What are you reading? 2024 Version

[Suzanne]

Just finished a terrific debut novel The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri! Dealt with Himmler’s eugenics program so a heavy emotional topic but well worth the read.

Here’s my 4.5 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tiziana]

Very cute and cheerful short story set in regency era:

A Fowl Christmastide by Sandra Sookoo

my 5 star review here :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished The Last Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal. #11 & the last episode in the Maggie Hope historical fiction mystery/espionage series set during WWII. Rated 4 stars. Am a little sad to leave Maggie and her friends. At least the author isn't dragging the series on & on!

[PattyMacDotComma]

The Black Loch was an excellent surprise addition to the original three books of Peter May's Lewis Trilogy. Rugged Isle of Lewis setting, dark mysteries, more secrets revealed from the past - love it!
My review of The Black Loch

[Tiziana]

A 5 stars ( to me ) cozy mystery set at Christmas and with amateur detective none other than the famous writer Jane Austen :

Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron

You can read my review here :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tammy]

Currently reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

[Carolyn]

The Girl in The Tower by Katherine Arden is the second novel of her magical Winternight Trilogy set in medieval Russia and just as good as the first.

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

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄💖

Brightly Shining by Ingvild H. Rishøi

A Christmas story - yes, but not as "brightly shining" as the title claims. a good option for those who seek darker festive tales.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen. Rated 3 stars. Historical Regency Romance.

[PattyMacDotComma]

I loved Donal Ryan's follow-up to his much-awarded The Spinning Heart. In Heart, Be at Peace, he picks up the stories ten years later of the same rural Irish villagers. He deserves his growing reputation.
My review of Heart Be at Peace

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Answer Is No by Fredrik Backman

I wanted to say 'Yes' to Backman's latest work, but the result is a slightly mixed 'Maybe'. Not his best work IMHO. He's much better at full-length serious fiction.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tiziana]

Christmas novella, a short mystery-romance set in regency era:

The Theft Before Christmas by Cheryl Bolen

I'm a little disappointed, however still curious to read the
novels of the series, the general plot is promising.

My 3 stars review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tiziana]

Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Finished An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen. Rated 3 stars. Historical Regency Romance."

I have this one in on my WTR shelf, but 3 stars of rating aren't so promising... what is that you didn't like so much ? Would you suggest this read to a friend ?

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Shalama: My 96 Seasons in China by Jean Hoffmann Lewanda

The writing style just wasn't for me. The historical content is great, though.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Tiziana wrote: "Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Finished An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen. Rated 3 stars. Historical Regency Romance."

I ..."

3 stars means I enjoyed it but couldnt bump up to 4 stars. It was a nice holiday regency romance but not sure I would read others in this series as my TBR list is so huge! Since its under 300 pages I would recommend if readers understand its also in what I would label "light" Christian fiction which I dont usually read. If I have time ( and remember!) I might add a short review :)

[Suzanne]

My Holiday Read!
I definitely needed a feel good story and Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor fit the bill.

Set in 1950s the story begins with Queen Elizabeth II adapting to her new role and preparing for her first Christmas address.

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

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Suzanne wrote: "My Holiday Read!
I definitely needed a feel good story and Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor fit the bill.

S..."

Suzanne; Glad you posted as I think I would have enjoyed more then the Christmas title I picked this year An Ivy Hill Christmas. Have added for next year :)

[Alice]

I finished a good new Historical mystery The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman. Set in 1812, England. Very good and interesting characters. Interesting discussion of early breast cancer, treatments and surgery. Looking forward to book 2.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Finished Closer to the Heart and starting A Christmas Memory

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Alice wrote: "I finished a good new Historical mystery The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman. Set in 1..."

That sounds really good! I'll check if my library has it.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett

An interesting sophomore book by this talented young writer. A great option for those who enjoy powerful Greek mytho retellings.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[PattyMacDotComma]

Irish author Kevin Barry has sent some wild Irish characters to snowy Montana in the early, untamed American west. The Heart in Winter is funny, tragic, lawless, and full of heart, not only in winter. It is quite a ride!
My review of The Heart in Winter

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I am also reading Promise Meby Richard Paul Evans and A Christmas Memory

[Thomas]

I read There's No Turning Back by Alba de Céspedes My 3 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine I recommend it. My 4.5 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Chris]

My year long journey with The Source by James Michener is finished. A 5 star read that in typical Michener fashioned a story spread across the centuries as an archeological dig in 1964 around the ancient city of Makor in Israel illuminates history from 9831 BCE forward.

[Carolyn]

When I picked this book to fill a spot in a challenge I had no idea it would become one of my favourite reads this year. Set in the leprosarium on the Hawaiian Island of Moloka'i, it tells the story of a seven year old with leprosy torn from her family in the 1890s and sent there for essentially the rest of her life. Well researched with good historical detail.

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

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

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

My last read for 2024 is a contemporary mystery set in Wales. Finished last night. Evan Can Wait #5 Constable Evans by Rhys Bowen. Read on Libby Kindle. Always enjoy spending "book" time with Constable Evans and his charming, quirky friends.

[Cheryl A]

Squeezing in one last book for 2024 and the A to Z Challenge - Owl Be Home for Christmas - nice and light and familiar. Dare I even say...cozy??

Then on to 2025 and the Million Mile Challenge to help clear some of the historical fiction off Mount TBR.

[Sarah-Hope]

Just finished The Dark Library a WWII era "Gothic" set in a small college town in New York. If you enjoy dark mysteries with libraries at their center and frequent plot twists, you're in for a treat.

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

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Finished Promise Me and continuing Christmas Cupcake Murder

[Thomas]

This is a link to my 2024 books read on Storygraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/wrap-up...

[Christina]

Just started the girl behind the iron gates

[Alice]

I finished Last Call at the Nightingale by Katharine Schellman. Set in 1924 New York City. I really enjoyed it. You get the feel for the Jazz Age, speakeasies, Jazz music dancing. Women are becoming more independant. Working conditions in New York. A good mystery too. Looking forward to book 2.