It has been months since I did a post on books I’ve read. Certainly when it is cold outside, curling up with a good book is nice especially if accompanied by a fire in the fireplace and a cup of hot coffee. I read almost every day, as I like to get up early and enjoy the quiet of early dawn. I went through a bunch of bad books last summer, from wallbangers (books that are so bad that they are thrown against a wall after 50 pages) to endings that were awful, and then to the mildly disappointing. When I finish one that I can’t recommend, I think “well, there goes several hours of my life I’ll never get back.” Then just last month, I read several good ones in a row. I’m going to back up to last spring’s reading and talk about the ones I liked, then I’ll give you the list of wallbangers and bad endings to avoid from last summer, and finish with several that were the best of the whole year. Amazon links are provided for the recommended ones.
Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens
Stories of patrons of a tea house are told in an easy reading manner. The characters all have some difficulties to overcome, mostly finding ways to move away from unhappy situations into better circumstances. I had to laugh out loud at the revenge of a scorned wife, truly a priceless way to take care of an unfaithful husband. Difficult to put down after the first half, it picks up as it moves along. I’ll be looking for more by this author.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Nicely written story told from the point of view of a Chinese American in two timelines – when he was a boy during World War II and as an adult. His first love is a Japanese girl, who is taken to an interment camp and they lose track of each other. The historical view of the treatment of Japanese families during the war was thought provoking. A hotel renovation begins a trip down memory lane and the desire to reconnect with the lost love. An interesting read, if difficult in parts, recommend.
Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
A sweet confection of a story, easy reading and simple in plot. There is the fun magical aspect that defines Allen’s writing style, not overwhelming but just enough. Who wouldn’t want to have wallpaper that changed with your mood? The story has a simple message, to accept differences and learn to appreciate others for who they are. Emily knows who her mother was, but finds a different message when she comes to live with her grandfather. When eventually she finds out that her image of her mother was right all along, it is up to the others in town to accept a truth they don’t want to know.
On Rue Tatin by Susan Herrmann Loomis
A non-fiction memoir of a food writer’s early years of cooking school and finding her voice in France. Although it paints a rosy picture, that was likely not as idyllic as described, it was a nice escape read. It was fun to dream of living in Paris, even for a little while. Having spent a vacation in Paris some years ago, the book evoked memories of my husband and I strolling along the river, visiting the sites, speaking the language, and learning about the French culture. The book is an easy read, and a nice way to pass the time on an airplane or the beach.
The Ex-Debutante by Linda Francis Lee
Hilarious story of old money vs new riche, relationships with one’s mother, and the lengths one will go to in order to prove a point to oneself by my favorite comedy writer. Linda Francis Lee writes in the farce genre, taking situations to exaggerated extremes and doing it in such entertaining style that you cannot help but laugh out loud. At one point, near the end of the book, I had to go get tissues to wipe my eyes, laughing so much I couldn’t see to read. The ending is satisfying with many resolutions, and all believable, particularly if you were raised in the south.
Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson
A sweet story of a woman trying to find herself after a broken engagement and a near fatal illness. As an artist, she accepts an invitation to stay with an aunt in Paris. Overall it is an acceptable story, nothing outstanding, with predictable outcomes. Good for a beach read, but not great literature.
In the category of meh, awful, or wallbanger, these you can see on my Goodreads reviews if you are interested. I’m Craftnut there. Send me a friend invite to see my reviews on your feed. Or you can check the sidebar on my blog for the latest reviews.
Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio -One of the most depressing books I have ever read, even more sad as I have liked the other books I’ve read by Jio.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson – Started out charming, then just went off the rails with a truly stupid ending.
The White Queen by Philipa Gregory – second book I have wallbanged of hers. Not wasting my time on any more.
Victorian Christmas Collection by Peggy Stoks – just ugh, badly written, wallbanged
A Merry Little Murder by Shelley Freydont – just meh
Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and Book of Life by Deborah Harkness – With the TV series starting on AMC based on this trilogy, decided to read the books. Overall, it is OK, but not a series I would recommend. Perhaps it would appeal to teen readers, but lacks something for the adult reader.
Return to the House on Tradd Street by Karen White – Overall it didn’t live up to the previous books in the series, being far too whiny.
Her Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen – read the first four in the series, and it got old. Too much repetition, and books like this have become so formulaic that they are not enjoyable anymore.
Burnt Mountain by Anne Rivers Siddons – Disappointing story from a favorite author, there are just too many inconsistencies and loose ends, storylines left hanging and not fully explored.
Back to the good ones, if you have young children in your life, these wonderful books written by a fellow Mini owner, children’s book author and professor of children’s literature, Lester Laminack, are highly recommended for the kids. I was curious about his writing, so I checked these out from the library. Each one has a message, gently told and delightfully written.
Jake’s 100th Day of School – a delightful story about how a mistake can turn into something even more awesome than the original plan.
The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins – a truly wonderfully written book explaining the confusing condition of Alzheimer’s disease in a way a child could understand.
The King of Bees – A marvelous tale of a boy and his aunt who keeps bees, bringing home the lesson of protecting our pollinators.
Three Hens and a Peacock – fun little tale that teaches everyone has a place and a talent.
Saturdays and Teacakes – Saturdays spent with his grandmother speaks to the power of love between generations.
Back to the novels, The Christmas Train by David Baldacci was a nice holiday read with a surprise ending you will NOT see coming. Although I could have done without the stupid decision towards the end concerning skiing to find help, the rest of the book was enjoyable especially for the holidays.
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
A sweet story of southern charm told from the viewpoint of a 12-year old who grew up with, and had to deal with, a bipolar mother and an absent father. At her mother’s death, she is sent to live with a great aunt, who slowly and carefully shows her what family means, and heals her broken psyche. This is a character study kind of book, and not a lot of action, however some of the scenes will make you laugh out loud. The daily life of CeeCee gets better over the course of the book, and that is the main message, that time heals, family can be more than just a blood relative, and new starts can result in new friends. I found it hard to put down.
Winter Bloom by Tara Heavey
A neglected garden overgrown and dying becomes the metaphor for the lives of three different people to heal their own hearts. The stories of their individual tragedies are told in flashback, and as the garden begins to come alive, so do the characters as they find renewed hope and happiness. The book is uplifting and beautifully written, with a depth I wasn’t expecting. Highly Recommend.
Apart at the Seams by Marie Bostwick
A novel of hope and friendship, with depth and good character development. The men in this novel are somewhat unrealistic and a bit of fantasy, but the overall book is charming nevertheless. The stories of two women overcoming the difficulties in life and marriage is ultimately uplifting, particularly in the lesson on forgiveness near the end. Enjoyable reading with a good message.
Resistant by Michael Palmer
Gripping thriller of an antibiotic resistant bacteria developed then unleashed by a corrupt organization, well paced and in its own way, terrifying. Having spent much of my career in the medical field, this one is plausible and therefore nightmare producing.
Do you have a good book to recommend? I’ll send a copy of Teahouse on Mulberry Street to someone drawn at random from all the comments. Giveaway is over.
For my stamping readers, see Impression Obsession’s Spring Release Celebration. There are some really wonderful sets that would make ideal cards for the Safelight project coming up this spring, with inspirational messages and fun images. See their blog post for Monday (click on ‘blog’ on their menu bar) to get the links to their designer’s blogs where each one will have a $25 gift certificate giveaway! You could win free stamps!! You can enter on every designer’s blog for each post they do this week. Drawing entries end on Saturday at noon central time.
From My Carolina Home 
Thanks for the recommendations. There are quite a few on your list that I have not yet read. I will have to check them out.
Lovely descriptions Carole, thank you.
I recently finished Year One by Nora Roberts and found it an easy read with the mystical and magic intertwined through a modern day pandemic. Seems to be a genre I’ve been reading more of lately. Another that was scary good was One second After by William Forstchen.
I’ve read quite a few of the books you’ve listed but not the Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens yet or the Ex-debutante sounds intriguing. Will be getting that at the library with the children’s books too. Thanks and Happy New Year!
I have only read a few of those you have on your list. Thanks for the recommendations! I am currently reading non fiction. Under the Wild Sky, which is Audubon’s biography, and Renia’s Diary, which is the diary of a teenager in Poland during WW2, not unlike Anne Frank.
Thanks for the recommendations and warnings, Carole! It is a challenge to find the ones that resonate. I was having a bad day yesterday, saw Jayne Ann Krantz’s new book at the library, brought it home and it took my mind off my issues nicely!! I have always liked her books. Recently listened to Cinder by Marissa Meyer and loved that. I read for interest and entertainment, not depression, horror or tears. As I get older, I seem to be enjoying the teen fiction more than the adult!
I agree on the teen fiction. I have to read a lot for work, and really have enjoyed the Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger. I like all her books, actually. Cinder was good, I agree.
I have not any on your list but sure am going to start. I am on a Amish kick right now and just finished a 3 book series by Adina Senft.. All about Sara Yoder and her life as a herb healer for her comunity. Would highly recommend them if your are a Amish book reader. I am excited to start a few on your list. Thanks so mcuh for sharing your reading list, Going to step out of my comfort zone and give them a try!!
Thank you for the recommendations! I write them in a small notebook. I read “ The Gown’ last month and enjoyed it. It was about a seamstress who worked on Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Written by a Jennifer Robson who wrote a book on your list above.
Happy New Year! Looking forward to reading more good books and sewing quilts things.
Carole, I am always looking for book suggestions. My favourite books read last year are Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Bother are highly recommended if you have not read them.
I’ve had Gentleman iin Moscow on my To-Read List for quite a while. Guess I need to check it out & read it!
Thank you for the critics both good and bad. My husband and I were both big readers and had to rent a storage bin for all of our books from the last 45 years. We did finally get rid of most of them because we just don’t reread them. Most of them went to a sober living house for women in recovery. My all time favorite and ones that I HAVE reread many times are Richard Adam’s “Water Ship Down” stories. My husband stopped reading for some reason and since he is now retired I hope he starts again.
I love to read and have encouraged my children, from an early age, to read also. I’m thankful it stuck, because they are both avid readers, one an author and the other a librarian. I am a fan of David Baldacci, and always look for his books.
I like David Baldacci. Read his books before. Will try some of your list.
Thank you Carole for these reviews. I am excited to look up new titles and authors, and your list is full of them. I believe the only authors you mention that I have read are David Baldacci, and Marie Bostwick. It appears I will be entering new territory.
I do like to be entertained when I read, but will also read for educational purposes. My favourite author is Lesley Crewe. The first book I read written by her in 2016 was Mary Mary. It was a delightful visit into a Maritime neighbourhood. Somehow Lesley has managed to create characters with whom I can identify as folks I knew growing up or now as an adult. I would be silently reading along, and suddenly this loud burst of laughter would erupt. Initially my husband thought I was in trouble(he was in another room, and is hard of hearing.) Now he knows there must be a new Lesley Crewe book out. Her newest release is Beholden. If you give Lesley Crewe a read, I’d be interested to hear your impressions. Mary Mary is a great one to start with. I’m wondering if perhaps my view is clouded by the fact that I am a Maritimer.
Thanks for the link to the stamps. I loved those Glitter and Ginny stamps!! LOL
I see we have read several of the same books and have tossed a few at the wall as well. I have read the Teahouse on Mulberry Street so I don’t need to be entered in your give away. I am adding Winter Bloom to my to read list.
I’ve read two of the “good” recommendations, thank you for sharing the others. I’ve seriously always enjoyed The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. With a sequel of The Next Person You Meet In Heaven as a Sequel. I’ve purchased that one but yet to read it. Hope you get a chance to read them! xxxxx
Thanks for sharing the good, bad and ugly from your reading adventures. I
Have been reading Everyone Brave is Forgiven this week, but am not far enough in to rate it yet. The author is taking care to set up the four main characters…it’s a WW2 era, set in London. We’ll see!
What wonderful detailed reviews – how
in the world do you find time to accomplish all you do? Have you given up sleep? LOL!
While traveling in Indiana I stopped by a Little Free Library and found a copy of Jean Stratton Porters book A Girl of the Limberlost. Written in the early 1900’s about a teenage girl struggling in her relationship with her mother & finding joy in nature & learning. The authors naturalist background is evident in the details of flowers, insects & birds in the Limberlost. A pleasant read and one I should have read many years ago.
Oh, I loved that book as a young girl! I’m sure it would still be wonderful, it was so well written.
Thanks for the list of “don’t waste your time” books!! I love any book by C.J. Box. He writes about Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden, and his descriptions of the
great outdoors makes me feel like I’m standing in Wyoming again. Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series is one of my favorites. Linda Castillo’s Amish stories about Kate Burkholder is another favorite. I read on my iPad as I can prop it on my lap. After seven surgeries on my arms and hands, holding a book is longer comfortable. But I’m a life long reader thanks to my mother and will not be deterred from reading a good book. Thankfully, I can read my Bible on my iPad also. Here’s to spending time checking out what others read. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions!!
I always have a book that I am reading. I might choose one or two from your list. Thanks Carole!
I highly recommend The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore. It’s historical fiction concerning a lawsuit between Westinghouse and Edison as to who invented the electric light bulb. Even Tesla is included. Fascinating story
Thanks for all the good book reviews. I always appreciate them.
Good morning Carole. I have just finished listening to Lisa Genova’s book, Every Note Played, an extremely emotional and honest take, on a renowned concert pianist’s life, after he receives a diagnosis of ALS. Until I read this book, my only knowledge of the disease was that both, Lou Gehrig and Steven Hawking, had suffered and died because of it. This may be a novel, but Lisa pulls no punches in her depiction of the disease’s harrowing effects on his family, and their reaction to it. Another book I just picked up from the library, after waiting since July 1st., is The silent patient by Alex Michaelides, which I will begin today. After waiting 6 months, and noting there are over 40 people still on the wait list, I look forward to reading a book that has been touted, as the perfect thriller. Thanks for all your recommendations and I will jot down the names of those you enjoyed, in a notebook I keep of books I would like to read. I usually keep about 6 or 7 books on order at the library, so I am never our of books.
I recently discovered Kate Morton and have enjoyed The Lake House and Distant Hours. Will read more by her. Another author recently discovered is Joy Fielding. I am on a second book by her. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is another good, twisty one. The Woman in the Window as great, enjoyed the description of the character.
Thank you for sharing a bit about these books. I will be looking into some of them.
I read: High Sierra Sweethearts series. .
book one:The Accidental Guardian
book two: The Reluctant Warrior
book three: The Unexpected Champion
by Mary Connealy
EXCELLENT COULDNT PUT THEM DOWN
I do recommend reading them in order as the characters grow and the story grows.
Such well written books
I am currently in the middle of “The Silent Patient”. I’m finding it very intriguing and wondering how it will all end. I recently read “The Lying Game” by Ruth Ware. Meh! Not sure what all the fuss was about. However, I did recently enjoy “Camino Island” and “Calico Joe” both by Grisham. They’re not his usual subject.
Please check out Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn. It’s a Hallmark novel that’s been on the bestsellers lists. It’s about a young woman who makes a Quilt of Valor and the soldier who receives it.
Okay, as a maker of similar quilts for American Heroes, this sounds like a lovely sweet romance, and I bought it for my Kindle. I had $2 credit for something and that made it a very reasonable read!
Your book reviews are great! I’ve gotten so many good reads from your recommendations. Perhaps one of my favorites is Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. It speaks to me given my former work with families in many situations and because my husband and I spent a short time traveling in our RV through the area. Thanks again for including this section in your blog.
Connie
Thanks for the suggestions. I put several of them on my list. I am a fan of previous ones that I have read written by Sarah Addison Allen, so I will go to the library to check that one out.
Carole, I’m back. I’ll make it short, but wanted to thank you for the link to the nre stamps and the blog party happening now. I’ve been spending my time visiting and enjoying. Isn’t it fun to make cards, especially with other like minded folks.
What an absolutely delightful post. I feel as though you’ve done some heavy lifting for all of us! I appreciate the head’s-up on books to avoid as well as just enough of the plot of each of them to pique my curiosity or decide they are not my “cup of tea”. I’m ready to find 2 of them right now—The Ex-Debutante and Winter Bloom. I look forward to reading them. I am an avid reader but recently have been in a re-reading mood—especially of books I’ve had for years and enjoyed but wanted to re-read at this point in my life—mostly to refresh my memory or see what I’ve missed. (Sorry for that horribly long run-on sentence!) My present read is Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. This will be my 3rd time through….and over the years have loaned the book to at least 3 others. Thanks again for the post….a nice read in itself!
I always enjoy your book review posts, Carole! You made me laugh with your description of “wall-banger” books! I admit that I have abandoned a few that I felt that way about – just can’t always make myself finish them. I read The Gown by Jennifer Robson recently, and loved it! Also am reading The Christmas Train right now and enjoying that as well. You might enjoy books by Katherine Center, a new author discovery for me – especially Things You Save in a Fire.
Love your reviews! Have you tried “A Discovery of Witches”???
Discovery of Witches and the next two in the series are in the middle of my ‘don’t recommend’ list in the middle of the post.
Gee I Love them – I find something interesting about alchemy every time I read them. Interesting subject in the history of science….
Oh yum!!!! This holiday has been a blur and I can use some “escape”. I have really enjoyed your selections. And might have to add the one just above me “A Discovery of Witches.” Leaving for the library as we speak. I was absolutely devastated when we lost Mauve Binchy and am looking forward to The Tea House book and a couple (7 actually on my list) others.
Thanks for slogging through the wall-bangers for us.
I used to be pretty ignorant of economic principles, but I homeschooled my children so had to bone up on this topic…which eventually led me to read “Atlas Shrugged” and “Fountainhead” two excellent novels that were so riveting I could barely put themdown. They both have some parts with sexually explicit language and atheistic ideas that I don’t agree with, but even so, they were extremely well-written and explained why John Maynard Keyne’s ideas are so deadly. Sounds like a dry topic but I’m telling you, they were both SUPERB! As for my favorite children’s books, I highly recommend any of the Ralph Moody series about a boy and his family who moved from the East Coast to Colorado for health reasons in the late 1800’s (my children all loved this book, too! and I found myself unexpectedly crying at the very harsh things that people had to endure back then). Also any of Bill Peets books; while most children’s books are kind of dumbed down for children, adults will enjoy reading these…great illustrations, too. And finally, my all-time favorite for children 6 on up: Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
I can second the Ayn Rand books. People either love them or hate them. I read all the fiction books in my twenties and have read Atlas Shrugged a dozen times in the years since. The movie was only part of the book, and it stank.
I completely agree with you about the movie version of Atlas Shrugged…horrid!
I do a personal reading challenge each year. 2019 was to read 100 books (I read 120). 2020 is to read books recommended by others, so I appreciate your post today. I agree with you about some of the wall bangers. I read several that are on your list, but there are some new-to-me books listed. For easy good reads I like Debbie Macomber, Fannie Flagg, and Alexander McCall Smith. Here’s a few of my favorites from 2019: “Gwendy’s Button Box” – Stephen King & Richard Chizmar; “The School of Essential Ingredients” – Erica Bauermeister; and “Shiloh Autumn” – Bodie & Brock Thoene Thanks for the recommendations of good reads and those to avoid.
I always appreciate posts about books! Thank you! I will be attending my book club meeting on Sunday so I will take your list with me as we will be deciding which books to read this year. We recently read The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (I liked this book but thought The Nightingale was better), Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (very mixed reviews on this one from the group; I personally did not care for the ending) and most recently, Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb (an easy read and cute story – a change from some of the other more dramatic book we’ve been reading).
Carole, Concerning Where the Crawdads Sing: a couple members of my book club loved the book. One thought it was the best book we read in 2019. Another absolutely hated it from the writing to the ending. I liked the book/story itself but did not believe the ending. Just one opinion. I know it was highly touted in the media. I think Oprah had it on her booklist. It’s that old saying, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure!
I didn’t even get through it! After I waited on the library list from #348 in the queue, I didn’t like it at all.
I love book reviews! I just added some of these to my library wish list (they don’t have them all) and just took out the audio book for Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt….I think I may have read that one in the past, but perhaps I’m thinking of another one….thanks for the recommendations!
Love finding more books to read. I am currently enjoying Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower.
What a great job you do giving us a quick run down on the theme and merit of the books! I’ll be adding to my “read” list. THANK YOU!
Thanks so much for sharing books. It’s the way it’s meant to be. I have read several of the books on your list and have to agree with you mostly … Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt was indeed difficult to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed it. If anyone likes mysteries that are well-written and difficult to put down, I recommend Louis Penny series … Start with the first and they do get ever better. Inspector Gramach is … well, Inspector Gramach.
I lost a son with ALS just a week ago. I can’t even start to talk about the devastation of that horrible disease. Not ready to read anything about it yet … maybe down the road.
In the meantime, thank you so much for sharing!!
I just finished reading “Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good,” the 12th book in the Mitford series by Jan Karon. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, but this one especially made me laugh and cry.
Just requested your friendship on GoodReads. I always enjoy your book reviews on your blog. I keep a list on my phone of books I want to read and usually add several from your blog.
Of the books on this post, my favorite is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. I, too, was disappointed with Anne Rivers Siddon’s book – she is a favorite of mine.
I read daily and listen to audiobooks when I’m alone in the car – wish I could get my husband to listen, too 🙂
I’ve just started Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank – too early to rate. Have you read Louise Penny’s books?
I have enjoyed the Elizabeth Peters book series starring “Amelia Peabody” and dealing with Egyptian tomb discoveries–Fiction and funny and also interesting!! The same author also has some good mysteries written under the pseudonym of “Barbara Michaels”.
I love to read although at this point in my life I’m not into “deep” reading. But I love a good cozy mystery or a sweet story. My favorite books right now are a series, the Bellingwood books by Diane Greenwood Muir. She just released the latest one, “A Thrill of Hope”, at the end of December, and I’ve already read it twice and am looking forward to the next one. I appreciate your reviews and will be looking to read some of the ones you listed.
So I just got 1-3 on Kindle Unlimited, thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks so much for the reviews. I often look to other readers for recommendations. And thanks especially for including the children’s books. I love Addison Allen’s books, Saving CeCe Honeycutt, and most of Marie Bostwick’s books. The others are new and I’ve reserved several from the library. Thanks again!
Thank you for introducing me to a few new books/authors. I read a book or two a week. I notice I get very down when I don’t read. And a great variety. In regards to Ann Rivers Siddons book, do you ever think that it isn’t even the author actually writing the books anymore? There have been several authors that I enjoyed and then I pick up the latest and it just feels so “off” for lack of a better term. Thanks!
I have to confess that I am a very fussy reader, if a book doesn’t grab my attention within the first chapter or two, I pick up another. Currently I am reading “The Winemaker’s Wife” and it’s got me turning page after page!!
Thanks for the recommendations. I love it when I find some new authors.
If you like sci-fi, Anne McCaffrey’s series The Dragonriders of Pern is good and if you read them in order, they make more sense because they do build upon each other. It is a series that I have ready probably 4 times and I’ll happily re-read them. I’m not usually a huge sci-fi fan (I can read Heinlein and Asimov), but I love McCaffrey. Her Brain and Brawn books, Crystal Singer Trilogy, The Rowan series, and Sassinak…have them all and I’ve re-read them many times.
Just finished Where the Crawdads Sing. Great book.
I liked the Jamie Ford book a couple of years ago when I had to read it for young adult test questions. I thought it was well written. I usually like Marie Bostwick’s books. I’m not requiring reality these days. LOL I’ve read a lot, but I’ve been on a SciFi and mystery kick, so I won’t recommend any of those. Thanks for the reviews. Judging by the number of comments, quilters are also readers in general. LOL
I love to read book reviews Carole and have downloaded Kindle samples of several of these recommendations. I am currently on an Elin Hilderbrand kick, reading the series, What Happens in Paradise, and The Perfect Couple…Happy reading, I hope there are no wallbangers in 2020!
Jenna
Thanks for your reviews and recommendations- it’s appreciated! I’m in the midst of The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes, historic fiction about the pack-horse librarians in rural Kentucky. Very enjoyable (I am actually listening to the Audio Books version). And I see several people mentioned Where the Crawdads Sing. I enjoyed that as well.
Carole, I just can’t imagine that with as much as you do you still find time to read. Amazing. Thank you for the report.
okay! I literally almost emailed you last weekend for a book recommendation!! I need a winter book….arg…now trying to figure out WHICH one to start!! Of course I almost didn’t even get your list after reading your definition of “wallbangers”…lordy you had me literally LOL!!!
I’ve made note of On Rue Tatin; I love food-based books, both fiction and non-fiction.
Awesome reviews! I’ve been reading the Maisie Dobbs series recently and enjoyed them immensely. I’ll have to look for you on Goodreads!
Thanks for the great reading recommendations. You always have things on your blog that make life delightful!