Bea’s Comments (group member since Apr 29, 2011)

Bea’s comments from the Pick-a-Shelf group.

Tien wrote: "Well, Lahni & Bea, let me know when you'd like to do A Column of Fire... I have a copy of this one though maybe in May or something?"

May sounds about right for me. I am doing book #1 in April.

Tien wrote: "Lahni wrote: "I'm seconding:
A Column of Fire "

I might hold this off to closer to the end of year... just in case those buddy-reading The Pillars of the Earth go on t..."

Actually, Tien, I read #2 first. Now I am catching up by going back to #1...then maybe on to #3. I know...not the right order, but that is what I am ending up doing.

June has one more stop for which she needs a pick - post #228. I have already picked for her. Would someone else step up?

I read To Kill A Labrador and gave it 4*.

This book was about a service dog trainer who got involved in the murder of a woman, who was the wife of a Vet with whom she had placed a dog. There was romance with the Sheriff, a beloved dog, an overbearing brother, and lots of eccentric characters involved in this cozy mystery. Fun read.

June wrote: "Since this is the second time The Paris Wife has been picked I’m going with that one."

I know that I have been picking it a lot when it shows up, but that is only because I gave it a rare (for me) 5* rating. I hope you enjoy it!

I read The Witness by Nora Roberts and gave it 4*.

This book was a typical Nora Roberts read. Well written. Believable characters one would love to know. Romance. And a delightful mystery. Enjoyed it a lot.

June wrote: "I landed on QuestaCon, please pick three books for me:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list..."

June, here are 3 for you to consider:
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Paris Wife
On the Jellicoe Road

Reading:
Sacred Country for Just Read It and Blind Date
The Oracle of Stamboul for Lost
Baking Cakes in Kigali for MM20 and Bookopoly

I am not sure whether it is acceptable to read books for other reasons than for PAS, but both did fit this shelf. Therefore, I will combine both into one post and not make any nominations.

As I said at the top, this is my preferred #1 genre. I read a LOT of mysteries.

1. The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz - 4*

This was not only a mystery, but the author was the protagonist's sidekick. It was written in the first person as told by the author much as Dr. Watson told the tales of Sherlock Holmes. And, although I thought at least twice that I knew what had happened, I did not and the ending came as a complete surprise!

2. The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett - 4*

Many times I struggle to keep track of a story that moves back and forth between the past - ages ago, other people - and the present. Yet this story was like a puzzle with different pieces seemingly unconnected and yet with a color or shape that somehow fits seamlessly with another piece and the picture begins to take on a wholeness. This story flowed. It was all of one whole that slowly revealed its truth. It kept me reading as more of each piece was revealed and the connections began to appear.

No problem, Marie. There are way too many options of challenges to participate in...and not all will appeal.

Finished: A Clergyman's Daughter for PnM Publication

LynnB wrote: "Hope you enjoy it! And currently there are 26 in the series, so I'm behind on it. (BTW, I call cozy mysteries "palate cleansers" too.)"

LOL

Oh, my! LynnB that book is #24 in the series! And, although I don't read them often, I do like a quick cozy mystery to clear my palate sometimes. Now a new series with so many books! Yikes! (Of course I added it!)

Marina (Sonnenbarke) wrote: "Sorry I didn't update. I didn't read a single page during the whole weekend as I was ill. A nice combo of cold, cervical arthritis, and nausea 🤯"

So sorry. I hope you are on the mend.

Thank you both for reading this book with me. I loved your insights!

Finished:
Oathbringer for Just Read It buddy read
The Murmur of Bees for Just Read It

Reading:
Sacred Country for Just Read It and Blind Date
A Clergyman's Daughter for PnM Publication

Blind Date

Sunday, 3/1/20: #2 Sacred Country by Rose Tremain

So, Coralie, reading your final note reminded me that I have not yet recorded my own thoughts.

(view spoiler)[I agree that Jasnah as Queen seemed the right choice, although I had not thought of that at all. I was pleasantly surprised that Adolin got up the nerve to refuse the kingship, though. I did not think he had that kind of strength.

Shallan and Adolin felt right once she began to consolidate who she was as Shallan.

I particularly liked how her Shallan, Veil, and Radiant selves supported each other as she fought and began to be incorporated into one being. (hide spoiler)]

I felt this book ended with hope for the future even though the threat of more destruction continues. I will be interested to see how the characters continue to develop, although 7 more books seems like more than will be needed.

Joanna wrote: "I’ve also landed on Tropical North QLD.

Could I please get three other picks from my shelf?

Thanks!"

Here you go, Joanna.

Tears of the Giraffe - a fun book
The Man in My Basement - I like this author
Loyalty in Death - a series I enjoy

Joanna wrote: "I've been updating my earlier post. Do I need to be making separate updates too?"

Joanna, I have been doing the same.