Weekly Reading Round-Up
Welcome back to Weekly Reading Round-Up! As the summer approaches, I’m restocking my TBR pile… so keep those suggestions coming. In the meantime, here’s what I’ve been reading this past week.
— Wicked Becomes You, Meredith Duran.
I was blown away by Meredith Duran’s writing when I picked up her second book, Bound By Your Touch, last year. I hadn’t thought it was possible, but this book is even better. Duran crafts a compelling love story against the brilliant backdrop of late nineteenth century London and Paris. Really not to be missed.
— Season of Storms, Susanna Kearsley.
This is an old favorite of mine. Classic, Mary Stewart-esque romantic suspense. Perfect for a rainy day.
— Changeling, Delia Sherman.
A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to be seated next to Delia Sherman at a book-signing. Her book has been sitting on my bookshelf, waiting to be read, ever since. I’m only sorry I waited so long. Changeling involves an alternate, overlapping New York, filled with fairies of all varieties, from the mer-folk in New York harbor to the animated exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum. Add one spunky heroine on quest and a good deal of tongue in cheek humor and sheer fun ensues.
(Not to be confused with my mother’s book, The Changelings, which is an English translation of a classical Japanese court tale.)
— Pretty in Plaid, Jen Lancaster.
We’ve touched upon my obsession with Jen Lancaster’s memoirs before, haven’t we? For those who haven’t read them yet, I’d suggest starting with the first one, Bitter is the New Black.
Right now, I’m about to start Elizabeth Aston’s Writing Jane Austen. More about that next week….
What have you been reading?
I just finished The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn and I really liked it. It was a nice departure from the Lady Julia books, and had just enough of the supernatural element but didn’t get sucked into the vampire craze.
I just finished The River Knows by Amanda Quick. I really enjoyed it – laugh out loud funny in a few spots, clever plot twists and a believable romance. Definitely a good read.
Last night I finished What Happened to Anne K. It’s a retelling of Anne Karenina and so good! I would definitely recommend it 🙂
I just finished the Josephine trilogy (Josephine Bonaparte) by Sandra Gulland. I love how it’s written as a diary, and so full of history and details of life at that time. Every time I’ve read them, I’m addicted. Excellent summer read! Continuing on the French Revolution theme, I’m just about ready to start The Rose Grower by Michelle De Kretser. I’ve got a Deanna Raybourn book on my wish list, so now I will definitely pick one up.
1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.
I’m loving it! I seen the 1990 (or something like that) movie. Feel in love with the story and I’ve finally picked up the book.
2. Prince Charming by Gaelen Foley.
I simply love how she writes. I already finished the Knight Series by her, that forced me to read her other novels too.
3. PRide and PRejudice by Miss Austen.
Actually, I’ve read this before, but in my English 12 class we are reading this. I was SOOOOOO happy to be able to actually study one of Jane Austen’s books.
I’m currently reading The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber. Ah Prof. Alexi! Before that I finished the most recent Queen Betsy book – Undead and Unwelcome. Next up is Blood Lily and then Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean. Yay for school being done for the summer!
As a grad student finishing up her first semester of grad school, I haven’t had much time to read (sad since I’m studying to become a librarian!). However, what I did manage to sneak in was pretty good. I’ve recently discovered Harriet Evans’ books (sort of chick-lit) set in London — I recommend them!
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson is my favorite book of the year so far. It is a YA novel, and it is absolutely fantastic. Highly recommended.
This week I’ve been reading Doomsday Book by Connie Willis and The House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende. Both are very interesting reads.
I’m reading Jane Slayre by Sherry Browning Erwin, which is exactly what you’re probably thinking that it is. Loving it.
Earlier this week I read The Devil’s Company by David Liss, wherein Benjamin Weaver gets blackmailed into investigating a murder somehow involved with the East India Company. Like all of the books in the series, it’s got plenty of historical detail and plenty of action.
I just finished The Darcys and the Bingleys by Marsha Altman. It’s a wonderful continuation of Pride and Prejudice. There’s a bit of drama, some babies, and a Kama Sutra involved! Not to mention we get a little bit of information in regards to Miss Caroline Bingley who happens to fall in love below her station as well. There are two more continuations by Ms. Altman and they are definitely on my ‘must read’ list.
I finished Gail Carriger’s Changeless, which was fantastic. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Now I’m on to the Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker be Leanna Heiber. Absolutely fabulous so far 🙂
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe— interesting book, unique twist to the Salem Witch Trials
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris– who doesn’t love Sookie?!!!! 🙂
I love Sookie! Just re-read the 8th book, the short stories and am now reading the 9th to then crack open Dead in the Family!
I also started reading Harriet Evans on Lauren’s rec, loved Hopeless Romantic.
Also I am very impatient for the 3rd Gail Carriger book, need it now!
I think I’m a little behind the times with this one, but I just finished Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and wow was it fantastic!
But Lauren, I just want to know how you manage to read all of those over the course of the past week?!
I just finished “Rules of Gentility” by Janet Mullany the other day. I loved it, it made me laugh out loud many times.
In the middle of reading “Shadowrise” by Tad Williams. Its a science fiction fantasy, but its amazing good. Also just finished reading “Burned” in the P.C. Cast House of Night series.
I just finished The Edge of Darkness by Barbara Erskine. What a fabulous book! Action-packed, romantic, scary, time travel, taking place in the Highlands of Scotland, the border of Wales and somewhere in suburban England. If you liked Lady of Hay, you will like EOD even more. Barbara Erskine’s writing is impeccable. And so veddy British. Five stars for sure.
I’ve done a lot of reading the past month. I read the entire Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn as well as her “What Happens in London”. The latter has one scene in the book that is so freakin’ hilarious I could barely read through it I was laughing so hard.
I am reading/listening to The Moor by Laurie R. King. While not my favorite book in this series, it is stlll a good read. I also read The Hound of the Baskervilles by Conan Doyle. The pairing has increased my appreciation for The Moor.
Finished The Wallflower and Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas. Am anxiously awaiting the next one from the Hathaways. I like her take on the diminishing aristocracy in England in the mid 1800’s.
Also started the Full series by Janet Evanovich. Fun reads.
Can always find a good (modern) read with Jennifer Crusie.
Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (thanks for bringing back the reading round-up.)
I just finished Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and I’m about to finish The Lightning Thief (both today!). They are both YA fiction, but I feel like I need to vary what genres I read so I don’t get bored. I’d recommend both, but just beware that “13” is SUPER depressing.
I am reading the House at Riverton by Kate Morton. Kate Morton’s books are haunting – histories of different characters tantalizingly told in pieces, like breadcrumbs strewn along the path. I can’t put it down. Her other book, The Forgotten Garden, is just as amazing and manages to incorporate a Secret Garden and Frances Hodgson Burnett. I highly recommend both.
So many books. For my English Lit class, I finished reading The Kite Runner. Good book, but not something I’d normaly read. What I am reading and should be done by tomorrow is the Scarlet Pimpernel. Perfectly amazing! Speaking of which, I also have to finish reading Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon Lauren. Great book so far and a happy sequel that I never could have imagined!
The book I really want to read after those two is Shadow Souls by L. J. Smith, the fourth book to the Vampire Diaries series. Awesome stuff, but I’ll admitt I mostly read because of Bonnie.
And then what ever other book comes to my hand and eyes. ^.^
Just finished “Writing Jane Austen” yesterday and really enjoyed it. Funny that you are going to read it, because as I was reading I thought the heroine, Georgina, reminded me a little bit of Eloise. Have fun, and enjoy!!
I just finished The Girl Who Chased the Moon, by Sarah Allen, who also wrote Garden Spells….Short, delightful and just enough magic to make it fun…and I usually don’t like magical elements, but her characters are so wonderful , and her descrptions evocative, I just want to move to the small towns she writes about.
AngelB:_Is that the scene where the hero’s friend reads out aloud from the horrible novel? I almost passed out laughing. ( I think he is the actual author..hope we find out soon)
I have just read the first three books in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik. Temeraire, Throne of Jade and Black Powder War. They are books about the Napoleonic Wars, and His Majesty’s Aerial Corps- combat dragons. I can;t wait to read the next two in the series, if Waterstones would hurry up and deliver them! They are wonderfully written and beautifully detailed.
I’m reading East of the Sun by Julia Gregson- I would highly recommend it! It tells the story of 3 friends who travel to India as it’s on the cusp of a major change.
Sheila…yes that’s exactly the scene. I just finished reading Book 1 of the series and I’m going to re-read “london” again. I’ll have to remember to use the restroom before that scene. 🙂
I’m actually reading The Deception of the Emerald Ring right now! 🙂
I am also reading a little-known Victorian novel by Margaret Oliphant called Miss Marjoribanks.
I’m glad someone mentioned L.J. Smith earlier in the comments because I DEFINITELY recommend her trilogy The Secret Circle. It’s young adult fantasy and it was one of my fandoms before I knew what a fandom was!