Whew! Back to a more normal reading month! Which ought to continue through the Fall! Yay!!!!
Where to start? How about historicals, because you know they are my favorite!
The Lumber Baron’s Wife by Lynn Austin
Wow. This might be one of Lynn Austin’s best, in my opinion. I listened to it and was captivated by the characters and the mystery in this dual-timeline book. I love when we get to see the events played out in their historical setting while at the same time getting to go on the journey of discovering the story with the present-day character. So, so good.
The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green
Every time I read an Amy Lynn Green book, I kick myself for not picking it up sooner! Another audiobook for the month—and another great story. This is dual-timeline, but it’s both World War I and World War II. A mother and a daughter coming to understand one another better. I loved it so much.
A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys
One of the endorsers of this book talked about it as a combo of The Great Gatsby and Agatha Christie—and I completely agree! Wow. This story, woven from threads of Detroit’s history during the 1920s—seemed fairly straightforward, but then question after question niggled, until everything I thought got turned on its head! This is Ruta’s first adult novel, but it’s just as compelling as her YA historical fiction. FYI—half a dozen or so mild cuss words, 2 major ones (toward the end), and sexual innuendo.
The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews
I have loved so many of Mimi’s books, but this one? I adored Miles Quincey! A marriage of convenience story with a mystery to solve in Victorian England. FYI—this has one steamy but not graphic scene.
The Scorpion Thief by Janyre Tromp
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this story while reading it. In the end, I enjoyed the story very much, although I didn’t feel like it needed the myth/magical realism parts. For me, they distracted from rather than enhanced the story. I thought the story stood well on its own without that aspect. But that’s just my preference.
I did finally finish a classic this month.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
I decided a re-read was in order after watching the latest BBC rendition—which I loved. But I did conclude that modern adapters don’t know what to do with themes that lean more toward the spiritual. In the show, it seemed his goal of revenge brought him peace and satisfaction. And he got the girl. The book is a bit different from that. I won’t spoil it for you completely, but it was, to me, a much more satisfying ending for my soul than the show.
On to contemporary stories!
Guardian by Jennifer Chastain
Book four in Heroes of Renegade. It was fine. Moved the bigger story along. But less engaging for me than some of the others.
Rescuer by Dana R. Lynn
Book five in Heroes of Renegade. So far, my favorites in the series are #1 and #5! This was a great story. Loved the characters, the writing, and the pacing of the story. Two more to go!
Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly
Book two in the Scottish Isle Mystery series. I did this one as an ebook since I didn’t love the narrator when I listened to book one. Cozy mystery set in Scotland with an American doctor working with the Laird of the island, who is also the constable. Quirky characters, lots of BBC references, and all the Scottish stuff. Delightful. FYI—not Christian, but clean. Maybe a couple of mild expletives? Can’t remember.
South by Susan May Warren
I’m so ready for Alan Martin to get caught! And yet . . . a twist in this one—book three of The Hunt for Alan Martin—makes me question everything I thought I knew! Another great story, but I’m antsy for the ending to this saga! FYI–this one releases in a few days on Amazon. If you want it before that, you can get it on Susie’s website.
I did read one more book this month, but it was an advanced copy of a book that hasn’t yet been put up for pre-order. And since I don’t want you to miss either pre-ordering it or adding it to your list, I’ll wait to add it to the month when the link becomes available! Be looking for this *hint* historical romantic suspense. It’s a good one!
And I did stop reading one book this month—The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton. I could absolutely do the POV of the ghost of a woman as we figured out what happened to her. But when it started heading toward seances and contacting the dead, I was out.
Now I’m ready to hunker down and read through the hot days of August!
What was your favorite read this month?