Audrey Jane’s Comments (group member since May 27, 2014)

Audrey Jane’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Oh, Mercedes Lackey ! I own a bunch of secondhand paperbacks from her that I still need to read.
Did you enjoy your book, Geri ?

haha, indeed, Sophie, we might be in for a big surprise !

Chapter 13 is so good, I won't be able to stop reading just yet. But I agree with Stacey about the Doctor jr.. I'm upset for Alexandra. What was he thinking ?!

Sammy wrote: "Rosina wrote: "Perhaps not the same but when hangings in prior centuries would occur people would come out to watch for entertainment purposes."

Not exactly a shining example of human decency eith..."

And let's not forget the people who profit from these and would rent out their place in order for people to have better views of the executions.
I wonder if that's where the Dutch saying comes from that goes "One man's death is another man's bread".

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Characters are engaging as well especially Bess and Keziah and her family. Strong female friendship is always a bonus."

They are a bonus for me as well :) Funny that you mention that because that's what stood out as well in the author's previous novel. Women supporting each other and facing hardships together. Maybe this will turn out to be trademark Stacey Halls. Will find out after this book.

DQ Day 2: Chapters 6-10

1. Were you surprised to find out Daniel had a wife? I personally was super surprised as I originally believed him when he said he was single. What do you think of the way Daniel died?

I actually shouldn't have been surprised because I read the blurb a couple of times however I keep forgetting what was mentioned once I start the book. Therefore I completely forgot about the widow but I was not really surprised either.

I wonder if he had a hereditary condition or if he was poisoned. It seems so sudden.

2. How do you think Alexandra Callard knew about Bess and her daughter?

I think through the Doctor Mead or someone else at the Foundling Hospital. Since the doctor is capable of lying and deception (with Eliza) I wonder what else he's capable of. I'm not sure if Daniel told Alexandra of Bess. It seems unlikely.

3. What do you think of the way Alexandra and Charlotte live? Do you think Alexandra keeps Charlotte home to stop her from being recognized or because she is truly scared of the real world?

No, I lean more towards the latter. It might be that she hides the child but I don't think that's the main reason. Alexandra was like that already at 29 years old before she met Daniel and Charlotte. She seems to be afraid to be touched, attacked or killed and such. I think it's linked to her past (her parents and Daniel are dead and we still don't know how her parents died). Something tragic happened since Daniel immediately recognized her name. Maybe she has OCD or is a hypersensitive person.

4. "Eliza" has been fired on her first day. What do you think of Alexandra's reasoning for firing her? Do you think part of Alexandra knows that she is Charlotte's real mom?

I understand why Alexandra does it. I don't think anyone likes random people snooping around their personal affairs. Especially since Alexandra is very wary of the outside world so her decision is not surprising at all.

No, I don't think so. Since the story was told from Alexandra's perspetive I didn't get the sense that she knew that "Eliza" might be Charlotte's mother. She would have mentioned it, even casually. However I am intrigued by the fact that she has the token.

5. Do you think Bess will find a way to still see her daughter? How?

Yes, absolutely, especially since she knows where her child lives. As a last resort probably kidnapping Clara while they are visiting the church. I presume the Doctor already knows. Looking foward to Bess' chapters again.

Book: Nemesis by Margit Sandemo
Date Read: 3rd of May
Pages: 201

Possible uses and reasons/justifications:

125. CW - book has been translated from original language into English (translated from Norwegian)
204. CW - #7 in series
234. CW - MC has a son (Tancred is Alexander Paladin's son)
180. TA - cover has only one woman (can include men, but not multiple women) PLUS something blue (woman wearing blue dress)
190. TA - Spell out Sky - S (author: Sandemo, Margit)
224. TA - Single person on the cover
116. D - someone pretends to be someone they're not (Jessica Cross dresses up and passes as her maid)
153. D - Historical Fiction MPG
84. W - Spell out BEES - S
108. W - character has an X in their name (Alexander Paladin)

DQ Day 1 - Chapters 1-5

1. How are you liking the writing style ? Are you enjoying the story so far?

2. After reading that opening scene, what do you think of the practice of the Hospital taking babies based on a lottery (the coloured balls in the bag) ?

3. At some point Bess says that "knowing she [Clara] could be anywhere instead of nowhere at all was torture even more exquisite." Implying that not knowing where her child is is worse than knowing she's dead. What's your opinion ? Or would you rather not know ?

4. What do you make of the child's father, Daniel Callard ? Everyone keeps asking Bess if he's really dead. Do you suspect there's more to Daniel than we've been told so far ?

5. Time for your theories ! Who do you think claimed Clara on the 28th of November 1747, the day after Bess gave up her baby ?

Wow, so many suggestions came in. I'm browsing this thread in order to increase my own TBR list now.

Hi Michelle ! It seems we enjoy the same genres, historical fiction/mystery is a favourite of mine as well :)

I agree with Lorna, I enjoyed The Familiars as well, it's set in the English countryside. The story is based on the trials of the Pendle witches.

I just compared our books (for me not to suggest books you've already read) and really recommend Kindred and Spellbound. Kindred is just amazing ! It's a historical fiction/science-fiction (time travel) crossover.

I'm so glad to see Spellbound on your shelves, I will be reading book 7 in the series. It's a Scandinavian series set in Norway and partly in Denmark. It's historical fiction (based on real events and real historical figures appear) with a touch of paranormal (witches, family curses etc). The whole series has been translated in English.

If you're in the mood for something more spooky in the historical fiction genre, I recommend The Silent Companions. I suggest you don't read it at night because I had some jump scares afterwards haha

As you especially enjoy historical mysteries, one of my favourite series is the Sebastian St Cyr series starting with What Angels Fear. Not sure if you know of it.

Regarding historical romance, I recently enjoyed The Parfit Knight. One of the best I've read so far !

Hope you don't feel too overwhelmed with the suggestions. Please feel free to drop your own suggestions over at team Rob !

I'm starting with The Winter of the Witch and will read The Foundling following the BOM breakdown.

Thank you, Sophie ! Really enjoyed this individual challenge (definitely a keeper).

Rina wrote: "It worked, thank you!!!"

Haha, great ! You're welcome :D

Just checked the countdown, it's almost time to rob earn those points ;)



Europe will probably be sleeping. It will be 2 AM local time when the challenge starts but I will be cheering you on in my sleep haha

Rina wrote: "How do you transfer Kindle, Audrey Jane?"

I remembered the process more complicated but it's actually pretty simple (however it seems I'm only eligible to transfer to Amazon US, NL, DE, FR). I just tried it again with another freebie. Here's what I did:

- Under your account click on "Content & Devices"
- Above next to "Manage your content and devices" click on "Preferences"
- Click on "Country/Region settings"
- You will see the following text "Click here to learn more about other Amazon sites you are eligible to shop on based on your country/region of residence." Click on "here" and you will be able to see the countries where you can transfer your kindle.
- Depending on the country you choose, click on "Learn about"
- A short text will appear explaining what will happen if you transfer your device. If you're ok with that, click on the dark yellow button with the text "Transfer your account to Amazon.com"
- The following message will appear : Thank you for transferring your device to Amazon.com
You may now begin shopping for digital content at the Amazon.com Kindle Store and make purchases in US Dollars (USD).

Hope this all makes sense :) Let me know if you encounter any issue.

Karen, that's awesome ! Watching Eurovision with friends is everything. I'm still amazed at how popular it is in Australia.

I have a colleague who loves Eurovision. He would watch it with a group of friends but before the start he would give everyone point cards and you had to grade each performance from 1 to 12. He would give prices to the one who could guess the winner haha

I already have a couple of favourites but I'm looking forward to the live performances!

Yasmine wrote: "Louise wrote: "Is anyone else reading the BOM, we get 20pts extra for reading and participating in the BOM. I've already got the book dowloaded ready to go.
:)"

Where did you find the book to down..."

I sometimes transfer my kindle from Amazon France to UK or USA depending on the deals and prices they are offering (Amazon US has also more freebies). I think you can do that with any other country.

Louise wrote: "Audrey let us know if this is convenient for you. If you can't do it for any reason let me know."

All good :) That day is perfect. I have the book waiting on my nightstand ready to be read. I have the hardcover version and the book is absolutely gorgeous inside out. Love the artwork.

Glad you will be joining the discussion, Louise !

@Carrie: Liked your suggestions. I have a couple of books from Caitlin Doughty to read (hopefully during TT). I only recently realized that all this time I've been following her Youtube channel. I didn't realize they were the same person.

Fyi, team, the polls for June's BOMs are open here !

Cilla wrote: "It looks like I will have a lot of time to optimize. LOL That's good though. I'll get to read. Sometimes I knit or crochet while I wait, but my shoulders are bothering me."

I find knitting and crocheting are very relaxing activities, I never got the hang of crocheting though. I'm always amazed how people get amazing creations out of it meanwhile I'm stuck with my asymmetrical shapes :) Hope your shoulders are bothering you less.

Geri wrote: "I’m starting to think notifications will never work correctly again!"

I'm more and more convinced of that too. I don't think Goodreads got the memo or they just hired a new intern...
The delays are pretty random but my notification are now 12 hrs late. Also the GR app is going crazy with notifications as well, sometimes I can't consult mine.