Discussion of HR and other books. And recs. Showing 751-800 of 3,299

[Carol]

I read one of Maclean's books and enjoyed it. Think I'll read another instead of Novice Tales right now. Thanks for the reminder Danker. I'm pretty down, too.

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "$30 for a kindle book? I can't bring myself to spend $10 on the new Mimi Matthews."

Roberta, have you checked your library? Mine had The Siren of Sussex, both ebook and DTB.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

Carol wrote: "HR-ML wrote: "Hi Carol---

Down a Dark River
Thanks for your + comments on this one. I'm trying to sort out
who's who of the characters. You are likely smarter than I am?
I have I..."

I read a book recently, where I had to write down the names of the characters with a word or two of description in order to tell them apart. It was frustrating although it was a really good book. Horror.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

OLT wrote: "Roberta2 wrote: "I read Dance with a Deverell yesterday and really enjoyed it. While my husband and son were watching the Superbowl, I reread True Story to refresh m..."

Oh, that's sad. :( Maybe if it is still disappointing, you could re-read one of her quirkier ones. I really like most of her books.

[Danker]

I agree with those three, but I’d add Joanna Bourne - and Lucinda Brandt, even though I know you aren’t a fan, OLT, and even Sherry Thomas and Stella Riley, at their best. Carla Kelly. It’s intriguing - when I open a new Carla Kelly, I can sometimes guess the introspective dialogue that will be on the next page, but it doesn’t matter. She is an author whose research I can rely on, whose syntax is precise, whose plots are unsurprising, but the innate decency of her characters DOES soothe me and does dampen my despair.

[Danker]

Forgot Fresina, but you have all been discussing her. Must check out Fixsen. Haven’t seen anything from her in ages.

[OLT]

Yes to Joanna Bourne and Lucinda Brant. And I agree about Sherry Thomas, if she would go back to HRs. I'm tired of her Sherlock series. Stella Riley also, but if she would go back to her earlier way of writing. Her new Brandon Brothers series is rather ordinary. And I would add Erin Satie to the list.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

OLT wrote: "Yes to Joanna Bourne and Lucinda Brant. And I agree about Sherry Thomas, if she would go back to HRs. I'm tired of her Sherlock series. Stella Riley also, but if she would go back to her earlier wa..."

I check frequently for a new Erin Satie book and also Carla Kelly, as it has been a while since her last book. It was fantastic, by the way. I haven't wanted to read any of the Sherlock books by Sherry Thomas. Just didn't appeal to me.

[Roberta2]

I read the first two of the Sherlock books by Sherry Thomas and lost interest.

[Roberta2]

Another HR author I check periodically is Cecilia Grant. I think she may have stopped writing?

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "Another HR author I check periodically is Cecilia Grant. I think she may have stopped writing?"

I reead 1 & 2 of Blackshear Family and enjoyed both. And guess what??? I haven't read the 3rd. :-)

[HR-ML]

I emailed Caroline Linden on 01/17/22 about one her characters,
IE Ware, and got a response the same day!

[OLT]

If there are any Alicia Cameron fans here (I am a tepid one now), she has a new one available for pre-order: (I'll get back to you for a link. Can't find it right now on GR.) The name is Katerina and the Reclusive Earl, it costs 99 cents on Amazon, and comes out on Feb 22, 2022

[MrsPearl]

I've enjoyed many of Cameron's books--Angelique is still my favorite and of the later ones I really liked Georgette . Katerina was an interesting character in the earlier books about the Fortune family so I was glad to get to read an early draft back in October. The reclusive earl of the title is not the usual romantic hero and Katerina is definitely not the usual heroine.

[OLT]

MrsPearl wrote: "I've enjoyed many of Cameron's books--Angelique is still my favorite and of the later ones I really liked Georgette . Katerina was an interesting character in the earlier books about the Fortune fa..."

So, MrsPearl, what's your verdict? Is this one better than Jocasta? (I hope so.)

[MrsPearl]

I liked it better than Jocasta. I waiting to read the published version before the final verdict. ;-)

[HappyBookWorm2020]

MrsPearl wrote: "I liked it better than Jocasta. I waiting to read the published version before the final verdict. ;-)"

Thanks, Mrs. Pearl. I just pre-ordered it.

[Maureen]

I just finished the start for a new series by Eva Leigh,The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Roberta2]

I have been reading the series of Medieval mysteries by Ann Swinfen and enjoying them. Thanks for the rec. OLT

[HappyBookWorm2020]

I'm reading an ARC of Julie Anne Long's new book - still set in the hotel by the Thames. I really like it so far. FYI I appreciate her pricing. I guess it depends on the publisher but some book prices are outrageous.

You Were Made to Be Mine

[Roberta2]

HBW--Julie Anne Long is a favorite of mine. I just like the way she writes.

[OLT]

I agree about JAL but I do wish she would leave that boardinghouse behind and start a new series.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

The new book is good but I do think she should move on from the boarding house, although I would miss Dot. Valkirk is mentioned in this book.

Can you imagine married couples sitting four nights a week with their boarders?

[HappyBookWorm2020]

I wish that Georgina Clarke would write some more books. :(

Death and the Harlot

[Carol]

MrsPearl wrote: "I've enjoyed many of Cameron's books--Angelique is still my favorite and of the later ones I really liked Georgette . Katerina was an interesting character in the earlier books about the Fortune fa..."

I think this is one of Cameron's early books Anyway, it's free here. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XC3BHYF

[Roberta2]

I am in the minority here. I like the boardinghouse, even though I know it is complete fantasy.

[Roberta2]

In the Swinfen books, she has an irritating way (to me) of listing the streets with all the directions to walk all over Oxford. I get that she was a student there, but usually I just skim over these pages, because I have to admit that I get lost reading her walking descriptions. (When I travel, I use the GPS on my phone for driving and walking.) I am really enjoying the characters and the minutiae of day to day living.

[Roberta2]

Carol, That is a different Cameron. Alicia Cameron wrote Georgette. She has a new title out: Katerina and the Reclusive Earl: A fun, inspiring Regency Romance.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

Roberta2 wrote: "I am in the minority here. I like the boardinghouse, even though I know it is complete fantasy."

I think Dot may be my favorite character.

[Cath]

Re: JAL and the boardinghouse: in addition to the romances, I've certainly enjoyed many of the secondary characters - and especially the cat - and I'll read HR JAL no matter where the characters hang out, but I just hope the boardinghouse series doesn't go as long as Pennyroyal Green b/c I am beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic!

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "Carol, That is a different Cameron. Alicia Cameron wrote Georgette. She has a new title out: Katerina and the Reclusive Earl: A fun, inspiring Regency Romance."

Geez, I didn't even notice and I've read a few of ALICIA Cameron's books.

[Roberta2]

HBW, I like Dot too.

[OLT]

Book #3 in the Brandon Brothers series by Stella Riley is available for pre-order:

The Montesoro Legacy

[OLT]

Also, if anyone here read the first book in Jane Steen's historical mystery series about Lady Helena, the second is coming soon:


Lady Odelia's Secret

[Roberta2]

I did read the first book but can barely remember it now. I finished the Swinfen medieval series. It looks as if the author meant to continue the series but died before she could finish it.

[Roberta2]

I just checked the title, and I didn't read Lady Odelia's Secret. Perhaps that is why I have no memory of it. lol

[OLT]

Lady Helena Investigates was the first book of the series. Lady Odelia is the new one. There have been several years between the books and I don't remember all the details of the first, other than that she is a wealthy widow and the youngest member of a fairly dysfunctional family.

[BJ]

OLT wrote: "Lady Helena Investigates was the first book of the series. Lady Odelia is the new one. There have been several years between the books and I don't remember all the details of the fi..."

I rated Lady Helena 5 stars and as it's been a while, think I'll re-read while I wait for book 2. My memory is awful, but my notes say I found the writing and pace to be flawless, and it's a 'clean' read. Sadly for me- no spice. Oh well, story of my life!

[Roberta2]

Sorry, meant to say that I hadn't read Lady Helena Investigates.

I am up at 3am. My husband was freezing last night and turned the heat up to 70 degrees. I woke up sweating and with a headache. It's also exceedingly bright outside. We are expecting a snow storm. Maybe that didn't help either.

[Danker]

Add my rec for Lady Helena. I thought it a goodish read, although (SPOILER ALERT) waiting a decade for such drastic revenge against someone you “appeared” to hold in affection seemed somewhat implausible.

[OLT]

Danker, I do not remember even who the villain was or anything about a ten-year revenge plan. My brain is fried. Too many inconsequential books and too little concentration while reading them. I think I just run my eyes over words to drown out my thoughts, while reading little and drowning even less.

[Roberta2]

OLT, I know exactly what you mean. Yesterday, I reread 2 of Alicia Cameron's books just trying not to think about the state of the world. I keep telling myself I have no power to do anything, but I keep thinking I should so something. Sorry, I shouldn't be posting this on this discussion group.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

OLT wrote: "Danker, I do not remember even who the villain was or anything about a ten-year revenge plan. My brain is fried. Too many inconsequential books and too little concentration while reading them. I th..."

OLT, I get it. I am currently reading the 6th book in the St. Mary's series (time travel). Those books make me laugh out loud at times, although bad things happen too. They are taking my mind off (a little) of what is happening in Ukraine, which is just heartbreaking. I think their president will be killed soon. Honestly, while I have no idea of how NATO works, I wish the NATO countries would just adopt Ukraine and tell Putin to go **** himself.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

The Jodi Taylor book U'm reading is: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

With great privilege comes great responsibility, something Max knows only too well, and as newly appointed Chief Training Officer at the St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, it's up to her to drum this guiding principle into her five new recruits.

With a training programme that includes Joan of Arc, an illegal mammoth, a duplicitous Father of History, a bombed rat, Stone Age hunters and Dick the Turd, the question everyone is asking themselves is - what could possibly go wrong?

[Roberta2]

I forced myself to read Two in the Bush and now am berating myself for making myself finish it. I do not recommend.
I completely wasted a Friday evening.

[OLT]

I found a historical mystery series taking place post WWII in Canada. A British female operative during the war moves to Canada to reset her life. The first book is free and is the only one I've read so far. Unfortunately, the rest cost about eight dollars so if I want to continue it will have to be via library.

Just in case anyone wants to try out this series: A Killer in King's Cove

[OLT]

Roberta2 wrote: "I forced myself to read Two in the Bush and now am berating myself for making myself finish it. I do not recommend.
I completely wasted a Friday evening."

I commiserate. BTW, #2 is even worse. What does it say about me that I went on to read the second one?

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "I forced myself to read Two in the Bush and now am berating myself for making myself finish it. I do not recommend.
I completely wasted a Friday evening."

Gave up and put it in my DNF pile.

[MrsPearl]

Re why you read #2 OLT, perhaps it was "The triumph of hope over experience." Although I think Johnson was referring to second marriages.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

I couldn't give you a reason why, but I avoid anything fiction written from WWI through WWII. The single exception was Elswyth Thane's series Williamsburg series.

I am still reading Jodi Taylor's time travel series (not sure if her books have visited WWI and II ...)

I learned the most gruesome thing from the time travel series about Richard III's death and display after he was killed at Bosworth Field. They slung his dead body over his horse and paraded him around the field. They had shoved a sword up his butt and it kind of wobbled as the horse walked (as it would). That is just so gruesome.