What are you reading? 2024 Version

[Valerie Book Valkyrie]

Currently reading Second Nature: A Gardener's Education by Michael Pollin, one of my favorite authors;
and
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann, is an anthology of short stories and viniettes as told to Matt Eversmann by booksellers and librarians across the United States.
Both books are very enjoyable reads.

[PattyMacDotComma]

I am stretching out my favourite Sebastian St Cyr Historical Mystery Series by C.S. Harris to try to make them last. They are the best. Why Kill the Innocent is #13, and the Frost Fair and wintry weather were as chilling as the murders. Terrific atmosphere.
My review of Why Kill The Innocent with a painting of the 1814 Frost Fair

[Sarah]

Entertaining, but honestly confusing. The Fury was not my favorite of his three but if you’re a fan of the author then I’d read it —> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tammy]

Currently reading Beyond the Grave byC.J. Archer the third book of Ministry of Curiosities series.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

A novel not about the Panama Canal, but set during the construction of the canal. If you love character-oriented fiction, this is a great option to try.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I finished The Extra and starting Changes by Mercedes Lackey

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. Rated 4 stars.

Link to my short, spoiler-free review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tiziana]

Sent to the Devil by Laura Lebow

Historical mystery set in 1788 Vienna featuring Lorenzo Da Ponte ( Mozart's librettist ) as sleuth.

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

[Tammy]

Starting to read The Witches of St. Petersburg byImogen Edwards-Jones

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished The Pryce of Conceit: An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery #1 The Pryce of Murder by Kari Bovee. Rated 3 stars. Entertaining historical mystery set in 1880's Colorado. Will probably read the sequel.

[Thomas]

I read Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin by Timothy Snyder It is not a historical fiction book but a history of the mass killings under Hitler and Stalin from 1932-19454. My 5 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I strongly recommend this book. The author speaks and reads 6 languages, and has consulted sources overlooked by most historians of this period.

[Christine]

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen | read by Elizabeth Jasicki | Review
A nice escape to the English seaside. Second book in the On Devonshire Shores series

[Tiziana]

Historical mystery-romance :
The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick

It entertained me from the beginning until the very end, both theme ( mystery and romance ) are well developed and engaging.

Here is my 4.8 rounded to 5 stars review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tammy]

Rereading before donating a cutesie historical romance Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood

[Christine]

The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar | read by Lara Sawalha | Review soon
Searching for a safe haven in the Middle East and all the while discovering the history of family.

[Sarah]

Disappointed in this one. I had heard such good reviews of Good Material but it fell flat in my eyes —> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Dana]

Just finishied "Shogun"
What sets "Shogun" apart is its richly detailed portrayal of Japanese society during this tumultuous period. Clavell's vivid descriptions bring to life the sights, sounds, and smells of feudal Japan, from the bustling streets of Edo to the serene beauty of the countryside.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Zulaikha by Niloufar-Lily Soltani

An OwnVoices Canadian indie novel about an Iranian woman caught in circumstances beyond her control. Interesting plot.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alice]

I finished Kate Quinn's newest book The Phoenix Crown . Set in 1906 San Francisco.. Much of the book covered American descrimination against Chinese in San Francisco, poor treatment of women. Very Vibrant characters and of course the Great San Francisco Earth Quake of 1906. Good book to read.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Alice wrote: "I finished Kate Quinn's newest book The Phoenix Crown . Set in 1906 San Francisco.. Much of the book covered American descrimination against Ch..."

Alice; good to see you give this a positive review! Have really enjoyed other titles by her. Long wait at the library!

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Finished Changesand starting Embracing the Beat

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Ghostroots: Stories by 'Pemi Aguda

If you love short stories and speculative fiction, you can't miss this amazing OwnVoices collection infused with a strong Afrofuturistic flavour.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Cindy]

I'm not sure what the protocol is or how to do this, but I would like a book review for my novel, Big Jack, Cowboy Aviator. I would gladly send someone a book.

Cindy Weigand
Tulsa, OK
CindyWeigand.com
cjweigand0110@gmail.com
512.818.0472



BIG JACK, COWBOY AVIATOR

In 1925, Jack is living the life of his dreams as a pilot with a renowned exhibition team, then tragedy strikes. Will he be able to return to the life of flying that he loves?

Once he joins the Gates Flying Circus in 1925, Jack Ashcraft never looks back even though his parents want him to be closer to home. Billed as the Worlds’ Greatest Exhibition Aviators, the group flies throughout the South and East Coast. Flying bright red biplanes emblazoned with the with the Texaco star, their sponsor, they performed before crowds of tens of thousands. Soon, Jack becomes their star performer. Newspapers bill him as “Big Jack,” Cowboy Aviator because he spent time in Texas in the army. At six feet four inches tall, he is big. He relishes the adoration of fans. Women flock to be near him and seek his company. Despite Prohibition, booze is readily accessible. He experiences events that are history in the making. One exhibition was a simulated attack on New York City in 1925. Jack is living high.

As if life couldn’t get any better, he meets Mavis, a New York socialite who is also a pilot. Jack and Mavis bond as friends because of their love of flying. He can share things with her that he can’t share with the guys in the rough and tumble life of a flying circus. They get together when their flight paths cross.

When tragedy strikes, Jack’s buddies have his back, but it is Mavis he trusts with the emotions he feels. He is conflicted. Jack must come to terms with his desire to return to the flying life he loves and the reality of the dangers of flying.

FLYBOYS meets THE GREAT WALDO PEPPER meets THE GREATEST SHOWMAN


Told by his great grandniece, Big Jack, Cowboy Aviator, recreates the flying life of John Wesley “Jack” Ashcraft, Jr. His story was revealed to her through numerous newspaper articles that he saved, family histories, and letters home. The story includes thirty family and vintage photos.



Thanks

[Liza]

Just finished The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. This was a fantasy set in Spain in the 1500s. And finished Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, and I didn’t realize I had seen the movie years ago.

[Thomas]

I read Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate It is a historical fiction mystery with 2 timelines, 1905 and 1990. My 3.5 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tammy]

Rereading before donating The Lion's Lady byJulie Garwood

[Tiziana]

Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson

Historical mystery set at court of Henry VIII. The court jester Will Somers ( real historical figure ) is both the narrator and the one who must solve the murders.

Here is my 4 stars review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Wayne]

I'm reading the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood and they are excellent. Kerry Greenwood is a superb author.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

if you enjoy historical fiction and have no issues with (mild) Christian content in novels, you ought to give this amazing series a try!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Joan]

Alice wrote: "I finished Kate Quinn's newest book The Phoenix Crown . Set in 1906 San Francisco.. Much of the book covered American descrimination against Ch..."

Glad to hear it is a good read. I have the book sitting in my TBR queue and look forward to reading it soon.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Peacocks of Instagram: Stories by Deepa Rajagopalan

An interesting collection of short stories about Indians in Canada. Loved the writing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished Atomic Love by Jennie Fields. Rated 2.5 stars.
Historical fiction/espionage/romance. Didn't work for me.
Link to my short spoiler free review:

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

[Maureen]

I just finished The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali 5 stars

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

[Maureen]

I just started this series. I enjoyed it very much
The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey 4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Finished Embracing the Beat and starting Hot Six

[Linda]

I just finished Family Reservations by Liza Palmer. I really enjoyed it and would give it four stars.

[Jan]

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. I’m listening to the audiobook read by Meryl Streep. It is delightful.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson

Quite good, but I expected more. Not a light story, unlike what the cover suggests.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Carolyn]

The Medicine Woman of Galveston by Amanda Skenandore is an enjoyable historical fiction novel, set in 1900, featuring a female doctor with no option but to join a travelling medicine show selling fake remedies and potions, arriving in Galveston just before the 1900 hurricane that destroyed the city.

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

[Alice]

I finished The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin. The book is about the life of Isabella Steward Gardner. Truthfully I did not like it that much. I didn't like the style of write ( a lot of it was letters written to friends) I have never found her a very interesting person but just someone who collects thing (I live in the Boston area and not a big fan of her muesum). Some friends like it a lot more than I do.

[Tiziana]

Gentle Conquest by Mary Balogh

A disappointing regency romance by a well known and appreciated author.

Here is my review :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Small Hours by Bobby Palmer

Not as fabulous as his debut novel, but still a wonderful read. Great for literary fiction and magical realism readers.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tammy]

Rereading before donating this cutsie historical romance Prince Charming byJulie Garwood

[Lanna]

I am reading Marlene By C.W. Gortner

This is my third book from this author. He really brings these characters to life, which is what I like in a historical fiction novel.

[Tammy]

Currently reading Royal Sisters: The Story of the Daughters of James II byJean Plaidy

[PattyMacDotComma]

I imagine the colourful music scene of Taylor Jenkins Reid's best-selling Daisy Jones & The Six will be better onscreen with real music and everyone looking high and beautiful.
My review of Daisy Jones and the Six

[PattyMacDotComma]

The late Alice Munro's stories are among my favourites. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage: A Story is right up there. An unlikely, cross-Canada search for a better life. Loved it.
My review of Hateship... etc.

[Alice]

Lanna wrote: "I am reading Marlene By C.W. Gortner

This is my third book from this author. He really brings these characters to life, which is what I like in a historical fiction no..."

Lanna wrote: "I am reading Marlene By C.W. Gortner

This is my third book from this author. He really brings these characters to life, which is what I like in a historical fiction no..."

Lanna wrote: "I am reading Marlene By C.W. Gortner

This is my third book from this author. He really brings these characters to life, which is what I like in a historical fiction no..."

I have read all his books love them one of my favorite authors

[Alice]

I finished Queens of London by heather webb. It was about the life of London their Diamond Alice. Very good. Enjoyed the whole book

[Tiziana]

Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman by E.W. Hornung


Small book with a collection of short stories. Very nice if you need a light quick read :-)

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