While I am always reading, there are some moments when I am whipping through books and others where life interferes and my time to read is severely limited. Lately I’ve been on a roll and here and some good ones I’ve read:
The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
Another good one from Julie. Not only a good story, but I learned so much about the profession of dancing master, which is another plus! Love discovering new historical facts.
Death by the Book by Juliana Deering
Being the Anglophile that I am, I can’t help but smile when I read these mysteries set in 1930s England. It’s like Downton Abbey, Miss Marple and Lord Peter Wimsey all rolled up into one. If you love mystery, history and all things British, give this series a shot.
Georgia on Her Mind by Rachel Hauck
Fun contemporary romance. I so enjoy Rachel’s stories.
Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell
Set in 1920s Boston, this story tackles prohibition and all things flapper in the context of law and how we qualify our own breaking of the rules. With a flighty co-ed as the main character, we experience the good and bad of the jazz age. Such a great picture, too, of the fact that the law does not bring righteousness but exposes our sin. Lots of fun and humor with a deep underlying message.
The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall
Another fun pirate novel from MaryLu made even more fun by its Scarlet Pimpernil-ish storyline. Which made me love it all the more!
And finally, for you writers out there, Write Your Novel From the Middle by James Scott Bell
I always find writing craft books helpful in tweaking my plotting process because plotting does not come naturally to me. James Scott Bell’s explanation of story structure is always a good reminder and his definition of the middle moment helped clarify for me Stan Williams’s moment of grace from The Moral Premise. (They are not necessarily the same, but they are complimentary.) Overall, very helpful.
On tap next? (Besides some research reading!)
Sincerely Yours by Kirkpatrick, Cabot, Eakes, and Shorey, The Forever Girl by Alexander McCall Smith, Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole as well as many, many more.
Have you read any good ones lately that I shouldn’t miss?
Ooh, I want to read that writing one from James Scott Bell. His Plot & Structure one was awesome, so I bet this one is, too. I’ve got Love Comes Calling just waiting for me on my Kindle…can’t wait to start it. The others you mentioned sound great, too!
I just finished reading Kristy Cambron’s debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin. It comes out this summer and oh my goodness, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in I don’t even know how long. I looooved it. Takes place both modern day and back during WWII. SOOO good!
p.s. It was so great to get to see you on Saturday! I love that it worked out!
I’m so looking forward to Kristy’s book! Even more so now that I know it is a dual storyline. 🙂
Yes, JSB always helps me understand what I’m supposed to be doing as a writer!
Loved seeing you, too. Thank you and Lindsey for giving me a little of your time. I know it is a precious commodity.
W.O.W. Am I feeling grateful tonight! You two talented women are so encouraging. I’m only 1/2 scared for the launch now that I’ve read such kind words from you. ; ) Love and HUGS to you both!!
I just finished the Dancing Master, as well. Loved it.
I also read, Colleen Coble’s Tidewater Inn and Rosemary Cottage. She has great mysteries in her stories.
I also finished the first book in Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street series. Waiting for book 2. I had a “reader” version of 3 of the books, but the number 2 didn’t download properly and now waiting for it to become available.
I currently reading Lynn Austin’s All Things New. Having trouble with some of the characters. Although, I truly enjoy her writing. Hope the characters and I can come to an understanding soon.
I am also reading Mary Ellis’ A Widow’s Hope and Tamera Alexander’s From a Distance.
Next up, Love Comes Calling, The Last Bride (Beverly Lewis), An Amish Garden and who knows. I checked out an armful of audio books, as well.
Wow, Dora, you are a reader! I love it! I keep meaning to read a Debbie Macomber book after hearing her speak several years ago but then I get overwhelmed with all her titles and can’t decide which one! Any suggestions?
I’ve been re-reading Janice Thompson’s Backstage Pass series. Lite, romantic comedy like that is always good to read in between heavier, dramatic novels. Her books definitely lift one’s spirits.
From the library I have checked out Rachelle McCalla’s series, Reclaiming the Crown. These are Love Inspired Suspense novels. I don’t usually read a lot of suspense, but occasionally I get on a kick and will read several. If I want mystery I lean more toward cozy mysteries. I enjoyed Julianna Deering’s (Deanna Dodson) first book in the series you mentioned, Rules of Murder. Death by the Book is on my TBR list and I asked the library to order it.
Janice’s books are so fun. So glad you enjoyed Rules of Murder. I do love a cozy mystery over a suspense. I like to figure out “who done it” but I don’t like that heart-pounding fear for the character I get in suspense. I do make occasional exceptions, though. 🙂
Yay! Love Comes Calling is the next book I will be reading; I was really hoping it would be good so I appreciated hearing your thoughts on it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!