the rest), Stella Riley’s Rockliffe series (which has been strongly recommended to me, yet it languishes on my e-reader), and the 2023 installments of Evie Dunmore’s League of Extraordinary Gentlewomen quartet and Mary Balogh’s Ravenswood series.

5. Books I purchased in 2022 — I always accumulate so many books in a year that I don’t have time to read them all right away; but if I leave them too long, they lose their luster and I’m no longer excited about them. So, I’ll read 12 books I bought last year but didn’t get around to, and hopefully they will retain their freshness!

I will also dip into the CATs and KITs occasionally, and I’ll participate in the BingoDOG as usual, but otherwise I’ll keep things loose. Thanks for stopping by, and happy reading!

Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation Series


Augustus Jules Bouvier, "Lady Holding Flowers in Her Petticoat"

1. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation - COMPLETED 1/4/23
2. The Masque of the Black Tulip - COMPLETED 2/2/23
3. The Deception of the Emerald Ring - COMPLETED 3/2/23
4. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose - COMPLETED 4/4/23
4.5. Ivy and Intrigue - COMPLETED 4/28/23
5. The Temptation of the Night Jasmine - COMPLETED 5/2/23
6. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily - COMPLETED 6/5/23
7. The Mischief of the Mistletoe
8. The Orchid Affair
9. The Garden Intrigue
10. The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
11. The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
12. The Lure of the Moonflower

Historical Mystery Series


Sidney Paget, Holmes and Watson from "The Adventure of Silver Blaze"

1. Hannah March, The Complaint of the Dove - COMPLETED 1/15/23
2. Hannah March, The Devil’s Highway - COMPLETED 2/16/23
3. Hannah March, A Distinction of Blood - COMPLETED 3/17/23
4. Hannah March, Death Be My Theme - COMPLETED 4/10/23
5. Hannah March, A Necessary Evil - COMPLETED 5/18/23
6. Ashley Weaver, Playing It Safe - COMPLETED 5/24/23
7. Darcie Wilde, A Useful Woman
8. Darcie Wilde, A Purely Private Matter
9. Darcie Wilde, And Dangerous to Know
10. Darcie Wilde, A Lady Compromised
11. Darcie Wilde, A Counterfeit Suitor
12. Darcie Wilde, The Secret of the Lost Pearls

Fantasy Series


Kinuko Y. Craft, "Beauty and the Beast"

1. Sylvia Izzo Hunter, The Midnight Queen - COMPLETED 1/10/23
2. Sylvia Izzo Hunter, Lady of Magick - COMPLETED 2/12/23
3. Sylvia Izzo Hunter, A Season of Spells - COMPLETED 3/10/23
4. Lois McMaster Bujold, The Curse of Chalion - COMPLETED 4/7/23
5. Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls - COMPLETED 5/8/23
6. Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt - COMPLETED 6/13/23
7. Andre Norton and Rosemary Edghill, The Shadow of Albion
8. Andre Norton and Rosemary Edghill, Leopard in Exile
9. Philip Pullman, The Ruby in the Smoke
10. Philip Pullman, The Shadow in the North
11. Philip Pullman, The Tiger in the Well
12. Philip Pullman, The Tin Princess

Historical Romance Series


Edmund Blair Leighton, "Signing the Register"

1. Anne Gracie, The Autumn Bride - COMPLETED 1/17/23
2. Anne Gracie, The Winter Bride - COMPLETED 2/17/23
3. Anne Gracie, The Spring Bride - COMPLETED 3/23/23
4. Anne Gracie, The Summer Bride - COMPLETED 4/7/23
5. Stella Riley, The Parfit Knight - COMPLETED 5/9/23
6. Stella Riley, The Mésalliance - COMPLETED 6/8/23
7. Mary Balogh, Remember Me: Phillippa's Story
8. Stella Riley, The Player
9. Stella Riley, The Wicked Cousin
10. Evie Dunmore, The Gentleman's Gambit
11. Stella Riley, Hazard
12. Stella Riley, Cadenza

Books Acquired in 2022 But Still Unread


Vincent van Gogh, "Piles of French Novels"

1. Manda Collins, A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem
2. Stella Gibbons, The Matchmaker
3. Stuart Turton, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
4. Patricia Wentworth, The Case Is Closed
5. Sarra Manning, London, with Love
6. Baynard Kendrick, The Odor of Violets
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Possibilities:
- Mignon G. Eberhart, Murder by an Aristocrat
- Michael Gilbert, Death in Captivity
- Emily Henry, Beach Read
- Garth Nix, The Left-Handed Booksellers of London
- Lee Child, One Shot
- India Holton, The League of Gentlewomen Witches
- Aja Gabel, The Ensemble
- W.H. Auden, Lectures on Shakespeare
- John Sutherland and Deirdre Le Faye, So You Think You Know Jane Austen?: A Literary Quizbook
- Christopher Morley, Thunder on the Left
- Roshani Chokshi, Once More upon a Time
- Mimi Matthews, The Lost Letter
- Ainslie Paton, The Love Experiment
- Dianne Freeman, A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder
- Susanna Craig, Better Off Wed
- Annie Darling, Crazy in Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop
- Karen Grey, What I’m Looking For
- Mimi Matthews, The Work of Art
- D.E. Stevenson, Listening Valley
- Mary Roberts Rinehart, The Red Lamp
- Julia Quinn, To Sir Phillip, with Love
- Emily Larkin, Unmasking Miss Appleby
- E.C. Bentley, Trent Intervenes
- E.C.R. Lorac, Murder by Matchlight
- Alwyn Hamilton, Rebel of the Sands
- Martin Edwards, ed., The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories
- Ben Macintyre, Agent Sonya
- John Dickson Carr, The Mad Hatter Mystery
- Francis Spufford, Light Perpetual
- John Julius Norwich, A Short History of Byzantium
- Catharine Maria Sedgwick, The Linwoods
- C.J. Brightley, The Wraith and the Rose
- M.B. Shaw, Murder at the Castle
- Lisa Lutz, The Spellman Files
- Nancy Campbell Allen, The Lady in the Coppergate Tower

Everything Else


Ramon Casas, "A Decadent Girl"

1. W. Bolingbroke Johnson, The Widening Stain
2. Lia Louis, The Key to My Heart
3. Sarah Addison Allen, Other Birds
4. Jen DeLuca, Well Traveled
5. Emily Gee, Thief with No Shadow
6. Rachel Bloom, I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are
7. Ellis Peters, The Summer of the Danes
8. Alyssa Everett, Ruined by Rumor
9. D.E. Stevenson, Celia's House
10. Katie Cotugno, Birds of California
11. Meagan Spooner, Hunted
12. Ngaio Marsh, Artists in Crime
13. Robin Stevens, First Class Murder
14. Falon Ballard, Lease on Love
15. J. Jefferson Farjeon, Seven Dead
16. Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, The Roughest Draft
17. Kate Clayborn, Georgie, All Along
18. Alyssa Everett, Lord of Secrets
19. Benjamin Stevenson, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
20-21. Mary Balogh, The Temporary Wife / A Promise of Spring
22. Angie Hockman, Dream On
23. Lizzy Dent, The Setup
24. Maggie Stiefvater, Greywaren
25. Lynn Painter, Mr. Wrong Number
26. Jane Dunn, The Marriage Season
27. Eva Ibbotson, A Countess below Stairs
28. Lynn Painter, The Love Wager
29. Kristin Vayden, Fortune Favors the Duke
30. Lucy Gilmore, The Lonely Hearts Book Club
31. Bridget Zinn, Poison
32. Julia Quinn, Romancing Mister Bridgerton
33. Stephanie Burgis, Good Neighbors
34. Margery Sharp, Cluny Brown
35. Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Velvet Was the Night
36. Garth Nix, Newt's Emerald
37. Ngaio Marsh, Death in a White Tie
38. Chloe Neill, The Bright and Breaking Sea
39. Rebecca Serle, One Italian Summer
40. Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
41. Cecilia Grant, A Lady Awakened
42. Emily Henry, Happy Place
43. Chloe Neill, A Swift and Savage Tide
44. Charlie N. Holmberg, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms
45. Sarah Adams, When in Rome
46. Georgette Heyer, The Unknown Ajax
47. Robin McKinley, The Hero and the Crown
48. Claudia Gray, The Late Mrs. Willoughby
49. Sarah Adams, The Cheat Sheet
50. Louise Allen, The Duke's Counterfeit Wife
51. John Moore, A Fate Worse Than Dragons
52. Sarah Adams, The Off Limits Rule
53. Ali Hazelwood, Love, Theoretically
54. Mary Balogh, The Gilded Web
55. Erin Beaty, The Traitor's Kiss
56. Kathleen Gilles Seidel, Again
57. B.R. Myers, A Dreadful Splendor

CATs


Horatio Henry Couldery, "An Oyster Supper"

January
ClassicsCAT (adventure):
GeoCAT (Central/Eastern Europe):
KiddyCAT (picture books/graphic novels):
SeriesCAT (new to you): Manda Collins, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem
AlphaKIT (I, S): W. Bolingbroke Johnson, The Widening Stain; Lauren Willig, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation; Sylvia Izzo Hunter, The Midnight Queen; Sarah Addison Allen, Other Birds; Emily Gee, Thief with No Shadow; Rachel Bloom, I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are; Ellis Peters, The Summer of the Danes; D.E. Stevenson, Celia's House; Meagan Spooner, Hunted
MysteryKIT (TV/movie detectives): Ellis Peters, The Summer of the Danes; Ngaio Marsh, Artists in Crime
RandomKIT (hidden gems): Emily Gee, Thief with No Shadow
SFFKIT (cobwebs and dust): Emily Gee, Thief with No Shadow

February
ClassicsCAT (before 1900):
GeoCAT (place you’d like to visit):
KiddyCAT (mystery): Robin Stevens, First Class Murder
SeriesCAT (translation):
AlphaKIT (J, F): Robin Stevens, First Class Murder; Falon Ballard, Lease on Love; J. Jefferson Farjeon, Seven Dead
MysteryKIT (classic settings): Robin Stevens, First Class Murder
RandomKIT (second or two): Lauren Willig, The Masque of the Black Tulip; Sylvia Izzo Hunter, Lady of Magick; Hannah March, The Devil's Highway; Anne Gracie, The Winter Bride; Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, The Roughest Draft
SFFKIT (romance): Sylvia Izzo Hunter, Lady of Magick

March
ClassicsCAT (adapted for TV/film):
GeoCAT (Australia, New Zealand): Benjamin Stevenson, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
KiddyCAT (historical fiction):
SeriesCAT (children’s/YA): Maggie Stiefvater, Greywaren
AlphaKIT (G, A): Angie Hockman, Dream On; Maggie Stiefvater, Greywaren; Anne Gracie, The Spring Bride
MysteryKIT (paranormal): Stuart Turton, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
RandomKIT (water, water everywhere): Lizzy Dent, The Setup
SFFKIT (the dark side): Maggie Stiefvater, Greywaren

April
ClassicsCAT (mystery): Ngaio Marsh, Death in a White Tie
GeoCAT (Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean): Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Velvet Was the Night
KiddyCAT (fantasy): Bridget Zinn, Poison; Garth Nix, Newt's Emerald
SeriesCAT (don’t need to read in order): Anne Gracie, The Summer Bride
AlphaKIT (W, D): Lynn Painter, The Love Wager; Lauren Willig, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose; Kristin Vayden, Fortune Favors the Duke; Hannah March, Death Be My Theme; Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Velvet Was the Night; Ngaio Marsh, Death in a White Tie; Lauren Willig, Ivy and Intrigue; Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
MysteryKIT (tartan noir):
RandomKIT (seven ages of man): Lynn Painter, The Love Wager; Lauren Willig, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
SFFKIT (historical): Garth Nix, Newt's Emerald; Chloe Neill, The Bright and Breaking Sea

May
ClassicsCAT (children’s): Robin McKinley, The Hero and the Crown
GeoCAT (poles, islands, bodies of water):
KiddyCAT (classics): Robin McKinley, The Hero and the Crown
SeriesCAT (trilogies): Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls
AlphaKIT (U, C): Chloe Neill, A Swift and Savage Tide; Charlie N. Holmberg, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms; Georgette Heyer, The Unknown Ajax; Robin McKinley, The Hero and the Crown; Claudia Gray, The Late Mrs. Willoughby; Sarah Adams, The Cheat Sheet; Louise Allen, The Duke's Counterfeit Wife
MysteryKIT (true unsolved mysteries):
RandomKIT (royal names): Charlie N. Holmberg, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms; Georgette Heyer, The Unknown Ajax; Louise Allen, The Duke's Counterfeit Wife
SFFKIT (science fantasy):

June
ClassicsCAT (humor):
GeoCAT (South and Southeast Asia): Lauren Willig, The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
KiddyCAT (animal main character):
SeriesCAT (favorite author): Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt; Mary Balogh, The Gilded Web
AlphaKIT (B, K): Lauren Willig, The Betrayal of the Blood Lily; Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt; Baynard Kendrick, The Odor of Violets; Mary Balogh, The Gilded Web; Erin Beaty, The Traitor's Kiss; Kathleen Gilles Seidel, Again; B.R. Myers, A Dreadful Splendor
MysteryKIT (vintage): Baynard Kendrick, The Odor of Violets
RandomKIT (walls):
SFFKIT (humorous): John Moore, A Fate Worse Than Dragons

July
ClassicsCAT (you always wanted to read):
GeoCAT (Western Europe):
KiddyCAT (arts and crafts):
SeriesCAT (nonfiction):
AlphaKIT (O, P):
MysteryKIT (police procedural, private detective):
RandomKIT (Muppets):
SFFKIT (series):

August
ClassicsCAT (translation):
GeoCAT (Central and Western Asia):
KiddyCAT (series):
SeriesCAT (you’ve been meaning to get back to):
AlphaKIT (M, Q):
MysteryKIT (past and future):
RandomKIT ():
SFFKIT (space):

September
ClassicsCAT (nonfiction):
GeoCAT (Africa):
KiddyCAT (history/biography):
SeriesCAT (began more than 50 years ago):
AlphaKIT (V, E):
MysteryKIT (college/university setting):
RandomKIT ():
SFFKIT (not written in English):

October
ClassicsCAT (woman author):
GeoCAT (US and Canada):
KiddyCAT (siblings):
SeriesCAT (set in Asia):
AlphaKIT (N, H):
MysteryKIT (locked room):
RandomKIT ():
SFFKIT (award winners):

November
ClassicsCAT (ancient world):
GeoCAT (East Asia):
KiddyCAT (fairy tales, myths, legends):
SeriesCAT (historical):
AlphaKIT (T, L):
MysteryKIT (senior or child sleuths):
RandomKIT ():
SFFKIT (GN, novella, short stories):

December
ClassicsCAT (reread):
GeoCAT (book you didn’t get around to earlier this year):
KiddyCAT (holiday stories):
SeriesCAT (set in country/region where you don’t live):
AlphaKIT (R, Y):
MysteryKIT (cozy):
RandomKIT ():
SFFKIT (book you didn’t get around to earlier this year):

Year-Long
AlphaKIT (X, Z): Bridget Zinn, Poison

BingoDOG



1. Topic you don't usually read: Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Velvet Was the Night (noir, Mexican history)
2. Next in a series you've started: Lauren Willig, The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation #2)
3. Book that taught you something: W. Bolingbroke Johnson, The Widening Stain (new vocab word "lupanar")
4. Switched/stolen identities: Sarah Addison Allen, Other Birds
5. Book on the cover: Alyssa Everett, Ruined by Rumor
6. 4+ rating on LibraryThing: Hannah March, The Complaint of the Dove (4.06)
7. Set on a plane, train, or ship: Robin Stevens, First Class Murder (train: the Orient Express)
8. Bestseller from 20 years ago:
9. STEM topic: Ali Hazelwood, Love, Theoretically (main characters are physicists)
10. Features an inn or hotel: Benjamin Stevenson, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (set at an Australian ski resort)
11. Features a journalist or journalism: Manda Collins, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem (heroine owns and writes for a newspaper)
12. Small town/rural setting: Stella Gibbons, The Matchmaker (Sussex countryside)
13. Read a CAT: Sylvia Izzo Hunter, The Midnight Queen (January AlphaKIT: I, S)
14. Number or quantity in title: J. Jefferson Farjeon, Seven Dead
15. Local or regional author: Jen DeLuca, Well Traveled (Virginia)
16. Author shares your zodiac sign: Georgette Heyer, The Unknown Ajax (Leo)
17. Popular author's first book:
18. Art or craft related: Ngaio Marsh, Artists in Crime (most main characters are artists)
19. Author under 30: Lauren Willig, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (published when Willig was 28)
20. Memoir: Rachel Bloom, I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are
21. Features a cat or member of the cat family: Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt (leopard)
22. Involves an accident: Anne Gracie, The Winter Bride (hero's brother died in a childhood accident)
23. More than 1,000 copies on LibraryThing: Ellis Peters, The Summer of the Danes (1,622)
24. Plant in the title or on the cover: Katie Cotugno, Birds of California
25. Features music or a musician: Lia Louis, The Key to My Heart (protagonist is a pianist/composer)

Wishing you the best reading in 2023! It's great that you've found a set-up that worked well for you.

I also need to catch up on series, but instead I will add more to my list from yours! I have never heard of Sylvia Izzo Hunter and those books look amazing! I still want to read the Pink Carnation series - been on my list for ages.
Happy reading in 2023 - look forward to following along!

>10 NinieB: Thank you! I'm excited to keep going with my series theme; it's the only way I'll ever catch up with all the ones I have on the go!

>11 JayneCM: Haha, that's always the way of things on LT, isn't it? I remember really enjoying the first Hunter novel (though it was really the cover that first caught my eye) and am excited to finally continue with the series.

Keeping an eye on your Historical Romance and Historical Mysteries categories and expecting many book bullets. Happy reading!

This is an excellent plan. Enjoy your reading!

Oh, I love your thread and I feel like I am hit by BBs already, haha!
Reading on the Garden Path is a beautiful picture and I love all of the others, too. I am looking forward to following along!

Your plan for series reading is a good one. I've been using the Alpha Kit as a way to keep up with some of my series. Happy reading next year.

oh my authors I haven't heard of. dangerous.... Good luck!

You have a great list of books. Good luck on your series challange.

>2 christina_reads: Ah! I’m so close to finishing this series this year! It’s my first time through though I have had them in my stacks for years. I like some better than others but all are fun. I’ll definitely be following along 🙂

Adding some of these to the list I have for the SeriesCAT challenge! :)
Am always happy when I come across new series to try out! :)

This seems like a great plan. Happy reading.

Looks like you have a great year of reading ahead! I'll be following along.

You've come up with a wonderful plan for 2023! I took sort of the same route to Lois McMaster Bujold though I read the Chalion series first and it was the love of that, especially Palladin of Souls that led me to the Vorkosigan saga.
I'm looking forward to following along and, of course, taking more than a few book bullets!

Wonderful set-up! Good luck with your 2023 reading!

>13 pamelad: I expect lots of mutual historical romance BBs next year!

>14 MissWatson: Thank you!

>15 MissBrangwen: I had a great time finding the art for each category.

>16 dudes22: AlphaKIT is great for that! I generally try to use books off my TBR shelves to fulfill the letters.

>17 majkia: Muahaha!

>18 mnleona: Thanks! I'm looking forward to catching up with these series.

>19 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Yes! I think your Pink Carnation comments this year really whetted my appetite for a reread.

>20 bookworm3091: Hope you find some great new series to enjoy!

>21 lowelibrary: Thank you!

>22 VivienneR: Thanks for stopping by!

>23 DeltaQueen50: Lois McMaster Bujold is so good, isn't she? I'm planning on the Chalion novels this year, and if that goes well, I'll probably have a category for the Penric & Desdemona novellas in 2024!

>24 Tess_W: Thanks!

Great idea to focus on particular series to catch up on. It is so satisfying to check another one off the list!

Have fun reading in 2023!

Looking forward to an excellent reading year.

>26 rabbitprincess: It is definitely satisfying! I just completed my series goals for 2022 and it feels pretty great. :)

>27 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie!

>28 Helenliz: Thank you, Helen -- I hope it's a good one for all of us!

Stopping by with best wishes for your 2023 reading. I like your idea to pace your series reading. Like you, I really enjoyed Willig's Pink Carnation series, so I am curious to see how well the series holds up on re-read.

>30 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori! I'm very curious to see how the Pink Carnation series holds up...I haven't read the books since they were newly published!

Wishing you a great reading year and I really like how you have created your categories.

I definitely agree with your statement, f I leave them too long, they lose their luster and I’m no longer excited about them. Some days I look at the stacks of books still in their bags and wonder whether I will still like that book when I ever get to it.

Happy 2023 Reading!

>32 threadnsong: I've definitely even gotten rid of books that I never read...I bought them years ago and at some point was simply no longer interested, so why keep them around?

I just realized that I forgot to include an overflow category, so I've rearranged the top of my thread a bit and added a new picture at >7 christina_reads:. I strongly identify with this woman!

>34 christina_reads: Being decadent is just so tiring, but quite often worth the effort!

I remember reading most of The Pink Carnation series with you! How interesting it will be to re-read! You have almost tempted me.

>35 clue: Haha, I only wish I were that exhausted from decadence. That's just me after a regular day at work!

>36 VictoriaPL: That's right! But I won't pressure you to join me, much as I am tempted because it would be fun. :)

>34 christina_reads: I *love* that picture! Yes, I can totally relate.

>38 threadnsong: I wish I had her life, lol.

Today I finished my last book of 2022 and reflected a bit on my challenge, stats, and favorite books of the year: https://www.librarything.com/topic/342681#8016729. So now I can finally start focusing on 2023! I haven't yet decided what my first book of the year will be, which is both exciting and slightly worrisome. Ah well, happy New Year to all!


Image by freeimageslive.co.uk - christmashat.

Have a great year of reading!

>41 thornton37814: Thank you!

Happy New Year, everyone! I actually haven't done any reading yet today...I spent some time dithering about which book I'd like to read first, and of course, I finally settled on one that doesn't fit into any of my categories. I also went shopping and bought four (4!) books at my favorite used bookstore. This led me to think about my 2022 statistics: Last year I bought more than 100 books, and even though I read and subsequently rehomed many of them, that number still feels too high.

So I've decided to set myself a challenge for this year: I will aim to buy no more than 50 books in 2023. To give myself a fighting chance, only physical books will count toward the 50 -- since e-books don't take up any room on my bookshelves, the sky's the limit! I'm also going to exclude gifts, which are outside my control and which should be enjoyed without guilt.

This shouldn't be a particularly difficult challenge...I mean, I already own so many great books just waiting to be read (or reread)! Plus, I live practically across the street from my local public library, and it's quite a good one, so I should be able to find a lot of my desired reads there. But, we're on day one of the new year, and I've already bought four books! At this rate, I'll fail the challenge halfway through January. Oh well, I shall do my best, and I've added a ticker to track my progress at >1 christina_reads:.

>43 christina_reads: - I spent some time dithering about which book I'd like to read first, and of course, I finally settled on one that doesn't fit into any of my categories.

LOL.... just goes to show things do not always go according to plan. ;-)

Good luck with you Book Purchasing Challenge!

>44 lkernagh: Haha, so true. And thanks for the good wishes -- reining in my book-buying will definitely be a challenge for me!

>43 christina_reads: Happy New Year! You know, I take way too long in starting to follow other people's yearly threads. By the time I start perusing, there are so many posts to go through!

I know this is because I am not organized enough to start my thread until the start of the year and don't think to check in on others who are organized much earlier!

>46 LibraryCin: Thanks for stopping by! And I agree, it can be hard to catch up with all the threads, especially at this time of year when both the 2022 and 2023 groups are active.

Book #1: W. Bolingbroke Johnson, The Widening Stain
CATs: Alpha (S = Stain)
Bingo: A book that taught me something (new vocab word "lupanar")

This vintage mystery novel, originally published in 1942, is set in a fictional university library. A French professor is found dead in the stacks, apparently having fallen off a high ladder. But Gilda Gorham, the library's head cataloger, suspects foul play -- especially when another member of the faculty is later strangled and a priceless manuscript goes missing. I liked this book well enough; the writing style is brisk and humorous, gently satirizing the world of academia and providing several limericks (of varying quality) as a bonus. The mystery itself isn't terribly satisfying, as the motive hinges on some dubious psychology. But still, I found it an enjoyable read and a pretty good start to 2023.

>48 christina_reads: Brisk and humourous works for me! I have this one on my shelves and might pencil it in for February.

>48 christina_reads: I've enjoyed a lot of books in that series. Yes, you do have to put up with some unfortunate social attitudes in books of that era, but Penzler does a pretty good job of selecting titles where the racism, sexism, etc. are at a minimum.

I like the pictures you choose for your categories. Have a good reading year.

>49 rabbitprincess: I look forward to reading your thoughts!

>50 KeithChaffee: I love mysteries from this era, so I'm delighted that the Otto Penzler American Mystery Classics and British Library Crime Classics series are making so many of them readily available again!

>51 hailelib: Thank you! I always enjoy choosing pictures for my thread.

>48 christina_reads: Your first book and a BB already! Happy New Year!

One book finished and 4 bought? That sounds like an excellent start to the year!
I wish you luck with your book buying reduction plan

>53 MissBrangwen: Haha, you're welcome, and also I'm sorry. Happy New Year to you as well!

>54 Helenliz: Thanks, I will definitely need all the luck I can get!

Book #2: Lauren Willig, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
CATs: Alpha (S = Secret)
Bingo: Author under 30 (book was published when Willig was 28)

It’s 1803, and the Scarlet Pimpernel (who’s a real person in this universe) has inspired several other heroes with flowery names to spy against Napoleon. Lord Richard Selwick, a.k.a. the Purple Gentian, is on a mission to thwart Bonaparte’s invasion of England when he meets Amy Balcourt, an impetuous young lady who wants to join the Gentian’s league. As Amy and the Gentian fall in love, Richard struggles with when and how to reveal his true identity. I’m really glad I decided to revisit this series, because this book is a delightful romp of a historical romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re looking for historical accuracy and period-appropriate dialogue and manners, this is not the book for you. But if you’re in the mood for some light-hearted, swashbuckling fun, I would definitely recommend it! Now I’m really looking forward to book #2, as I remember it being one of my favorites in the series.

>56 christina_reads: This brings back fond memories of the series. You and Victoria were the ones who first brought these books to my attention, and I gobbled them up!

>57 DeltaQueen50: I'm curious how the series will measure up for me this time, since these books were some of the first historical romances I'd ever read. Now I have a lot more context for comparison!

>56 christina_reads: I love that you are re-reading this series! This one is my favorite, maybe because it's the one that got me hooked; but each had me reserving a weekend to enjoy! I'm looking forward to see how they all hold up for you :-)

>59 Tanya-dogearedcopy: I will be interested to see which installments I like best this time around! If forced to pick right now from memory, I'd want to say The Mischief of the Mistletoe was my top favorite, and I also remember especially liking The Masque of the Black Tulip and The Seduction of the Crimson Rose. But all that may change upon rereading!

>56 christina_reads: - Happy to see first book in the series was a lovely re-read!

>56 christina_reads: I want to start that series!

>61 lkernagh: I'm definitely feeling good about my decision to reread the series this year!

>62 Tess_W: It's a fun one, Tess!

Book #3: Lia Louis, The Key to My Heart
CATs: none
Bingo: Features music or a musician (protagonist is a pianist and composer)

Since the tragic death of her husband, Russ, two years ago, Natalie has been struggling. Once a professional pianist, now she can only play at the dilapidated public piano in St. Pancras station, where she can be anonymous and ignored. When a mysterious person starts leaving sheet music there for Natalie — music that has special meaning for her and Russ — she tries to discover who’s responsible. Along the way, she slowly begins to work through her feelings of guilt and loss. I enjoyed this one; despite the sad premise and the very realistic-feeling portrayal of grief, the book has an uplifting and even sometimes humorous tone. A romance eventually develops, but the novel’s main focus is Natalie’s personal growth. I’d recommend this one if you like your women’s fiction with a little gravitas, though Dear Emmie Blue is still my favorite book by this author.

>56 christina_reads:, >62 Tess_W: Apparently I want to start it too. I thought I wanted to read the second or third in the series but my LT library doesn't show I've ever read the first one! Imagine that, I got my many books in a series mixed up!

>64 christina_reads: - I'm going to take a BB for this - my first of the year. I was hoping my library system would have an audio, but none of her books are on audio in my library system.

>65 clue: Haha, not hard to get a series order mixed up, especially with 12 books that all have similar names!

>66 dudes22: Sorry about the lack of audio, but I hope you enjoy the book if/when you get to it!

>67 christina_reads: - I listened to a book for our book club a couple of years ago that had a harmonica in it and the audio of the book actually had harmonica music in it. Which made it better. I'm listening to one now that has a violin and I think they could have had some music in the background when they were mentioning different songs. Would make it better. So, I was hoping for an audio that would have had some music. I might hold off a while reading it and then check again.

>68 dudes22: That makes sense, that audio would enhance the experience for books that deal with music!

Book #4: Sylvia Izzo Hunter, The Midnight Queen
CATs: Alpha (I = Izzo; S = Sylvia)
Bingo: Read a CAT (January AlphaKIT)

Gray Marshall, a student of magick at Oxford’s Merlin College, has just been framed for a crime he didn’t commit. His pompous, disagreeable tutor forces him to retreat to the tutor’s country estate till the scandal blows over. Gray resents this change in his circumstances — that is, until he befriends the tutor’s daughter, Sophie. They soon discover that the plot against Gray is part of a much larger scheme that could throw the entire kingdom into turmoil; meanwhile, Sophie learns some surprising truths about her identity. I originally read this book in 2014 but couldn’t remember a thing about it, so I decided to reread it before continuing with the series, and I’m so glad I did! I loved the fantastical alt-Regency setting, Sophie and Gray are both wonderfully likable characters, and the plot is intriguing (albeit a bit slow-moving). In short, I loved this book and am so glad I decided to tackle this series this year!

Book #5: Sarah Addison Allen, Other Birds
CATs: Alpha (S = Sarah)
Bingo: Switched/stolen identities

This quiet, magic-infused novel centers around the inhabitants of the Dellawisp, an old condo building tucked away in the small town of Mallow Island, South Carolina. The residents are estranged sisters Lizbeth and Lucy, artist Charlotte, chef Mac, newcomer Zoey, and building manager Frasier. They all have difficult pasts and are all keeping secrets. But as they slowly get to know one another, they discover friendship, love, and the strength to let go of their (sometimes literal) ghosts. I’m a Sarah Addison Allen fan, and this book delivers her trademark evocative writing and sympathetic yet flawed characters. There are POV chapters for almost every character, which feels like a bit too much…but I’m also not sure whose POV I’d want to take out. I really liked this one overall and would recommend it if you’re in the mood to sink into a slow-paced, magical world.

>71 christina_reads: I still have First Frost on my shelves to read but, of course, I am going to add Other Birds to my wishlist!

>6 christina_reads: If you're taking suggestions, you should definitely read The Left-Handed Booksellers of London and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle this year! I read them both last year; the Booksellers was just a fun book and Evelyn Hardcastle was a mind-blowing and AMAZING country house mystery, which is saying something, as that's a fairly trite subgenre (I can't say more, because spoilers).

>72 DeltaQueen50: I think you'll like Other Birds, Judy! I did enjoy First Frost as well, and even though it's a sequel to Garden Spells, I didn't feel like I needed to reread that one to understand FF.

>73 casvelyn: Thanks for those recommendations! I'll definitely have to nudge them farther up the list.

Book #6: Hannah March, The Complaint of the Dove
CATs: none
Bingo: 4+ LibraryThing rating (4.06)

Robert Fairfax is a tutor tasked with introducing his pupil, 19-year-old Matthew Hemsley, to the sights and experiences of London. They go to the theater, where Matt immediately becomes infatuated with popular actress Lucy Dove. When Lucy is later stabbed to death, Matt is arrested for the murder. But Fairfax is convinced Matt is innocent and decides to find the real killer before Matt is hanged. I really enjoyed this well-written mystery, especially its unique 1760 setting. The book brings the era to life without sounding like a research dump. I also found Fairfax a likable and interesting sleuth, and I’m looking forward to continuing with the series! This author also writes historical fiction under the name Jude Morgan, and I like those books as well.

Book #7: Jen DeLuca, Well Traveled
CATs: none
Bingo: Local or regional author (Virginia)

Louisa “Lulu” Malone is a corporate attorney, but she’s been feeling burned out and dissatisfied with her life. After one too many “urgent” texts on a Saturday, she impulsively quits her job and decides to travel the Renaissance Faire circuit with her friend Stacey and a band called The Dueling Kilts. Lulu embraces her new life but views it as temporary and isn’t sure what comes next. She also finds herself falling for Dex MacLean, guitarist of the Dueling Kilts and notorious ladies’ man. She doesn’t trust his flirtatious behavior, but as she gets to know him better, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye. This book was fine but honestly a bit meh. I always enjoy the Ren Faire setting of these books, but Lulu’s conflict felt a bit too paint-by-numbers, if that makes sense. Dex was also a pretty flat character; the romance really took second place to Lulu’s own character development. It’s not a bad read by any means, but not one I’d particularly recommend either.

>75 christina_reads: You hit me with a BB for this one!

>77 Tess_W: I hope you like it, Tess! I'm happy there are only 5 total books in the series, so it won't take me forever to finish!

>75 christina_reads: Adding it to the wish list.

>79 pamelad: I think you'd enjoy it!

Book #8: Anne Gracie, The Autumn Bride
CATs: none
Bingo: none

This series opener introduces the “Chance sisters,” four young women whose poverty and orphaned state have left them extremely vulnerable. A chance meeting with an elderly widow, Lady Beatrice Davenham, changes their fortunes: she agrees to take in the four girls and claim them as her nieces. Of course, Lady Beatrice’s actual nephew, Max, knows the girl are impostors, and he’s determined to figure out what they’re hiding. But as a romance grows between him and the eldest sister, Abby, he also learns that all four girls are in grave danger. I’ve actually already read The Winter Bride, book #2 in this series, and loved it, so I’m happy to report that I really enjoyed this one as well! The setup is of course ridiculous, but Max and Abby are both delightful (albeit not particularly unique) characters, and I loved snarky Aunt Bea as well. I could have done without the suspense plot, but overall I really liked this one and am thrilled to have discovered Anne Gracie!

Book #9: Emily Gee, Thief with No Shadow
CATs: Alpha (S = Shadow); Random (hidden gems = owned since 2010); SFF (cobwebs and dust = owned since 2010)
Bingo: none

I recently reread Gee’s The Laurentine Spy and quite enjoyed it, so I decided to dust off this book too. The plot is tricky to summarize, but it involves sinister magical creatures, a stolen necklace, and a curse. Melke and Bastian hate each other at first; he needs the necklace to break the curse, but she stole it to save her brother’s life. When they’re forced to spend time together as her brother heals, they begin to understand one another better. I found this book very compelling and stayed up too late last night to finish it. But at the same time, I’m not sure I actually liked it that much. I love an enemies-to-lovers romance, but Bastian is so furious and straight-up mean for most of the novel that it’s hard to accept him as a hero. There’s also some weird sex stuff in the book; not all of it is consensual, and some of it involves nonhuman magical creatures. Granted, the book knows this is icky, not sexy, but it’s still unpleasant to read about! So, while I’d consider reading more by this author, I don’t think this particular book is for me.

>82 christina_reads: I don't like the sound of this one, but I've enjoyed lots of the books this author published as Emily May and Emily Larkin. Trusting Miss Trentham from the Baleful Godmother series is a good one. I wouldn't normally read a romance with fantasy aspects, but she's from New Zealand, so different rules!

>83 pamelad: Haha love the different rules! I think I have one of the Baleful Godmother books on my e-reader -- Unmasking Miss Appleby. Might be a good one for the "U" month for AlphaKIT! :)

Loved catching up on your reading!

I thought I had a lot of series to catch up on! Good luck with those. :)

>85 VictoriaPL: Thanks for stopping by, Victoria!

>86 madhatter22: Thank you! And yes, the series are a problem...I could do a whole other group of them in 2024!

Book #10: Manda Collins, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem
CATs: Series (new to me = book #1 in the Lady's Guide series)
Bingo: Features a journalist/journalism (heroine is a newspaper owner and columnist)

Lady Katherine Bascomb owns and writes for a London newspaper. Her latest article criticizes Scotland Yard for negligence in investigating a series of shocking murders, and the article causes lead investigator Andrew Eversham to be taken off the case. But when Kate later stumbles on another dead body, and the methods are similar to those of the previous murders, Eversham is assigned to the new case. He and Kate work together to discover the killer and navigate a growing attraction to each other. I really liked the premise of this book, with its blend of historical romance and mystery, but for me the execution fell flat. Kate and Andrew are 21st-century characters in period dress, and I just didn't find them believable. The mystery plot is also disappointing; the villain's motive is ridiculously farfetched. I don't plan to continue this series, but considering how many others I'm trying to catch up with, that's not necessarily a bad thing!

>88 christina_reads: It's good to know what not to read. I also dislike 21st century characters parachuted into 19th century England, particularly when they're drenched in irony and speaking colloquial American English.

>89 pamelad: This is my second book by Collins, and I think I can safely say she's just not an author for me. Happy to help chip away at the enormous list of possible books to read! :)

Book #11: Rachel Bloom, I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are
CATs: Alpha (I = I)
Bingo: Memoir

I’m a huge fan of the TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which is an insightful, at times painful exploration of mental illness wrapped in a musical comedy. So I was excited to read Rachel Bloom’s memoir — she co-created and starred in the show and was also one of the writers and composers. But to my disappointment, the book doesn’t focus much on the show; instead, it delves deep into Rachel’s awkward childhood, her experiences with bullying, her love of musical theater, and her struggles with depression and anxiety. Still, there were things I enjoyed about this book — the chapter that’s presented as a musical (which you can hear Rachel perform on her website!) is a particular delight. But I also thought some of the humor was a bit labored, and overall I just didn’t like the book as much as I was hoping to.

Book #12: Ellis Peters, The Summer of the Danes
CATs: Alpha (S = Summer); Mystery (TV/movie detectives = Cadfael TV series)
Bingo: More than 1,000 copies on LT (1,622)

In the summer of A.D. 1144, Brother Cadfael and his former assistant, Mark, travel to Wales on a diplomatic mission. But they’re soon caught up in larger events including a Welsh civil war, a murdered envoy, a runaway girl, and a possible Danish invasion. This book is a bit different from the rest of the Cadfael series in that Cadfael is actually a pretty minor character; he observes the action but doesn’t really participate. There is a murder, but Cadfael doesn’t solve it — in fact, it happens near the beginning of the book but then is largely forgotten till the end, when the guilty party confesses. Most of the story involves the warring Welsh princes, real historical figures Owain Gwynedd and his rebellious brother Cadwaladr. While I did enjoy the book, it’s definitely more historical fiction than mystery, and I wanted more Cadfael!

Book #13: Alyssa Everett, Ruined by Rumor
CATs: none
Bingo: book on the cover

Roxana Langley has been engaged to a dashing soldier for five years. Even though he’s spent most of that time away fighting in the Napoleonic wars, Roxana remains devoted to him and excited for their wedding. So when he suddenly breaks off the engagement, she’s devastated and turns to her neighbor Alex, the Earl of Ayersley, for comfort. Alex has been hopelessly in love with Roxana for years, so when she rushes into his arms he can’t help but kiss her — and when he learns they were observed, he immediately offers marriage. But both he and Roxana have trouble discerning each other’s feelings and communicating their own. I bought this e-book on impulse and am so glad I did, because I really enjoyed it! Alex and Roxana are both kind, well-meaning people who want to make the best of their marriage of convenience, and their obstacles make sense given their characters. I’d highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance and will definitely be seeking out more books by Alyssa Everett!

>93 christina_reads: That one is going on my WL!

>94 MissBrangwen: Yay, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Book #14: D.E. Stevenson, Celia's House
CATs: Alpha (S = Stevenson)
Bingo: none

This gentle family saga follows the Dunne family of Dunnian in Scotland. Contrary to all expectations, Celia Dunne decides to leave the Dunnian estate to her great-nephew Humphrey, his wife Alice, and their three small children. The only condition is that, upon Humphrey's death, the house will go not to his son, Mark, but to a future daughter named Celia. Despite this odd request, Humphrey accepts the inheritance and lives there happily with his family. As the years pass and the children grow, many changes come to Dunnian, including war, friendship, heartbreak, and romance. I very much enjoyed this quiet novel; it's practically a retelling of Mansfield Park, but with the sharper edges softened (no Mrs. Norris character, and the Dunne parents aren't silly or negligent). Nothing much happens in terms of plot, but it's very pleasant to sink into the soothing, slow-paced world of the novel. Recommended if you like this type of thing; it's one of the better Stevenson novels I've read.

Book #15: Katie Cotugno, Birds of California
CATs: none
Bingo: Plants on the cover

Ten years ago, Fiona St. James starred on a successful TV show, but she had a very public breakdown (shoplifting, public intoxication, etc.) that caused the show’s cancelation. Now she’s no longer acting, just trying to avoid the limelight. Meanwhile, her former costar Sam Fox is still struggling to make it in Hollywood, so when his agent calls him about a potential reboot, he’s eager to sign on. He just needs to convince Fiona to get on board, which she absolutely refuses to do. But the more time Sam and Fiona spend together, the closer they reluctantly grow. I really enjoyed this book, with caveats. It’s well written and the characters are relatable, though not always likable. But I wish there had been more resolution to a lot of the storylines: What about Sam’s relationship with his family? How will his career turn out? Fiona decides to publicly reveal the cause of her breakdown, but what happens in the aftermath of that decision? While I bought the central romance, I wanted more about the rest of the characters’ lives. So, I do recommend the book, but be forewarned that the lack of resolution in some areas is frustrating!

Book #16: Meagan Spooner, Hunted
CATs: Alpha (S = Spooner)
Bingo: none

This YA Beauty and the Beast retelling reimagines Beauty as a skilled hunter, Yeva, whose father is killed while hunting a strange beast in the nearby forest. To avenge his death, Yeva searches for the Beast and intends to kill him — but the Beast ends up taking her captive for his own mysterious purposes. I first read this book back in 2019 and absolutely loved it, rating it as one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast retellings. This time around, I still liked it a lot, but sadly I don’t feel quite as enamored with it as I did the first time. The story takes a while to get going, Yeva is a bit too unique/special, and the prose tries a little too hard at times. On the plus side, though, the relationship between Yeva and the Beast is well developed, and the magic of their world is beautifully fleshed out. So despite the book’s flaws, I still found it captivating and would recommend it to those who love this fairytale.

>93 christina_reads: I'm keeping an eye out for Ruined by Rumor but there are only two library copies in the whole of Australia, neither near here, and the Inter Library Loan service is currently suspended. On the wish list.

>99 pamelad: Ouch, sorry about the lack of availability! It doesn't look like Alyssa Everett is in my public library system at all...I ended up buying an e-book copy.

>98 christina_reads: I love Beauty and the Beast retellings. Taking a BB for this one.

>101 lowelibrary: I hope you enjoy it! The book is set in a fantasy version of medieval Russia, so it also ties some Russian folklore into the story.

The last B&B retelling that I read was The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth. It's a WWII setting (you know I’m obsessed, LOL)

>103 VictoriaPL: Ooh, I enjoy a WWII setting too...will definitely add this one to my TBR!

Book #17: Ngaio Marsh, Artists in Crime
CATs: Mystery (TV/movie detectives = The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries)
Bingo: Art or craft related (most of the characters are artists)

When Inspector Roderick Alleyn meets talented painter Agatha Troy, he’s immediately drawn to her, but she doesn’t seem to like him. They’re destined to meet again, however, when a murder occurs in the midst of an art class Troy is teaching. The victim, a model, is stabbed by a dagger that’s been hidden under the chair she was posing on, and it seems only one of the artists could have placed the dagger there -- but which one? And can Alleyn maintain his impartiality as an investigator if he's fallen in love with one of the suspects? This is another enjoyable installment of the Alleyn series; I feel like, six books in, his character is finally starting to gel. The mystery is fair play, and of course I enjoyed the element of romance as well. I'll definitely be continuing with the series!

January recap

Well, we're one month into 2023, and so far I have nothing particularly exciting to report, but everything's basically fine. I binge-watched Ted Lasso and enjoyed it immensely, despite not caring about soccer/football whatsoever. Otherwise, I've honestly just been reading a lot! So without further ado, on to the books:

Books read in January
1. W. Bolingbroke Johnson, The Widening Stain
2. Lauren Willig, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
3. Lia Louis, The Key to My Heart
4. Sylvia Izzo Hunter, The Midnight Queen
5. Sarah Addison Allen, Other Birds
6. Hannah March, The Complaint of the Dove
7. Jen DeLuca, Well Traveled
8. Anne Gracie, The Autumn Bride
9. Emily Gee, Thief with No Shadow
10. Manda Collins, A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem
11. Rachel Bloom, I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are
12. Ellis Peters, The Summer of the Danes
13. Alyssa Everett, Ruined by Rumor
14. D.E. Stevenson, Celia’s House
15. Katie Cotugno, Birds of California
16. Meagan Spooner, Hunted
17. Ngaio Marsh, Artists in Crime

Favorite book of the month:
I adored The Midnight Queen’s blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Dishonorable mention:
I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are had some funny moments, but I wanted more behind-the-scenes stuff about Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

CATs completed:
- SeriesCAT (new to you): A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem is book #1 in the Lady’s Guide series.
- AlphaKIT (I, S): W. Bolingbroke Johnson, The Widening *Stain; Lauren Willig, The *Secret History of the Pink Carnation; *Sylvia *Izzo Hunter, The Midnight Queen; *Sarah Addison Allen, Other Birds; Emily Gee, Thief with No *Shadow; Rachel Bloom, *I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are; Ellis Peters, The *Summer of the Danes; D.E. *Stevenson, Celia’s House; Meagan *Spooner, Hunted
- MysteryKIT (TV/movie detectives): The Summer of the Danes is part of the Cadfael book series, which became a popular British TV show starring Derek Jacobi. Similarly, Artists in Crime was adapted for The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries TV series.
- RandomKIT (hidden gems): I finally read Thief with No Shadow, which had been lingering on my TBR list since 2010.
- SFFKIT (cobwebs and dust): I had to metaphorically dust off Thief with No Shadow, for sure!

Bingo squares completed:
- Book that taught you something: The Widening Stain had the new-to-me word “lupanar,” which I looked up and discovered is the Latin word for brothel.
- Author under 30: Lauren Willig was 28 when The Secret History of the Pink Carnation was published.
- Features music or a musician: The protagonist of The Key to My Heart is a pianist and composer.
- Read a CAT: The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter fulfilled both letters of the January AlphaKIT (I = Izzo, S = Sylvia).
- Switched or stolen identities: I can’t really say why without spoilers, but Other Birds works for this square.
- 4+ rating on LibraryThing: The Complaint of the Dove has a 4.06 average rating, which I think is well deserved.
- Local or regional author: Jen DeLuca, author of Well Traveled, was born and raised in Virginia, the state where I currently live and have lived for most of my adult life.
- Features a journalist or journalism: The heroine of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem owns and writes for a London newspaper.
- Memoir: I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are is Rachel Bloom’s memoir.
- 1,000+ copies on LibraryThing: When I read it, there were 1,622 copies of The Summer of the Danes on LT.
- Book on the cover: The cover of Ruined by Rumor depicts the main couple in a library filled with books.
- Plant in the title or on the cover: Birds of California has some lovely flowers and leaves on the cover.
- Art or craft related: Most of the main characters in Artists in Crime are painters.

Books acquired in January:
- W. Bolingbroke Johnson, The Widening Stain (already read)
- Katie Cotugno, Birds of California (already read)
- Paul Gallico, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris / Mrs. Harris Goes to New York
- Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Before the Coffee Gets Cold
- Nancy Butler, The Rake’s Retreat
- D.E. Stevenson, Celia’s House (already read)
- Julia Quinn, Romancing Mister Bridgerton
- Catherine Walsh, Holiday Romance (e-book)
- Stephanie Burgis, Good Neighbors: The Full Collection (e-book)
- Alyssa Everett, Ruined by Rumor (e-book) (already read)

I'm challenging myself to buy no more than 50 physical books this year...but as you can see, I've bought 7 in just one month! (To be fair, they were all used and quite inexpensive, but that's no excuse.) At this rate, I'll hit my limit halfway through the year, but I'll attempt to pace myself going forward. :)

Wow, if you continue at this rate you'll have filled your Bingo card in March. Congratulations on a successful reading month!

>107 MissWatson: Thank you! I love the beginning of the year, when almost every book I read will work for a Bingo square. I expect it to get more difficult as the year goes on, and I already know a couple squares are going to be especially tough!

Looks like a great reading month!

>106 christina_reads: Used and inexpensive is an excellent excuse, and I think you could count each one as a fraction of a book. A seventh?

>109 Tess_W: Thanks! 17 books in one month is definitely a lot for me. I doubt I'll be keeping up that pace.

>110 pamelad: Haha, I like that math! New books are relatively easy to resist, but I'm such a sucker for used bookstores and library sales!

>105 christina_reads: Artists in Crime is one of my favourite Alleyns! My all-time favourite is Light Thickens, but that's because it's about a production of Macbeth ;)

>108 christina_reads: Agreed! That's how my Bingo card works, too. I think I got about the same number of Bingo squares read as you this month.

>112 rabbitprincess: Good to know about Light Thickens -- though it'll probably be several years at least before I get to it! :) I'm slowly making my way through the Alleyn series in order.

>113 LibraryCin: Congrats! It's always so satisfying to see the progress at the end of January. Of course, by the time I get to April or May, it's usually another story...

Just wanted to let people know that one of my favorite reads of last year, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen, is $2.99 as an e-book from Amazon and Barnes & Noble right now. If the idea of You've Got Mail in a fantasy/Western setting appeals to you, I'd highly recommend it!

>115 christina_reads: LOL, I was just looking at that this morning. I was on the fence, but since you brought it up, I went for it! :-)

>116 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Haha, that's awesome -- hope you enjoy the book!

>114 christina_reads: LOL! Yup!

Book #18: Lauren Willig, The Masque of the Black Tulip
CATs: Random (second or two = Pink Carnation #2)
Bingo: Next in series you’ve started (Pink Carnation #2)

This second book in the Pink Carnation series features Henrietta Selwick, Richard’s younger sister, and Miles Dorrington, his best friend. A dangerous French spy known only as the Black Tulip has recently arrived in London, and both Miles and Henrietta are trying to discover the spy’s identity. They’re also beginning to have confusing feelings for one another; their longtime friendship suddenly seems to be taking a romantic turn. Can they work together to capture the Black Tulip and, more importantly, realize they’re in love? As with the first book in the series, this is a fun historical romp with a charming central romance. Miles is a particularly delightful hero, endearing in his obliviousness. The spying stuff was not as interesting to me (especially given the fact that both Miles and Henrietta seem extremely incompetent), but I still had a good time with this one!

>119 christina_reads: this was one of my favorites, if not my favorite, of the entire series.

>120 VictoriaPL: I remember it as being one of my favorites too! This time around, I wasn't too convinced for the first half of the book, but I definitely fell harder for it toward the end.

Another e-book deal PSA: Susanna Kearsley's A Desperate Fortune is $2.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Generally, I don't love Kearsley as much as I wish I did, but A Desperate Fortune is hands down my favorite of her books!

Book #19: Robin Stevens, First Class Murder
CATs: Kiddy (mystery); Alpha (F = First); Mystery (classic setting = the Orient Express)
Bingo: Set on a plane, train, or boat (train = the Orient Express)

In this installment of the Wells and Wong mystery series, Hazel’s father has decided to take her and Daisy on a holiday aboard the Orient Express. They’ve been strictly admonished not to do any detecting, but neither Hazel nor Daisy intends to obey, especially when they encounter espionage, theft, and murder on the train. Obviously the setup is an homage to Agatha Christie’s famous novel (which Daisy is actually reading in this book), but Stevens puts her own spin on the plot. One thing I really like about this series is that, despite the unrealistic premise of two 13-year-old girls solving murders, the books deal with the consequences of that premise in realistic ways. The fallout from Hazel and Daisy’s previous case (chronicled in Poison Is Not Polite) continues to matter in this book. There's also some nice character development for Hazel as her relationship with her father begins to change. I'm definitely planning to continue with the series!

>105 christina_reads: I love this series and your review reminds me that I can use one of her books, Colour Scheme, set in New Zealand for the March GeoCAT.

>124 mathgirl40: I'm really liking the Alleyn books so far! And I've heard very good things about Death in a White Tie, which is next up for me, so I'm excited to continue.

Hello Christina! Dropping by to catch up with your thread, and wow! What a lot of books you have read and reviewed and recommended (or not). I put The Key to My Heart on my Wishlist (and my local library has it) and I look forward to seeing more of your series come to fruition. And my Wishlist expanding!

>126 threadnsong: Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoy The Key to My Heart when you get to it. The expanding wishlist is definitely an occupational hazard of spending time on LT!

Book #20: Sylvia Izzo Hunter, Lady of Magick
CATs: Random (second or two = Noctis Magicae #2); SFF (romance)
Bingo: none

Two years after the events of The Midnight Queen, Sophie and Gray travel to the University of Dun Edin in the kingdom of Alba, a fantasy version of Scotland. While there, they observe economic hardship and political unrest, which is exacerbated by news of the Alban princess’s betrothal to an English prince. Eventually, Sophie and Gray find themselves at the center of a sinister magical plot that could upset both the Alban and English thrones. Since I loved the first book of this trilogy, I was excited to continue with this installment, but I found it very disappointing. The pace is glacial; basically nothing relevant to the plot happens till beyond the halfway point. The first book was slow-paced too, but because the character development and world-building were so interesting, I didn’t mind. In this book, though, none of the main characters grow or change in a significant way, so it all just felt a bit pointless. I’m still cautiously optimistic about the third and final book, but my expectations are definitely more moderate now.

>128 christina_reads: Yet more support for my rule: avoid authors who use three names. mathgirl40 had the same problem. https://www.librarything.com/topic/347280#8066855

>106 christina_reads: Congratulations on a great reading month! You have reminded me that I really need to get back to series by D.E. Stevenson and Ngaio Marsh.

>123 christina_reads: This sounds lovely, I'll watch out for it.

>129 pamelad: Haha, I saw that and will be interested to apply that rule of thumb in future! But I did like Sylvia Izzo Hunter's first book a lot, so maybe that's the exception that proves the rule.

>130 VivienneR: Thank you! I think I've enjoyed all the Stevenson books I've read, and I'm very much liking the Alleyn series as well.

Book #21: Falon Ballard, Lease on Love
CATs: Alpha (F = Falon)
Bingo: none

Sadie is a financial analyst who thinks she’s finally about to get a well-deserved promotion. When her boss gives it to his future son-in-law instead, she reacts poorly and ends up getting fired. Now she can’t afford her pricey Manhattan apartment, so she looks for a new living situation and meets Jack, who’s renting out a room in his Brooklyn brownstone. The rent is ridiculously low, so she jumps at the opportunity, despite the fact that nerdy, introverted Jack is her total opposite. But as they get to know each other better, they find that opposites attract. This is a fun, breezy contemporary romance that’s oddly low-stakes given the main characters’ tragic backstories. I never quite understood why they didn’t act on their feelings much sooner! Also, Jack seems entirely too perfect, and since we only see him through Sadie’s eyes, we never learn what makes him tick. That said, the book is a quick and enjoyable read, but not a necessary one in my opinion.

Book #22: Hannah March, The Devil’s Highway
CATs: Random (second or two = Robert Fairfax #2)
Bingo: none

Former tutor Robert Fairfax is about to begin a new position as Sir Edward Nugent’s secretary. As he and Sir Edward travel to the latter’s country estate, they encounter an overturned stagecoach whose coachman and passengers have all been shot to death. Public opinion assumes a local highwayman is to blame, but Robert isn’t so sure — especially when one of the victims is incorrectly identified, and a woman who was supposed to be on the stagecoach is nowhere to be found. I enjoyed this book at least as much as the first in the series, if not more. Robert Fairfax is a sympathetic sleuth, and the Georgian setting is well realized, with this book touching on the state of mental asylums and the rise of Methodism. The mystery itself is perhaps a bit too convoluted, so I think this series is more for historical fiction fans than mystery buffs. But as a lover of both genres, I’d recommend it!

Book #23: Anne Gracie, The Winter Bride
CATs: Random (second or two = Chance Sisters #2)
Bingo: Involves an accident (hero’s brother died in a childhood accident)

I first read this book a little over a year ago, and I find I don’t have anything new to say about it, so here’s my review from 2021. I liked it just as much this time around!

Freddy Monkton-Coombes doesn’t want to get married and studiously avoids respectable young ladies, but at the request of his best friend he takes the Chance sisters under his wing. Damaris Chance is beautiful, aloof, and independent, and she also has no interest in matrimony. But when Freddy needs a fake fiancée to appease his disapproving parents, Damaris agrees to help him in return for the deed to a cottage. The more time they spend together, the more they discover an inconvenient mutual attraction. This was my first book by Anne Gracie, but it won’t be my last! The plot is nothing unusual for a Regency romance (well, except for the heroine’s extremely melodramatic past), but I really loved both Damaris and Freddy, and I could see what made them right for each other. There’s quite a bit of good dialogue and banter, too, which always helps! This is book 2 in a series, but I was able to follow along just fine, and I’m interested in reading the other books now. Here’s hoping I’ve found a new historical romance author to enjoy!

Book #24: J. Jefferson Farjeon, Seven Dead
CATs: Alpha (J = J., Jefferson; F = Farjeon)
Bingo: Number or quantity in title (seven)

A petty thief breaks into Haven House hoping to steal a few valuables — but instead he stumbles upon seven corpses in a locked room. Who are they, how were they killed, and what brought them to Haven House? The local police are on the case, assisted by journalist and amateur yachtsman Thomas Hazeldean. The investigation takes Hazeldean to Boulogne in pursuit of the house’s absent owners, where he becomes embroiled in additional mysteries — and falls in love. I’ve tried a couple of Farjeon’s books in the past, with mixed results, but I liked this one a lot. The mystery isn’t particularly shocking in terms of whodunit, but there are plenty of twists and turns as readers learn just how horrible the culprit really is. Despite some dark elements, the book also has a fair amount of humor (plus the romantic subplot), which keeps it from getting too depressing. Recommended for fans of Golden Age mysteries.

Book #25: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, The Roughest Draft
CATs: Random (second or two = two authors)
Bingo: none

Katrina and Nathan met at a writers’ workshop and instantly became writing partners and friends. They wrote two books together, the first moderately successful and the second a huge best-seller. But then they had a falling-out, and they haven’t spoken to each other in four years. Unfortunately, they still have a contract with their publisher for another co-written book. Reluctantly, they agree to work together one last time, but they’ll have to finally confront the issues that drove them apart. I liked the premise of this book, but in practice I was underwhelmed. Neither Katrina nor Nathan is very likable; they’re both extremely privileged (she lives in a $4 million house, he has a trust fund, neither has to work an actual job), and they’re mean to each other for a significant chunk of the book. The novel also focuses so narrowly on Katrina and Nathan that it feels somewhat claustrophobic — don’t they have any healthy relationships (family, friends) in their lives? The central romance is somewhat compelling if you like a lot of angst, but overall this book just wasn’t for me. I would consider trying something else by these authors, though.

>134 christina_reads: >135 christina_reads: Both of these appeal a lot! I already took a BB for The Winter Bride, I think from pamelad, and your review confirms it.

>136 christina_reads: The premise sounds really good, a pity that it wasn't executed in a better (and more wholesome) way!

>137 MissBrangwen: I hope you enjoy The Winter Bride when you get to it! I was thoroughly charmed. Regarding The Roughest Draft, I do hate it when a good premise is ruined by (in my opinion) poor execution!

Book #26: Stella Gibbons, The Matchmaker
CATs: none
Bingo: Small town/rural setting (village in Sussex)

This slice-of-life novel centers around Alda Lucie-Brown, who has moved with her three daughters to a small cottage in Sussex after their London home was bombed in World War II. Now the war is over, but Alda’s husband is still stationed in Germany, so she’s feeling somewhat isolated in the country. Her solution is to meet the neighbors and try her hand at a little matchmaking, but naturally things don’t go as planned. This is a calm, pleasant read where not much happens, but the characters are nuanced and interesting enough to carry the book. I loved the setting of postwar England; I’ve read plenty of WWII novels, but not many set in the aftermath. So it was fascinating to read about, for example, the Italian POWs still compelled to work on English land. Gibbons reveals some of the prejudices of her time but is also pretty generous in her character depictions. The book isn’t as comedic as Cold Comfort Farm (though it has flashes of gentle humor), but I’d recommend it to fans of books from this era.

Book #27: Kate Clayborn, Georgie, All Along
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Georgie Mulcahy is at a loose end after being laid off. She’s temporarily moved back to her small hometown in Virginia, where she’ll help out her pregnant best friend Bel and try to figure out what to do with her life. She doesn’t expect to feel a connection with Levi Fanning, the town troublemaker and black sheep of the illustrious Fanning family. Levi has been keeping his head down and his nose clean for years, but he’s still living with a bad reputation and with the anger and guilt of his past. As Georgie and Levi grow closer, they both have to confront the mental and emotional obstacles holding them back. I really love Kate Clayborn’s writing, and this latest book doesn’t disappoint. I especially loved getting inside Levi’s head and seeing how he and Georgie interpreted the same events differently. The book deals with some heavier themes than the cover art and publisher’s blurb would suggest, but it’s still an uplifting read with a fair amount of humor. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance!

Book #28: Alyssa Everett, Lord of Secrets
CATs: none
Bingo: none

When Rosalie Whitwell’s father suddenly dies during a transatlantic voyage, she finds herself with few options for her future. That is, until one of her fellow travelers, the cold and reclusive David Linney, marquess of Deal, proposes marriage. Despite his reserved manner, Rosalie perceives a softer side to David, so she happily accepts and is prepared to fall in love with her handsome new husband. David is strongly attracted to Rosalie but refuses to consummate the marriage, which frustrates and confuses her. When he finally reveals his secrets, will he lose Rosalie’s love? This book didn’t work as well for me as Ruined by Rumor, but I think it’s entirely due to the subject matter. David’s secrets are quite dark, and certain flashback scenes were very difficult to read. (No spoilers here, but if you google the book, you’ll be able to find relevant content warnings.) Further, once he confesses everything to Rosalie, the happy ending comes way too soon and feels unrealistic. I still enjoy this author’s writing style and will continue to read more of her work, but this one isn’t destined to be a favorite.

February recap

Another pretty good reading month for me, though I’ve gotten somewhat distracted by movies and TV and life in general. I’m very proud of myself for buying only ONE physical book in February, which means I’m up to just eight for the year so far. I’m going to try to restrain myself in March, too, because my public library’s semi-annual sale is coming up in April! Anyway, here’s what I read this month:

Books read in February:
1. Lauren Willig, The Masque of the Black Tulip
2. Robin Stevens, First Class Murder
3. Sylvia Izzo Hunter, Lady of Magick
4. Falon Ballard, Lease on Love
5. Hannah March, The Devil’s Highway
6. Anne Gracie, The Winter Bride
7. J. Jefferson Farjeon, Seven Dead
8. Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, The Roughest Draft
9. Stella Gibbons, The Matchmaker
10. Kate Clayborn, Georgie, All Along
11. Alyssa Everett, Lord of Secrets

Favorite book of the month:
Hmm, I can’t decide between Seven Dead and Georgie, All Along! Both good, yet very different reads!

Dishonorable mention:
Lady of Magick was such a slog — very disappointing after I loved The Midnight Queen so much!

CATs completed:
KiddyCAT (mystery): First Class Murder is part of a middle-grade mystery series.
AlphaKIT (J, F): Robin Stevens, *First Class Murder; *Falon Ballard, Lease on Love; *J. *Jefferson *Farjeon, Seven Dead
MysteryKIT (classic settings): First Class Murder is set on the Orient Express — it doesn’t get much more classic than that!
RandomKIT (second or two): The Masque of the Black Tulip, Lady of Magick, The Devil’s Highway, and The Winter Bride are all the second books in their respective series. The Roughest Draft has two co-authors.
SFFKIT (romance): Lady of Magick is a historical fantasy novel with a romantic subplot involving two of the secondary characters.

Bingo squares completed:
- Next in a series you’ve started: The Masque of the Black Tulip is book #2 in the Pink Carnation series.
- Set on a plane, train, or boat: First Class Murder is set on a train, specifically the Orient Express.
- Involves an accident: In The Winter Bride, the hero’s brother dies in a childhood accident, which has repercussions on the hero in the present.
- Number or quantity in the title: Seven Dead qualifies.
- Small town/rural setting: The Matchmaker is set in the Sussex countryside.

Books acquired in February:
- Jane Ashford, Brave New Earl (free e-book)
- Falon Ballard, Lease on Love (already read)
- Alyssa Everett, Lord of Secrets (e-book) (already read)
- Kristin Vayden, Fortune Favors the Duke (free e-book)
- Diana Biller, The Widow of Rose House (e-book)

Book #29: Lauren Willig, The Deception of the Emerald Ring
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe, a spy working with the Pink Carnation, has been in love with the beautiful Mary Alsworthy for years. But when he accidentally compromises her younger sister, Letty, the two are forced into a hasty marriage, after which Geoff immediately leaves for Dublin on Carnation business. An upset Letty pursues him, hoping to convince him that she didn’t intend to trap him into marriage, but she soon gets pulled into the Pink Carnation’s mission as well. Now Geoff and Letty have to deal with an Irish rebellion and continued threats from the Black Tulip — not to mention their own growing feelings for each other. I don’t remember this being one of my favorite installments of the series, but this time around I felt there was a noticeable improvement in both Willig’s writing style and the plausibility of the plot. Geoff is more believable as a spy than either Richard or Miles, and the story—while still light and fun—feels a bit more grounded in reality than the previous books. Looking forward to book four even more now!

>142 christina_reads: Congratulations on a successful reading February, Christina! And on keeping your purchases down to one, count it, one book. Good luck with your March reading!

>144 threadnsong: Thank you! Of course, it's less than one week into March and I've already bought another book, so...it's a work in progress. :)

Book #30: Benjamin Stevenson, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
CATs: Geo (Australia, New Zealand = Australian setting and author)
Bingo: Features inn or hotel (set at a ski resort)

Ernie Cunningham is approaching his family reunion at an Australian ski resort with some trepidation. The reunion is meant to welcome back his brother Michael, who’s about to be released from prison — but it’s Ernie’s testimony that put him there. At the resort, things go from bad to worse when a murdered body is found on the slopes, and Michael is the prime suspect. Ernie feels compelled to investigate, partly to clear Michael’s name and partly because, as the book’s title indicates, everyone in his family has killed someone. This novel lets you know right away that it’s going to play with the conventions of Golden Age mysteries: Ronald Knox’s “commandments” are reproduced at the beginning of the book, and Ernie promises he’s going to be a reliable narrator. So this is a bit of a meta mystery, and part of the game is also figuring out whom all the Cunninghams have killed and why. Stripped of these gimmicks, the central mystery isn’t all that unique (and actually quite reminiscent of a certain Agatha Christie novel*), but it’s still a good read that I’d recommend if the premise interests you.

*It's not The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, in case you were wondering!

>146 christina_reads: Oof, you got me with a BB! The premise definitely intrigues me.

>147 NinieB: I'll be interested to see what you think of it!

>146 christina_reads: Does it count as a BB if it was already on my list, but if it wasn't, you would have put it there? :)

>149 casvelyn: Haha, I think of that as validation of your previous book bullet!

>146 christina_reads: The title was intriguing, the review even more so. And the library has a copy...

>151 Helenliz: I'd say it's definitely worth trying from the library! That's what I did, and while I liked the book, I'm glad I didn't pay a hardcover price for it!

This does sound like a good library borrow!

>146 christina_reads: Taking a BB for this one, and I bet I know the Christie novel

>135 christina_reads: Thanks for the review, I have Seven Dead on the shelf and now I'm really looking forward to it!

>146 christina_reads: This one is on my library list. Going by the number of holds, it appears to be a popular read.

>154 lowelibrary: I don't want to say which Christie due to spoilers, but it's not one of her very most famous ones, if that helps.

>155 VivienneR: I hope you enjoy both books! Seven Dead was a pleasant surprise for me, as I've found Farjeon's books to be hit or miss (really enjoyed The Z Murders but strongly disliked Mystery in White).

Books #31-32: Mary Balogh, The Temporary Wife / A Promise of Spring
CATs: none
Bingo: none

In The Temporary Wife, Anthony Earheart marries the prim and plain-seeming Charity Duncan solely to anger the father he despises. After a few weeks of visiting his family to rub his marriage in his father’s face, he plans to set up a separate establishment for Charity, which she needs to support her impoverished siblings. Visiting his family reopens old wounds, but it also may bring healing and even love. In A Promise of Spring, Grace Howard is left destitute when her brother dies. She is rescued by a gallant proposal from the lively, charming, 10-years-younger Peregrine Lampman, but secrets from her past threaten their marriage. I’m a Balogh fan and enjoyed both of these novels, though The Temporary Wife is the standout. I loved Anthony’s slow transformation from anger and emotional repression to vulnerability. I’m glad I picked up this volume and will definitely be keeping it on my shelves!

E-book deal alert: Moira's Pen by Megan Whalen Turner is on sale for $2.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble! I absolutely adore the Thief series but didn't realize this book existed...I'm personally going to have to buy the hardcover, but for those who don't mind the e-book, this is a great deal!

>156 christina_reads: I will definitely need to read this soon, so I can figure out the Christie link.

>159 lowelibrary: Muahaha, my evil plan is working!

>157 christina_reads: I just read The Temporary Wife, and although it seemed familiar, I kept going. Historical romances often seem familiar! I quite enjoyed it a second time. I remembered A Promise of Spring though, so didn't keep going.

Looked for another Mary Balogh in the Open Library and settled on Lord Carew's Bride. Nice and short.

>161 pamelad: The familiarity makes sense...especially with historical romance, a lot of the plots are the same! Glad you liked The Temporary Wife upon rereading. I remember enjoying Lord Carew's Bride, as well as its prequel, Dark Angel.

Just catching up on your thread!

>163 VictoriaPL: Thanks for stopping by! As you can see, I'm continuing to enjoy my Pink Carnation reread. :)

>164 christina_reads: I’ll get to re-read land one day :)

Book #33: Sylvia Izzo Hunter, A Season of Spells
CATs: none
Bingo: none

A few years after the events of Lady of Magick, Lucia MacNeill, heiress to the throne of Alba, is finally traveling to Britain to meet her betrothed, Prince Roland. Sophie (along with Gray) travels with her, officially to be her guide to the British court and unofficially to encourage the relationship between her and Roland. But Sophie is soon distracted, first by her plans to restore Oxford’s defunct women’s college and then by the escape of the prisoners—including her stepfather—who plotted to assassinate the British king in The Midnight Queen. I was apprehensive about this final installment of the trilogy, having loved book one and been disappointed in book two. This book falls somewhere in the middle. As with the rest of the series, the plot is glacially slow, and I was frustrated not to see significant growth or change in most of the characters. However, I did enjoy the development of Lucia and Roland’s relationship, though I wish it had been more of a focus. Overall, I’m glad I finally read this series, but it may not be a keeper for me beyond book one.

>146 christina_reads: That's a BB for me, too!

And I might try Lady of Magick as an audiobook some time.

>167 MissBrangwen: If you do want to try Lady of Magick, I highly recommend reading The Midnight Queen first. Lady of Magick is book #2 in the trilogy, and you'll be lost if you haven't already read book #1.

>168 christina_reads: Yes, that's what I meant :-)

>146 christina_reads: Just put this book on my wishlist as well! Need to get re-acquainted with Agatha Christie and this book is a great excuse.

>169 MissBrangwen: Oh good! :)

>170 threadnsong: It's a fun read! And the book does have several explicit references to Agatha Christie; it's very aware of the tropes it's playing with.

Book #34: Angie Hockman, Dream On
CATs: Alpha (A = Angie)
Bingo: none

This contemporary romance has an unusual premise: Cass has vivid, detailed dreams about her perfect boyfriend, Devin, while she’s in a coma. But when she wakes up, she learns that he doesn’t exist — or at least, that’s what she thinks until she meets him in person a year later. The real Devin doesn’t recognize her, but she knows things about him she couldn’t possibly know unless they’ve met before. To solve the mystery, they spend some time together and eventually begin dating. But Cass is also having surprising feelings for Devin’s brother, Perry, as well as navigating her fledgling law career. This was a decent but not exceptional read. I liked the premise and was satisfied with the explanation of why Cass dreamed of Devin (though I have no idea whether it’s medically plausible). I also liked that the love triangle is resolved with neither Perry nor Devin being a bad guy. But the writing style was a bit too overblown for me, and I never really bought into the romance. Still, it’s a cute, fast read if the setup interests you.

Book #35: Hannah March, A Distinction of Blood
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Robert Fairfax has just taken a job with wealthy tradesman Samuel Appleton, theoretically to tutor his two young sons but actually to dig into the life of his daughter, Charlotte, who has recently married the aristocratic but rakish Lord Mortlock. Mortlock’s terrible reputation has society speculating that his young wife may be seeking pleasure elsewhere. Fairfax’s job becomes harder when Mortlock is murdered in his own home, while Charlotte is hosting friends in the next room. The killer must be a servant or one of Charlotte’s guests, and as Fairfax investigates them all, he uncovers many motives and secrets. I’m continuing to like this series a lot (this is book #3), both for Fairfax’s complex character and for the setting of 1760s England. This book discusses the evils of slavery and the slave trade, but without preachiness or anachronism. I also thought the mystery plot was relatively strong in this one. Still really liking this series and would recommend it to fans of historical mysteries!

Book #36: Lizzy Dent, The Setup
CATs: Random (water, water everywhere = set in a British seaside town)
Bingo: none

Thirty-something Mara is feeling adrift; she doesn’t trust her own instincts but relies on astrology and fortune-telling for guidance. So when a palm reader tells her she’s about to meet Mr. Right — and she immediately meets Josef, a handsome cellist — she’s ecstatic. She arranges to meet him again at the end of the summer and promptly embarks on a self-improvement project to prepare for his arrival. But as she begins to grow and change, she questions whether Josef is really her destiny. This is a cute summery read with a satisfying romance. I found Mara frustrating at times, with her over-reliance on astrology and her tendency to push people away. But I also thought her indecisiveness and confusion about her life were relatable. So I did like the book overall and would consider reading more by this author.

Book #37: Maggie Stiefvater, Greywaren
CATs: Series (children’s/YA = young adult series); Alpha (G = Greywaren); SFF (the dark side)
Bingo: none

This conclusion to the Dreamer trilogy deals with the aftermath of Hennessy shutting down the ley line at the end of book #2. Now the dreamers are incapacitated, and their dreams are doomed to sleep unless they can be kept awake with sweetmetals. Jordan is working hard to acquire or create one, while Declan desperately tries to hold his family together. Hennessy is self-destructing, as usual, until Carmen and Liliana lend a hand. Also, the apocalypse that’s supposed to be caused by the dreamers is about to happen. I sort of lost interest in this trilogy but still wanted to finish it, and I’m glad I did. This installment does a good job of wrapping things up, explaining the various mysteries, and giving good closure for the main characters. Declan is still my favorite, but I was happy to get more of Adam Parrish in this one. I doubt I’ll ever reread this series, but I am somewhat interested in revisiting the Raven Cycle now!

Book #38: Anne Gracie, The Spring Bride
CATs: Alpha (G = Gracie; A = Anne)
Bingo: none

Jane Chance is excited for her first London Season, and she’s determined to make a prudent marriage. Though her parents loved each other, they lived in poverty and, when they died, left Jane and her sister Abby with nothing. Jane doesn’t ever want to feel destitute or unprotected again, so she is looking for a wealthy and titled husband. But when she meets roguish “gypsy” Zachary Black, she can’t help her attraction. Zach is immediately smitten with her as well, but secrets from his past may keep them apart. I’m continuing to enjoy this series: Jane and Zach are both likable characters, and their romance is sweet (and not too steamy). But they fall in love a little too quickly for my taste, and there was just nothing particularly unique or memorable about the story. It’s a solid, pleasant read, but I don’t plan to keep it.

Book #39: Lynn Painter, Mr. Wrong Number
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Olivia Marshall is perpetually unlucky, and when her latest mishap results in her apartment burning down, she’s forced to move in with her brother Jack and his best friend, Colin. Liv and Colin have never gotten along, but now that they’re living together, they start to see each other in a new light. Meanwhile, a text to Liv from an unknown number sparks an anonymous flirtation, but what will happen when she learns Mr. Wrong Number’s true identity? I enjoyed this cute rom-com, mostly for Liv’s funny and self-deprecating voice. The romance moves from enemies to sex to feelings a bit too rapidly, and I also wanted more exploration of Liv’s conflict with her family (they perceive and treat her as an immature screwup). That said, I enjoy Painter’s writing style and look forward to reading the sequel, which will feature Jack as the hero.

Book #40: Stuart Turton, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
CATs: Mystery (paranormal = time loop)
Bingo: none

This genre-bender begins on the grounds of Blackheath, an English country estate, where the narrator wakes up in a forest with no idea how he got there and no memory of his own identity. The next day, he wakes up in a different body altogether, and eventually he pieces together the truth: He’s supposed to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle, and he’ll keep reliving the same day (in a different host each time) until he can identify the murderer. Along the way, he discovers both allies and enemies and eventually learns the true nature of Blackheath. This is a clever take on the classic country house mystery, with a plot that becomes ever more intricate as the narrator’s choices in later days affect what happened on earlier days. The murder plot hangs together, but the resolution to the bigger question of what’s happening at Blackheath and why is not completely satisfying. Also, the book is long, and while seeing events from multiple perspectives is interesting, it does bloat the narrative. Overall, I’m glad I read this one, and I think it’s a well-done experiment, but it didn’t totally work for me.

Just catching up on your thread. Hope you are well!

Book #41: Jane Dunn, The Marriage Season
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Sisters Sybella and Lucie are headed to London for the Season so that Lucie can potentially make a match. Sybella, a widow with a young son, has no intention of remarrying; she’s too busy managing her country estate and keeping her son out of trouble. But of course, both women meet several potential suitors and must discern who’s a hero, who’s a rake, and who’s just a friend. I bought this e-book when it was on sale, partly because of the appealing cover and partly because I’d heard it was a well-written steamless romance. Steamless, yes; well-written, sadly no. I found the style clunky and unrealistic for the time period (Sybella at one point has an “existential crisis”), and the romances were unconvincing. My search for non-steamy historical romances continues, but unfortunately this one was a dud.

>179 VictoriaPL: Thanks, Victoria! I was on vacation last week, so I didn't spend much time on LT and am busy catching up!

>176 christina_reads: In this whole series the only character who has made an impression is Freddy, from The Winter Bride, which I think is the best book so far. I always like an amiable fribble with hidden depths.

Just saw your review of The Marriage Season. Sorry it's another dud. I think that some readers are not bothered by anachronisms and mistakes and are happy to read about feisty 21st century women imposing their views on a featureless Regency England. All the best for the steamless search!

>182 pamelad: Same! The Winter Bride is definitely my favorite so far, and the only one I plan to keep. I also enjoy an amiable fribble with hidden depths (see also Georgette Heyer's Cotillion and, of course, The Scarlet Pimpernel!).

>182 pamelad: Re: The Marriage Season, I can often forgive the occasional inaccuracy or anachronistic language if I'm otherwise loving the story and characters. It's not like I'm a historical expert myself! But in this case, there just weren't enough redeeming factors. And while I don't mind a somewhat "feisty" or forward-thinking heroine, I still want her to be realistic for the time period.

>178 christina_reads: I agree, it is a rather long book! I probably devoured it in an afternoon because my copy was an ebook... also time loops are absolute catnip for me ;)

>185 rabbitprincess: Wow, I'm impressed that you got through it in a single afternoon! I think e-books do help give the illusion of a quicker read, since you can't see/feel how many pages you have left.

Book #42: Patricia Wentworth, The Case Is Closed
CATs: none
Bingo: none

One year ago, Geoffrey Grey was convicted of murdering his uncle and is now in prison. His wife and her cousin Hilary believe he’s innocent, but the evidence against him is overwhelming — that is, until Hilary has a chance meeting with Mrs. Mercer, one of the prosecution’s star witnesses. Mrs. Mercer seems deeply troubled and hints at secrets she could reveal if she weren’t deathly afraid of her husband. Hilary decides to investigate with the help of her beau, Henry, but her sleuthing soon puts her in danger. I really enjoyed this book! The mystery is satisfying, albeit not particularly complex, and I also adored the romance between Hilary and Henry. They’ve quarreled at the beginning of the book, but they obviously still love each other, and it’s a treat to peek inside their heads as they attempt to get back together. If you like your vintage mysteries on the lighter side, with a generous helping of romance, you’ll enjoy this one!

March recap

The highlight of my March was a much-needed week’s vacation, which I spent with my parents in Florida. It was lovely to get a preview of summer weather, spend some time poolside, and not think about my responsibilities for a little while. But then, alas, I had to return to real life! Spring always seems to be the busiest time, and I still haven’t done my taxes yet. On the plus side, though, I did read a lot, so without further ado, on to the books! :)

Books read in March:
1. Lauren Willig, The Deception of the Emerald Ring
2. Benjamin Stevenson, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
3-4. Mary Balogh, The Temporary Wife / A Promise of Spring
5. Sylvia Izzo Hunter, A Season of Spells
6. Angie Hockman, Dream On
7. Hannah March, A Distinction of Blood
8. Lizzy Dent, The Setup
9. Maggie Stiefvater, Greywaren
10. Anne Gracie, The Spring Bride
11. Lynn Painter, Mr. Wrong Number
12. Stuart Turton, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
13. Jane Dunn, The Marriage Season
14. Patricia Wentworth, The Case Is Closed

Favorite book of the month:
Even though I didn’t totally love it, I think I have to go with The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle for its sheer ambitiousness and the meticulousness of the plotting.

Dishonorable mention:
I had high hopes for The Marriage Season, a steamless historical romance, but it was just a dud all around.

CATs completed:
- GeoCAT (Australia, New Zealand): Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is set in Australia and has an Australian author.
- SeriesCAT (children’s/YA): Greywaren is book #3 of a YA fantasy trilogy.
- AlphaKIT (G, A): *Angie Hockman, Dream On; Maggie Stiefvater, *Greywaren; *Anne *Gracie, The Spring Bride
- MysteryKIT (paranormal): The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a murder mystery that involves body-swapping and a time loop.
- RandomKIT (water, water everywhere): The Setup is set in an English seaside town, and the main character works at a beach resort.
- SFFKIT (the dark side): Greywaren is about as dark as I ever want my fantasy to be!

Bingo squares completed:
- Features an inn or hotel: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is set at a ski resort.

Books acquired in March:
- Mary Balogh, The Temporary Wife / A Promise of Spring (already read)
- Martin Edwards, Gallows Court (e-book)
- Hannah Whitten, For the Wolf
- Jane Dunn, The Marriage Season (e-book) (already read)
- Kate Pembrooke, Not the Kind of Earl You Marry (e-book)
- Lynn Painter, Mr. Wrong Number (already read)
- Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Beautiful Ones

>188 christina_reads: I hope that April brings many candidates for best book.

>189 pamelad: Thanks! March was somewhat slim pickings. I mildly enjoyed a lot of my reads, but there was nothing I felt compelled to give "best book" to.

Congratulations on at least getting through March's readings, and glad you got to have a week's vacation in sunny, warm FL!

Hope April brings you many better books.

>191 threadnsong: Thanks, and I hope April brings you many excellent reads as well!

Book #43: Eva Ibbotson, A Countess below Stairs
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Newly arrived in England after fleeing the Russian Revolution, Countess Anna Grazinsky has no choice but to work as a housemaid at the grand estate of Mersham. Despite her noble upbringing, she’s willing to work hard and soon endears herself to the other servants and the entire household. She also catches the eye of Rupert, Mersham’s owner, but he is already engaged to the beautiful but coldhearted Muriel. This book is one of my favorite comfort reads, and I adored it just as much this fifth or sixth time through. The central romance is sweet and passionate, and there’s a wealth of sympathetic, lovable secondary characters as well. The good characters are a bit too perfect and the bad ones totally irredeemable, but I love the book so much that I can easily overlook its flaws.

Book #44: Lynn Painter, The Love Wager
CATs: Alpha (W = Wager); Random (seven ages of man = the lover)
Bingo: none

After a drunken one-night stand, Hallie Piper is determined to make better romantic choices, so she joins a dating app in hopes of meeting “the one.” On the app, she spots her one-night stand, Jack Marshall, and decides to send him a joking message. He responds, and they soon strike up a fun conversation, which turns into a real-life friendship. They make a bet about which of them will find love first — but the more time they spend together, the more they begin to wonder if they’re each other’s perfect match. I enjoyed this fun and funny romantic comedy. Hallie and Jack both felt like real people, and their playful banter had me rooting for them from the beginning. I did find the central conflict a bit frustrating, since it all came down to poor communication, and the ending felt a bit drawn out. But I still liked the book overall and would definitely recommend Lynn Painter to fans of contemporary romance.

Book #45: Lauren Willig, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
CATs: Alpha (W = Willig); Random (seven ages of man = the lover)
Bingo: none

Mary Alsworthy has just endured the humiliation of watching her younger sister, Letty, run off with the man she was supposed to marry (as detailed in The Deception of the Emerald Ring). Now she’s faced with the awful possibility of becoming a spinster dependent on Letty’s charity. Fortunately, the enigmatic Lord Vaughn steps in with an alternative: he’ll fund another Season for Mary if she agrees to become a double agent, infiltrating the network of the French spy known as the Black Tulip. But the lines between business and pleasure blur as she and Vaughn become increasingly attached to one another. I remember this as being one of my favorite books of the series, and upon re-reading I’d definitely agree! Both Vaughn and Mary were “villains” of previous books, portrayed as cold and amoral, so it’s great to get a new perspective on them here. Though the mystery isn’t terribly compelling (the bad guy is easy to spot), the romance more than makes up for it, I think because both Mary and Vaughn experienced real hardships before getting their happy ending. So far, this installment of the series is the one to beat!

E-book deal alert: Uprooted by Naomi Novik is $1.99 at Amazon (US) and Barnes & Noble! I adored this lush fantasy novel and would highly recommend it, especially at this great price!

>196 christina_reads: I love this book. I can't recommend it enough. Anyone who hasn't read it should!

>197 dreamweaver529: Agreed! It's one of those books that feels like it was written especially for me.

Book #46: Lois McMaster Bujold, The Curse of Chalion
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Once an honorable soldier, Cazaril is now physically and mentally broken from long imprisonment, torture and illness. He’s making his way back to the noble household where he once served as a page, hoping the lady of the house can find a small job for him. Instead, she makes him secretary-tutor to the princess Iselle, which thrusts him back into the world of court rivalries and political intrigue. There he encounters powerful enemies and calls on the gods for help — with unexpected results. After loving the Vorkosigan saga so much, I was slightly worried that Bujold’s fantasy novels wouldn’t measure up, but thankfully, I absolutely loved this! Cazaril is the opposite of Miles Vorkosigan in many ways (he’s not arrogant or ambitious, and mainly he just wants to be invisible), but he has a similar snarky internal voice, as well as the same surprising competence in a crisis. I also loved the world of this novel, with its detailed politics, history, and theology. Looking forward to the next book!

Book #47: Anne Gracie, The Summer Bride
CATs: Series (doesn’t need to be read in order)
Bingo: none

This final book in the Chance Sisters series focuses on Daisy, the Cockney girl who dreams not of marriage but of opening her own dress shop for high-society ladies. Her goal finally seems within reach, but she doesn’t have quite enough money or time to take the next step. Meanwhile, roguish Patrick Flynn may not be an aristocrat, but he’s rich and determined to marry the finest young lady in London. He’s even got a particular earl’s daughter in mind — but for some reason he finds himself drawn to Daisy instead. This book was…fine. I liked that Daisy and Patrick are both outsiders trying to figure out their place in the world. I also really enjoyed their first kiss! But I felt like the obstacles to their relationship (career vs. marriage, kids vs. no kids) were legitimate, and the resolutions were a little too pat. Overall, I enjoyed this series, but The Winter Bride is the only standout for me. Still, Gracie is one of the better Regency authors I’ve encountered lately, so I’ll likely keep exploring her work.

Book #48: Sarra Manning, London, with Love
CATs: none
Bingo: none

This contemporary novel follows Jen Richards from her awkward adolescence in 1986 to her middle age in 2021. When she was 16, she was an insecure kid who strongly identified with Sylvia Plath, and she was desperately in love with her brooding, pretentious best friend, Nick. As the years go by, she and Nick pass in and out of each other’s lives, but they can never completely ignore the strong connection between them. I don’t think this is a bad book, but it ultimately wasn’t for me. While I sympathized and related to adolescent Jen, I found her less likable as she got older and (theoretically) more mature. I also didn’t think her relationship with Nick was healthy, so I was never really rooting for the romance. I think this book might really resonate with people who grew up in London during this specific time — but since I’ve barely even been to London (though would love to go back!), I don’t have that nostalgia. Overall, it’s a decent read, but I just don’t think I’m the ideal audience for it.

Book #49: Kristin Vayden, Fortune Favors the Duke
CATs: Alpha (D = Duke)
Bingo: none

Six months ago, Quin’s older brother died tragically and unexpectedly, making Quin the new duke of Wesley. Now a grieving Quin must grapple with his new responsibilities, when all he really wants to do is continue his career as a Cambridge professor. Meanwhile, the late duke’s fiancée, Lady Catherine Greatheart, is grieving too, but she’s accepted that it’s time to move on. As Quin and Catherine support one another in their shared loss, they develop romantic feelings but are unsure whether they ought to pursue a relationship. This was another disappointing Regency romance. The premise — man falls for his dead brother’s fiancée — had so much potential, but it’s barely explored. Quin and Catherine fall for each other pretty quickly, with minimal guilt, and the book’s main conflict turns out to involve an external villain. Where was the guilt, the uncertainty, the struggle against (arguably) inappropriate feelings? In my opinion, exploring that conflict would have been way more interesting than the random troublemaker’s shenanigans. Further, the writing style was awkward and inauthentic, and I didn’t even believe in the central romance. I’m glad I got the e-book for free, but I wouldn’t recommend it even at that price.

>200 christina_reads: I agree. The Winter Bride was by far the best book in the series. The other three were readable, but a bit bland and dull.

>202 christina_reads: Thank you for eliminating this one!

>200 christina_reads: >203 pamelad: I am currently listening to The Autumn Bride and I'm enjoying it a lot, although I agree that it could be a bit more original. I'm looking forward to The Winter Bride if it's the favourite one of both of you!

>203 pamelad: I still want to read more by Anne Gracie -- I'm hoping to find at least a couple more I like as much as The Winter Bride! And yes, happy to eliminate another Regency author for you. :)

>204 MissBrangwen: I'm glad you're enjoying The Autumn Bride! I do think Gracie is a good writer, and I've liked all the books I've read by her so far. But as you say, they're not particularly amazing or unique, The Winter Bride being the exception!

Book #50: Hannah March, Death Be My Theme
CATs: Alpha (D = Death)
Bingo: none

After a serious illness, Robert Fairfax is convalescing in the rural outskirts of London when he encounters another mystery: Curmudgeonly Gabriel Chilcott falls to his death down a flight of stairs with an expression of horrified shock on his face. The incident appears to be a tragic accident, but then why did Chilcott’s much younger wife lie about the man seen leaving her bedroom? When a local servant is murdered shortly afterwards, Robert investigates and uncovers a particularly cold-blooded killer. This might be my favorite book of the series yet! The mystery plot is very well done, and I also liked the development of Robert’s ill-fated romance with the married Cordelia. There’s even a cameo appearance by the Mozart family, and a mistake in one of 8-year-old Wolfgang’s compositions proves to be a vital clue. I’m hoping the next (and, alas, final) book will give a satisfying ending to the series!

Book #51: Lucy Gilmore, The Lonely Hearts Book Club
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Librarian Sloane Parker seems to have a pretty good life — a job she loves, a successful fiancé — but she’s really just been going through the motions ever since her sister’s tragic death. The highlight of her day is when curmudgeonly old Arthur McLachlan visits the library to argue with her about books. So when a few days go by without Arthur showing up, Sloane is concerned enough to check on him — and even more alarmed when he actually seems happy to see her. She knows Arthur needs support and companionship, so she starts a book club with a few friends and neighbors. Little does she know that every member, not just Arthur, will benefit from the book club, and maybe herself most of all. I liked this one; it’s sentimental, but the lively and humorous writing style kept it from being too saccharine for me. I also liked getting each book club member’s POV; it made them all vivid and distinct characters. I would have liked a bit more closure for some storylines, particularly the romance (which is really just hinted at). But overall, I enjoyed this one and am interested in trying more by Lucy Gilmore.

Book #52: Bridget Zinn, Poison
CATs: Kiddy (fantasy); Alpha (Z = Zinn)
Bingo: none

Potions expert Kyra is on the run after attempting to assassinate Princess Ariana, her former best friend. Her reasons for this betrayal become clear as the novel progresses. Meanwhile, as she tries to evade the kingdom’s pursuing soldiers, she encounters several strange individuals, including a master criminal, a wicked witch, a handsome but exasperating adventurer, and a very unusual pig. Eventually, Kyra teams up with a few crucial allies to save the kingdom and make some important decisions about her future. This is an enjoyable light fantasy novel that skews toward the younger end of the YA spectrum. The plot is very episodic, and the characters are likable but not particularly complex. The book reminds me somewhat of Ella Enchanted — not as good, but if you liked that book, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.

Book #53: Julia Quinn, Romancing Mister Bridgerton
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Penelope Featherington has been in love with Colin Bridgerton for years, but she knows he’ll never return her affections: She’s always been a wallflower and is now a spinster at age 28, whereas Colin is one of London’s most popular and charming bachelors. But Colin has just returned to England after a long trip abroad, and he’s starting to see Penelope in a whole new light. Their fledgling romance is threatened, however, by the secrets they’re keeping from each other, which may cause a huge society scandal. I’m a fan (with caveats) of the Bridgerton TV series, and season 3 is supposed to focus on Penelope and Colin, so I wanted to read their story before the season drops. Unfortunately, this book didn’t particularly work for me, mostly because I found Colin so frustrating. He constantly pouts and sulks and throws temper tantrums, and in the end I just wanted Penelope to get over her infatuation and find someone better! Overall, this one was disappointing, especially after I enjoyed The Viscount Who Loved Me so much.

Book #54: Stephanie Burgis, Good Neighbors
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Ever since Mia and her father were run out of town by an angry mob wielding torches and pitchforks, she’s tried to appear normal and respectable, hiding her true identity as a metal mage. Too bad her new home is right next door to a necromancer’s castle. Leander has no interest in hiding his own unnatural gifts, and he soon seeks Mia out to form a defensive alliance against the hostile townsfolk. But as Mia and Leander grow closer, the town’s increasing anger toward those with magical powers forces them to take a stand. This is an enjoyable but insubstantial wisp of a book with a heavy-handed message about how society treats those who are perceived as different. The story is a bit sketchy and underdeveloped, and several loose threads are left dangling. I like the author but wouldn’t recommend this particular work — try Masks and Shadows or Congress of Secrets instead.

Book #55: Margery Sharp, Cluny Brown
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Cluny Brown is a young woman who, according to her plumber uncle, doesn’t know her place, so he decides to find one for her as a parlormaid in an English country house. Cluny isn’t a great success as a parlormaid, but she does make several new friends, both upstairs and down. Eventually she decides where (and with whom) she’ll make her true place in the world. This is a quiet slice-of-life novel set just before the outbreak of World War II. It satirizes the English class system but does so in a gentle and affectionate, not mocking, way. The plot centers around romantic complications that all come right in the end, although I did feel sorry for Cluny’s rejected suitor! I also watched the movie starring Charles Boyer and Jennifer Jones, which I didn’t like quite as much as the book (it changed too many things, and I think Boyer was miscast). But I would recommend the book if you like this type of novel!

E-book deal alert: The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews is $0.99 at Amazon (US) and Barnes & Noble! If you enjoy historical romance with no on-page sex, Mimi Matthews is one of my top recommendations!

Book #56: Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Velvet Was the Night
CATs:: Geo (set in Mexico); Alpha (W = Was)
Bingo: Topic you don’t usually read (noir, Mexican history)

This novel, billed as “neo noir,” is set in 1971 against the backdrop of the Mexican Dirty War. Elvis belongs to a gang with shadowy ties to the repressive government; he’s tasked with brutalizing student activists and other left-wing demonstrators. Meanwhile, Maite is dissatisfied with her life and escapes through the pages of romantic magazines. When Maite’s neighbor Leonora, a young woman with possible communist ties, disappears, Elvis and Maite cross paths as they both try to track her down. I’m not a big noir reader, as I generally prefer optimism in my fiction, but I found this novel fascinating. I know shamefully little about Mexican history, so I was happy to learn more about an unfamiliar place and time. I also really enjoyed the story and was able to guess some of the twists and turns. The ending isn’t exactly happy (this is noir, after all!), but it is satisfying and arguably hopeful. Overall, this book impressed me, and I’m eager to try more of Moreno-Garcia’s work.

Book #57: Garth Nix, Newt’s Emerald
CATs: Kiddy (fantasy); SFF (historical = set in Regency England)
Bingo: none

Lady Truthful Newington is about to make her debut into London society, but she’s more focused on the theft of the Newington Emerald, a valuable family jewel with strong magical properties. She decides to search for the Emerald in London, disguising herself as a man to preserve her reputation. There she meets the enigmatic Major Harnett, who has his own reasons for seeking the Emerald. When they learn that it’s been taken by a powerful evil sorceress, they team up to retrieve it, but political and personal complications ensue. I really enjoyed this genre mashup of Regency romance and fantasy. It’s geared toward a YA audience, so the pace is brisk and the romance is very PG. I wish the book had built out the fantasy world more and dug a little deeper into the characters’ motivations, but overall it’s a very fun read.

Book #58: Ngaio Marsh, Death in a White Tie
CATs: Classics (mystery); Alpha (W = White, D = Death)
Bingo: none

The London Season is in full swing with its debutantes, chaperones, and elaborate parties. Unfortunately, a blackmailer is also making the social rounds, preying upon high-society women. Inspector Roderick Alleyn is on the case, and he asks his friend Lord Robert “Bunchy” Gospell for help, since Bunchy is invited everywhere and will be able to observe suspicious activity firsthand. When Bunchy is murdered, Alleyn will do whatever it takes to bring his killer to justice — but was it the blackmailer or someone else with a grudge against Bunchy? This is another excellent Alleyn novel; I loved getting more insight into his character as he’s forced to investigate the death of a friend and to suspect people he knows and likes personally. I’ll certainly continue with the series and am glad Marsh was so prolific!

Book #59: Chloe Neill, The Bright and Breaking Sea
CATs: SFF (historical = alternate 1815)
Bingo: none

In an alternate 19th-century Britain, Kit Brightling is a naval captain who is magically Aligned to water. Her successes at sea have earned her the queen’s favor, and now the queen has ordered her to rescue a spy who’s been caught by the enemy and imprisoned in a pirate fortress. But Kit is also compelled to team up with Rian Grant, a viscount and former soldier. They distrust each other at first, but their opinions change as they’re forced to work together. Meanwhile, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving a deposed emperor and a ship capable of weaponizing magic. What a fun book! The plot is full of excitement, from daring escapes to naval battles to espionage at society events. I also really liked Kit and Grant’s relationship, though I found most of the secondary characters underdeveloped and unmemorable. Still, I’d heartily recommend this book if you love historical romance and/or tales of the British navy with a bit of magic thrown in. There’s a sequel that I plan to get my hands on ASAP!

>216 christina_reads: This sounds like fun! #stacking :-)

>217 Tanya-dogearedcopy: It really worked for me -- hope you enjoy it too!

Book #60: Rebecca Serle, One Italian Summer
CATs: none
Bingo: none

After her mother’s tragic death, Katy feels utterly bereft and disconnected. The loss makes her question everything in her life, including her marriage to her college sweetheart. Needing space, Katy decides to go solo on the trip to Italy she’d been planning with her mom. But when she gets to Positano, she’s shocked to meet her mother in the flesh at age 30 (not a spoiler, it’s mentioned in the cover copy). As Katy gets to know this younger version of her mother—and embarks on a flirtation with a handsome stranger—she also learns more about herself and begins to process her grief. I’ll say one thing about this book, it made me want to travel to the Amalfi coast immediately! But I found Katy a frustrating character. Though her grief is understandable, her actions aren’t particularly sympathetic, and while I love my mom, I can’t imagine idolizing her to the extent Katy does! So while I’m now even more eager to travel to Italy one of these days, I wouldn’t particularly recommend this book.

Book #61: Lauren Willig, Ivy and Intrigue
CATs: Alpha (W = Willig)
Bingo: none

This story (or short novella?) in the Pink Carnation series revisits Richard and Amy from the first book. They’ve now been married several months and are enjoying life together in the English countryside, but they both sometimes miss their active spying days in France. Espionage finds them again, however, just as Richard’s first love re-enters his life. Can Richard and Amy learn to recognize and communicate their true desires, all while thwarting yet more Bonapartist shenanigans? This is a cute but unnecessary interlude in the series…it’s nice to see a bit more of Richard and Amy (as well as Miles and Henrietta), but the plot is negligible and there’s no character development to speak of. It’s a decent, quick little read, but definitely not necessary even for fans of the series.

>220 christina_reads: LOL, When I read this last year, I thought it would have been funnier if it had been set in thier mid-life stages: Richard with a "Dad-bod" swinging from the chandelier, Amy after kids... But I guess timeline-wise that would have been too far out from the zeitgeist that Williig had set their universe in :-)

>221 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Haha, that would have been fun! I did like that the story gave a little more insight into Richard's prior relationship with Deirdre, but it's not terribly important to the series.

Book #62: Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
CATs: Alpha (W = Wild)
Bingo: none

Sibling Dex, a monk who serves the god of small comforts, suddenly decides to change their life, abandoning the city to travel among rural villages as an itinerant tea monk. But eventually even this makes them restless, and they travel into the wilderness, where they meet a robot named Mosscap. This shocks Dex, since robots retreated to uninhabited portions of the planet after they gained sentience, and they haven't interacted with humans since. This charming short novel has very low stakes, but it's quite poignant and philosophical if you're into that kind of thing. I liked the relationship between Dex and Mosscap, especially their conversation about humans' desire for purpose. If the premise intrigues you, I think you'll like this one.

Book #63: Cecilia Grant, A Lady Awakened
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Martha Russell is a recent widow, and she'll be forced to leave her late husband's estate when his brother, the heir, takes possession. But the heir is a terrible person who raped two maids, so Martha is determined to prevent him from inheriting somehow. The only option is for her to give birth to an heir herself, which is impossible . . . but if she can convince her neighbor, Theo Mirkwood, to have sex with her until she conceives, she can pass off the baby as a legitimate heir. She has no intention of enjoying their illicit relationship, but the lighthearted, charming Theo is determined to change her mind.

Admittedly, this plot is completely nonsensical, but I didn't mind because the book is so good! Martha is dismissive, detached, and cold, which makes her a challenging but very interesting heroine. It's wonderful to watch her grow throughout the book as Theo helps her become less guarded. Meanwhile, Theo also improves as Martha teaches him how to manage his estate. There are a lot of sex scenes in the book, which I'm normally not a fan of, but in this case they wonderfully reveal the progress of the romance. The early scenes are awkward and deeply unsexy, which is so counterintuitive for a genre that tends to idealize sexual relationships. I highly recommend this one to fans of historical romance, especially if you're interested in a twist on the usual formula.

Book #64: Emily Henry, Happy Place
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Harriet has an extremely tight-knit friend group from her college days, and they still reunite for a week every year at a beach house in Maine. Normally this is Harriet's happy place, but she's dreading the trip this year because she and her longtime boyfriend, Wyn, broke up five months ago -- but didn't tell anyone else about it. They decide to pretend they're still dating so as not to ruin the trip, which goes about as well as you'd expect. This is an angsty, emotional book that I found very compelling while I was reading it, but now I'm thinking it might be a little overblown. I did like that Harriet and Wyn's problems felt realistic and weren't magically fixed in the end. I also liked the group dynamic and how the various friendships changed over time. Overall, I did like the book, even if I sometimes wanted the main characters to get over themselves.

April recap

I read a lot more than usual this month, and I'm guessing the fact that I'm not currently binge-watching any shows probably has something to do with it! I also very much enjoyed participating in yesterday's 24-hour readathon, which added three books to my total. So without further ado, on to the books!

Books read in April:
1. Eva Ibbotson, A Countess below Stairs
2. Lynn Painter, The Love Wager
3. Lauren Willig, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
4. Lois McMaster Bujold, The Curse of Chalion
5. Anne Gracie, The Summer Bride
6. Sarra Manning, London, with Love
7. Kristin Vayden, Fortune Favors the Duke
8. Hannah March, Death Be My Theme
9. Lucy Gilmore, The Lonely Hearts Book Club
10. Bridget Zinn, Poison
11. Julia Quinn, Romancing Mister Bridgerton
12. Stephanie Burgis, Good Neighbors
13. Margery Sharp, Cluny Brown
14. Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Velvet Was the Night
15. Garth Nix, Newt’s Emerald
16. Ngaio Marsh, Death in a White Tie
17. Chloe Neill, The Bright and Breaking Sea
18. Rebecca Serle, One Italian Summer
19. Lauren Willig, Ivy and Intrigue
20. Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
21. Cecilia Grant, A Lady Awakened
22. Emily Henry, Happy Place

Favorite book of the month:
After loving Bujold’s sci-fi so much, I was afraid her fantasy would disappoint, but thankfully I loved The Curse of Chalion! Runner-up is A Lady Awakened, which skillfully inverts some of the common historical romance tropes.

Dishonorable mention:
Fortune Favors the Duke was an utterly lackluster historical romance.

CATs completed:
- ClassicsCAT (mystery): I think Death in a White Tie qualifies, as it’s a well-done vintage mystery written by one of the Queens of Crime.
- GeoCAT (Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean): Velvet Was the- Night is set in Mexico City in 1971.
- KiddyCAT (fantasy): Poison and Newt's Emerald are both YA fantasy novels.
- SeriesCAT (don’t need to read in order): The Summer Bride is the last book in the Chance Sisters series, but the series can be read in any order.
- AlphaKIT (W, D): Lynn Painter, The Love *Wager; Lauren *Willig, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose; Kristin Vayden, Fortune Favors the *Duke; Hannah March, *Death Be My Theme; Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Velvet *Was the Night; Ngaio Marsh, *Death in a *White Tie; Lauren *Willig, Ivy and Intrigue; Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the *Wild-Built
RandomKIT (seven ages of man): The Love Wager and The Seduction of the Crimson Rose both work for the “lover” stage.
SFFKIT (historical): Newt's Emerald and The Bright and Breaking Sea both combine early 19th-century England (or an alt-history version) with magic.

Bingo squares completed:
- Topic you don’t usually read about: Velvet Was the Night combines the noir genre with Mexican history, two topics I hardly ever read -- but I really liked the book anyway!

Books acquired in April:
- Sharon Kay Penman, The Land beyond the Sea
- Margery Sharp, Cluny Brown (already read)
- Anthony Berkeley, Trial and Error
- Julian Symons, The Belting Inheritance
- Mary Balogh, The Gilded Web
- Lisa Boero, The Richmond Thief
- Cecilia Grant, A Lady Awakened (e-book) (already read)
- Nancy Campbell Allen, Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts
- Mia Vincy, A Wicked Kind of Husband
- Michelle Diener, The Emperor's Conspiracy

Wow, an awesome month!!

>224 christina_reads: I also thought A Lady Awakened was a winner. I hope you enjoy A Wicked Kind of Husband. I think it might have been a bit too open-door, but I liked it and read the rest of the series.

>227 rabbitprincess: It's definitely some kind of record for me in terms of quantity!

>228 pamelad: Oh yay, I'm glad you also liked A Lady Awakened! And good to know about the Mia Vincy...I've heard lots of good things about her, so I'm interested to try her books, but I'll be prepared to skim. :)

You've had an epic reading month! I've heard such good things about >225 christina_reads:, I really need to read some of her books. Quite when, I really don't know (*squints at TBR pile*) - sigh!

>230 Jackie_K: I do enjoy Emily Henry; she's a good writer and does banter very well. I'd definitely recommend picking her up when you're in the mood for contemporary romance -- though I'll admit, I get her books from the library rather than buying them.

>231 christina_reads: Haha, I've just realised I put the wrong number in my previous response! I meant >223 christina_reads: (Becky Chambers).

>232 Jackie_K: Oh haha, gotcha! Well, I hope you enjoy Becky Chambers if/when you get to her. So far I've read two books by her, and she's not really for me, but lots of people love her. I did prefer A Psalm for the Wild-Built over The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet -- and it's shorter, too, if that helps. :)

>233 christina_reads: Honestly, shorter always helps :D (I'm such a lightweight!)

Catching up with your thread and congrats on a great reading month! Who knew that as short as April is, you still managed to read all those pages. I've never read any books in the Regency Romance genre but I do enjoy reading your reviews. And if I do pick one up for a quick comfort read, I'll be sure to see if it's one you've read!

>235 threadnsong: Thank you! Obviously I'm a Regency romance fan, so happy to provide recommendations if you want to give the genre a try. :)

Book #65: Lauren Willig, The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Lady Charlotte Lansdowne has been in love with her distant cousin, Robert, since childhood. After spending several years soldiering in India, he has just returned to claim his inheritance as the duke of Dovedale. Sparks fly between them, and Charlotte is thrilled that Robert finally seems to return her love. But he’s currently more focused on righting a wrong from his past, which means getting close to the sinister Sir Francis Medmenham and his Hellfire Club. This book isn’t one of my favorites in the series, though it’s still a pleasant read. Robert tries to do the whole noble sacrifice, “I’m not good enough for you” thing, which I found deeply frustrating. Also, the French spy’s involvement is never really explained, though maybe the next book will provide some answers? Anyway, I’m still liking the series fine, but this installment is not the strongest.

Book #66: Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls
CATs: Series (trilogies = Five Gods #2)
Bingo: none

Ista, the 40-year-old dowager royina of Chalion, has survived madness, a curse, and the deaths of several loved ones. She wants nothing more to do with the gods after what she’s suffered, yet she’s so impatient with the dullness of her current life that she goes on a pilgrimage just to get out of the house. But unexpected events — including prophetic dreams, demons, capture by enemy soldiers, and two brothers who seem to share a mysterious wound — make clear that the gods aren’t done with Ista just yet. I’m continuing to love this series! Bujold has created a vivid fantasy world with complex theology and geopolitics. The plot takes a little while to get going, but once it does, it really cooks! I also loved following Ista’s spiritual journey as she comes to terms with the gods’ involvement in her life. I’d definitely recommend this book if you enjoy sword and sorcery, but you should read The Curse of Chalion first.

Book #67: Stella Riley, The Parfit Knight
CATs: none
Bingo: none

When an attack by highwaymen and a heavy snowfall force the Marquis of Amberley to take refuge in a stranger’s home, he doesn’t expect to fall in love, but the beautiful, intelligent Rosalind Vernon captures his heart almost immediately. Because she is blind, Rosalind hasn’t had a Season or met any gentlemen apart from her nearest neighbors. So Amberley encourages her to go to London, hoping to woo her once she’s mixed a little more with the world. But their romance is threatened by misunderstandings, jealous rivals, and a tragedy from the past. If you’ve read everything by Georgette Heyer and are looking for a read-alike, I think Stella Riley might fit the bill! Riley isn’t quite as witty, but the character types and dialogue are very Heyeresque. I tend to prefer romances where the characters take a little longer to fall in love — it’s pretty instantaneous for both Amberley and Rosalind here — but otherwise I really liked this one and can’t wait to continue with the series!

>239 christina_reads: I'm glad you liked the first book in the Rockliffe series. Amberley was possibly my least favourite hero, but I enjoyed the book and read the whole series. My favourites were the fifth fourth and sixth books, so I hope you get that far.

>239 christina_reads: am always looking for Heyer like authors, so will try this out :)

>240 pamelad: I have the whole series on my e-reader and am definitely planning to read them all this year! I'll be interested to see if my favorites coincide with yours.

>241 bookworm3091: Same here! I don't think Riley is quite as good or witty as Heyer, but the style and overall vibe is definitely similar.

Book #68: Chloe Neill, A Swift and Savage Tide
CATs: Alpha (C = Chloe)
Bingo: none

In this alternate 19th-century world, the Napoleon equivalent has escaped from exile and is bent on conquering Europe through the forbidden use of magic. So Captain Kit Brightling and her crew are once again called upon to stop him — along with infuriatingly attractive soldier Rian Grant. When they encounter an enemy who can manipulate magic in new, powerful, and terrifying ways, Kit realizes she may have to test the limits of her own magical Alignment as well. I enjoyed the first Kit Brightling book quite a bit, and this one is more of the same. I think the series is trying really hard for a “found family” element with Kit’s crew, but I must say I’m not really feeling it; the secondary characters still don’t feel like they have very distinct personalities. I do, however, enjoy the seafaring adventure and the romance, which definitely progresses in this book. I hope a third installment is in the works, because there’s a lot more to explore in this world!

Book #69: Charlie N. Holmberg, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms
CATs: Alpha (C = Charlie); Random (royal names = Charlie —> Charles)
Bingo: none

When Merritt Fernsby unexpectedly inherits a house on an isolated island in the Narragansett Bay, he’s delighted — until he realizes that the house is enchanted and won’t let him leave. Luckily, Hulda Larkin is on the case: She belongs to an agency that cares for bespelled houses and knows how to deal with walls that move, libraries that toss books around, bloodred paint that drips from the ceiling and so on. As Hulda helps Merritt adjust to his new home, their relationship deepens, but everything is threatened when a powerful wizard with a grudge against Hulda sets his sights on Merritt’s home. I enjoyed this book, which is sort of a cozy take on the haunted house genre. Both Merritt and Hulda are likable, interesting characters, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. But I found the chapters from the villain’s POV distracting and not terribly necessary to the story. Overall, though, I did like this one and plan to seek out the sequel.

Book #70: Hannah March, A Necessary Evil
CATs: none
Bingo: none

In this fifth and final book of the series, Robert Fairfax trades London for Bath, where he’s tutoring a group of pleasant yet unteachable girls. He also becomes acquainted with Colonel James Delabole and his family, which consists of a wife and daughter, as well as a long-lost daughter from his first marriage, with whom Delabole is trying to reconcile. Tensions are high, so when Delabole is murdered, Robert has more than enough suspects to investigate. As with the other books in this series, this one is well-written, with a complex plot, interesting characters, and an evocative setting. However, I don’t think the author planned this to be a series finale, as there’s no resolution to Robert’s personal life. He seems to end in a worse place than he began, which I found disappointing. I do still recommend the series for those who enjoy historical mysteries, but I wish Robert could have found a little happiness in the end.

Book #71: Sarah Adams, When in Rome
CATs: none
Bingo: none

Pop star Amelia Rose is feeling burned out, so she decides to pull an Audrey Hepburn and go on a Roman holiday — to Rome, Kentucky, that is. But when her car breaks down, she’s forced to rely on the surly yet attractive Noah Walker for help. As they get to know each other, they have a hard time fighting their mutual attraction, but Noah’s life is in Rome and Amelia can’t stay forever, so how could they make a relationship work? This is a sweet contemporary romance that I enjoyed, though I sometimes felt the characters blew hot and cold for no reason. It paints an idyllic picture of life in a small town, which makes the book a fun escape even if it’s not particularly realistic. The author just came out with a novel featuring Noah’s younger sister, and I do plan to read it if I can get it from the library.

Book #72: Georgette Heyer, The Unknown Ajax
CATs: Alpha (U = Unknown); Random (royal names = Georgette —> George)
Bingo: Author shares your zodiac sign (Leo)

When Lord Darracott’s son and heir dies unexpectedly, Darracott shocks his family by announcing that the new heir is a grandson he’s never met, who grew up in Yorkshire and whose mother was a commoner. When the heir, Hugo, arrives at the estate, the family expects an ignorant yokel, so Hugo plays along — but it’s not long before some members of the family, including his cousin Anthea, recognize his intelligence and true worth. I love Georgette Heyer, but I’d only read this novel once, so I was interested to remind myself why it’s not one of my favorites. I think the answer is that the romance, while appealing, takes a backseat to family drama and a smuggling plot. I wanted more of Hugo and Anthea interacting and fewer conversations about the pros and cons of “free trading.” So for me, this is not one of Heyer’s best.

Book #73: Ashley Weaver, Playing It Safe
CATs: none
Bingo: none

As bombs fall on London in the autumn of 1940, Ellie McDonnell is summoned to the port city of Sunderland by her handler, Major Ramsey. She doesn’t know the details of her mission, but things get complicated fast when a man dies right in front of her the day she arrives. She and Ramsey both suspect the man has been murdered, possibly because of shady spy activities. As Ellie befriends the dead man’s social circle, she uncovers many secrets and endangers her life in the process. I’m continuing to enjoy this series, mainly for the likable main characters and WW2 setting. I wasn’t as compelled by the mystery — the murderer’s identity seems to come out of nowhere — but there are some good suspenseful scenes. I also liked the developments in Ellie’s relationship with Ramsey. This book just came out, but I'm already impatient for the next one!

Book #74: Robin McKinley, The Hero and the Crown
CATs: Classics (children’s); Kiddy (classics = 1985 Newbery winner); Alpha (C = Crown)
Bingo: none

Aerin has always felt like an outsider who doesn’t belong. She’s the daughter of the king’s second wife, a reputed witch who supposedly died of disappointment that Aerin wasn’t a boy. She doesn’t have the magical Gift that’s shared by all people of royal blood. Most of her cousins despise her, and she’d rather ride her father’s old warhorse or practice swordplay than be a courtier. But when dragons and demon-magic from the North threaten her kingdom, Aerin discovers she has a crucial role to play. This is a book of my heart; I loved it as a child and am delighted to discover it’s just as good as I remember. Aerin is surprisingly relatable for someone who slays dragons, and Robin McKinley’s writing is pure magic. I’m really happy I revisited this one!

Book #75: Claudia Gray, The Late Mrs. Willoughby
CATs: Alpha (C = Claudia)
Bingo: none

***Warning: SPOILERS for Sense and Sensibility***

Jonathan Darcy has been invited to Allenham, the estate his old schoolmate John Willoughby has just inherited. Willoughby was a bully during their school days, so Jonathan isn’t particularly excited about the visit — until he meets Juliet Tilney again, who’s staying nearby with her friend Marianne Brandon. He and Juliet are both eager to renew their acquaintance, but things take a dark turn when Willoughby’s wife is murdered. Could Willoughby or Marianne be the culprit? I don’t usually love Austen pastiches, but so far this series has impressed me with its fidelity to Austen’s characters even as it places them within a murder mystery. I was able to identify the murderer pretty early on, but I still enjoyed the plot, and I liked the development of Jonathan and Juliet’s relationship. To get the most out of this book, you definitely have to be familiar with both The Murder of Mr. Wickham and Sense and Sensibility, but if you liked book #1 of the series, you’ll enjoy this one too.

Book #76: Sarah Adams, The Cheat Sheet
CATs: Alpha (C = Cheat)
Bingo: none

Bree and Nathan have been close friends since high school, and they’ve maintained that friendship even though Bree is now a dance teacher struggling to pay rent, while Nathan is a professional football player. In fact, they’re madly in love with each other, but they’re each convinced the other sees them only as a friend. Then one night, Bree drunkenly reveals her feelings to a reporter, so they agree to a “fake” relationship for the publicity while trying to conceal their very real feelings. I like the friends-to-lovers trope in theory, but this book is classic example of why it doesn’t often work for me in practice. Bree and Nathan have been crazy about each other for years, yet they’ve never been honest with each other about how they feel. I just don’t buy that neither of them ever made a move! I would have liked it more if, say, Nathan really didn’t see Bree as a romantic option at first, but something happened to change his perspective. That said, this book is a cute, fun, not too racy read, and I did enjoy Nathan’s interactions with his friends on the football team, so I’d recommend this one for friends-to-lovers fans.

Book #77: Louise Allen, The Duke’s Counterfeit Wife
CATs: Alpha (C = Counterfeit); Random (royal names = Louise —> Louis)
Bingo: none

Nicholas Terrell, the duke of Severton, and Sarah Parrish, the daughter of a disgraced shipping company owner, are traveling aboard the same passenger boat when they realize that its captain is up to no good. When the captain threatens to kill them, Nicholas reveals his ducal identity and claims that Sarah is his wife, persuading the captain to hold them for ransom instead. While Nick and Sarah endure their shared captivity and plot their escape, they also fall in love, but their very different social standings impede their romance. I quite enjoyed this historical romance; it’s not too long (less than 300 pages in my e-book version) and has an adventurous plot along with the romance. Nick is my kind of buttoned-up, scowly duke, and he’s well matched in the practical and intelligent Sarah. Based on the reviews I’ve seen, it looks like Allen’s books are hit or miss, but I’d certainly consider trying more by her!

May recap

Another month gone already! I’ve had a fun May, enjoying the weather and socializing with various friends. I went to a wedding, my first since 2018, which was a lot of fun! I also binged and enjoyed the Netflix series Lockwood & Co., even though “teens fighting ghosts” isn’t generally my thing — I’m sad there won’t be a season 2! I’ve also started Normal People, based on the Sally Rooney novel, but I’m not sure I care enough to keep going. What’s everyone else watching these days? Anyway, without further ado, on to the books:

Books read in May:
1. Lauren Willig, The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
2. Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls
3. Stella Riley, The Parfit Knight
4. Chloe Neill, A Swift and Savage Tide
5. Charlie N. Holmberg, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms
6. Hannah March, A Necessary Evil
7. Sarah Adams, When in Rome
8. Georgette Heyer, The Unknown Ajax
9. Ashley Weaver, Playing It Safe
10. Robin McKinley, The Hero and the Crown
11. Claudia Gray, The Late Mrs. Willoughby
12. Sarah Adams, The Cheat Sheet
13. Louise Allen, The Duke’s Counterfeit Wife

Favorite book of the month:
I don’t usually mention rereads in my monthly favorites, but it’s been over a decade since I read The Hero and the Crown, and I just love it so much!

Dishonorable mention:
Like all the Robert Fairfax books, A Necessary Evil is a well-written and enjoyable mystery, but because it’s the final book in the series, I was disappointed that Fairfax didn’t end up in a happier place.

CATs completed:
- ClassicsCAT (children’s): The Hero and the Crown may not be old enough to count as a classic (published in 1984), but it did win the Newbery, and it’s a favorite book from my childhood that still totally holds up!
- KiddyCAT (classics): The Hero and the Crown counts here too.
- SeriesCAT (trilogies): Paladin of Souls is book #2 in the Five Gods trilogy.
- AlphaKIT (U, C): *Chloe Neill, A Swift and Savage Tide; *Charlie N. Holmberg, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms; Georgette Heyer, The *Unknown Ajax; Robin McKinley, The Hero and the *Crown; *Claudia Gray, The Late Mrs. Willoughby; Sarah Adams, The *Cheat Sheet; Louise Allen, The Duke's *Counterfeit Wife
- RandomKIT (royal names): Charlie N. Holmberg —> Charles; Georgette Heyer —> George; Louise Allen —> Louis.

Bingo squares completed:
- Author shares your zodiac sign: Georgette Heyer was born on August 16, which makes her a Leo like me.

Books acquired in May:
- Louise Allen, The Duke’s Counterfeit Wife (e-book) (already read)
- Mimi Matthews, John Eyre
- India Holton, The Secret Service of Tea and Treason
- John Moore, A Fate Worse Than Dragons

Book #78: Lauren Willig, The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
CATs: Geo (South and Southeast Asia = set in India); Alpha (B = Betrayal, Blood)
Bingo: none

Penelope Staines has been packed off to India with her husband, Freddy, after their hasty and scandalous marriage. Freddy is to be a special envoy to the court of Hyderabad, which Penelope soon learns is a hotbed of intrigue. Meanwhile, Captain Alex Reid is trying to keep a lid on that intrigue, especially when he learns that a French spy might be undermining the uneasy alliance between Indians and British. As he and Penelope unwillingly team up to unmask the spy, they also fight a mutual attraction, knowing that Penelope’s marriage precludes a relationship between them. This is another enjoyable installment of the Pink Carnation series. Willig was smart to change up the setting and remind readers that the Britain-France conflict had global ramifications. I also really liked Alex, though Penelope’s self-destructive tendencies grated on me a bit. It was hard for me to root for their romance, too, given that it involved marital infidelity. Overall, a good read but not one of my favorites in the series.

Another excellent month of reading (although hard to beat April)!

I acquired some of Willig's books but haven't got around to reading one yet. They sound like fun which is what I need right now.

>256 VivienneR: Thanks! And I do think Willig's books are fun...the first couple in the series especially are absolute romps. Hope you enjoy them when you get to them!

Book #79: John Moore, A Fate Worse Than Dragons
CATs: SFF (humorous)
Bingo: none

Valiant knight Sir Terry hopes to wed his true love, Princess Gloria, by slaying the dragon that’s terrorizing her kingdom. Unfortunately, he accidentally slays the dragon in the kingdom next door; meanwhile, Gloria’s parents arrange for her to marry the rich Roland Westfield, heir to a sliced-bread fortune, instead. To give Terry another chance, the enterprising Gloria fakes her own kidnapping, but complications ensue when real kidnappers intervene. This spoof of common fantasy tropes was just okay for me. There are some good jokes, and the farcical plot moves at a nice clip. But most of the humor didn’t quite land for me, and there’s not much to the book beyond that. I do think people who connect with the humor will enjoy it, though!

Book #80: Stella Riley, The Mésalliance
CATs: none
Bingo: none

At age 36 and with a high-spirited younger sister in his care, the Duke of Rockliffe knows it’s time for him to marry. But he has yet to find a society woman who doesn’t utterly bore him — that is, until he meets the witty yet guarded Adeline Kendrick at a house party. When they accidentally end up in a compromising situation, Rockliffe finds he’s not terribly reluctant to propose, but a secret from Adeline’s past threatens their fragile marriage. Despite the well-worn plot and characters that owe more than a little to Heyer, I really enjoyed this book, even more than the first in the series. I loved watching Rockliffe and Adeline slowly chip away at each other’s defenses, and their romance really worked for me. I also appreciated the reappearance of characters from the previous book; I think this series will be most enjoyable if read in order. The big misunderstanding was a bit frustrating, but otherwise, this was a winner for me! Looking forward to continuing with the series.

>259 christina_reads: Glad to see you're enjoying the Rockliffe series. Due to the enormous numbers of historical romances I've read over the past few years I try not to buy them, but I had to get these.

>260 pamelad: I bought the e-books and am glad I did!

Book #81: Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt
CATs: Series (favorite author); Alpha (B = Bujold)
Bingo: Features member of cat family (leopard)

Lord Ingrey, who holds a minor position at the court of the Hallow King, has a grim but simple task: The king’s son has been killed by the lady-in-waiting he was attempting to rape, and Ingrey has to bring the body home and escort the woman, Ijada, to trial. But when Ingrey sees the scene of the crime and meets Ijada, things immediately get a lot more complicated, in ways that will have dire consequences for the entire Hallow Kingdom. I’m finding it harder and harder to think critically about Bujold’s work because I’m a diehard fan now! I do think the pacing of this book is a little off — the setup and character introductions are compelling, but then things slow down for a while until the tumultuous conclusion. But I loved Ingrey and Ijada, as well as the various allies they meet along the way, and I also enjoyed learning more about the world of the Five Gods. I’ll have to start reading the Penric novellas soon!

>262 christina_reads: I LOVE the Penric novellas! I don't know if the characters are similar or that they are read by the same narrator, but they read very much like the Miles Vorkosigan books.

I can't wait to see what you think.

>263 dreamweaver529: Yay, good to hear! I have one collection of Penric novellas so far, but I want to get my hands on the rest of them too. Plus there is the Sharing Knife saga, which I know very little about, but if it's Bujold I'm interested!

>263 dreamweaver529: Not sure if you mean audiobook narrator; but if you do, then yes, the Penric titles are read by the same narrator as the Vorkosigan series :-)

Book #82: Sarah Adams, The Off Limits Rule
CATs: none
Bingo: none

After losing her job and her boyfriend pretty much simultaneously, Lucy temporarily moves in with her overprotective big brother, Drew. That becomes a problem when Lucy meets — and is immediately smitten with — Drew’s best friend, Cooper. The attraction is mutual, but they’re hesitant to pursue a relationship for fear of Drew’s reaction. This is a cute, quick read, but because Lucy and Cooper are into each other almost immediately, there’s very little romantic tension. The obstacle of Drew’s disapproval seems silly to me; these people are adults and should be beyond the “eww, no dating my sister!” stage. And a lot of the “humor” comes from Lucy’s embarrassment over her cringeworthy behavior, which makes her seem incompetent and immature. All that said, there is something appealing about the novel’s cutesy style and the banter between the main characters, but it's definitely not destined to be a favorite.

Book #83: Baynard Kendrick, The Odor of Violets
CATs: Alpha (B = Baynard, K = Kendrick), Mystery (vintage = published in 1941)
Bingo: none

Duncan Maclain lost his sight in the First World War. Now, at the beginning of the second, he works as a private investigator and does the occasional job for U.S. intelligence. When a fellow spy is murdered, Maclain’s investigation leads him to the prominent Treadwill family, which includes a famous theater producer, an engineer working on secret military equipment, and the dead spy’s ex-wife. This is an odd book that tries to combine a traditional mystery with a spy thriller, and the result is a little half-baked. Because of the book’s split focus, there’s not enough time to flesh out the various suspects or provide meaningful clues. However, I did enjoy the depiction of a blind detective who relies on hearing, touch, and smell to observe the world. Kendrick apparently did a lot of research and tried to make Maclain’s abilities as realistic as possible. Overall, I liked some elements of this novel, but it didn’t quite gel for me.

Book #84: Ali Hazelwood, Love, Theoretically
CATs: none
Bingo: STEM topic (main characters are physicists)

Elsie is a theoretical physicist who’s desperate to find a research position, but for now she’s stuck as a poorly paid adjunct professor. To supplement her income, she works for a fake-dating app. While on a “date” with her favorite client, she meets Jack, the client’s brother, who seems disapproving and suspicious of her. Disastrously, she meets him again while interviewing for her dream job at MIT, where Jack—an experimental physicist with a well-known grudge against theorists—is on the search committee. But as Elsie spends more time with Jack, she revises her first impression of him and learns his true feelings for her. The thing about Ali Hazelwood is that I’m often irritated by her books, but I still devour them in one sitting! As with her previous novels, I thought the hero’s level of devotion to the heroine was pretty implausible, and the overabundant science references were clumsily inserted. But I did find Elsie relatable in her need to be liked, though she takes people-pleasing to an unhealthy extreme. This is a flawed but compelling read, and I’ll doubtless continue to read Hazelwood’s work.

Book #85: Mary Balogh, The Gilded Web
CATs: Series (favorite author); Alpha (B = Balogh)
Bingo: none

When Alexandra Purnell steps outside a crowded ballroom to get some air, she is kidnapped and locked in the Earl of Amberley’s house overnight. The incident is a total misunderstanding — the kidnappers are friends of Amberley’s younger brother, and they thought they were kidnapping his sister as a prank. But now Alex has been compromised, so Amberley (as head of the family) feels obligated to marry her. As a Balogh fan, I was expecting to enjoy this book more than I did. It’s a perfectly fine read, but I wanted it to focus more on the main couple. Instead, a lot of space is given to Amberley’s brother (who feels he should marry Alex himself, since he’s the one who arranged the kidnapping) and sister (who is both annoyed by and attracted to Alex’s brother). The obvious sequel bait was distracting and made the central romance less compelling. Still not a bad book by any means, but it’s not one of my favorites by Balogh.

Book #86: Erin Beaty, The Traitor’s Kiss
CATs: Alpha (B = Beaty, K = Kiss)
Bingo: none

Sixteen-year-old Sage Fowler is excited to start her adult life as an apprentice but dismayed to learn she’s been hired by the local matchmaker. Sage disapproves of the whole concept of matching, but her observational skills are undeniably useful in pairing people off. Meanwhile, Captain Alex Quinn of the royal army is gathering intelligence on a potential rebellion. When he encounters Sage, he and his soldiers enlist her help, but their need for secrecy means they can’t be fully honest with her. This novel has a lot of my catnip — fantasy world plus political intrigue plus romance — and I was surprised by a late-game plot twist that made me reconsider all that had gone before. But I didn’t fully connect with the book; Sage is a bit too much “not like other girls,” and some of the plot threads didn’t quite make sense to me. Overall, this is a good read, but I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series.

Book #87: Kathleen Gilles Seidel, Again
CATs: Alpha (K = Kathleen)
Bingo: none

Jenny Cotton is the creator and head writer of a popular historical soap opera. Her longtime boyfriend, Brian, is an actor on the show, but he has only a minor part because he won’t commit to a contract longer than six months. When veteran soap actor Alec Cameron joins the cast, Jenny is shocked to realize that he’s basing his character’s speech and mannerisms on Brian — and in doing so, he’s revealed the character as cold, distant, and unlikable. But Alec himself is kind and talented, and he seems to understand Jenny in a way no one else does, including Brian. I quite enjoyed this one, especially the behind-the-scenes aspects of producing a soap opera set in the Regency era! I also liked how Jenny works through her feelings about Brian and Alec through the soap’s characters. Alec’s feelings seem to escalate really quickly, and everyone except the three main characters is pretty one-note. But those quibbles aside, I liked this one a lot and am glad I stumbled across it!

Book #88: B.R. Myers, A Dreadful Splendor
CATs: Alpha (B = B.)
Bingo: none

Genevieve Timmons is a fake spiritualist who uses her seances to steal from the wealthy families who hire her. When the law catches up with her, she gets an unexpected reprieve: A lawyer hires her to perform a seance for Mr. Pemberton of Somerset Park, whose fiancée tragically died the night before their wedding. The lawyer thinks the seance will bring his employer peace, but when Genevieve arrives at the park, she learns that Pemberton has other ideas — he thinks his fiancée was murdered and wants to use the seance to prompt the guilty party to confess. As Genevieve gets to know the various people living at the park, she uncovers many secrets and possibly even a real ghost or two. This is a decent read, combining gothic historical mystery with a bit of romance, but I felt there was a little too much going on. Between Genevieve’s sad backstory and the various machinations at Somerset, character development takes a backseat. Overall, I didn’t dislike the book, but it didn’t particularly do anything for me either.

June recap

So we’re halfway through 2023 now, I guess? Looking back on June, I don’t have too much to say! I made a quick trip to NJ to visit my grandmother, and I ended up seeing all my aunts and uncles on that side of the family, which was nice. I’m also happy that many of my “extracurricular” activities (band, choir, etc.) are on hiatus for the summer, which means I have more time for relaxing, socializing, and of course reading. So without further ado, on to the books!

Books read in June:
1. Lauren Willig, The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
2. John Moore, A Fate Worse Than Dragons
3. Stella Riley, The Mésalliance
4. Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt
5. Sarah Adams, The Off Limits Rule
6. Baynard Kendrick, The Odor of Violets
7. Ali Hazelwood, Love, Theoretically
8. Mary Balogh, The Gilded Web
9. Erin Beaty, The Traitor’s Kiss
10. Kathleen Gilles Seidel, Again
11. B.R. Myers, A Dreadful Splendor

Favorite book of the month:
I really enjoyed The Mésalliance, even more than book #1 in the series. I loved watching the main characters slowly chip away at each other’s defenses, and their romance really worked for me!

Dishonorable mention:
A Fate Worse Than Dragons was OK, but there wasn’t much to it beyond the humor, which mostly didn’t click for me.

CATs completed:
- GeoCAT (South and Southeast Asia): The Betrayal of the Blood Lily is set in India, mostly in and near Hyderabad.
- SeriesCAT (favorite author): The Hallowed Hunt is book #3 in Lois McMaster Bujold’s Five Gods trilogy, and The Gilded Web is book #1 in Mary Balogh’s Web series.
- AlphaKIT (B, K): Lauren Willig, The *Betrayal of the *Blood Lily; Lois McMaster *Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt; *Baynard *Kendrick, The Odor of Violets; Mary *Balogh, The Gilded Web; Erin *Beaty, The Traitor's *Kiss; *Kathleen Gilles Seidel, Again; *B.R. Myers, A Dreadful Splendor
- MysteryKIT (vintage): The Odor of Violets was originally published in 1941.
- SFFKIT (humorous): A Fate Worse Than Dragons is a spoof of common fantasy tropes.

Bingo squares completed:
- Features a cat or member of the cat family: A main character in The Hallowed Hunt is possessed by a leopard spirit.
- STEM topic: Both main characters in Love, Theoretically are physicists.

Books acquired in June:
- Kathleen Gilles Seidel, Again (already read)
- Janice Hallett, The Appeal
- Anne Gracie, Marry in Haste
- Lois McMaster Bujold, The Spirit Ring
- Grace Draven, Phoenix Unbound (e-book)
- Mary Simses, The Wedding Thief (e-book)
- Connie Willis, The Road to Roswell

Come join me at my new thread for the second half of 2023! https://www.librarything.com/topic/351918