RIP Sue Grafton
I just read an article on the NPR news site that 14 authors died this year. Well, unfortunately for Mystery lovers, Sue Grafton passed away at age 77.
Brenna M's Book Blog
I grew up in Western New York, with a huge Italian, German, and Irish influence in my family life. Frederick Douglas, Susan B. Anthony, the Haudenosaunee, and the Erie Canal are a big part of the history in my area. This is, I believe, is one reason I like reading about history and historical fiction.
I garden, cook, and preserve some of the food I grow. I, also, enjoy traveling. A book or two are always with me when I travel. And there is always one in my car, at my desk, and anywhere I may have a chance to read. Primarily I read fiction--young adult, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers. I do enjoy a good memoir, biographies, and cookbooks. If someone recommends something, I will always check it out.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
I HOPE EVERYONE'S CHRISTMAS IS FULL OF THEIR FAVORITE THINGS, (AND A FEW NEW BOOKS TO READ!)
EXCITED! 2 NEW AUTHORS
Of all places to find a new author is a craft fair at my local community center. And not just one-2 of them!
One is Tracy Fontaine, a debut author, who wrote Beyond Lilla. She is a 30 year resident of the city that I was born in; the book is set in the city's municipal cemetery that was founded in 1838 and is still in use today.
The second author is Sally Valentine, a teacher and a Rochester native, who writes middle grade historical fiction and poetry about the Rochester area.
Of course, I walked out with 3 books, autographed and all.
Sally Valentine-http://rochesterauthor.com/
Tracy Fontaine-http://www.beyondlilla.com/
1
For the Sake of Elena
Elizabeth George
Paperback, 464 pages
Published April 1st 1993 by Bantam Books (first published 1992)
ISBN 0553561278 (ISBN13: 9780553561272)
| I am reading these out of order. Yes, there is some backstory to Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers, but each case can be read on its own. I do enjoy reading this series. I would like to go back and read #2-#4 just to get the backstory. This one is set in Cambridge, and I like the way E. George describes the colleges and the towns. | ||
 - Elizabeth George)
THE LUSTER OF LOST THINGS BY Sophie Chen Keller
The Luster of Lost Things
by Sophie Chen Keller
Paperback, 304 pages
Published August 8th 2017 by G.P. Putnam's Sons (first published April 8th 2017)
ISBN: 0735210780 (ISBN 13: 9780735210783)
I finished this a while ago. While it was a little slow moving at first, I got to enjoy the story very much. The main character got to be very likeable and I really enjoyed the people he met along his journey.
****I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway from the author and publisher***
1
SO BEHIND
I have about 4 books to review and 6 books in the house ready to read. Time for me to get moving!
3
THE CROWNS OF CROSWALD BY D.E. Night
The Crowns of Croswald
D.E. Night
Paperback
Published July 21st 2017 by Stories Untold
ISBN13 9780996948654
also on Kindle
The Crowns of Croswald is D.E. Night's debut YA novel. Different enough from Harry Potter (no muggles, a female lead (YAY!), dragons, and more), D.E. Night brings a creative storyline with Ivy as the main character who likes to daydream to get away from her scullery maid job. Night's writing kept the plotline interesting and moving at a fast pace. 1 or 2 things gave me an inkling of what might be coming but I won't give those away here; but other than that, I found the events that Ivy got into to be suspenseful, while potentially causing chaos for her. The story ended well, and left a want for more.
****I received this novel from a Booklikes giveaway in exchange for a fair review.****
3
THE HIDING PLACE by David Bell
- THE HIDING PLACEDavid Bell
- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Berkley (October 2, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 045123796X
- ISBN-13: 978-0451237965
- aslo on Kindle ASIN: B0083P4ANC and audiobook ASIN: B009SBIGSA
I must have changed my mind as to the who and what 3 or 4 times by the end of this book. David Bell's writing style is easy to read, so this I was able to get through this quickly, even while trying to not speed read and miss anything. I really enjoyed the main character, Janet's daughter. The main characters were developed well. I am looking forward to reading more of David Bell's writing.
******I received this book from a Goodread's first reads giveaway held by Berkley Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA)****
7
SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK by Robert Beatty
SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
Robert Beatty
Format: paperback
ISBN: 9780545948890
Publish date: 2016
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Pages no: 304
A short little review, but a good one-4 stars. Definitely an enjoyable read! Serafina is a great character with a lot of personality. This is set at Biltmore Estate, and the plot shows Serafina discovering not only the Estate but the grounds as well. Beatty brings his characters to life while they deal with some adventure, some friendship, and a little bit of spookiness. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
3
So Far Behind
I'm hoping to catch up really soon. I haven't been to the library in a couple weeks because I have 2 epubs to read, 1 middle grade book i'm half way done with, a 6 book bundle that I won, and I have another middle grade on the way.
I did hit a used book sale and bought a book to bring with me on my Cruise. Hopefully I can find a nice quiet park to read in and also relax.
I really want to make my goal, I'm like 8 books behind. I almost want to hit up the childrens section at the library and get some short books to go quickly through. LOL.
May everyone have a great reading week!
NO MAN'S LAND by David Baldacci
NO MAN'S LAND
David Baldacci
Paperback, 464 pages
Published March 21st 2017 by Grand Central Publishing (first published November 15th 2016)
ISBN 1455586501 (ISBN13: 9781455586509)
| I enjoy David Baldacci's writing. There was a little predictability in the storyline. The plot starts off actually with 2 men, each in his own subplot, until midway through when the plots cross. I liked most of the characters, with the exception of Knox, who I felt didn't quite measure up for me. She seemed too "soft" for who I felt the character should be. Overall, though, I feel Baldacci fans will be happy with this book. ****I received this book thru a Goodread's giveaway from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.**** |
||
1
 - David Baldacci)
WHAT IT MEANS WHEN A MAN FALLS FROM THE SKY BY
WHAT IT MEANS WHEN A MAN FALLS FROM THE SKY
Lesley Nneka Arimah
- Hardcover: 240 pages
- Publisher: Riverhead Books (April 4, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0735211027
- ISBN-13: 978-0735211025
-
Lesley Nneka Arimah debut is a collection of short stories set in Nigeria and the US. Each short story is complete, solid, clear, and well written. I love her characters, strong, straight forward, and genuine. Lesley Nneka Arimah writing shows humor, horror, and shock in some places, yet her characters and plots flow naturally, and are engaging. I found myself immersed into each story. Her incredible grasp of language and the powerful way in which she uses it to form a story is unique, and captivating. Definitely something I would reread, and recommend
***Thank you to Penguin House and Riverhead Books for the print copy I received through a giveaway in exchange for a fair review.****
1
Madness by Marya Hornbacher
- Madness: A Bipolar Life
- Marya Hornbacher
- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (April 1, 2009)
- ISBN-10: 0547237804
- ISBN-13: 978-0547237800
I actually didn't finish this book. Marya Hornbacher writes well, and goes into depth about what depression and bipolar, but after the first 3rd of the book, it seemed long. I could feel her pain dealing with her mental illness. I don't think I was ready to read the whole book. I've not really ever been a strong non fiction reader so i'm not sure if it were that or the subject matter.
6
THE HIDING PLACE by David Bell
Today my day was made. I am in the middle of 3 books all at once. I should be done with those soon.
But today, I got a book I won in a give away-The Hiding Place by David Bell. The box was huge so it was actually something else I ordered. When I opened It up, it was not just one of his books but 6! I had to go back to the giveaway details to double check. YAY!
The Hiding Place
Someone I Used to Know.
Never Come Back.
Since She Went away
The Forgotten Girl
Cemetery Girl
I am set for a while now!
THE CHILBURY LADIES' CHOIR by Jennifer Ryan
THE CHILBURY LADIES' CHOIR
Jennifer Ryan
Hardcover, 371 pages
Published February 14th 2017 by Crown Publishing Group
ISBN: 1101906758 (ISBN13: 9781101906750)
also on Kindle and Audio CD
Jennifer Ryan provided an interesting way to look at the town, Chilbury, during World War 2 in this novel. A small town setting, near Dover, England, mainly women, older men, and children remain due to the number of eligible men going into military. Ryan provides each of the main characters a voice either through letters or a diary entry. Each of the town's members have a story-from dealing with war torn England, secrets that townspeople have, loss of family members, and more. The local women start up a choir and find they are quite good. This tactic helps the author show multiple sides of the characters throughout the story; and the letter/diary approach allows the reader to see how the town setting is part of the story.
1
HOUSE OF IVY AND SORROW
HOUSE OF IVY AND SORROW
Natalie Whipple
Paperback, 360 pages
Published April 15th 2014 by HarperTeen
ISBN: 0062120182 (ISBN13: 9780062120182)
also on Kindle and AudioCD
Natalie Whipple is an author that I would definitely read again. House of Ivy and Sorrow's characters are well developed, even the minor characters. I was in a slump when I starting reading this YA novel; but once I sat down with the book, I couldn't put it down. Friendship and family are integral to the plot; coming of age, trusting, which friends are more like family, and family secrets keep the plotline moving at a good pace.
Currently reading
The History of Bees by Maja Lunde
Progress:
92/352pages
Brenna's books
Garden Spells is a relaxing read. Sara Addison Allen developed the characters well, giving them and the little southern town personality and charm. I liked the little eccentricities built into the characters, making them unique. Allen bu...
The League of Regrettable Superheroes is definitely a fun and informative read. Included in the book are vintage covers and pages from the comics that these superheroes were featured in. The art alone is wonderful, but the history of eac...
The Woods seemed a little slow and wordy when I first started to read it, but that didn't last long. I started to like the characters, despite their flaws, and enjoyed the descriptions of the town and region. I could tell a lot of time w...
Beatrice Belladonna's Black Magic Web is a quick read. It is a little spooky reading about a sociopath murder who is being interviewed about her life before and during her prison sentence. King keeps the pace of the story moving quickly....
