Lady Georgie and Darcy are happily enjoying their new baby, when all sorts of guests descend on their borrowed manor -- Georgie's mother, who seems frLady Georgie and Darcy are happily enjoying their new baby, when all sorts of guests descend on their borrowed manor -- Georgie's mother, who seems frighteningly unaware of the dangers of her engagement to a German businessman as the Nazis become ever more powerful; Georgie's former stepfather, owner of the manor, complete with American filmmakers; Georgie's brother and her dreadful sister-in-law Fig, escaping their freezing castle in Scotland; and worst of all, Wallis Simpson, escaping publicity as King Edward VIII prepares to abdicate. Hijinks ensue. Once more, Ms. Bowen has put together real history and mystery with humor and social commentary to provide excellent entertainment. Highly recommended that you read the whole series....more
A nice Christmas story of character growth and recovery from childhood trauma, set partly in St. Paul and -- I can't tell any more without spoilers. AA nice Christmas story of character growth and recovery from childhood trauma, set partly in St. Paul and -- I can't tell any more without spoilers. A fast and enjoyable Christmas book....more
This is part of a series of "Holiday House" romances, in which the heroine goes to a holiday rental to escape some unpleasant life events and then eveThis is part of a series of "Holiday House" romances, in which the heroine goes to a holiday rental to escape some unpleasant life events and then eventually finds love. This, the second one I've read, takes place in coastal Maine. There is the usual immediate attraction, blossoming love, and conflict arises -- but with a happy ending of course. It was well-written and very enjoyable -- if I hadn't made a resolution to read books I already have, I'd be acquiring more of the series. A great escape from the world's troubles....more
After the events of The Salt Path, the author and her husband are given a chance to live on and rehabilitate a farm. Part of the book is about these eAfter the events of The Salt Path, the author and her husband are given a chance to live on and rehabilitate a farm. Part of the book is about these experiences, but the part I really remember is that where they, along with a couple they met hiking on The Salt Path, go to Iceland to do more hiking. It's not something I'd ever want to do, especially after Winn's descriptions of their experience, but it makes fascinating reading....more
I've read several books by Maddie Dawson now and have enjoyed them all. This one had a lot of quirky characters and many twists and turns. Much more tI've read several books by Maddie Dawson now and have enjoyed them all. This one had a lot of quirky characters and many twists and turns. Much more than just a romance. Recommended....more
I've now read all of the Morland Dynasty books -- a series of historical novels beginning in medieval times, giving an overview of British history thrI've now read all of the Morland Dynasty books -- a series of historical novels beginning in medieval times, giving an overview of British history through the saga of one Yorkshire family. It's evident that this, Harrod-Eagles' 100th book, will be the last in this series, as there is an epilogue telling us what happened to the main characters during and after World War II, the start of which concludes the narrative. The Gathering Storm opens in 1936, when much of the upper class in England was concerned with the new King, Edward VIII, and his relationship with Wallis Simpson. (The press successfully kept this a secret from the average English person for quite a while.) Harrod-Eagles seems a bit more sympathetic toward Mrs. Simpson than many other authors (cf. Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgie series). Still, the abdication shocks and dismays everyone. The Morland family -- by now quite extended, as it would be after several hundred years -- includes both members of the aristocracy and commoners of varying fortunes - from an American millionaire to a wealthy Engnlishwoman who owns the original family estate, to a few young people with their own way to make in the world. Of course, they are involved in most of the questions of the day -- from the Spanish Civil War to Hollywood films to the terrors of Stalin's Russia to the rise of Hitler and the beginnings of the Holocaust. Since this is one of my favorite historical periods to read about, both in fiction and nonfiction, I didn't learn as much from The Gathering Storm as I did from many of the preceding books, but I still enjoyed the story and the characters of the family members. I envy anyone who can start with The Founding and read all 36 books. My one complaint about this Kindle edition is that it was almost impossible to read the family trees at the start of the book -- which are very useful in keeping the characters and their relationships straight. I'd advise reading these books in paper form for that reason....more
You pretty much can't go wrong with Dick Francis. His protagonists always have interesting careers, often connected to horses, and they are likable chYou pretty much can't go wrong with Dick Francis. His protagonists always have interesting careers, often connected to horses, and they are likable characters who have a definite sense of right and wrong. The Danger's hero is part of a business that helps people who have been kidnapping victims (and their families). A fast-moving and enjoyable novel....more
Latest entry in this very enjoyable series of police procedurals. There is just enough of the personal lives and friendships among the team to add a bLatest entry in this very enjoyable series of police procedurals. There is just enough of the personal lives and friendships among the team to add a bit of romance, domesticity, and comic relief to the often grisly and heartrending crimes they deal with. The setting in the north of England (similar to that of the Cleeves series and television show Vera) is very well described. The plot in this book may ring a faint bell to Hitchcock film aficionados, but Ross makes it her own. It's best if you go back and start with the first in the series - I envy you beginning this excellent set of books....more
From time to time I go back through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and list books I know I've read in the past -- usually I'll just rate them with stars based on my memoryFrom time to time I go back through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and list books I know I've read in the past -- usually I'll just rate them with stars based on my memory. I'd listed Tigana in this way, and when a 25th anniversary edition was announced on Kindle, I bought it, thinking it was worth rereading. But as soon as I began the first page, I realized I had not read it before! It was nearly impossible to put down after that.
Unlike many of Kay's books set in the universe where there are two moons, blue and white, it was not evident (to me at least) what the parallel countries in our own world were. (I note that some reviewers thought it was Renaissance Italy....) The lands being fought over in Tigana seem more like the Balkans to me than anywhere else, but this may be wrong. In any case, several small provinces/states are being ruled primarily by two opposing great powers -- one seems a lot like the Roman Empire, the other -- I'm not sure.Tigana is the story of a rebellion and of an assortment of very different men and women who lead the rebellion. It is a thrilling and satisfying tale, and I recommend it highly (as I do all Kay's books)....more
A fascinating book about the room in the nation's capital that we've seen on The West Wing and in many other television programs and films. It isn't nA fascinating book about the room in the nation's capital that we've seen on The West Wing and in many other television programs and films. It isn't nearly as fancy as we've seen on the screen. Stephanopoulos details the history of the Situation Room -- which is not as long a history as you might think -- and the stories of the various crises that have been dealt with there. He also highlights the unsung civil and military people who make it work, as well as the very different ways each President has interacted with them. Highly recommended for anyone interested in our government....more
This was not my favorite of the series, as far as the mystery plot went, but the ending wrapped up the personal story lines satisfactorily. Ms. Winspear has already written a few standalone novels and I hope she will continue to do so. If you have not read the Maisie Dobbs series from the beginning, my recommendation would be to start from the first book. Ms. Winspear is a master at character development....more
Sebastian St. Cyr investigates two dreadful murders with numerous suspects, some of whom are politically unwise to look at. Snippets of his family lifSebastian St. Cyr investigates two dreadful murders with numerous suspects, some of whom are politically unwise to look at. Snippets of his family life and the ongoing story of his friend, pathologist and opium addict Paul Gibson, add interest. The ending was quite a surprise. I recommend this series for those who like historical mysteries....more
Also part of the Holiday House series, this one is set in a Scottish castle (and partly in New York City), with a children's librarian as the heroine,Also part of the Holiday House series, this one is set in a Scottish castle (and partly in New York City), with a children's librarian as the heroine, and it's set at Christmas -- what's not to like? An enjoyable and well-done romance. Recommended for those who like this sort of thing....more
With the troubles of his recent arrest over, Mickey Haller is concentrating on freeing a convicted murderer whom he believes to be innocent. An excellWith the troubles of his recent arrest over, Mickey Haller is concentrating on freeing a convicted murderer whom he believes to be innocent. An excellent story with lots of legal maneuvering and plot twists. If you enjoy the television show The Lincoln Lawyer, you should really read the books too....more
Anderson Cooper, the son of Gloria Vanderbilt, tells parts of the story of his Vanderbilt ancestors in this fascinating, though sometimes annoyingly eAnderson Cooper, the son of Gloria Vanderbilt, tells parts of the story of his Vanderbilt ancestors in this fascinating, though sometimes annoyingly episodic, book. It's an interesting tale of the rise and fall of an American family of great wealth, of social climbing, family scandals and tragedies, and how the author, an accomplished journalist, deals with the family legacy....more
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