Roro8 75 book challenge 2012

I have decided to join the challenge, even though I think it is unlikely I will actually reach the mark of 75. Last year I managed 62 titles both fiction and non-fiction.

I will go and have a look at the titles I have already read this year so I can list them in my next post. I enjoy mostly historical fiction and try to read one non-fiction per month. Will be back soon with the list so far.

Welcome to the group.
The Book Thief is one of my favorite books. How was The Promise of Iceland?

Even better, what's it about? It's tagged Australia and Iceland, but there's no summary or anything...

Welcome!

Thanks for the welcome. The Promise of Iceland is about a man who was born in Iceland to an Australian mother. The identity of his father was to remain a secret at his father's request as he was married. The book is about Kari's travels, his love of Iceland and his journey of discovery both self and family. He currently lives in Australia, and a portion of the book is set in Australia, which explains the tag.

I won this book as part of a subscribers prize for the Australian Good Reading magazine. It is probably not something I would have selected off the shelf for myself but I enjoyed it anyway. I won 5 other books in that prize which I will eventually get to, all by Australian authors.

Hmmm. I'll keep an eye open for it!

drneutron, I will be interested to hear if you find this book as it published by Queensland University Press, an Australian publishing group. But maybe the Author has an international contract too. I don't really know how all that stuff works.

10- The Year After by Martin Davies

This novel was set in the year following the end of WWI. It looks at the changes that occur in everybody as a result of the war. There is an element of mystery and a bit of romance. I gave it 4 stars, was almost 3 1/2 but it did bring tears to my eyes. Not total bawling like in The Book Thief though.

11-The Borgias by Christopher Hibbert

The subtitle for this title is "A tale of greed, nepotism, assassination and relentless jostling for power", which describes the nature of the book perfectly. I bought this book (plus 3 other fiction titles on the Borgias) after watching and enjoying the TV series titled "The Borgias" last year. This is non-fiction so therefore the author has no obligation to make us like the people featured in it, just to give the facts. The Borgias were extremely corrupt, violent and generally represent the least Christian values - yet they are running around at the head of the church! The most interesting person in the book for me was Lucrezia, who had a relatively small role.

I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed the book, but it was informative. I am going to give it 2 stars.

12- Stonehenge: A Novel by Bernard Cornwell

This novel is about the construction of Stonehenge set in about 2000BC. The story revolves around 3 brothers, all sons of the chief of Ratharryn. The three are vastly different characters. There is Camaban, the crippled eldest child, and outcast and disowned by his father. There is Lengar, the strong, warrior-like brother who takes what he wants. Then there is the youngest, Saban, who would like nothing more than live a peaceful life but seems to get anything but that.

The story begins with an injured stranger wandering into the temple near Ratharryn village. He carries treasures that are valuable to another tribe. The treasures are taken by Lengar and then the action begins. We visit two other tribes, endure peace and war, love and loyalty, sorcery and religion, whilst the leadership of Ratharryn changes and the temple construction begins.

Bernard Cornwell has presented the construction techniques used in a very believable way. It is amazing to think that brute strength, intelligence and commitment to such a task actually occurred at that time in history.

I found this book an interesting read. I particularly enjoyed the part describing Saban’s journeying with Haragg the trader.

3 stars from me

13- Promise of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst

This novel is book one in “The Wolf Chronicles”. It is a story told in the voice of a wolf that lived 14000 years ago, Kaala. Kaala is not like the other wolves in her pack, her very life breaks all the covenants of the Swift River Wolves. But against all odds she survives her initial tribulation as she is destined for something important.

Kaala goes on to break nearly every rule in the wolf covenant when she rescues a human child from the river. The wolves are meant to have nothing to do with the humans. Trouble comes between the wolves and the humans and the decisions Kaala makes will be crucial to her survival.

It certainly was different reading a book written from the perspective of an animal. It was a good story, one that I think Disney or Pixar could make into a great animation if they discovered it. It was a quick read, and not too heavy. I give this one 3 stars.

I read both Promise of the Wolves and Stonehenge: a Novel for the reading through time in chronological order concept. Both fall in the pre-history category.

Your two prehistoric reads sound very interesting. Have you read Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear series. It too is set in prehistoric times, tells a good story, and is jam-packed with information about how people lived then.

I see you're from Australia. I had the good fortune to travel in Australia and New Zealand for a month last fall, and I loved it!

Yes arubabookwoman, I have read Clan of the Cave Bear years ago and absolutely loved it. It is one of my all time favourites. I have read the first 5 but are reluctant to start the last one due to bad reviews. Have you read Land of the Painted Caves? If so, what did you think of it?

Where abouts did you travel while you were over here? I hope the weather was good for you while you were here and you got to see heaps of our beautiful scenery. I will have to look up to see where you are from now. My sister lives in NZ and I was just over there last year visiting her. It is beautiful over there too.

14- Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

As usual with Jodi Picoult's books this novel is about a family experiencing a crisis. Luke Warren is a wolf expert. He loves wolves, he works with them, he sleeps with the, he eats with them, he even went into the wild and joined a pack for almost 2 years. His son, Edward, has a fight with Luke and runs away. His daughter, Cara, adores him. Their mother, Georgie, is remarried and has had two more children.

One night Cara and Luke are in a car accident. Cara is badly injured but Luke is worse off. In fact, he is in a vegetative state. So how do the family make decisions now when Cara desperately wants to keep Luke alive and Edward shows up wanting to turn off the life support machines? Unexpected secrets are revealed that underpin the choices that have been made.

As usual with Jodi Picoult's work, each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character in the story, a style I really love to read as you get to know what each character is thinking, not just saying and doing. It gives the story a lot more depth. I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to others.

4 stars from me.

This next book was read for the Reading Through Time March theme "medicine/healing"

15 - The anatomist's Apprentice by Tessa Harris

This novel is book one in the new historical mystery series featuring Dr Thomas Silkstone. It is set in England during the eighteenth century. Dr Silkstone uses his knowledge of medicine and anatomy to solve the mystery of Lord Crick of Oxfordshire. In fact, he is quite the expert in dissection and performs post mortem examinations in eighteenth century style to determine cause of death of the young Lord who, it turns out, is not well liked and most people are happy to see him dead. Except of course, his sister the lovely Lady Lydia.

We meet Dr Silkstone’s mentor, the now blind Dr Curruthers, and another country Dr in Oxfordshire who is quite interesting. There are many minor characters that could be placed in the line-up of suspects. And interesting side stories going on to add dimension.

I found the story-line interesting enough to keep me reading but it is definitely not a page turner. I also agree with other reviews I have seen for this novel stating it could have used a bit more editing or proof reading in the first half at least. I didn’t pick “who-done-it” so that was a positive.

This book gets 3 stars from me.

Good review for The Anatomist's Apprentice! I had that one out and was also hoping to read it for the RTT March theme but I never got around to it before it needed to be returned to the library. Now I don't feel quite so bad I didn't get to it for the theme read but might keep it in mind when I am searching from something like this to read.

Hi lkernagh, it would definitely work for the potential May Crime theme if you were still wanting to give it a go.

I have just finished Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. A very interesting and readable portrayal of how one village managed a year of bubonic plague. 4 stars for this one!

My local book club is reading All Fall Down by Megan Hart this month. It is about a young mother of three who escapes from the cult she has been living in on the evening that they all "drink the rainbow" and "go through the gates". I am about half way through so far, and am now wondering where this story is going to go. Will find out soon I guess.

I finished All Fall Down last night. It was OK. Not one that I would rave about which is a shame as it was my choice for my local book club group this month. I spent a lot of the time in the middle wondering just where the story was going. And maybe reading about somebody coping with stressful teenagers and a bunch of little kids is just too much like my real life. There was not much escapism here for me I'm afraid.

Back to my favourite genre now - historical fiction. Hawk Quest is next which will fit in nicely with the RTT Middle Ages theme for April. With 658 pages it will well and truly be April by the time I am finished it.

Hi Roro8--I didn't read the latest Jean Auel. I had read the series many years ago, and I heard that this one was not very good.

While we were in Australia we were in Melbourne, Alice Springs, Uluru, Cairnes and Sydney. The weather was great everywhere--I especially liked the "outback" portion of the trip. In New Zealand we went to Aukland, Rotorua, and Queenstown. We had snow in Queenstown, even thought it was late October!

I hope I can come back someday.

Hi aruabookwoman, I have been to all those places too, except for Cairns. Cairns is on my to do list. Hopefully I will get there eventually. If I find a triathlon in Cairns for my husband to do then I will probably get there sooner rather than later!

I still haven't braved the latest Jean Auel. I think it will continue to be book shelf decoration for a while yet.

I have now finished Hawk Quest by Robert Lyndon which I give a big 4 stars for an epic adventure. That is 18.

And just now I finished Zipporah, wife of Moses by Marek Halter also a good read, rating 3.5 stars. And this one makes 19.

Number 20

The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak

This book covers the early years of Catherine the Great of Russia, finishing with her becoming Empress. The story is told from the viewpoint of Varvara, an orphaned Polish girl who becomes a palace spy.

I found I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped I would. I kept reading thinking it is going to get better soon, but it never really did. The pace was very even throughout. It could have been a lot more exciting than it was. I wonder if the author just tried to cover too much ground in one book. Overall, I was a bit disappointed and found it to be an average read. Only 2.5 stars for this one.

Number 21

The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele

An interesting story of WWII, set in Italy. Giovanna is a young woman wanting to do her part for the war effort. Her brother is a partisan, the Germans are living in her home, she sees her parents as obstacles to her desire to contribute in a meaningful way to do her part. There is forbidden romance and tragedy, the makings of a very readable story that I quite enjoyed. 3.5 stars

Number 22

The Lost Letters of Aquitaine by Judith Koll Healey

An interesting mystery featuring Princess Alais Capet of France, the Plantagenets and the Knights Templar. This was one of my reads for the reading through time group 500-1500. 3 stars

Your recent reads both look like ones I would enjoy. I will have to check and see if my local library carries them. Thanks for the mention!

Hi alcottacre, if you like The Golden Hour you might also like 22 Britannia Road which I read and enjoyed last year.

There will not be much reading for me today. We are having friends over for a BBQ. The weather is beautiful, I've got a couple of new CDs to play, wine in the fridge. Should be great.

I did start Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn yesterday (known as Empress of Rome here in Australia).

I was also a bit peeved yesterday as I started to read a sample of Sister Queens on my iPad and was enjoying it so I went to buy it so I could read the whole thing and it is no longer available through ibooks! I sent an email to them so I guess I'll wait and see if I hear from them before I look for it elsewhere. It seemed like the start a of good book to me.

I also picked up 5 books from the library on Friday, and only have 3 weeks to read them. I doubt I will get through them all. My reserves all seemed to come in at once.

Number 23

Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn
Known as Empress of Rome here in Australia

I really enjoyed this book. In fact, it is probably my favorite so far this year! It fits nicely into the reading through time in chronological order group I am in too.

Vix is a roman soldier, Sabina is a senator's daughter with great connections, Titus is a likable plodder with great family backing and a bright future, Hadrian is the ward of the Emperor, Plotina is the wife of the Emperor. Put all these together and you get a wonderful story with adventure, scheming, revenge, love and hate. I couldn't ask for anything more. 4.5 stars for this one.

Number 24

Yesterday I finished Thorn on the Rose by Joy Dettman. This is book 2 in the Woody Creek Series. It was lent to me by one of my workmates after she found out that I read the first one last year. I quite enjoyed it. It is VERY Australian. I love the description of the bitchy sister and when the kids are trying to get their heads around the family relationships. Very Australian!!

Number 25

Reign of Madness by Lynn Cullen

A well written historical novel about Juana of Castile, her relationship with Phillippe the Handsome and her path to the throne ( or around it). I really felt for poor Juana and I found this book a good read.
3.5 stars

I think Empress of the Seven Hills is my new favourite for this year.

Number 26

The bushrangers : Australia's greatest self-made heroes by Evan McHugh

I had high hopes for this factual account of Australia's bushranger history and I was majorly disappointed. The first couple of chapters were great, then it became all very repetitive and I quickly lost interest.
I will give it 1 star for the good start.

Number 27

Queen Hereafter by Susan Fraser King

This novel was about Margaret, Queen of Scots, starting from her shipwreck on the Scotland coast. It covered her marriage to Malcolm III and the birth of their first 3 children. I really enjoyed the fictional character that was introduced to help tell the story - Eva, the Bard. The influence that Margaret had over her all the people surrounding her is apparent in the telling of the story. I wonder if the author will write any more about this amazing character.
3.5 stars for this one.

You've been reading some interesting historical fiction this year, Empress of the Seven Hills and Queen Hereafter both sound good.

Thanks Judy, I really enjoyed both of them. I have just reserved Daughters of Rome from the library as I haven't read that one yet.

28th book
I just realised I have left one out - The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran
I read this one for the Quarterly challenge reading through time in chronological order group. It also conveniently fit into my local book club theme for the month which was author's name starting with M.
The book was a good read, and I would gladly recommend it to anybody interested in this time period, i.e. Ancient Egypt. The story is about Nefertari, niece of the Queen Nefertiti, and her relationship with Rameses.

29th book

Secrets of the Tides by Hannah Richell

I loved this book that was chosen for me by my family as a Mother's Day gift, just last weekend.
The story is about the relationships between 2 sisters, Cassie and Dora, and their mother Helen. A tragedy strikes the family resulting in a lot of guilt, blame and family dysfunction. The characters were portrayed so realistically, flaws and all, that I couldn't help but feel for each of them. I felt like a voyeur at times watching this family play out their roles. I would definitely recommend this one if you like a contemporary family drama.
4.5 stars - Great reading

Book Number 30!!!

Holy Warrior by Angus Donald

I have just finished Holy Warrior by Angus Donald. It is the second book in his Robin Hood series. It covers the part of Robin's life when he joins King Richard to fight Saladin for the Holy Lands in Outremer. There is mystery as somebody is trying to murder Robin Hood. And, of course, wherever Robin Hood is there is bound to be crime of some sort. There is also a bit of romance for Alan Dale, who is the character telling the story as and older man remembering his adventures with the famous Earl of Locksley.
The book was a reasonably good read. One negative being there were heaps of spelling and grammatical errors which really started to annoy me. However, I will still read the third one.

3 Stars

That Robin Hood trilogy sounds interesting, I'm adding them to my wishlist.

Hi Judy, I hope you like them when you get to them. Maybe we'll have a Robin Hood theme one month, you never know. Or you could always sneak him in for a future crime theme like I did.

Number 31

More Like Her by Liza Palmer

Feeling like a change from my usual genre of historical fiction, I had a scout around to find some more contemporary reads that I might like. This was one of those selections. I could not put it down and read the whole thing in just 2 days!

The story is told by Frannie who is a speech therapist at an elite private school. She has two fantastic friends in Jill and Lisa, and there are romantic interests as well. However the story is about the impact Emma has on their lives. Frannie is just starting to get to know Emma, who seems to have it all, when Emma is murdered by her husband. The story is about the lead up to this event and the fall out afterwards.

Like I said, I could not put it down. The characters were great, flawed and real. The relationships between the characters were magnetic. This was a great read for me at the perfect time.

4.5 stars for this one - LOVED it.

You know a theme like "Heroes & Vagabonds" would be fun and fit the Reading Through Time Challenge perfectly. People could read a historical novel or non-fiction book about a famous person - real or mythical. Robin Hood, Ivanhoe, Jessie James, Count of Monte Crisco, etc. I might just suggest that theme one of these days. :)

I love that idea Judy. I would definitely vote for that one.

Number 32

The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson

This novel the story of Ella and her fight for custody of her step-children after the unexpected death of her husband Joe. Their mother (Paige) walked out after the birth of her second child. They live in a small town, Joe’s family is Italian and Joe has been running the local store that has been in the family for 3 generations and has significant family history.

With the death of Joe, Paige reappears, wanting custody of the children. Ella wants to keep them safe and happy, she is the only mother they know. Yet she wants what is best for the children. She confronts inner conflict and conflict with Joe’s family in the process.

Ultimately the book was a fairly good read, tackling several contemporary issues. I quite enjoyed it.

3.5 stars for this one.

Number 33

Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey

This work is the first in a trilogy and as the title indicates, is about Marie Antoinette covering the time in her life from a child of about ten, through to the first couple of years of her marriage to the French Dauphin, up until the death of his father King Louis XV. She is one of 16 children mothered by the formidable Empress of Austria, Maria Theresa.

I really enjoyed the first part of the story when Marie Antoinette was still in Austria. Her relationship with her sister was beautifully depicted. And her distress at her sister being shipped off to a marriage to a horrible man in a foreign country, knowing she would never see her again, was made all the worse knowing that she too would soon be sent away.

I found the description of the preparation of Marie Antoinette, for the royal wedding very interesting. Who would have thought they had dental braces in those days? I had no idea. And the hairdressing was amazing too.

Then off to France went Marie for her wedding to the painfully shy Louis Auguste. Her introduction to the French court is not without drama. There are problems with her relationship with Louis that she is trying hard to work out.

I found this an enjoyable novel and I really liked the historical note at the back that informed the reader on how much of the work was actually based on fact, or fluffed up for the sake of the story.

3.5 stars for this one.

I have finally got around to writing reviews for the last two books I read. We just had a long weekend for the Queen's Birthday but it rained every day so the kids were stuck indoors and hogging the computer! I finally got my turn today seeing they have all gone to school.
It is so peaceful I will also be able to do some reading. I am currently reading a couple of books that will fit the reading through time quarterly challenge of Ancient and Biblical times.
I have also gone crazy reserving books at the library for the same groups next theme which is Arthurian Briton. If anybody is checking this out and has some recommendations I'd love to hear them.
Ro

> Roro8 - Back in April I read Black Horses for the King which is a YA novel which I really enjoyed. Review here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/3203310/reviews

I would also recommend Arthur, High King of Britain which is a children's book but well worth looking at. Beautiful watercolour illustrations in that one. Review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/440061/reviews

I DO NOT RECOMMEND: King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green. Booooorrrrring - to me anyway. Review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/28940/reviews

I also participate in the Reading Through Time quarterly challenge and for July, for the topic Arthurian Briton, I plan to read The Mists of Avalon which comes highly recommended by my daughter-in-law and many others here on LT (4.14 stars)

>49 ccookie: Thanks for the tips, I'll look them up at the library today. Special thanks for saving me from a potentially boring read. I have been looking at The Mists of Avalon too. I'll wait and see what you think of it before I pick it up. One benefit to having three months to read the books is that there is time to read something others have recommended within the time frame.

I am off to read your reviews now :-)

Book 34

Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn

4 stars
Another winner from Kate Quinn!

Book 35

The King's Man: Outlaw Chronicles by Angus Donald

This is book 3 of the Outlaw Chronicles, a series about Robin Hood. I have read all three of them this year, which is unusual for me as I often dawdle with series books but this one is really good.
The story is told by Alan Dale and gives us a really interesting take on this well known historical figure. Of course there is plenty of action, drama and a bit of romance. The novel picks up when the English forces, lead by King Richard leave the Holy Lands after the fighting. King Richard is kidnapped and held to ransom, Prince John is scheming for power and causing trouble at home. Definitely a situation requiring the skills of Robin Hood and his friends.

I enjoyed this adventure and give this novel 4 stars. And from the sound of the authors note at the end, there will be more adventures to delve into in the future.

Book 36

Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

This novel is the sequel to Lily of the Nile detailing the life of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. I enjoyed the novel but found Selene to be very frustrating at times. There is a lot of political intrigue and some traveling around the ancient world. The inclusion of ancient religions and their practices was also really interesting.
3.5 stars

The theme for my local book club this month is "memories". I have chosen to read The Last Letter from your Lover.

Book 37

Daughter of Siena by Marina Fiorato

I quite liked this story. It centers around the traditional horse race that occurs twice a year in Siena. There is murder, mystery, romance, and tragedy. I give it 3.5 stars.

Book 38

The Last Letter from your Lover by Jojo Moyes

This is a beautifully written romantic novel. It moves between current time and the 1960's, with a wonderful story of a very passionate affair, and the outcome of it. There is also the current day story of another romance. There is a real last love letter at the beginning of each chapter that adds a nice touch.

I really enjoyed this one, the first book I have read by this author but definitely not the last.
4 stars for this one.

Book 39

I have just finished my first read for the quarterlr reading through time theme of Aurthurian Britain. Camelot's Shadow by Sarah Zettel. An Arthurian romance, it is indeed. This Novel tells the love story of Rhian, sold by her father to an evil sorcerer to save the life of his beloved wife, and the galant knight of the round table Gawain. There was a fair bit of magic and sorcery which I don't normally go for, but it fit the times so I didn't mind it too much. I quite enjoyed the novel actually, which is the first in a series. I already have the second one on my bookshelf and am looking forward to reading it soon.

4 stars for this one

I am currently slogging my way though Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I am currently about a third of the way through and I have to admit, it has taken me a while to get used to the writing style. All the "He" references have been quite confusing. It would appear this is what some other people have thought, judging by a few reviews that I have read. Those reviews also indicate that I am just now getting to the place where the book really lifts. I will see.
This read is not for any of the groups I am in, I just felt like reading it.

I have made the half way mark with Wolf Hall. Now I have a few days off work I might be able to make more of a dent in it. I am keen to get on with my "witches/magic" book for the Reading Through Time group theme for this month. Plus I have another Arthurian book I want to read for my other group theme read. So many books, so little time. I'm sure every LTer feels the same.

So many books, so little time. I'm sure every LTer feels the same.

Yeah, that pretty much sums us up as a group. :) It's a problem I don't mind having one bit!

I am trying to get to my book about witches as well, but have decided it will make a good story to take with me when I visit my Mom next week.
Enjoy Wolf Hall.

>60 jolerie: I knew there were others out there. I agree, as far as problems go, this one isn't bad at all.

>61 DeltaQueen50: I look forward to hearing about your witch read. Unfortunately I'm not enjoying Wolf Hall as much as I had hoped. I will continue though.

It took me awhile to get into Wolf Hall as well. Her writing style took some getting used to, if I remember correctly the storyline totally engrossed me around the 200 page mark.

Book 40

The Alphabet Sisters by Monica McInerney

This was an enjoyable family drama about 3 sisters set in the Clare Valley in South Australia. There is a family fallout when one sister falls in love with another sister's fiancé. To make things more interesting the three sisters used to be a singing group in their childhood and have grown up living in motels as their parents own and manage them. Their colorful grandmother Lola has helped raise them and is a mastermind behind bringing the three of them back together after a long period of separation.

3.7 stars for this one.

I am about 2/3 of the way through Wolf Hall. Will get there eventually. I am currently reading The Witch of Cologne for the witch/magic theme for the Reading Through Time theme for this month. So far it is pretty good.

I had my local book club meeting last night at a lovely pizza place. The food and company were lovely. Our theme for this month is "Travel". I will have to go and scour the shelves for something to fit that theme.

I'm approaching 80% of the way through Wolf Hall. I probably would be done if I had not had a sinus headache this morning. I had to take medicine and lie down for awhile. I plan to resume reading after this Facebook and LibraryThing break!

>66 thornton37814:. I will be interested to see what you think. Have you read it quickly or taken a long time like me?

Book 41

The Witch of Cologne by Tobsha Learner

Read for the theme "Witchcraft in History". This book fit the theme perfectly. 3 stars

Book 42

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

I am finally finished with this book. I did not enjoy it and feel it is largely over-rated. It took a long while to get used to the writing style with the constant use of 'he' meaning Thomas Cromwell. It did not suck me in, it did not make me feel anything. Overall a very disappointing read for me. I know there are heaps of people out there who think it is wonderful but I'm not one of them.

1 star

Book 43

The Heretic's Daughter by kathleen Kent

I read this book for the "Witchcraft in History" theme. It centres around the Salem witch trials, and was definitely worth a read. I have already read this author's other novel The Traitor's Wife which is the prequel to this one and thought it just as good, if not, a little better. I give this one 3 stars.

Book 44

The Chaperone by Laura Moriaty

This novel is about Cora, who starts her story as a young girl living in "The Home for Friendless Girls" in New York City, an orphanage run by Catholic nuns. She is selected to go on the orphan train in an effort to get adopted by a family out west. This part of the story is really good as it describes her new living arrangements and then meeting her husband etc.
Cora gets the opportunity to return to NYC, chaperoning the rebellious and headstrong Louise Brooks. She investigates her origins and makes some life changing decisions.
I enjoyed the story and am giving this one 3.5 stars

Book 45

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

Wow, this one really had me turning pages. All the twists and potential suspects just made this a great read.

4 stars

Book 46

Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore by Stella Duffy

3.5 stars

Book 47

I have read Hannibal: Enemy of Rome by Ben Kane for the August reading through time theme of Ancient Rome. It starts off with two teenage boys in Carthage avoiding their duties and going fishing instead. They get caught in a storm and washed out to sea in their tiny vessel. Here they are captured by pirates and sold into slavery. Meanwhile, Hannibal is taking a huge army to fight the Romans. The story follows one of the boys, his family who are members of the Carthaginian army, and the son of the Roman family that buys him in the slave markets. It is an interesting read tackling family bonds and tensions, loyalty versus betrayal, personal honour, and the trials of war. Definitely a worthwhile read.
4 stars

Book 48

The Queen's Lady by Barbara Kyle

I really enjoyed this novel set in England mostly in the reign of Henry VIII. Honor Larke is the main character of the story which starts with her as a young child. It has quite a bit of action and romance. There is a lot of querying of religious beliefs which is to be expected at this time in history. I have already downloaded the next book on my kindle as I know I will want to read it.

Hi Ro, just dropping by to let you know that the September Series & Sequels thread is up. Hope to see you over there.

I have just totally amazed myself in my investigation into series I have in progress, for the September Series and Sequels challenge. I have made a list, but at my pace there is no way I will get through them all in one month. I will endeavour to read some of these, in no particular order:

The Fiery Cross, book 5 in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
The Key of Creation, book 3 in Terra Incognita by Kevin J Anderson
Warlord, book 4 in Robin Hood series by Angus Donald
Death of kings, book 6 in The Saxon Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell
Death of an Empire, book 2 in the Merlin trilogy by M K Hume
Camelot's Honour, book 2 in Paths to Camelot by Sarah Zettel
Land of the Painted Caves, book 6 in Earth's Children by Jean Auel
The House of Lanyon, book 1 in The Exmoor Saga by Valerie Anand (I read book 2 first)
The Concubine's Secret, book 2 in The Russian Concubine series by Kate Furnivall
The Borgia Mistress, book 3 in the Poisoner Mysteries by Sara Poole
Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow, sequel by Juliet Grey
The King's Daughter, book 2 of the Thornleigh Saga by Barbara Kyle
Moth to the Flame, book 3 in the Woody Creek series by Joy Dettman
Kiss River, book to in Lighthouse series by Diane Chamberlain
Dreams of Joy, sequel by Lisa See
The Knight of the Sacred Lake, book 2 of Guenevere by Rosalind Miles
Companions of Paradise, book 3 in the Paradise trilogy by Thalassa Ali

Thanks for inspiring me to put this list together. It is great encouragement to get on with finishing or getting up-to-date with series.

Book 49

The theme for my local book club this month was "Medical" so I read Bandaid for a Broken Leg by Damien Brown. Damien is an Australian doctor who goes to Africa as a volunteer to work in a couple of MSF health care facilities. He writes about the working conditions, his relationships with the local health care workers and the other volunteers, the local customs etc. For example when performing an operation in the "theatre" a male relative is present, is shown the offending appendix (or whatever other body part is involved) and he gives his permission for it to be removed. I found the book really interesting. Damien shares some of his feelings about the situations in these communities and how difficult it is working there. Definitely a good read.
4 stars

Yay! I've cracked 50

A Good American by Alex George

I chose this book after reading a couple of good reviews from different sources. The story came across to me in an emotionally detached style of writing. While the underlying story concept was good I would have really like some more of the characters personal feelings to be portrayed. This was an ok read, 3 stars.

Book 51

I have read Prophecy: Death of an Empire by M K Hume. I have read this book for the chronological reading through time theme of King Arthur's times. It also fits in to the Sept Series and Sequels challenge. This book is the second in a trilogy about Merlin. The first book starts with Merlin's conception up to his teen years and this book picks up from there. Merlin goes on a long journey through the Roman Empire at the time Atilla the Hun is ravaging this part of the world. The historical detail is well researched and appropriate to the story. I am looking forward to reading the final installment when it is released.

I give this book 4 stars

Book 52

I have finished reading Camelot's Honour by Sarah Zettel. This fits in the reading through time Arthurian theme and the 75ers series and sequels theme. It is the second book in the Paths to Camelot series. It tells the story of Geraint's romance with Elen and the challenges they have to face together in order to free Elen's people from an evil tyrant and release Elen from the horrible curse placed on her by Morgaine. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. 3 stars

Book 53

The King's Daughter by Barbara Kyle

This is the second book in the Thornleigh series, and every bit as good as the first (maybe even better). Isabel Thornleigh gets herself involved in the rebel uprising against catholic Queen Mary. At the same time she is trying to locate and rescue her father from prison where he has been placed for killing the man who shot his wife (Isabel's mother). Of course she has a handsome bad boy to help her with this mission in the form of Carlos Valverde, but is he helping or is he just using Isabel? There is heaps of action and the book never gets boring. I really enjoyed it and am giving it 4 stars. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series The Queen's Captive.

Book 54

Blue Asylum by Kathy Hepinstall

Set during the middle of the American Civil War, Iris Dunleavy is convicted of madness and sent to an asylum on a beautiful island. She believes she is not insane, but is being punished by a bad husband. But women have no power in these times and it is to the asylum she goes. She makes friends with some of the other residents. The Dr is an interesting character with very unusual, even cruel therapy he uses to try to cure his patients. She also befriends the Dr's son who is extremely lonely as there are no other children on the island. The writing in this novel is amazing. KH really sets the scene with such clarity. A beautifully written story. 4.5 big stars for this one.

Book 55

Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke

This was a wonderful story that I really enjoyed. It included the sinking of the Titanic, immigration, wicked relatives and WWI. There was just a bit too much bible referencing for me, this is the only negative I have.

4.5 stars for this one. Probably a favourite for this year.

Hello, you have done some impressing reading this year. I have got The Heretics Daughter on my TBR pile, but I didn't realize that it had a prequel.

Hi drachenbraut. That is what I love about this website. I am always finding out stuff about the books that I have read from other LTers. The Traitor's Wife also known as The Wolves of Andover is about how the mother and father from The Heretic's Daughter met.

Hi Roro8 - Thank you very much for the information and interesting to know there are two different titles as well. Probably due to US/UK versions.

I have seen on your profile that you are a nurse as well. Which area do you work in?

I work in Cancer Care, in a chemotherapy unit. How about you?

For the past 15 years NICU Level three. I am pediatric nurse, and used to work in oncology, haematology and bone marrow transplantation for a few years as well.

Book 56

Monsoon by Wilbur Smith

I read this book for the reading through time group September theme of "Seasons". With the monsoon being a seasonal wind I thought this novel fit perfectly.

The book was very long, which was by no means a bad thing. It is the story of 4 brothers living in England in the 18th century. The oldest brother is evil and conniving and is left to manage the family estate that he stands to inherit eventually. The younger three brothers set sail with their father to rid the the seas near Africa of the terrible pirate known as Al-Auf. The book is jam packed with adventure on the sea and on land. There are attacks, rescues and tragedies.

I have been a total book-head this afternoon ploughing through the last 100 pages of this novel. I will definitely be keeping this author on my radar for future reads. I have read 4 other novels by Wilbur Smith years ago. This one has reminded me how much I liked them.

4 Stars

Book 57
Moth to the Flame by Joy Dettman

I have finished my first book for the 1950's theme in the reading through time group. Moth to the Flame is the third book in the Woody Creek series by Joy Dettman. It continues telling the story of Jennifer Morrison who has grown up in Woody Creek an manages to make a lot of bad decisions and trouble just seems to find her. I have enjoyed each book a little more than the one before it as I become more and more interested in finding out what is going to happen next to Jenny. This book starts in 1946 and finishes in 1958. There is domestic violence, custody battles, abortions, discrimination against unwed mothers, tragic deaths etc. I will definitely be reading the 4th book which came out this year. These novels are all so very Australian and I am really enjoying that aspect of them.

3.5 stars

Book 58

The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas

This was an interesting story set during the early years of Queen Mary Stuart's reign in Scotland, ending with her marriage to Darnley. However the Queen is a supporting character in this novel where young Rinette of Granmuir becomes embroiled in the politics of court being charged with hiding a silver casket filled with invaluable information for the young Mary to be given to her when she returns to Scotland. The hiding of the casket leads to murder and other tragic events. This was a mystery with a romance. I liked it.
4 stars

Book 59

The Bone Thief by V M Whitworth

Reading through time quarterly theme 500-1500

This story was set in 900, shortly after the death of King Alfred. It sees Wulfgar in search of the holy relic, bones of St Oswald, for the Lady of Mercia. On his way he encounters a multitude of dangers and makes some interesting friends.
3.5 stars

Book 60

The Witch Doctor's Wife by Tamar Myers

Reading through time October theme 1950's

Amanda Brown is a young woman from America's South who travels to Congo, then under Belgian rule, to run a guest house for missionaries. She meets many of the quirky locals but remains oblivious to scheming and blackmail going on in the community. An african baby has found a HUGE diamond, his father is the witch doctor. However all diamonds found in the area are owned by the Belgian mine on the other side of the river. So the story revolves around how the diamond is to be smuggled out and who is going to benefit from this magnificent find. After starting this book I discovered that it is the first in a series. I have already reserved the next one at the library as I really enjoyed this one.

3.5 stars

Book 61

Brighton Belle by Sara Sheridan

Reading through time October theme 1950's

Book 62

The Law of Angels by Cassandra Clark

This is the third installment in Cassandra Clark's Abbess of Meaux Mysteries. The novel is set in 1384. Hildegard is a nun living in a quiet glade with a couple of sisters. Two young girls are sent into her care, to be hidden from the trouble that is looking for them. Of course, the trouble finds them and Hildegard must find out what is going on. This is a complex mystery with many interesting characters. A few carry over from the previous books. The fourth book is now out titled A Parliament of Spies, and I will be keeping it in mind for future reading.

3.5 stars

Book 63

The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain

I selected this book for my local book club theme for the month - children. This story centers around three characters. Travis, Bella's dad. Robin, Bella's mum. And Erin, a new friend of Travis that has recently lost her daughter. Travis has sole custody of Bella. a series of events occur which result in him becoming financially desperate, affecting his judgement on certain decisions to be made in order to support his child. Robin is engaged to a local up and coming politician from a very well known and wealthy family with its own dramas and secrets. The book swaps characters as the storyteller for each chapter which worked really well and is a writing style I really like.

4 stars

Book 64

The Borgia Mistress by Sara Poole

This is book 3 in Sara Poole's Poisoner Mysteries. The books follow the trials and tribulations of Francesca Giordano, poisoner to the Borgia family and mistress of Cesare. This was a worthy addition to the series.

3.5 stars

I have just started reading Sea of Poppies. I have high expectations that I will love this book so here's hoping that's the case.

I really enjoyed Poole's first book, Poison in her Borgia series. Haven't made it to book two or three yet - for some reason my local library only brought in book one for circulation - but hope to at some point. Happy to see book three is a worthy addition to the series.

>100 lkernagh: My library does that sometimes too. It's disappointing when I've really enjoyed something. I bought all three of the Poisoner series, and have lent them to a couple of friends to enjoy too.

I hope you enjoy Sea of Poppies. It was one of my favorite reads this year. It took me a bit to get into as there were so many characters to introduce but it was worth the wait. I have since read and loved the second book, River of Smoke and I am impatiently waiting for the third!

>102 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy. Your's was one of the reviews that really encouraged me to read it. Plus there was the group read of River of Smoke earlier this year. I figured if that many people were planning on reading the sequel together then the first one must be pretty good. There are definitely a lot of characters being introduced and they all sound very interesting. I am having a bit of trouble understanding some of the hibrid language conversations happening on the Ibis. I'll probably get used to it as the story goes along.

I had the same problem with the language, I finally decided just to read through it and suddenly, like a light went on, everything started to make sense and fit together. If someone hasn't read Sea of Poppies, it probably sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't, and the story is so worth the small amount of concentration you have to use.

Book 65

Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

A fantastic read. Great characters. Very deserving of all the wonderful reviews it has received.

4.5 stars

Book 66

Camellia by Lesley Pearse

I did not enjoy this novel at all. In fact I forced myself to read about 40% of the book and gave up. I didn't like the lead character or much of what she did. Not my type of book at all.

1/2 a star (only because I don't think 0 stars register)

Book 67

Map of Lost Memories by Kim Fay

Reading through time group theme for November - Asia

After losing her position at the Brooke museum, Irene Blum decides to follow her passion for the Khmer and search for a hidden temple and its secret treasure in the Cambodian jungle. First she must go to Siagon and recruit help. Set in 1925 this is an adventure story that made me think of Indianna Jones at times.

3 stars

Book 68

Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell

This is book 6 in The Saxon Chronicles. It took me almost half the book to get into it but after that it was an ok read.

3 stars

I'd like to join the challenge too, even though I'm more likely to finish just a couple of books this year.

Now reading "The Litigators" by John Grisham.

Just finished reading "The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo."

I am a Mystery, Crime Thriller junkie.

Hi Jackie, I didn't think I would really make 75 books either. I thought I would get close though. I reckon it doesn't matter if we make the 75 or not, as long as we've read some good books on the way.

As you can probably see I really like historical fiction. Sometimes I'll go for a mystery or a thinner or a bit of chick lit though.

Book 69

The Sultan's Wife by Jane Johnson

The main characters in this novel are Alys Swan, an Englishwoman captured by corsairs and gifted to the Sultan of Morocco and Nus Nus a eunuch slave in the Service of the Sultan. There is much court and harem intrigue and also violence in this interesting story. Definitely a good bit of escapism and a great location and culture to read about.

3.5 stars

Book 70

The Somnambulist by Essie Fox

I read this for the December reading through time theme of Victorian era. This is not a time period I read very much in usually and i found this novel to be quite predictable. The descriptions of the settings were quite good but otherwise a pretty average read.

2.7 stars

Book 71

The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis

This book just fits into the 500-1500 time period for the quarterly themed reading through time in chronological order challenge.

Set in the 1490's, this novel tells the story of Princess Sancha of Naples. She is wed to Jofre, son of Pope Alexander (Rodrigo Borgia). The newly weds must live in Rome where Sancha is court up in all the politics and drama that surrounds the Borgia family. I really liked the characters of Alfonso (Sancha's brother) and Lucrezia (Jofre's sister). Cesare and the Pope were very interesting villains.

3.5 stars

Book 72

Pieces of Sky by Kaki Warner

I don't think I've ever read a western/cowboy novel before but I felt like reading something different from my usual type of book so I gave this western romance a go. It was definitely a case of the right book at the right time because I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and had trouble putting it down. The characters were very likable, the settings were described well, the romance was good, I actually laughed out loud a couple of times and there were also a couple of more sombre moments. This is the first in a trilogy and I am definitely going to be reading the next one.

4.5 stars

Wow! I am almost there.

Book 73

Silk and Steel by Catherine King

I chose this novel for the Victorian era, theme for the Reading Through Time group for December. I had read a review for it in the Historical Novel Review and thought it sounded good. I also wanted a change from reading about royalty and other very wealthy people. This was definitely a perfect choice as it centred around a steel factory manager and the factory owners disowned daughter. There was violence, death, family secrets and romance. I rather enjoyed it.

4 Stars

Book 74

The Venetian Contract by Marina Fiorato

Marina Fiorato is one of my favoured authors, which is the main reason I chose to read this book. It is an interesting tale of two cultures, the Turks of Constantinople and the Venetian medical disaster of the plague outbreak. Feyra is a doctor of the harem in Constantinople who finds herself onboard a ship bound for Venice (the arch enemy nation) with a deadly cargo. Tragedy strikes and Feyra must find her way in a foreign culture with a mission to fulful. The mission was given to her by her mother as she died.

Once again a really good read.
4 Stars

Hooray! Hooray!

I made it to 75!

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick was by 75th book for the year. I've actually borrowed this book from the library a couple of times before without reading it. It was an interesting portrayal of the characters involved in a "mail order" marriage. The story line was good but the best part of the novel was the character development. They were all extremely flawed. And there was a twist that I didn't see coming.

3.5 stars

Congratulations on reaching 75! You actually did it.

Thanks Terri

Congratulations on reaching 75!

Thanks Judy!

Believe it or not here is book 76!!

Conspiracies of Rome by Richard Blake

I have been reading Conspiracies of Rome and I have to say I was very disappointed. I felt there was a lot of history just put across as information rather than somehow being incorporated smoothly in the story. I also found it difficult to like any of the characters. I will not be reading any more in this series.

1 star only

Merry Christmas to anybody reading my thread. I had a wonderful Christmas day with my family yesterday. My husband had to work until 4 so I took my children to Noosa beach for the morning (google image Noosa beach, it's beautiful). We had a lovely time swimming, making sandcastles and playing cricket. Then home to cook the best Christmas dinner I have ever made (thanks to menu plan I found on a cooking website). All the kids helped me with the prep. Grandpa and Uncle Anthony arrived in the afternoon and a lot of fun was had by all.

Book 77

Shadows of the Nile by Kate Furnivall

This is the newest novel by Kate Furnivall. Set mostly in 1932. It is a historical mystery starting in England and concluding in Egypt. A really good read.

4 stars

I'm thinking of doing the 2013 challlenge. I will have to search my brain for some good categories.