Roro gives it a go! 2013

I thought about giving this a go in 2012 but decided on the 75 challenge instead. So 2013 is to be the year of the category challenge for me. I love the three CAT challenges that have been set too. As I just managed to scrape in 77 books last year, I am going to go easy on myself and say I will try for at least 5 in each category, however I am sure I will manage more than that in some. I have chosen 9 categories, plus the three monthly challenges. I will place each book in only one of my categories plus as many of the monthly CAT (random, alpha, award) as the book fits.

1- 2013 release- TARGET REACHED
2- From my bookshelf, pre 2013- TARGET REACHED
3- Australian Author - TARGET REACHED
4- Visit each continent- TARGET REACHED
5- Next in series (already commenced)- TARGET REACHED
6- Historical Mystery- TARGET REACHED
7- Chick lit - TARGET REACHED
8- WWII- TARGET REACHED
9- Awards CAT
10- Random CAT
11- Alpha CAT
12 - Biography, Memiors, True Stories - TARGET REACHED

2013 Book Tally 73

2013 release - Target Reached

1) Mistress to the Crown by Isolde Martyn
2) Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell
3) She Rises by Kate Worsley
4) The Walls of Byzantium by James Heneage
5) Secrets of the Sea House by Elizabeth Gifford
6) The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora by Stephanie Thornton
7) The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn
8) The Wedding Gift by Marien Suyapa Bodden
9) Year of Shadows by Hannah Richell

From my bookshelf, pre 2013 - Target Reached

1) The Various Flavours of Coffee by Anthony Capella
2) Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
3) The Spymaster's Daughter by Jeane Westin
4) The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich
5) Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
6) The Queen's Mistake: In the Court of Henry VIII by Diane Haeger
7) The King's Mistress by Emma Campion
8) The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick
9) Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow

Australian Author - Target Reached

1) Absolution Creek by Nicole Alexander
2) Amber Road by Boyd Anderson
3) Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
4) The Orchid File by David Hilton
5) Cat & Fiddle by Lesley Jorgensen
6) Wind in the Wires by Joy Dettman

Visit Each Continent - Target Reached

1) ASIA
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

2) AFRICA
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell

3) NORTH AMERICA
Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck
The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott
Let the Great World Spin by Colom McCann
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

4) SOUTH AMERICA
Mistress of the Sea by Jenny Barden

5) ANTARCTICA
Chasing the Light by Jesse Blackdder

6) EUROPE
Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
Elizabeth I: A Novel by Margaret George
The Sky's Dark Labyrinth by Stuart Clark
House of Orphans by Helen Dunmore
Company of Liars by Karen Maitland

7) OCEANIA
The Colour by Rose Tremain

Next in Series (already in progress, not new) - Target Reached

1) River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh
2) Open Country by Kaki Warner
3) Warlord by Angus Donald
4) Camelot's Sword by Sarah Zettel
5) Prophecy: Web of Deceit by M K Hume
6) Hannibal: Fields of Blood by Ben Kane
7) The Concubine's Secret by Kate Furnivall
8) The Land of the Painted Caves by Jean M Auel
9) London Calling by Sara Sheridan
10) The Key To Creation by Kevin J Anderson
11) Camelot's Blood by Sarah Zettel

Historical Mystery - Target Reached

1) The Malice of Fortune by Michael Ennis
2) In A Treacherous Court by Michelle Diener
3) Mr Churchill's Secretary: A Novel by Susan Ella MacNeal
4) The Headhunter's Daughter by Tamar Myers
5) The Asylum by John Harwood

Chick Lit Target Reached

1) How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal
2) Lifesaving For Beginners by Ciara Geraghty
3) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
4) The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
5) Jemima J by Jane Green

World War II - Target Reached

1) Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson
2) Love in the Years of Lunacy by Mandy Sayer
3) The Winter of Her Discontent by Kathryn Miller Haines
4) City of Women by David Gillham
5) Letters From Skye by Jessica Brockman
6) Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

AwardsCAT

January
Orange Book Prize - The Colour by Rose Tremain

February
RITA - How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal
RITA - Open Country by Kaki Warner

April - Local Award
Australian Indie Book award Shortlist 2012 - Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
IMPAC Dublin Literary Award - Let the Great World Spin by Colom McCann
IMPAC - Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

May
June

July
Edgar - Mr Churchill's Secretary by Susan Ella MacNeal

August
Scotiabank Giller Prize - The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott

September
October
November
December

RandomCAT

January - Read a new to you Author
1) Julia Gregson - Jasmine Nights
2) Ian McEwan - Sweet Tooth
3) Nicole Alexander - Absolution Creek
4) Michael Ennis - The Malice of Fortune
5) Michelle Diener - In A Treacherous Court

February - Frosty February
1) The Winter of Her Discontent by Kathryn Miller Haines

March - Judge a book by it's cover
1) Cat & Fiddle by Lesley Jorgensen
2) Amber Road by Boyd Anderson

April - Mother Earth
1) Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

May - Did not read for randomCAT

June - June Brides - Word in title relates to weddings
1) The Spymaster's Daughter by Jeane Westin
2) Jane: The Woman who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell
3) The Headhunter's Daughter by Tamar Myers

July - Travel
1) Hannibal: Fields of Blood by Ben Kane
2) She Rises by Kate Worsley

August - Family Matters
1) The King's Mistress: A Novel Emma Campion
2) Secrets of the Sea House by Elizabeth Gifford
3) And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

September - LabLit

October - Dark mood or word in title
1) In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
2) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

November- Author or main character shares a name with the Pilgrims
1) The Wedding Gift by Marien Suyapa Bodden - main character named Sarah
2) Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes

December - Revisit auld acquaintances (authors you've read before)
1) Jemima J by Jane Green

AlphaCAT

January letters A & M
1) Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
2) Absolution Creek by Nicole Alexander
3) The Malice of Fortune by Michael Ennis
4) In A Treacherous Court by Michelle Diener

February letters B & N
1) How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal

March letters C & O
1) Toyo by Lily Chan
2) Cat & Fiddle by Lesley Jorgensen

April letters D & P
1) Warlord by Angus Donald

May letters E & R
1) Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck
2) The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott
3) Scared Weird Frozen Guy: One Man's Mid-life Mission from Musical Comedian to Antarctic Marathon Man by Rusty Berther

June letters F & S
1) The Spymaster's Daughter by Jeane Westin

July letters G & T
1) Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
2) Lifesaving For Beginners by Ciara Geraghty
3) City of Women by David Gillham

August letters H & U
1) The Queen's Mistake: In the Court of Henry VIII by Diane Haeger
2) And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
3) Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

September letters I & V

October Letters J & W
1) The Key to Creation by Kevin J Anderson

November K & Y
1) Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow
2) The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn
3) The Girl in the Green Sweater by Krystyna Chiger
4) Year of Shadows by Hannah Richell

December L & Z
1) Company of Liars by Karen Maitland
2) A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley

Year round letters Q & X
1) The Queen's Mistake by Diane Haeger
2) The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick
3) The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn

Biography, Memiors, True stories

1) Toyo by Lily Chan
2) Scared Weird Frozen Guy: One Man's Mid-life Mission from Musical Comedian to Antarctic Marathon Man by Rusty Berther
3) Lost in Shangri-La by Mitchell Zuckoff
4) The Girl in the Green Sweater by Krystyna Chiger
5) A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley

I have some books planned already but I won't put them in the above spaces until I have read them. If I am going to put one book in more than one category then I will reach my target easily. I may have to revise my minimum number later. I'll see how it goes. I am especially looking forward to the awards, random and alphaCATs.

Welcome to the challenge~

welcome and good luck!

Welcome aboard! Will be following your WW2 category in particular with great interest. Happy reading!

Welcome, good luck with your challenge and happy reading!

I love historical mysteries and will watch what you read with interest.

Thanks for the cheerful greetings everyone. I will pop in and visit you all on your challenge pages soon.
Ro

Welcome! Looking forward to seeing how you fill your categories.

I've got categories for historical mysteries and chick lit too -- looking forward to seeing how you fill them!

Welcome to the challenge! You have a number of categories that I''ll be taking an interest in next year.

My first book will be a WWII novel, Jasmine Nights.

>22 christina_reads:. I will have to check out your chick lit and historical mystery lists for possible reads.

Welcome!! Very nice categories - looking forward to seeing what you pick for them!

I just decided to extend biographies to include memiors and true stories. I have found quite a few books that I am thinking of tackling for this category. Some people lead the most interesting lives.

I went to a lovely New Years Eve gathering last night, and today is my last day of holidays before I start a new job on Wednesday. I hope to put in a bit of relaxation and reading today.

WWII
Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson



This is largely a romance, set in Egypt during WWII. Saba Tarcan is a young woman employed by the English army to entertain the troops in Egypt with an group of interesting entertainers. Dominic Benson is a Pilot Officer returning to service after recovering from injuries. The two meet when Saba is performing at a hospital and Dom can’t forget her.

Saba is identified a somebody who could help with undercover work for the English army and finds herself in some very dangerous situations. She is conflicted by the blooming romance and her commitments to her singing and her country.

I found this book an interesting read. I don’t think I have read anything set in Egypt during WWII before. The romance was well done and not sickly sweet. I would happily recommend this one.

For the fancy tricks I have just learnt to do on my thread I would like to thank JPB for this page

oops, double posted

>29 Roro8: Ahhh, I knew how to do the images but not the stars. Running off to spiffy up my threads!

Happy New Year and I see you've gotten your challenge off to a great start!

Thanks Judy, I'm on to my read for the January RTT theme at the moment. I'm not sure which category I'll be putting that one in yet.

I have just made some minor adjustments to my opening post. My second book for the year is also complete, so a review for that one will be coming shortly. I am thinking of a biography next, maybe Toyo? I also have some books that have been lent to me by a friend of a friend. I didn't ask for them but she thought I might like them so now I feel obliged to read them. There are only three so it might be a good idea to read one of them.

Oh, always tricky when someone lends you books without you asking - hope you like them!

Visit Each Continent
Alpha Cat Letter M
Random Cat New to me author

Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan


Sweet Tooth is set in 1972, London. It is about Serena Frome, a young woman with a maths degree who finds herself employed by MI5. She begins as a lowly admin clerk but soon gets selected to work on a project known as Sweet Tooth. This is how she meets Tom Haley, a young up and coming author who writes material that is anti-communist and anti-Russia. Just what the MI5 want to encourage during the Cold War. Serena’s job is to get Haley to accept a pension from a literary organization to facilitate his writing of such material, without him finding out where the money is really coming from.

This novel has a large romance element, as Serena and Tom are drawn to each other. I don’t want to spoil the story so I won’t say any more about the plot.

I found some of the mid sections a bit tedious with the politics of the time a bit difficult to follow. There is a wonderful incorporation of Haley’s short stories throughout the novel. In particular I loved the final chapter. I haven’t read such an excellent closing in a book for a long time.

I would have scored the book higher if not for the tedious parts in the middle.

I have been away for the weekend and was so busy I got no reading done. But I did have a lot of fun with my family. We went to the Gold Coast for four days and visited the theme parks down there. The kids had a ball and we were all totally exhausted when we got home last night. Then back to work today. Life returns to normal and my reading resumes.

I am currently reading one of those books I mentioned earlier that was loaned to me, Absolution Creek which will fit nicely into my Australian Authors category.

I have just finished Absolution Creek. I will pop up a review tomorrow as I'm a bit tired after a big day getting the kids stuff ready for going back to school on the 29th. Plus it has been really hot which is tiring too.

I have started reading Toyo (a biography) however it may take a while as I will most likely read it during my lunch breaks at work.

Australian Author
Alpha CAT letter A
Random CAT new to me author

Absolution Creek by Nicole Alexander



This book is set in a dual time period, 1923/24 and 1965, in Sydney and Absolution Creek. Jack Manning, looking for a way out of Sydney and the turmoil the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge has caused in his life, finds himself with the management rights of an isolated property out west. Squib has been born and bred out in the harsh country. Scrubber is running away from trouble, or towards it at times. Cora is the Manager of Absolution Creek in 1965, and it is largely through her that we learn the twists and turns of this story.

It is hard to say much more without giving major parts of the story away. The author has focused on the relationships between the characters. As she has told the story from the perspective of multiple characters it makes it easier to understand the motivation behind their actions.

This book was lent to me by a friend of a friend who thought I might like it. She was right. I liked the characters and the story, and I loved the Australian setting.

Nice review of Absolution Creek Ro, it sounds like something I'd enjoy. And feel free to send a little of that heat east to NZ, our summer has been a bit all over the place so far. I hope it cools down for you guys soon.

Thanks Alana. My Dad and sister live in NZ too in Fielding and Palmy. I am very grateful for the air-con. This evening I am going on a 2 hour sunset cruise on the Noosa River as a farewell party from my old job. It should be nice sharing some wine and nibblies with my old work-mates.

I am now onto The Malice of Fortune for my reading through time group quarterly theme "The Renaissance". It will slot into my Historical Mystery category when I'm finished.

Looks like you could've had a Women Spy category if you wanted too. Looks like a year of great reading ahead of you.

Hi Katie, you're probably right there. Maybe one to keep in mind for 2014, hmmm.

I have just finished The Malice of Fortune. I'll write up a review soon.

Historical Mystery
AlphaCAT Letter M
RandomCAT New to me author
Reading Through Time Quarterly Theme Renaissaince

The Malice of Fortune by Michael Ennis



This historical mystery is set in 1502, Italy, during the time of the Borgias. The first part is told by Damiata, mistress of the recently murdered Jaun Borgia. The remaining three parts are told by Niccolo Machiavelli. In order to prove to the Pope that she wasn’t complicit in the murder of Juan Damiata must find out who was responsible. To ensure Damiata’s cooperation the pope is ‘taking care of’ Damiata’s son while she is on her mission.

Several well known people of the time have key parts to play in this novel. Cesare Borgia, Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. Not only are they trying to solve the mystery of Juan’s murder but also the murder and dissection of several women.

I found some parts of the novel a bit too dry and history lesson style. The premise of the story was good but I found myself skimming over several pages of content that just seemed to slow the book down.

Sorry for the bad read. I hope your next one is better :)

Sorry the Ennis didn't work better for you. I see that the overall rating for the book is still pretty strong. I suspect I might like it a bit better than you did, but I'm not rushing to read it.

It wasn't a bad book. Just an average read for me. Sometimes I think how much I like something is to do with timing, being the right book at the right time. I liked the first part of the book better (told by Damiata) than the following 3 parts. It got a good review from Historical Novel Review which is what prompted me to read it.

Bummer!!! A historical mystery with shirt-tail relatives of the Borgias could've been really, really good. (P.S. I expect books to be better than "average" reads.) I'm also a bit picky with that time period. I believe the Borgias were capable and did a lot of the things they are accused of, but the most salacious things? Really?

>50 cammykitty: It wouldn' be the Borgias without salacious behavior. However the salacious-ness is very downplayed in this book. There is more violence, scheming, mystery and history.

I bought two new books on my kindle last night.
The Winter of her Discontent
Mr Churchill's Secretary

The first one is the second in a series and will fit in February's randomCAT frosty theme.
The second one I couldn't resist after reading Samanthakathy's review.

Historical Mystery
From my bookshelf, pre 2013
AlphaCAT Letter M
RandomCAT New to me author
Reading Through Time Quarterly Theme Renaissance

In A Treacherous Court by Michelle Diener



In A Treacherous Court is a historical mystery set in 1525, England, during the reign of King Henry VIII. Flemish artist Susanna Horenbout is sent to England to work as the King’s illuminator. On the ship over to England she witnesses the death of an English spy who gives her information to pass on to the King only.

John Parker is sent to escort Susanna to the palace. Owing to the secret Susanna knows both their lives are in danger during the journey. Susanna and Parker must find out firstly what is going on to put them in danger and secondly, who is behind it all.

This was a quick read at just under 300 pages. It is the first of a series. The second is already available and I will definitely be reading it.

I have just started reading River of Smoke. We are having dreadful weather at the moment with 6 inches of rain overnight and probably just as much due today. There is no way I am leaving the house today. So I'll probably get a great start on my book, once I get all the kids busy with things to keep them occupied.

Getting caught up here and really enjoying your reviews for the historical mystery books as both Ennis and Diener are new to me authors.

My last three days have been at work so I haven't done much reading. Lucky for me I am on 4 days off now, the kids are back to school for the year too, so I should have a bit more time to read.

I just had two books arrive in the mail this week, Prophecy: Web of Deceit which is the third book in M K Hume's Merlin trilogy, and The Girl in the Blue Beret which will go in my WWII category. Not realising these were sitting in my letterbox, I bought another two books while I was out this morning! Amber Road by Boyd Anderson a new release WWII novel set in Singapore. Lifesaving for Beginners which was an impulse buy but sounds quite intriguing (plus I liked the cover). So I had better stay away from the library fo a while and read my nice new books :-)

From My Bookshelf, pre 2013
Next in Series (already commenced)

River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh



River of Smoke is book 2 of the Ibis Trilogy, the first being Sea of Poppies, and I have not heard a whisper about the third as yet.

A very well written opening gave me a reminder of what had happened in the first book which was very helpful as there are so many characters in this trilogy. This book focuses mostly on Neel who fell from high places in the first novel to become a prisoner on the Ibis. Paulette has ongoing appearances, and a couple of my favourites from Sea of Poppies have short stints in the story.

It is a very complex story set largely in Canton in 1837-1839. It explores the motives behind the Chinese government and the opium merchants at a time when opium consumption was destroying the lives of people in China, the trigger for the opium war.

I found the story fascinating. It is a complicated story with a multitude of interesting characters, and required a lot of concentration while reading. I am definitely looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy when it is released.

Ro - thank you for visiting my thread. I am on occasion called Ro too. Your reads look very interesting. I want to get to the River of Smoke series one day.
Roberta

I sure Amitav Ghosh doesn't make us wait too long for Volume 3 in his Ibis Trilogy. As you say the story is complicated and I would like to get on with it before it fades from my mind. Hopefully he'll give us a recap at the start as he did in River of Smoke.

Hi Roberta, my Ro is short for Rochelle. My nieces and nephews (and some young workmates) call me Aunty Roro, that is where my LT name comes from.

Hi Judy, I hope it is out later this year. It must take a long time to write something like that though.

My poor little 8 year old broke her arm at school yesterday, she fell off the flying fox. I am just waiting to hear from the Drs if she needs surgery today to fix it.

Poor thing! Darn those flying foxes! Please put a little X on the cast for me.

Thanks mamzel. We spent the whole day in hospital, but everything is now in alignment. It is interesting being on the receiving end for a change (my husband and I are both nurses). When her lovely fibreglass cast goes on next week, which she wants to be purple with sparkles, I will definitely put a little X on for you.

Sorry to hear about your daughter, Ro. Boy, casts have sure changed since my day of the thick, clunky white ones!

Thanks Judy. She is getting on fine now. She just thinks it is annoying not being able to use her right arm.

On the reading front, I have just finished The Winter of her Discontent, a Rosie Winter mystery. It was my selection for the Frosty Feb theme. I will be putting a review up soon.

Historical Mystery
Next in Series
WWII
RandomCAT Frosty February

The Winter of Her Discontent by Kathryn Miller Haines



The Winter of her Discontent is a historical mystery set in New York City during WWII,. Stage actress Rosie Winter, and her best pal Jayne, are trying to discover who murdered an actress from the show they are now in. There interest is piqued after one of their mob mates, Al, confesses to the crime. Rosie doesn’t believe Al did it and is determined to find out who did. There is also something underhand going on at the theatre that might help Rosie work out what happened.

Rosie is still trying to find out what has happened to Jack, her boyfriend, that has gone missing in action.

The language in the novel is appropriate to the time with slang terms that I could imagine being used in the 1940’s. This is the second novel in the Rosie Winter mystery series, and almost as good as the first. I will definitely be reading the third one.

Sorry to hear about your daughter's fall and break. Fiberglass cast sounds pretty cool, especially if you can get colours and sparkles! Now for my dumb question..... what is a 'flying fox'?

68. That's not a dumb question. I had to google-image it to find out what people were talking about. Seems to be some sort of playground version of an aerial lift. Not something I've seen a lot of in playground or at schools in my part of the world.

It's like a small zipline-type contraption. I'm thinking she's not referring to the bat. :)

Here is an image of the type of flying fox she was on. You hold on with your hands, kind of like monkey bars, and slide from one end to the other. Abby wanted to go faster so she asked her friend to give her a push. Obviously that was not a good idea.

The flying fox at school is only a small one. Plenty of playgrounds around here have much bigger ones that you sit on. Those are great fun, even for mums.
Have a look here

Thanks everyone for explaining what a 'flying fox' is! I have seen one or two community play areas with that type of zipline equipment. Never had fun stuff like that when I was a kid.... mind you, we still managed to find things to fall off of.... usually it was the monkey bars, although the tire swings had their share of accidents as well. ;-)

@ 67 -- Glad to see you liked The Winter of Her Discontent! I had plans to read it this month, but I'm not sure that's going to happen...definitely curious to read it after really liking book #1!

2013 Release
Australian Author

Mistress to the Crown by Isolde Martyn



This work is about Elizabeth Lambard, also known as Jane Shore, a woman who became a mistress to Kind Edward IV. The story begins with Jane aged 14 and already married to William Shore desperately trying to find a way to get the marriage annulled.

After 12 years of marriage Lord Hastings comes to purchase an item from the Shore’s business. Elizabeth sees this as an opportunity for herself. She befriends the man and ends up having an affair with him. It is through this relationship she comes to the notice of the king.

I would classify this novel as a historical romance. It did get a bit tedious in the middle and then interesting again once King Edward died – what was to become of his mistress? The note at the end lead me to believe that as very little is known about Elizabeth Lambard the author has used a lot of imagination to fill in the gaps.

The note at the end lead me to believe that as very little is known about Elizabeth Lambard the author has used a lot of imagination to fill in the gaps. Sure sounds like it! Don't know much about ye old British law, but I'm thinking her husband could've had her tried and executed just for having an affair at the time. Not that it didn't happen, but I'm thinking she would've been pretty careful about making sure her new beau would be powerful enough to protect her.

You're dead right about that cammykitty. I realized when I was about halfway through that the book was published by Mira/Harlequin, so that then explained a lot for me. I chose to read the book as I have a new niece whose name is Isolde Martin, not the best reasoning for choosing books to read.

Hah! Harlequin - they aren't known for fact checking their romances. ;) If I ran into a book written by someone named after one of my family members, I would've had to pick it up too. What a wild coincidence. It's not like Isolde is a common name.

From My Bookshelf, Pre 2013
Visit Each Continent - Africa

The Various Flavours of Coffee by Anthony Capella



The novel begins in London, 1895, with Robert Wallis, a spoilt bohemian trying to make it as a poet, meeting Samuel Pinker, a successful coffee merchant. Mr Pinker offers Wallis employment writing up a coffee guide describing the various flavours of coffee. Wallis has no choice to but to take the position as his father is cutting off his allowance. Through this endeavor Wallis develops feelings for Pinker’s daughter Emily.

Emily is a ‘modern’ woman. She believes in women’s rights and is prepared to fight for them. She becomes deeply involved with the suffragettes.

Wallis is sent to Africa to establish a coffee plantation in the heart of the continent. It is a difficult time and he faces many challenges. Through these experiences he learns a lot about himself and matures a bit. He returns to England a changed man, but London has changed too.

I really didn’t like Wallis for the vast majority of the novel, which is fine. At least he learned from his experiences. Emily was an interesting character. The views of the other characters towards the women’s right movement was interesting as well. Altogether a fairly good read.

Apparently, I really loved The Various Flavours of Coffee, all though I cannot remember anything memorable about it. I read it back in 2009 so it was probably on of those "right book at the right time" kind of reads for me.

I wasn't quite so taken with The Various Flavors of Coffee. I remember thinking it was quite a mess, but I was disappointed as there was an excellent story in there somewhere. I also read The Wedding Officer by this author and liked that one quite a lot.

I haven't read The Wedding Officer yet Judy but I'll keep an eye out for it at the library. The only other book by this author that I have read is The Empress of Ice Cream.

I'm not sure if I'll remember much about the book in four years time either Lori. But I'm certainly ready for a book that falls into the 'right book/right time' slot.

I am onto one of my favourite authors now, Belinda Alexandra. I have really liked her first 4 novels so hopefully Golden Earrings will be a great read for me. It will also give me a book to go into this month's AlphaCAT.

Next in Series

Open Country by Kaki Warner



Open Country is the sequel to Pieces of Sky, but could easily be read as a stand alone novel. The series centres on the three Wilkins brothers, a prosperous family living in New Mexico Territory in the 1870’s. This novel features Hank, the middle brother, and Molly McFarlane.

Molly is on the run with her niece and nephew after promising her dying sister she will get them away from their evil step-father. Molly doesn’t know the children have taken something very dangerous from their step-father that he will do anything to retrieve. Molly’s train derails. Molly and the children are safe, but Hank is injured, likely to die. The railroads department are paying $300 to the family of those killed in the accident. Molly sees the opportunity to get some cash to help her escape, so she persuades the local priest to marry them while Hank is unconscious. Hank survives, and Molly is in turmoil as to what she should do. And so the story begins.

I surprised myself by really enjoying the first novel in this series, and this one was equally as good. The characters are flawed and easy to like. The story is a predictable but enjoyable anyway. The children’s characters are done really well and there are some laugh out loud funny moments with the funny things that 6 year old Penny comes out with. I will definitely be reading the third book in this series.

Chick Lit
Award CAT RITA
Alpha CAT Letters N and B

How to Bake a PErfect Life by Barbara O'Neal



I chose to read this novel for the AwardCAT challenge this month. How to Bake a Perfect Life was a RITA winner in 2012 for “Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements”. I also thought it would fit perfectly into my chick lit category.

This novel tells the story of Ramona, from a pregnant 15 year old through to a mature 41 year old about to become a grandma. Her daughter Sofia is pregnant, married to a soldier who is badly burned and injured while in Afghanistan. Sofia goes to Germany where he is being cared for to be with him. Sofia’s husband has a daughter, Katie, who comes to live with Ramona while her mother is in rehab for drug abuse. Meanwhile, an old love interest of Ramona’s shows up. It is all quite complex but the story really works well.

The title comes from Ramona’s love of baking and how it helps her through tough times.

This was definitely a case of the right book at the right time for me. I really enjoyed this one.

@ 83 -- That description sort of reminded me of Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray. You might enjoy that one too!

Hi Christina. Thanks for the suggestion. It certainly sounds like it has a similar style and themes as the book I read. I will keep it in mind.

I am busy reading Elizabeth I: A Novel by Margaret George. It is a big one, with more than 650 pages. I read Helen of Troy by the same author a couple of years ago and thought it was great. After reading Samantha_kathy's review of this one I thought I should give it a go. So far it is pretty good (up to p215).

I am also almost finished my first biography for this year. More info coming on that one soon.

Biography, Memoirs & True Stories
AlphaCAT Letters O & C

Toyo by Lily Chan



This book is the biography of Lily Chan’s grandmother Toyo. Toyo was born in Japan, daughter of the concubine of a wealthy merchant. Toyo’s father set up Toyo and her mother in a comfortable home in Osaka. Toyo grew up there. Then her mother becomes terminally ill and Toyo’s life changes. She is only 16.

She marries Ryu, a Chinese man. The Chinese are not held in very high esteem in Japan at this time. By making this choice Toyo must surrender her Japanese passport and be considered Chinese herself. Ryu has a large family and life is completely different for Toyo. She is welcomed warmly and adjusts to this new life. She has children and eventually moves to Western Australia.

The writing style is interesting. The first half is like lots of little stories, or memories, told in succession which made the book easy to pick up and read a little and put down. As Toyo gets older (and the author is born and becomes part of the story) the stories roll along more continuously. I liked the writing style, and learned a lot about the Japanese culture. It was also interesting to read about what it was like for Toyo to try and assimilate into the Australian culture, to learn about the struggles of being an immigrant in a totally foreign country.

I have just finished Elizabeth I: A Novel by Margaret George. I will write up a review soon. It doesn't particularly fit into any of my categories, so into visit each continent it goes.

The book I am currently reading isn't listed on LT yet. Does anybody know how to do this? Or is it just a matter of waiting unitl it is on? (edit) Nevermind, I just had another look, and found it through the National Library of Australia. Great.

Visit Each Continent Europe

Elizabeth I: A Novel by Margaret George



This large novel begins with Elizabeth at age 55. Robert Dudley has a small part in the novel, his stepson, Robert Devereux (Earl of Essex) is the male lead. The story is told mostly by Elizabeth and partly by Lettice Knolleys. Lettice is cousin to the Queen and mother of Robert Devereux.

Elizabeth is plagued by pressure to name her successor, but refuses. She abhors the fact that she is aging, and does not want this visible to the people. She indulges Essex, who is portrayed as a spoilt young man. He is constantly trying her authority, disobeying her orders and getting away with it. The people love him.

The parliament are wanting more and more power. Elizabeth’s most trusted servant, Walsingham, dies. It is a time of difficulty and change. Elizabeth must constantly battle the Spanish and their repeated Armadas. The Irish are also causing trouble. Money is tight and the harvests are bad.

Alongside all this history is the story of Elizabeth and Lettice’s relationship. As Lettice married the precious Robert Dudley without the Queen’s consent. There are a lot of undercurrents between them.

Margaret George has done a great job of this novel. I like how she made every character seem real, with flaws and all. I particularly liked Lettice. I will definitely read more of this author’s books in the future.

Just catching up with your thread. You've read several books caught my eye. I'm drawn to historical fiction, particularly historical mysteries. One of these days I'll get around to the Rosie Winter series. I keep hearing good things about it.

2013 Release
Australian Author
RandomCAT Judge a book by it's cover
AlphaCAT Letters O and C

Cat & Fiddle by Lesley Jorgensen


I selected this book purely based on cover image for the March RandomCAT. It turned out to be a book about an Indian family living in Swindon, next-door to Bourne Manor. Dr Choudry is a professor helping with the authentic restoration of the manor. His wife, Mrs Begum, is desperate to marry off her 3 children. Her son has gone to South Africa to join some fundamentalist Muslim army. Her oldest daughter is living in sin with a "gora" (christian), and has ruined her reputation. The youngest is Mrs Begum"s only hope.

There are some interesting twists in the story, a little predictable but still very enjoyable. The book tackles modern day issues facing a family trying to maintain traditional Indian values in a foreign country. At times very amusing.

I would choose that book based on the cover, too!

Thanks Lori. The title and the cover didn't really give me much clue as to what was inside it though. I will have to go and check out your March randomCAT selection.

I have just finished Mr Churchill's Secretary: A Novel. It was a great historical mystery. Review to come soon.

Historical Mystery
AlphaCAT Letters C and O
World War II

Mr Churchill's Secretary: A Novel by Susan Ella MacNeal


This is a great historical mystery set in London in the early stages of WWII. Maggie Hope becomes a secretary for Mr Churchill even though she is over qualified for the job. She has an interesting group of friends and girls that she shares her large home with.

There is quite a lot going on in this book. I really loved every bit of it. The mystery element was really well done. The characters were great and the setting was good too. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.

Visit Each Continent South America

Mistress of the Sea by Jenny Barden



I chose this book after reading a review in the Historical Novel Review. It fits into the Reading Through Time group themes of "Tudor Era" and "16th Century".

Ellyn Cookesly is to marry. Her father has chosen two potential suitors, both equally unappealing to Ellyn. A totally inappropriate young man has caught her eye, Will Doonan. Ellyn's father contributes financially to Francis Drake's upcoming sea mission, in return he is to travel with Drake in order to conduct some trade on the voyage. Will is also onboard as one of Drake's trusted men. Ellyn decides to stow away on the ship in order to look after her father who is really not well enough to be making such a journey. And so the adventure begins.

This was an enjoyable novel with all the key ingredients to maintain interest. An adventure, a quest for revenge, a hero and heroine, an interesting setting.

Happy Easter everybody. We will be catching up with family over the weekend but there should be plenty of time for reading. Especially as there will be no rugby union, soccer or karate to watch the kids participating in.

Australian Author
WWII
RandomCAT Judge a book by it's cover

Amber Road by Boyd Anderson



I chose this book because the cover appealed to me when I was out shopping one day. I have been reading a fair bit of WWII material lately and from the cover this looked like it fit that category. It also turned out nicely when the RandomCAT for March was chosen as cover appeal.

Victoria Khoo is a very immature 17 year old obsessively in love with her neighbor Sebastion Boustead. She bases much of her behaviour on an English ettiquette book. Then Sebastion comes home to Singapore from university in England with his fiance. Victoria is not impressed. Before the marriage can happen WWII finds it's way to Singapore and eveybody's life is to change. Starting with Victoria looking after Sebastian's fiance Elizabeth.

I really enjoyed the novel, especially the Australian character Joe Spencer.

Amber Road sounds interesting! I'll have to look into that one.

Next in Series
AlphaCAT Letters D & P
Heroes and Vagabonds Reading Through Time Group Theme for April

Warlord by Angus Donald



This is the fourth instalment in Angus Donald's Robin Hood series. The story is being told by Alan Dale, one of Robin's loyal men. The story begins in 1194 with Robin and Alan joining King Richard in his battles against the French King Phillip to win back stolen lands. There are plenty of battles and fighting, as you would expect. There is also a mystery that Alan is trying to solve - who is responsible for his father's hanging?

It took me a little while to get into this novel, but once I did I really enjoyed it. There will definitely be a fifth in the series and I will be looking out for it.

Ooh, a Robin Hood series? I should check this out. My copy of The Adventures of Robin Hood has been pretty much read to death :)

>101 rabbitprincess: I think it is a great series. If you like Robin Hood there is no harm in giving it a go.

Hi Roro, I just finished the first RH book in the series, Outlaw and I'm looking forward to continuing on. I like how he has set up the story, and I am really looking forward to following them to the Crusades.

Hi Judy, I'm glad you enjoyed Outlaw. The following three novels are equally as action packed. I am looking forward to the fifth book being relased in September (according to the author's website).

Next in a Series
Heroes and Vagabonds Reading Through Time Group Theme for April

Camelot's Sword by Sarah Zettel



This is the third novel in the Paths to Camelot series. The blurb on the back is as follows:

Lynet's father holds Castle Cambryn in the name of Queen Guinevere. When Lynet's brother murders him, the castle and it's people are thrown into disarray and Lynet sets off to Camelot to be Guinevere to return and restore order. With her arrival Lancelot's squire, Gareth, sees a way to redeem himself anfter brining dishonour on himself and his master.

But the danger is greater than either of them could have realised. For Lynet's fugitive brother has allied himself with Arthur's half-sister and sworn enemy, the sorceress Morgaine. Morgaine intends to use the troubles at Castle Cambryn to bring about Guinevere's downfall, and leave Arthur a broken man. Gareth and Lynet must put aside their growing feelings for one another and devote themselves to averting catastrophe.

The first half of the novel sets up the story very well before entering into the romance promised by the back cover. There are trials along the journey and troubles back at Cambryn Castle. There is also a large fantasy element to the novel, which is something I often avoid in my reading. However I have read the first two novels in the series so I was expecting that. I liked the book but found the ending a little lacking. There were all these issues and dramas that were wrapped up in less than 50 pages of a 450 page book. I would have liked a bit more attention given to the resolution. Even so, I enjoyed the novel.

Australian Author
17th Century Reading Through Time Group Quarterly Theme
AwardCATLocal prize - Shortlisted for the Australian Indie Book Award 2012

Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks



I have been thinking about reading this book for some time now. Geraldine Brooks is a well known author who has won much acclaim for her work. Having read and thought highly of Year of Wonders has encouraged me to continue reading her work. The reading through time group theme along with the awardCAT was all the encouragement I needed to get this book from the library.

Bethia is the daughter of a puritan preacher. They live on an island off the coast of Massachusetts that is also well populated with native Indians. Bethia secretly befriends Caleb, learning the local Indian language and some of the ways of the local Indian people. In return Bethia teaches Caleb English, and begins to teach him reading and writing. However girls are not to be too learned in this day and age (1661) so Bethia's teaching can only be the start but is enough to make Caleb desire to learn more.

Caleb eventually becomes the first Indian to complete university in America. The story focused more on Bethia, with Caleb as a secondary character. The events that took place were tragic at times. Life was certainly tough in this era.

This was a really good read.

Hi Ro, I'm just skimming your review as I am hoping to also read Caleb's Crossing for the Reading Through Time 17th Century Reading Challenge but it looks like you enjoyed it and I can look forward to it.

HI Judy, I tried not to give too much away as I know a couple of the RTT people were thinking about it for this quarter.

I'm glad to see you liked Caleb's Crossing. It's the next one of the author's books I plan to try.

I've not heard of Geraldine Brooks before, but you've just landed Caleb's Crossing on my wishlist.

Hi Alana, I hope you like it.

Visit Each Continent - AFRICA
RandomCAT Mother Earth

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese



This is the story of Shiva and Marion, twins born to an Indian nun in Ethiopia who was working as a nursing sister in Missing Hospital. How did this nun come to be pregnant? And with twins, conjoined twins. Shiva and Marion grow up in the hospital compound. They attend local schools and there are many interesting events as they grow up, including the attempted takeover of the Emperor's administration of the country. There are many interesting cases at the hospital. There is Hema, the O&G Dr and her clinics, and Dr Ghosh and his study of STD's. The Matron who has been running the hospital for many years, the housekeepers and their families all provide wonderful support to the twins and act as an extended family.

I didn't choose to read this book of my own accord. It was recommended to me by somebody at work, and as I see this person regularly I felt I had to give it a go. I am so glad I did! This book is easily the best book I have read this year. It had all the things that I love in a good book. The characters were so real. Their misunderstandings of each other so genuine. I love it when a book starts a story with a child, or in this case twins, and I get to follow them through to adulthood and get to "watch" them grow. There is tragedy, so the tissues did come out. There are also amazing achievements against the odds. There are some pretty full on medical descriptions, after all, the author is a surgeon himself. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anybody. It was great.

I also loved this book. I always appreciate a book with a new setting and original characters like this.

A coworker gave me his copy of Cutting for Stone, but I haven't gotten to it yet (not surprising considering the size of Mt. TBR) - it does sound great!

>114 -Eva-: The size of it put me off a bit at first, then there was a bit of a gory medical scene that nearly made me put it down. My daughter encouraged me to persist and I am really glad that I did.

2013 Release

Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell



I didn't realise when I started reading this book that it the first in a planned trilogy telling a story of Queen Emma of England, wife of two kings and mother of two kings. The story begins in 1001 with Emma in Normandy with her family. She is soon married off to King Ethelred II and her life is set to change. She has to fit into the English court with a husband who has very little interest in her, apart from her ability to produce more heirs to the throne. While at the same time the Danes are invading England, powerful families are plotting and trouble is brewing.

I really enjoyed this novel and will definitely be looking out for the second instalment.

Visit Each Continent North America
AlphaCAT Letters E and R
Reading Through Time Group Time Period 1930's

Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck



This was a wonderful story about Mariella Bennet, a young woman living with her mother and two sisters struggling through the depression years in Key West. Mariella's father has just died, her mother is devastated and not coping well and her youngest sister is very sickly. Mariella works hard to make ends meet and support her family. This leads her to a job housekeeping for the family of Ernest Hemingway. The contrast of Mariella's life at home with the life of the Hemingway's provides a struggle for Mariella.

Mariella meets Gavin, a WWI veteran working on the new roadway north of Key West. It is hard work and the living conditions are substandard, and the veterans are trying to resume some sort of normality in their lives after the years of the war at a time when jobs are scarce and times are tough.

It is an interesting tale of how each of the characters of the story deal with their issues and hardships in a difficult time.

>116 Roro8:: Ooh! A novel about England before 1066! I shall have to keep an eye out for that.

Hi Ro, Shadow on the Crown is going on my wishlist. It sounds really interesting.

Hi rabbitprincess and Judy. It is definitely worth a read. I have recently bought The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick which is also about Queen Emma in the same time period. So it will be interesting to read that one too.

WWII
Australian Author

Love in the Years of Lunacy by Mandy Sayer



I chose to read this book after reading a review in the HNR (Historical Novel Review) magazine. It is set in Australia and Papua New Guinea during the years of WWII. Pearl and Martin are twins, both young, musically talented, and still living at home with their musical parents. They play in a local big band at nights, and sometimes sneak off to a local jazz club to play more original numbers. It is at the club that Pearl meets James, an amazing musician who is a "Negro" American soldier. Pearl is overwhelmed by this talented young man and manages to persuade him to teach her how to play better. Romance blossoms, but mixed relationships are not acceptable in these times.

I found the story a bit predictable. The characters were portrayed well but there were a few things that just didn't ring true with me. I was also a bit disappointed with the ending. It was an alright read.

From my bookshelf - pre 2013

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett



My father-in-law lent me this book last year, so it has been sitting on my bookshelf for quite a while now - I thought I had better read it so I could give it back. This is the first book in a trilogy and like many first of trilogies, it is filled with introductions - many characters and many locations. Probably too many. I found parts of the story really interesting and other parts quite dull and overly detailed. Maybe just a case of the wrong book at the wrong time though. This book will be going back to my father-in-law unfinished. I won't be following on this series.

Visit Each Continent - North America
AlphaCAT Letter E

The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott



I read a good review for this book which prompted me to buy it when I saw a good looking second hand copy in my local bookstore (stocks new and used books). The story is of three sisters and their mother who create a vaudeville act and go on the circuit after the death of their father. The story begins in 1911 and goes though into the First World War. The description of the lives of these girls and their fellow performers was very interesting. It provided a great insight into what vaudeville might have been like. It is not really an exciting book. It is more about relationships and personality. Overall an enjoyable book in an interesting setting.

I read Endicott's Good to a Fault a while back and felt that one was more about the characters than the plot. Sounds like that is her writing style if The Little Shadows is more about relationships and personality, which is good to know!

Hi Lori, I wonder what your thoughts were on good to a fault. Did you review it? I'd be interesting in reading it if you did.

I checked and it looks like I read Good To a Fault back in 2009.... which is precedes my review writing days here on LT. I did give it 4.5 stars back then and wrote the following short comment: "What an amazing story! Your find yourself drawn into the lives of the characters as if they were your neighbors, your friends, feeling their pain, happiness and growth." Not sure if the rating or my thoughts would hold up now, but I would probably still give it a solid 4 star rating.

Thanks Lori

Biography, Memoir, True Stories
Australian Author
AlphaCAT Letter R

Scared Weird Frozen Guy by Rusty Berther



Rusty Berther is half of Australian musical comedy duo "Scared Weird Little Guys" so I expected this book to be a bit funny even though it is about running a marathon in Antarctica. The fact that my husband took up triathlons a couple of years ago meant that I could really relate to a lot of the stuff Rusty was saying about his start in running. It is actually laugh out loud funny, even in the work lunch room when other people are around. I found myself explaining what it was that I was reading so I didn't seem like a weirdo.

Rusty begins by giving an interesting account of his career in comedy. This takes almost the first half of the book. He then goes into how he got interested in running and started participating in events. I am sure Rusty has stretched the truth a bit for comedic value, but it was a funny read.

I think of all the things I want to do in this world, running in Antarctica comes way low on my list! Do people really do that???

Mamzel, I know, it seems a bit crazy. Apparently there are people out there that set themselves the goal of running a marathon one every continent. So that includes Antarctica. Rusty also tells of other crazy running achievements. Eg 52 marathons in 52 weeks.

Just the cost of such endeavors would be too much. Must be nice!

Australian author

The Orchid File by David Hilton



This is not my usual type of read, however it was written by somebody I know through my work and they asked me if I would be interested in reading it. As I love to read I thought why not?

The story is set between Australia and Thailand. Carlson is a secret service agent who has been instructed to observe a person of interest who may be involved in illicit drug dealing. He is instructed not to do anything but observe, but of course, that doesn't happen. He meets an intriguing Thai woman, Srisamorn, who is caught up in something dangerous but Carlson doesn't know what. He is determined to find out and help Srisamorn.

Throughout the course of the book all is revealed. It is quite a complex web of intrigue but also a fairly quick read.

Visit each continent Antarctica
Australian Author
2013 Release
Reading Through Time Theme 1930's

Chasing the Light by Jesse Blackadder



I can't believe that I found a book set in Antarctica that fit one of the Reading Through Time group themes. This novel tells the story of the first women to set foot on Antarctica in the 1930's. Ingrid is the wife of Lars, the "whaling king", whose fortune has been made from the whaling industry. Matilde is a widowed mother of two, crippled by her grief, selected by Lars to accompany Ingrid on the voyage as she should have a female companion and not be a lone woman on a ship with a large number of men. Third is Lillemor, an ambitious woman who is determined to use any means necessary to be the first woman to set foot on Antarctica.

Naturally most of the story takes part on the ship they are travelling on. Thee interpersonal relationships and personal challenges faced by each woman are a major focus of the story. The author has not shied from describing the factory ships that process the whales caught by the catchers. There is even a whale hunting excursion that the women go on.

On the whole I found the story really interesting. Jesse Blackadder has obviously done a lot of research for this novel, which is explained in the author's not at the end.

Visit Each Continent Europe
Reading Through Time Theme - Science
Reading Through Time Quarterly - 17th Century

The Sky's Dark Labyrinth by Stuart Clark



Stuart Clark has written a very readable fictionalised account of the lives of Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei. Most of the story follows Kepler, his life with his wife and family, and his struggles to prove that the Earth does in fact, revolve around the sun. An idea that could get him burnt at the stake as a heretic. Galileo invents the telescope which greatly enhances Kepler's ability to gather data to prove his theory.

The heirachy of the church do not want this information to become common knowledge. What would the common people think if the Bible was proved incorrect?

I enjoyed this book. The story grabbed me right at the start and I found the whole thing really interesting. I have already picked up the second book in the trilogy from the library.

Visit Each Continent Africa
Reading Through Time Theme - Science

Jane: Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell



This novel is a retelling of the classic Tarzan and Jane story from Jane's perspective. Jane and her father are going on a paleoanthropoligist mission to Africa to look for fossilised remnants of the missing link, a creature somewhere between ape and human. Ral Conrath is to be their leader on this mission, but he has other things in mind while he is there, such as locating the ape-man to sell to the circus and locating the lost city of gold. Jane and her dad are unaware of these goals.

I love that Jane is an intelligent and strong woman. Her relationship with Tarzan is wonderfully described, and Tarzan's background revealed gradually. The adventure component and bad guy portrayal was also good. I loved all the secondary characters too.

very readable fictionalised account of the lives of Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei

Ooooohhhhh...... now that has caught my attention! My library doesn't have that one but it is now on the list when I do my usual round of the bookstores.

>136 lkernagh: and mine!

Hi Lori and Pete, I hope you like it when you get to it.

On my Bookshelf pre 2013
RandomCAT - June Brides "daughter" in title
AlphaCAT Letter S

The Spymaster's Daughter by Jeane Westin



Frances Sidney, daughter of Elizabeth's spymaster Walsingham, is trapped in a loveless marriage to Philip Sidney. Frances wishes for nothing more than to be able to use her skills in deciphering codes and be employed as a spymaster within her father's web of intelligencers. But this is no work for a Lady in the realm of Queen Elizabeth.

Frances is brought to court where Robert Pauley is put in her service as her manservant. There is attraction there, but Frances is a married woman who wishes to prove herself to her father.

So goes the start of the story. If you like a bit of a girly Tudor book with an adventurous heroine you may like this one.

Historical Mystery
Next in Series
RandomCAT June Brides

The Headhunter's Daughter by Tamar Myers



This is the second in a mystery series set in the Belgian Congo during the 1950s. Amanda Brown is the host of the Missionary Rest House in Belle Vue, site of a diamond mine/processing plant and a huge waterfall. Amanda and local police officer Pierre hear of a young white woman living as a native in a remote African village. Naturally they must locate this young woman, more like a girl, and bring her back to civilisation and solve the mystery of how she ended up living there.

It was a very quick read. I mostly enjoy the portrayal of the cultural differences. My favourite character is Cripple, Amanda's housekeeping assistant. Without Cripple the story would be quite flat.

>140 Roro8: I've read the first three books in that series. They have some interesting aspects, but somehow I expected more from an experienced author.

I'm currently reading Prophecy: Web of Deceit. It is the third book in M K Hume's Merlin series. I can't put it down, but I don't want it to finish either. With only 70 pages to go it won't be long til I am finished it though.

Next in Series
Australian Author
2013 Release

Prophecy: Web of Deceit by M K Hume



As mentioned above, this is the third book in Hume's Merlin trilogy. It picks up where the second book finishes with Merlin and his friends returning to a very changed Britain. The Saxons have increased their hold on the coastal lands and are hostile towards the healers. It does not take long before Uther Pendragon becomes aware of Merlin's return, and to bring Merlin under his control. He gifts Merlin to his brother King Ambrosius, who is portrayed as a fair and admirable ruler.

Even though I know the basic storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed this telling of the tale. I appreciated that there was very little "fantasy element" to the novel. The wars were brutal, the healing practices were interesting, and the characters were totally believable.

This novel leads directly into Hume's Arthur trilogy which was written first. However I would recommend anyone interested in the series to start with the Merlin trilogy. In fact, the author has recently got a publishing contract in North America and the publishers are intending to release the Merlin books prior to the Arthur books.

This will be going down as one of my favourite reads.

Visit Each Continent Oceania

The Colour by Rose Tremain



This is a very character driven novel. Harriet and Joseph marry and move to New Zealand, taking along Joseph's mother Lillian. Joseph is keen to leave something behind that neither Harriet nor Lillian are aware of. Their plan is to set up a farm on the land Joseph has purchased. They are novices, and this is revealed by the trials that they face. Joseph discovers gold in their creek and catches "gold fever". He can think of nothing else. He joins the migration to Hokitika in the latest Goldrush.

Harriet is left behind. She has developed a friendship with the owners of the neighbouring property, Dorothy and Toby and their son Edwin. There are intriguing things happening here. Edwin has an interesting relationship with Pare, his Maori nanny that was sent away when he was a baby. There is some mingling in of the Maori culture.

The desperation of the goldfields and the miners is portrayed really well in this novel. It is definitely not a place I would like to be.

This is not a book that I would rave about, however I did enjoy many aspects of the storytelling and would be happy to try something else by this author.

It looks like we had a similar reading experience with The Colour. It was interesting, but not something I will ever want to read again.

Yes Carrie, I thought the same once I was finished. I wonder if all her books are so character driven.

From my Bookshelf - pre 2013

The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich



This novel is set in Venice, one of my favourite settings, and somewhere I would one day love to visit. Hannah Levi is a Jewish midwife. Her husband Isaac is a merchant and has been captured by pirates and being held for ransom in Malta. Hannah is desperate to raise the funds needed to ransom her husband so when a noble Christian man comes to please for her help with the birthing of his child, she asks for a large enough sum of money to save her husband. He agrees and Hannah goes to help with the delivery. This is a time (1575) when it is illegal for Jews to tend Christians, so this task is at great risk to Hannah.

The author alternates the story between Isaac and Hannah. Both sides maintained my interest. There was a good contrast between the two cultures - Jewish and Christian. I do feel the story could have been developed a bit more, however it was an enjoyable read.

Australian Author
2013 release
Historical Mystery

The Asylum by John Harwood



Georgina Ferrars wakes in a strange room, she doesn't know where she is and has no recollection of how she got there. She soon discovers that she is in a mental asylum, suffering amnesia. For some reason she had told the staff upon her arrival that her name was Lucy Ashton. She knows she is not Lucy Ashton but who is going to believe a woman in a mental asylum. Especially when the Dr discovers that Georgina Ferrars is safe and sound at home with her uncle. If only she could find her diary she would be able to work out what has happened in the weeks missing in her memory.

This is the opening of The Asylum. A compelling read that I really had trouble putting down. I couldn't wait to see if the main character was Georgina or Lucy. The support characters were well portrayed and I certainly could not have predicted the outcome.

Book bullet for me on The Asylum!

>148 Roro8: That one does sound like an absorbing read! My public library has a few copies so I've added it to my library TBR list.

Book bullet for The Asylum hit me as well. ;-)

Yay! I hit some targets. :-D

From my bookshelf
AlphaCAT Letter G
Reading Through Time - time period 1770-1790
Reading Through Time Quarterly Theme - 18th Century

Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey



This novel picks up where the first in the trilogy leaves off, with Louis and Marie becoming King and Queen of France as a pair of teenagers. Marie promptly dismisses the people around her who she doesn't like or who have offended her in her first years in the French court. She is Queen, she can decide what she wants to happen, there will be balls and parties, and card games and opera. She is portrayed as a very frivolous woman with no idea of the expenses she is incurring. Louis on the other hand is very sensible but he loves his queen and will let her have anything to make up for his own shortcomings.

This novel takes us through to the early years of the French Revolution, how it began etc. There was also a part of story about a scheming woman and a diamond necklace worth millions, and a corrupt cardinal.

To be honest parts of this book annoyed me. Why is is necessary to put a French word in alomost every page that requires me to go to the glossary at the back to see what it means? I know the book is set in France, but I felt this an unnecessary distraction. In the end I couldn't be bothered looking up the words, I just read and tried to put them in context. This detracted from some of my enjoyment of the book. However somebody that knows a little bit of French might like it. I also found the great number of characters, sometimes referred to by name and sometimes by title, a bit confusing at times.

Even so, the story was fairly good. I'm erring on the side of kindness giving 3 stars here. I was tempted to go for 2.5

Oh, it's a terrible thing when all my reserved books arrive at the library at the same time. There is no way I can read 9 books in 2-3 weeks! I guess I will be reserving some of them a second time. Most of them are brand new books so there was no way of predicting when they would be available. I had better get off the computer and go and finish Hannibal: Fields of Blood.
I think I will be living up to the title of "book head" this weekend. At least it is perfect weather for staying indoors and reading this weekend - cold and wet.

Enjoy your reading weekend! Like you, I hate it when a bunch of my holds come available at the same time. When that happens, I gravitate to the books that "I really, really want to read" and then I check the holds list to see how long they are for the other books. I still end up returning a lot of books unread, but its better than nothing. ;-)

Great plan Lori. I think that is exactly what I will do.

2013 Release
Next in Series

Hannibal: Fields of Blood by Ben Kane



This novel follows on directly where Hannibal: Enemy of Rome leaves off. Hanno is with the Carthaginian army. Quintus is with the Roman cavalry, and his sister Aurelia is waiting at home with her mother for her betrothed to return from battle so they can be married. Will Hanno and Quintus face each other in battle?

Ben Kane did an excellent job in this novel drawing me straight back into the lives and problems of the main characters. The historical note at the end of the book indicates that very little from actual history has been changed for the purpose of his story, a fact that I really appreciate.

This is not the final in the series. I could sense this as I approached the end of the book. The third one must be in progress as the title is mentioned in the authors note - Hannibal: Clouds of War. I will definitely be reading that one when it comes out.

2013 Release
Reading Through Time Quarterly Time Period 18th Century
RandomCAT Travel

She Rises by Kate Worsley



I'll start by saying that I found the cover of this novel very appealing. I saw the book in a local bookstore one day and considered buying it. I didn't at that point. Then I read a review for the book in a magazine, and was a little more intrigued. So when the 18th century theme came up for the RTT group I thought it the perfect excuse to buy it. The only thing is I bought it on my kindle so the cover image is in greyscale. Nevermind, I can enjoy the colour image here on LT.

The story is told in alternating chapters by Louise Fletcher and Luke Fletcher. Louise starts as a dairy maid, living on a farm with her mother and sister. Both her father and her brother, Luke, have found work on the ships and gone out to sea. Louise is then recruited to be a lady's maid for a young woman in Harwich (a coastal town). Louise sees this as her opportunity to find out news about her brother. Louise adjusts to being a lady's maid and is helping her mistress woo herself a decent husband.

Luke has been pressed into service for the navy. He is only young and not particularly strong so he finds the work quite challenging. Life on board the ship is tough and it is a whole new culture. The other men on board are sometimes friend, sometimes foe. He must be careful as the ship's doctor has an eye for him.

I found the book a bit slow to start. The writing style was very pleasant to read and the characters were interesting and flawed. At times I really didn't know if I liked them or not. Once the story moved along a bit I found that I had trouble putting the book down.

Hi Ro, I am still reading Ben Kane's first series, but I imagine that I will eventually get to the Hannibal one as well. She Rises has been added to my wishlist.

Hi Judy. I really enjoy Ben Kane's books. I want to read his Spartacus series too but I think I will wait until I have read all the Hannibal books.

2013 Release

The Walls of Byzantium by James Heneage



I borrowed this book from the library because it was brand new and it is historical fiction (my favourite). I was not disappointed. This book sets up a new series "The Mistra Chronicles" by a new author. It is quite lengthy at over 550 pages but well worth the effort.

Set in the late 14th century this story begins in the Peloponnese, specifically Monamvasia and Mistra. Luke is the son of a Varangian guard, himself destined to be a Varangian. Anna is the beautiful daughter of a leading family in Mistra. Zoe and Damian are twins, born to the rich wine making family of Monamvasia. The Ottomans have come to Mistra to try and take it under the leadership of Suleyman, son of the Sultan and heir to the Ottoman empire. Monamvasia are not coming to the assistance of their neighbours as they have their own secret allegiances.

It is such a huge story that I really can't tell enough here. Instead I will include a link to the web-page here. It is filled with politics, betrayals, adventure, love and honour.

Anyway, I found the writing style a bit 'clunky' at first, but by about page 50 I was really engrossed in the story and the characters so I either got used to it or the writing style got better, I don't know which. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the second and third which the author already has planned. I also really liked his detailed historical note at the end.

Chick Lit
AlphaCAT Letter G

Lifesaving for Beginners by Ciara Geraghty



Wow, that image is big! Lucky I like that cover.

I bought this book earlier this year thinking it would be perfect for my chick lit category - and it was. There are two narators of the story. Milo, a ten year old boy, whose mother recenly died in a car accident and is being cared for by his older sister Faith. And Kat, a woman about to turn 40, who was in the same car accident as Milo's mum, and is a famous author but nobody knows.

I loved Milo's naration. It was so funny and warm and honest. He was really trying to be a good kid. His take on the situation and his family were wonderful.

Kat was a bit frustrating, but I think she is meant to be. I really wanted her to get her act together. The characters surrounding her were very interesting and likable.

I wizzed through this one in 4 days, pretty quick for me. A wonderful read - reminds me I should read more books like this.

WWII
2013 Release
AlphaCAT Letter G

City of Women by David Gillham



This is not a nice story, it doesn't make you feel good. It is the story of how Sigrid, an ordinary Aryan German woman living in Berlin with her husband and mother-in-law, survives and copes with the years of war. Sigrid is not the submissive housewife her mother-in-law would have liked for her son so when Kaspar goes of to fight at the front in Russia the two women are left alone. They live in an apartment that is closely monitored by the allocated party-woman.

There is a young duty-girl named Ericha allocated to a mother of six children to help her with their care. However she is never there. She is always off and about her own business. Sigrid is caught up in Ericha's activities when Ericha begs her for help in the movie cinema. The two women become friends and begin helping those that are targets for the Gestapo. They must be careful though, as they themselves will become targets.

I found this book compelling. I was feeling worried for the characters and felt it could only end badly, but I had to know. The characters were well done. The various roles of people in the networks kept me intrigued also. A great read.

WWII
2013 Release
Reading Through Time theme - Communication

Letters From Skye by Jessica Brockmole



Letters from Skye is set in a dual time period, with the whole story being told with letters. Elspeth lives in the Isle of Skye during WWI. She is a young married woman who has had a couple of poetry books published. David is a young American man who writes Elspeth a fan letter. This begins their correspondence that lasts throughout WWI. Margaret is Elspeth's daughter who is writing letters to her mother and her fiancé Paul during WWII. The chapters alternate between the two time periods.

Margaret discovers her mother's letters but only gets to read one. This piques her interest and obviously triggers something in her mother as Elspeth and the letters all disappear the very next day. Margaret is determined to find her mother and solve the mystery of the letters and who this man David is.

This was a really quick read, and a nicely written story.

From my shelf pre 2013
AlphaCAT Letter H
AlphaCAT Letter Q

The Queen's Mistake: In the Court of Henry VIII by Diane Haeger

For some reason the writing isn't showing on the above post, so here it is:

This novel tells the story of Katherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor girl. So silly, so easily manipulated, so young. I liked this author's portrayal of Katherine, a story I know quite well after the wealth of Tudor books I read a few years back. I also liked her portrayal of King Henry, Tomas Culpepper and Anne of Cleves.

Hoo boy, another one hit by The Asylum. Heading to put it on the immense WL now...

Visit each Continent Asia
2013 Release
AlphaCAT Letter H

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini



After reading the first two books by this author I was compelled to read the third. They are not a series or linked in anyway, apart from the fact they share the setting of Afghanistan. This is a wonderful book. It almost reads like a group of interlinking short stories. I loved it.

Abdullah and Pari are brother and sister in a poor family living in a small village in country Afghanistan. Their father loves them but finds himself in a situation where he can provide Pari a better life by giving her up. Abdullah is devastated. And so the siblings are separated. Abdullah is devastated. The book tells the story of their lives and of those that have been involved in significant parts of their lives.

The characters seem so genuine. Their flaws are not prettied up for the benefit of the reader.

I am so looking forward to reading And The Mountains Echoed, I loved his other books!

I hope you like it as much as I did Judy.

My kids have all just left for school, time for a quick housework wizz around, then I'll put in an appearance at my daughter's sports day, then maybe an hour or so of reading this afternoon. Sounds pretty good to me.

From my bookshelf pre 2013

The King's Mistress: A Novel by Emma Campion



I am really pleased that I have recently read some books that have been sitting on my shelf for ages. I bought The King's Mistress: A Novel from my local second hand book store quite a while ago. I thought it sounded interesting at the time but then didn't get around to it. I'm glad I did as it was quite a good read, packed full of historical and political detail.

This is the story of Alice Perrers, as imagined by Emma Campion. She is born to a merchant and makes a good marriage to a handsome merchant about 20 years her senior. They have a good relationship but her husband is helping the Queen mother Isabella with something that could endanger their whole family. For her own safety Alice is sent to court as one of Queen Phillipa's ladies. She is to be a lady of the robes and help the queen with her dressing. This is where she catches the eye of the king, Edward III, and before long becomes his mistress.

One of Edward's knights has his eye on Alice and declares his love and wish to marry her, which causes Alice no end of trouble.

I found the story engaging, and the detail given of the merchant class and the court was interesting. I felt sorry for Alice many a time.

Congrats on getting around to reading off Mt. TBR - I'm always promising myself I will go to my own bookshelves first, but somehow I always end up at a bookstore or library... :)

Thanks Eva. My current read is a library book, and after that I have a book that has been lent to me by one of my patients. So I guess I have fallen off the wagon.

You and me both - I'm just starting a library-book and am in the middle of a new LTER-book and two books I bought just a few months ago... Perhaps I should set up a minimum Mt. TBR-books for next year's challenge. :)

2013 Release
RandomCAT Family Matters
AlphaCAT Letter H

Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford



This novel is a bit hard to pigeon hole as it is part historical fiction and half almost chick lit. It is mostly set in the islands of Scotland, with the descriptions of the setting making the islands themselves a large feature of the novel. Another common theme in both periods are the selkies or mermaids.

1860's - Young Reverend Alexander is in charge of the parish of the Hebridean island Harris. He has an interesting young maid, Moira, who resides with old Maggie who knows all the old selkie and mermaid stories. The owner of the land, Lord Marstone, cares little of the livelihoods of the local people and evicts them from his lands. They are put on boats to Canada, the land given over to sheep. The Reverend has an interest Selkies and Mermen which becomes a bit of an obsession.

1990's - Ruth and her husband Michael have bought the Sea House, formerly the parish manse. During their renovations they discover a small body buried under one of the floors. It looks like the skeleton of a mermaid. Ruth won't rest until she finds out how it came to be there. The stress of the renovations and the mystery may be more than she can bear when memories of her own troubled childhood come to the surface.

I really enjoyed the selkie part of this novel, especially the 1860's component.

Yay! I have reached my target in 4 categories. Chick Lit and Non-fiction are really lagging behind. I am reading a true story now, as well as a next in series book.

Congrats on reaching the target for 4 of your categories!

Chick Lit and Non-fiction are really lagging behind.

I always have categories that just never seem to get the attention I planned on giving them..... c'est la vie! ;-)

Next in Series

The Concubine's Secret by Kate Furnivall



It has been a few years since I read the first book in this series, however I have often borrowed this book from my library but have had to return it as I have not read it by the time it was due back. This time I decided to buy it on my Kobo ereader, then I would have to read it. I don't know why I left it for so long as it was a really good read. I haven't read many books set in Russia, so the setting was really interesting.

Lydia, along with her brother Alexie and her Cossack friend and protector Liev are in Russia, trying to located Lydia's father Friis in a Labour camp in the 1930's. Friis has been taken to a top secret prison to work on a secret project for the Russian government so he is not easy to find. Lydia is constantly putting herself at risk to try and find out information about her father. Then Lydia's Chinese lover Chang An Lo appears, on a Chinese Communist Party mission. He gets involved with helping Lydia at great risk to them both.

Visit Each Continent North America

Let the Great World Spin by Colom McCann



This book was lent to me by a contact at work. Colom McCann had come to my attention recently as I have seen Transatlantic all over the place. So I was interested to give his writing a go.

Straight away I could tell this was a book I would read for the wonderful writing style even if I didn't end up liking the story. What a skilled and talented writer this man is. The story is told in many voices that all tie in together through small links that bind them. I will leave the synopsis of the story to the other reviews on the book page. For me, this book was all about the writing.

Biographies, Memoirs &True Stories

Lost in Shangri-La: Escape from a Hidden World by Mitchell Zuckoff



This is the story of some American defence force staff in Dutch New Guinea in the years of WWII. As a way of rewarding staff and keeping morale up, the man in charge of the Fee-Ask base arranged a joy flight over a hidden valley he discovered deep in the forrest, populated by giant man eating natives. Disaster strikes, the plane crashes, killing most on board. The few survivors have injuries that make their continued survival questionable.

For seven weeks the survivors are left in the hidden valley. They have interesting encounters with the natives and many cultural misunderstandings. Paratrooper medics are dropped in to look after the injuries and soldiers for protection from the giant man-eating natives. Then there are 15 people that need to be extracted from the dense forrest, quite a challenge.

I almost forgot to pop this one in!

Visit Each Continent Europe
Reading Through Time Time Period - Edwardian Era

House of Orphans by Helen Dunmore



Eeva is the daughter of a Finnish revolutionary living in Helsinki. In 1902, her father dies and Eeva ends up as a ward of the House of Orphans in a country town in Finland. The conditions are tough. Eventually Eeva is put into service for the local doctor keeping his house. The doctor becomes obsessed with Eeva. Now that she is away from the orphanage Eeva is free to contact her friend in Helsinki. She is determined to get away, have her freedom, and return to Helsinki.

I found the setting of this novel very interesting. I haven't read a lot set in Finland, especially in this time period. The living conditions were described in fairly good detail. The small town mentality compared to the city of Helsinki was a well drawn contrast also. I had not heard the term "Russification" prior to reading this book.

Quite interesting, and fairly quick too. I might even read more books by this author in the future, as according to reviews her others are much better.

Currently I am reading The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick, which I am really enjoying. I am also plodding my way through The Land of the Painted Caves by Jean Auel.

I recently downloaded an audiobook from my library, thinking to give it a go. I thought I would listen to it in the car when I am on my own. It turns out that I actually don't get much time in the car on my own. I am wondering when most other people listen to their audiobooks??? Maybe I need to take up long walks with my iPhone and earphones for the purpose of listening to the book.

In theory I should be listening to audiobooks when I knit or do housework, but I don't do either often enough :P Sometimes I'll knit while the BF watches a movie.

Most of my audiobook 'listening' is while walking. I have a 30 minute walking commute to work and when the weather is nice I enjoy walking and listening to either music or an audiobook. I also listen to audiobooks when I do something that isn't mentally taxing.... earlier this year I listened to an audiobook while beading a dress. I finished both the beading project and the book at about the same time!

Thanks for that Lori and rabbitprincess. I have decided that maybe audiobooks aren't for me. I have had one on loan from the library (downloaded on my phone) for nearly 2 weeks and I am only up to chapter three. The narrator has a South African accent, which is fine, but it sounds weird when he tries to do an Asian woman's voice. I think I would rather just read and have my own imagination doing the voices.

I just bit the bullet and set up my 2014 thread. I got inspired after visiting some of the other threads and couldn't resist.

From my bookshelf pre 2013

The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick



At over 600 pages, this was a fairly big read. It also covered a large number of years from 1002 to 1042. The author tells the story of Queen Emma's reign in England from her marriage to Aethelred at the tender age of 15 and continues into her second marriage and beyond. Aethelred is a hopeless King and a terrible husband. Rather than fight off the i-viking raiders he chooses to pay them to go away. His wife and some of his subjects , including his eldest sons see this as weak.

Eventually Emma is holding the reigns but Cnut, son of Swein Forkbeard, has come seeking the throne. In order to keep her crown Emma marries him. Then begins the long years of his reign and the political intrigue continues.

And what of Cnut's previous wife and her two sons. Herein lies trouble for Queen Emma.

It is apparent that this novel has been well researched. There is an author's note at the end to clarify how much is based on fact and how much embellished. I had some favourite characters that I am looking forward to reading about again in the sequel I am the Chosen King.

I think The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig will be next. I hope that will work for my ailing chick lit category.

@ 188 -- I consider The Ashford Affair more historical fiction than chick lit, but there is a very prominent romance, so I think you can make it work! :)

>189 christina_reads: I think you are probably right Christina. It was a bit of a push as chick lit. I probably should read one from my bookshelf as The Ashford Affair is from the library. I have at least five possibilities I can think of that are chick lit sitting there waiting.

@ 190 -- Oh no! I certainly don't mean to dictate what books are OK for your categories! You should just read what you want!

That's ok Christina, I didn't take it that way. I started Me Before You by Jojo Moyes last night anyway. It is soooo good that I am a quarter of the way through already.

I was thinking of reading The Ashford Affair after Me Before You but when I got home from work today I had a surprise waiting for me. My husband had bought me The Longest Ride, Nicholas Sparks' newest noel. I think I will read that one next now.

What a nice surprise!

Chick Lit

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes



A lot of the women in my local book club read this book last year and they all raved about it, so when it appeared at the top of my kindle recommendations list I thought I would give it a go. I was not disappointed.

Louisa Clark has a fairly boring life, but she is happy with it. She works at The Buttered Bun cafe, her 7 year boyfriend is a personal trainer, she lives at home with her mum, dad, grandpa, sister and nephew. Then one day the cafe shuts down and Lou has to find a job. This is where Will Traynor comes in. He is a quadriplegic requiring a care assistant during the day. He is a depressed, cranky young man and Lou certainly finds the job challenging. If it weren't for the fact that her family desperately needed her paycheque she would quit.

What follows is more than I first expected. There are the family dramas and the boyfriend dramas but moral issues are also tackled in this wonderful novel. It also made me chuckle out loud a few times.

When I was telling my husband about this book and why I was so engrossed in it he said "that sounds totally boring". Therefore it is definitely going in my chick lit category even though it is a little more meaty than your average chick lit.

A great read

I absolutely loved Me Before You! Definitely better than your average chick lit.

Chick Lit
2013 Release

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks



This has got to be the quickest turnaround ever from shop to finished. Michael bought it for me last week and I finished it last night. I figure I must encourage this book buying behaviour. So much better than buying me chocolates that will go straight to the hips.

Anyway, about the book now. Ira is an old man who has a car accident on the snowy roads in the middle of nowhere. While he slips in and out of consciousness he remembers his life with the woman he loves - Ruth, his wife. Luke is a young man on the bull riding circuit and Sophia is a college student getting over a difficult break up, an unlikely pair that meet and develop a relationship. How are these two couples linked? That was the question on my mind while reading the book. I have to day I was off the mark with my prediction.

Overall this was a nice read. The relationship between Ira and Ruth was lovely. Luke and Sophia's journey was also interesting and filled with contemporary issues.

>196 LittleTaiko: I totally agree.

My next book is In the Shadow of the Banyan. I am still plodding my way though The Land of the Painted Caves. book 6 in the Earth's Children series. I also trying an audio version of Wind in the Wires by Joy Dettman, the fourth book in a series. I don't usually read so many books at once.

Visit Each Continent - Asia
Reading Through Time - Biographical fiction

In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner



This is a very moving story, based on the author's personal experiences, of surviving life in Cambodia in the 1970's when the Khmer Rouge took power of the country. The story is told from the perspective of a seven year old girl who is forced to leave her home with her family, her father a prince and poet of the royal blood. There is much suffering and tragedy in this novel. I had to keep reading to see what happened to this poor child. I am not surprised that this novel is number 12 in Amazon's best biographical fiction list (today).

Hi Ro, I am adding the Jojo Moyes title to my wishlist. One of these years I will add a romance/chick-lit category back into my challenge!

Next in a Series
From my bookshelf pre 2013

The Land of the Painted Caves by Jean M Auel



I received this book shortly after it was released, but due to reading some very average and some bad reviews I was reluctant to pick it up and spoil the good feeling I had from the previous 5 books in the series. It is a brick of a book. I found the author's repetition of what had happened in earlier books, and even repeating what had happened earlier in this book, rather tedious. I did find myself skipping over quite a few paragraphs and sometimes whole pages when I thought it was a rehash. At one point there was at least two pages of descriptions of plants and there medicinal uses that I skimmed over. Once I made the decision that it was ok to skip these annoying parts I was able to enjoy the book a lot more.

This is the story of Ayla becoming a Zelandonii. She goes on a journey with other people of her cave and they meet interesting people and see interesting things (including overly detailed descriptions of many caves). Her relationships with the other people in the cave develop, her daughter grows, she has relationship dramas with Jondalar. There was nothing really new here but a nice closure to the series. I'm glad I got around to reading it.

2013 Release
Reading Through Time - Biographical Fiction

The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora by Stephanie Thornton



I selected this book after reading a good review for it and thought it would be perfect for this month's "Reading Through Time" group theme of biographical fiction/biographies. The book starts with Theodora as a young girl and continues right through her life. It was a wonderful portrayal of this well known character. I particularly liked the portrayal of Theodora and Justinian's relationship.

Great choice for the RTT October theme, and sounds like an interesting read!

I have just finished London Calling by Sara Sheridan, book 2 in her Mirabelle Bevan Mystery series. I will post a review here soon.

>204 Roro8:: I like the title already! :)

That looks like a very interesting historical mystery series. I am adding the first, Brighton Belle as well as London Calling to my wishlist.

Next in Series
Historical Mystery

London Calling by Sara Sheridan



This is the second in the Mirabelle Bevan Mystery series. Mirabelle worked with the UK secret service during WWII, at the end of the war her services were no longer required and she ended up working for a debt recovery agency in Brighton. Vesta works with Mirabelle as her assistant. One morning Linden, a young Jamaican sax player, is waiting of the office doorstep wanting help from Vesta and Mirabelle. It would seem that a young white aristocratic woman was seen last talking with him before disappearing the previous night. Linden has been informed the police are looking for him. He says that nothing happened and Mirabelle and Vesta believe him. Now they have to prove it.

This was a fast paced mystery set in 1952. I loved the way the author managed to slip in descriptions of the clothing of the times and the setting without making it stand out from the story. Sara Sheridan has evoked the time and place really well. I found myself drawn into the story really quickly and I did not pick the baddie.

Hi rabbit princess and Judy, I hope the little review I've written lives up to the promise of the title. I think the cover is pretty good too.

LOL, I had the series added even before I read your review. The covers and titles sold me! :)

Next in Series
From my Bookshelf Pre 2013
AlphaCAT Letter J

The Key to Creation by Kevin J Anderson
Book 3 Terra Incognita



I am not generally a big fantasy reader but venture into the genre on the rare occasion. I read the first two books in this series pretty soon after their release and thought they were fairly good. I think it took me a fair while to get to this one because other books just kept popping up that I wanted to read first. This is the final book in the trilogy and I always love it when I am up to date in series so YAY!

This book picks up where the previous one left off. The two nations Tierra and Uraban, are on the brink of all out war. Both sides have done horrible things to the other, yet each think their enemy is worse. The Tierran queen has sent Criston Vora off on a voyage to find the homeland of their Gods. The Uraban Soldan-Shah has sent his adopted son Saan on a voyage to find the Key to Creation. No points for guessing what happens here, not to mention that the readers all know that Saan is the son of Criston but they themselves don't know that.

There is heaps of action and adventure. This was a fair ending to the series.

Visit Each Continent North America
RandomCAT Dark mood

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn



I was feeling like a fast paced edge of the seat read so I picked up this book hoping it would fit the bill. I was not disappointed. Amy is an interesting personality. She meets Nick and they fall in love and get married. Amy's parents are the authors of the "Amazing Amy" series of children's books which feature a fictionalised version of their daughter. They are very much in love and this is what Amy believes relationships should be like. Nick is from the middle of America. His mum is a typical loving mum that has spoilt her son and his dad has Alzheimers and is in a nursing home.

One day, while Nick is at work, Amy disappears. There are signs of a struggle and police find evidence of blood that has been cleaned up in the kitchen. What has happened to Amy? Was it Nick? These are the questions that need answers.

This was a really good read. I initially found the ending a bit disappointing but the more I think about it the better the ending seems.

From my bookshelf pre 2013
AlphaCAT Letter Y
Reading Through Time Quarterly theme - Napoleonic Era

Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow



This book is the first in a quartet detailing the lives and exploits of Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Wesley (Wellington). This volume starts with the birth of both lead characters in 1769 through to 1795, with both serving in the army rising through the ranks. I really like how the author has told the story from their childhood. It gives an added insight into their characters, for the purpose of the story.

I actually bought this book a couple of years ago for my husband. He never touched it. When the Napoleonic theme came up and I scoured my bookshelf I was surprised to find this on it. I quite enjoyed reading this book. It covered a period in history that I am not particularly familiar with. I have ordered the second book The Generals, so will continue with the series.

Ok, so I need to do one chick lit and two non fiction and I will have reached my target. About 7 weeks to go. Surely that is manageable. I have The Shadow Year on my shelf which would count for chick lit and for a Y in alphaCAT. The nonfiction is not so quick. I better check out some good nonfiction. Off to the library website, and kindle, kobo & iTunes.

Yay for having only three more books to finish your challenge!

You can do it, Roro8! Nonfiction can go quickly if you pick something like a memoir or a popular history (as opposed to something more scholarly). For example, Tina Fey's Bossypants is an extrmeely quick read!

You're almost there! Enjoy your last three books of the challenge.

Thanks for the encouragement Lori and Judy.

Thats really good advice Christina. I really enjoyed the Antarctica book I read by comedian Rusty Berther, so something like Bossypants would be perfect. I have reserved it at the library. I also managed to find a biography set in WWII that is perfect for our RRT theme for this month so I have started that one.

2013 Release
AlphaCAT Letter K and Letter Q

The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn



Kate Quinn is one of my favourite authors. I have read all of her previous books so there was never any doubt that I would read this one. This novel is the first in a trilogy about the Borgias and is told by three lead characters.

Guilia Farnese - Young and beautiful, married off to Orsino Orsini simply as a means of her becoming mistress to Cardinal Borgia, who later becomes Pope Alexander. Guilia lives with her mother-in-law and the Pope's youngest two children in Rome.

Carmelina - A talented young cook who has stolen her father's recipes, and other important item, that could land her in serious trouble. She is from Venice, and has run away to find her cousin, Marco, in Rome. Marco just happens to be the cook hired by Guilia's mother-in-law.

Leonello - A dwarf hired by Cesare Borgia to be bodyguard to Guila Farnese. He is a jaded spiteful little man but he does have some goodness in him.

Obviously these three characters come together and develop interesting relationships with each other. The setting is excellent. I really liked all three characters and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

Australian Author
Next in Series

Wind in the Wires by Joy Dettman



This is the fourth book in the Woody Creek series, and the first audiobook I have ever listened to in entirety. This volume picks up where the last one left off and follows the lives of Jenny's children. I really enjoyed this one. The ending has got me ready to go out and get the fifth one. Lucky I have it on reserve at the library already.

Biographies, Memoirs, True Stories
WWII
AlphaCAT Letter K
Reading Through Time Theme WWII

The Girl in the Green Sweater: A Life in the Holocaust's Shadow by Krystyna Chiger



In this book Krystyna tells the story of how her family of Polish Jews survived the German occupation of Lvov (now Lviv, Ukraine) by hiding in the sewers. The author was only a young girl, less than 10 years old throughout the experience. She had her younger brother and mother and father with her whilst struggling to survive through WWII. Ignacy Chiger, her father, was a fairly wealthy man prior to WWII. But then the Germans arrived in Lvov and overthrew the Russian occupants. Life got a lot worse for the Jews. They were gradually being removed to labour camps or executed, or taken to death camps. People were willing to do anything to survive.

The writer tells her story in a very matter of fact way, this is how it was, which made the book less emotional than I expected however it was still a very moving story. I am very glad I read it.

2013 Release
RandomCAT - The Pilgrims main character named Sarah

The Wedding Gift by Marien Suyapa Bodden



Cornelius Allen owns a cotton plantation, he is married to Theodora and had a daughter named Clarissa and two sons who have made careers in banking. He owns many slaves, one of which he beds. She is Emmaline, mother of Sarah and Belle. Emmaline must please Cornelius in order to keep her family together and safe. Sarah grows up with Clarissa, her playmate and her maid. She hates her life and longs to be free, but even to speak such things can bring serious punishment.

The Allen family weave tangled webs of deceit and lies. Eventually Clarissa is off to be married and Sarah must accompany her as part of the wedding dowry. She is to be Clarissa's lady's maid. But all is not well at the new plantation giving Sarah even more reason to run.

This was well told story of the terrible life that one young slave suffered in the 1830's and her struggle for freedom.

Hi, lots of great reading, I manage to avoid a few BB as I already had a few of them but alas, I couldn't avoid some. Sky's Dark Labyrinth, Caleb's Crossing and Mr. Churchill's Secretary among others are going on the BB. Thanks for the great reviews.

Thanks for reading my reviews electrice. I'm happy that you liked the sound of some of them.

I have just finished a bit of a thriller, review coming.

RandomCAT Pilgrims - Elizabeth

Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes



Catherine is a party girl that enjoys hanging out with her friends, going to nightclubs and basically having a lot of fun. Then she meets Lee, the bouncer at one of the clubs she visits. The pair are quite interested in each other and a relationship soon develops. All Catherine's friends think Lee is wonderful and that Catherine is soooo lucky. When things start going wrong, and Lee starts scaring Catherine, none of her friends believe her. They tell her that she must be the one with the problems as Lee has already spoken to them and told them so.

I can't really say much more without giving too much away. I found this book a real page turner and had trouble leaving it alone as I wanted to find out what was going on. I would definitely recommend this to anybody who likes a bit of a psychological thriller.

2013 Release
AlphaCAT Letter Y

The Shadow Year by Hannah Richell



I sooooo wanted this book to fit in my chick lit category as I only have one more to fill my target. I cannot put it there as it doesn't really fit the bill. It is more a contemporary family secrets story told in dual time periods.

1980: Five young adults have finished university. They find an abandoned cottage by a lake and for a multitude of reasons decide to put off getting stuck in the rat-race of adult life and take a year to live self-sufficiently in this cottage without being discovered and made to leave.

Present day: Lila is struggling through a rough patch. She has just suffered a personal tragedy that she is trying to work through when she gets a letter from a solicitor telling her she has inherited some property. Of course, it is the same cottage that was inhabited by the young people back in the eighties. She decides to go and investigate. She loves the peace of the place and decides to stay and do some work on it, leaving her husband back in London.

The two stories are told in alternating chapters which eventually show the link. I have to say I saw the twists coming which was a bit disappointing. Even so, it was a good book.

Visit Each Continent Europe
AlphaCAT Letter L

Company of Liars by Karen Maitland



This book was a bit of an impulse buy on my kobo. I downloaded the free preview and got so engrossed that I had to buy it so I could read the rest. It is a bit of a morbid book which is too be expected considering it is set in England during the time of the black plague, or the pestilence, as it is known in this book.

It is the story of an unlikely group of travellers brought together by a series of events. They are trying to outrun, or stay ahead of the pestilence. The story is told by Camelot, a traveller who sells relics, be they real or fake. He wishes to head north. On the way he meets a pair of musicians, a storyteller, a midwife, a young couple expecting their first child, and an unusual young girl who can read the runes. One by one the companions start dying and not from the pestilence. What is going on?

The writing in this novel was masterful. The portrayal of the villages beset by the pestilence was very well done, as were the descriptions of the travelling conditions. I will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

In order to finalise my chick lit category I am reading Jemima J by Jane Green. It is a perfect fit. It will also be a RandomCAT for this month.

The Maitland novel does sound really interesting! Will have to keep an eye out for it at the library.

Hi rabbitprincess. The day after I bought mine I went to the library and there it was sitting on the shelf. I could have saved a few $$. Nevermind. It was a good read so that's ok.

I have just completed my chick lit category with Jemima J by Jane Green. Yay!!!! This book also fits the randomCAT for December as I have read Jane Green before.

My next book is Life After Life by Kate Atkinson for the December reading through time theme. After that I'm going to do my final true story. I'm tossing up between Orange is the new black (never seen the tv show but the story sounds interesting) or A long way home. That will complete my true story category and then my challenge will be complete.

I'd be very surprised if I fit in any more reading after these for this year as it is very busy at this time of year and the weather is gorgeous so I think I will have to spend some time outdoors with the kids enjoying it. Maybe even off to the beach today.

*sitting at desk with gloves and jacket*
Jealous!

I tell people I'm feeling a little like Bob Crachitt warming his hands with the candle.

I know I had a copy of Company of Liars, but it seems to have wandered off - on the wishlist it'll have to go.

I have finished Life after Life by Kate Atkinson. 4 stars. I am thinking about writing a review but am too hot to be motivated enough at the moment.

I am currently reading my final book for the challenge which will complete my true stories category. This is definitely achievable in the next 7 days. Yay!!

Off to the pool now I think.

>231 mamzel: Hi Mamzel. Does that mean you get a white Christmas? Or is it just really cold?

>232 -Eva-: Hi Eva. I have just bought a copy of The Owl Killers also by Karen Maitland. I hope it is just as good as Company of Liars

I have just finished the last book for my challenge. A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley is the last book for my True store/Biographies category. It was a really good telling of Saroo's childhood experiences and his wish to find his home and family. Saroo lives with his family in India. WHen he is 5 years old he gets lost at a train station some distance away from his home. He gets trapped on a train and ends up in Kolkata, where eventually he is placed in an orphanage and adopted by an Australian family. Eventually Saroo tries to find his family through methodical searching of Google Earth to find his home. This was a wonderful story with a happy ending. Just the way I like it.

Cover images of my let 3 books that I have been totally slack about and not written proper reviews (naughty me).

Congrats on completing your challenge!

Congratulations!

Woohoo, congratulations!

Hurray! Congratulations on finishing your challenge!!

Thanks my LT friends. I was quite excited to achieve my goal. I hope I haven't been too ambitious for next year. I had better pop over to my 2014 thread and check.

My top read for the year are as follows

1- Cutting For Stone by Abraham

2- Prophecy: Web of Deceit by M K Hume

3- Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell

4- And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

5- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

>234 Roro8: Nope. No snow. Just cold. The last time it snowed in this area was 1987. Now it's nearly balmy. No rain and none in sight. Does not bode well for the reservoirs. I will try and picture a person reading next to the pool. I also loved Cutting for Stone. I have And the Mountains Echoes ready for me on my shelf and looking forward to it. See you next year!

We are desperate for rain too mamzel We have no town water supplied to our area so we must manage on rain water. Hopefully we will get some soon or the pool level will be to low for the filter to be on and the kids will be sharing bathwater ("gross Mum").

I have just finished my final book for 2013 Camelot's Blood by Sarah Zettel. This one goes in my Next In Series category. It is the final book in the series so I am very happy to have finished it. It also qualifies for this month's RandomCAT seeing as I have read 3 other books by this author.

It was equally as good as the first three novels. A good finale.

"Save water. Shower with a friend!" Was posted in the hotels where I grew up a long while ago.

Good one mamzel

Congratulations on completing your challenge! Can we switch place though? I'm already sick of shovelling all that snow! Being too hot sounds like heaven.

I think I've forgotten what it feels like to be too hot. Today the HIGH temperature was about -15 Celsius!

248 & 249 Really! I guess not having ever lived somewhere where it is actually that cold and snowing etc I just think of how beautiful it looks and what a nice experience to be in the snow. The reality of it is obviously hard work by the sounds of it. So now more complaints about hot weather from me - I am going to enjoy it, when I get out of the air-conditioning at work :-)

Well to be fair, it does look beautiful on weekends and statutory holidays! ;) And at least we have enough snow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which are very fun. But yes do enjoy the heat for us!

The snow does indeed look beautiful! And it's great to get all bundled up and go toboganning or skating with the kids. Not to forget reading a book by the fireplace while drinking hot cocoa.

I guess it's taking care of all of life's necessities (pushing a shopping cart in the snow, shovelling, planning your travelling around snow storms...) that sometimes nullify the enjoyment of it. And it does feel good to complain, even though I would not live anywhere else! :)

So don't stop talking about the hot weather! We'll just live vicariously through you :)