Manners and Mutiny by Gail Carriger

Title: Manners and Mutiny (The Finishing School #4)

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2015

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 330

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W44

Lessons in the art of espionage aboard Mademoiselle Geraldine's floating dirigible have become tedious without Sophronia's sweet sootie Soap nearby. She would much rather be using her skills to thwart the dastardly Picklemen, yet her concerns about their wicked intentions are ignored, and now she's not sure whom to trust. What does the brusque werewolf dewan know? On whose side is the ever-stylish vampire Lord Akeldama? Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way, and when it comes to fruition, Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster--in decidedly dramatic fashion, of course.

Oh my! A very fitting conclusion to this series. I loved seeing the Picklemen's plan uncovered by Sophronia and her band of misfit intelligencers. Very exciting! Plus we get the return of so many side character. And most importantly, we find out everyone's allegiances. (I really should have Agatha's, but she took me by surprise). This volume is a well-paced adventure from page one. Definitely an enjoyable read!

The Finishing School

Duke of a Gilded Age by Suzanne G. Rogers

Title: Duke of a Gilded Age

Author: Suzanne G. Rogers

Publisher: Idunn Court 2014

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 304

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: none

When American-born Wesley Parker inherits a dukedom in 1890, he must learn to be an aristocrat. Assigned to the task is his attorney’s daughter, prim Belle Oakhurst. As they travel to England together on a luxurious ocean liner, their tempestuous relationship encounters more than rough seas. Although Wesley is increasingly attracted to Belle, she is already engaged. While Belle begins to regret her hasty promise to marry, she is bound by honor and duty to keep her pledge. Furthermore, a thoughtless fabrication on her part threatens to expose her as a liar. Neither Wesley nor Belle can foresee that their voyage across the Atlantic will be fraught with peril, and will cost more than one man his life.

Another fun and fluffy romance for my middle of the night reading. This one took slightly longer to finish as it's actually novel length, but I did it this morning! I immediately fell for Belle and Wesley. They make such a great couple. And the storyline isn't completely ridiculous, just the right amount of ridiculous. The star rating of these types of novels is often determined by the side characters. Good side characters equal higher ratings from me. Thankfully this one had some good side characters, especially Cavendish. A nice fun read!

The Obituary Society's Last Stand by Jessica L. Randall

Title: The Obituary Society's Land Stand (The Obituary Society #3)

Author: Jessica L. Randall

Publisher: Amazon 2016

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 232

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W43

Juniper’s knack for finding lost things is downright magical. But so is the portal to the afterlife in her back yard. Soon the town of Auburn is overrun with restless souls, and some of them want more than just one more Bingo win. To make matters worse, Juniper’s gift goes wonky when she needs it most. With new allies she doesn’t trust, magic that won’t behave, and ominous ghosts threatening all she loves Juniper must find a solution to her haunting problem or else…

A nice conclusion to the trilogy. I felt like we get closure to the underlying conflict of the series. We get to see what happens to all the characters. And we get to spend more time with a few of the previously side characters in Auburn. I enjoyed spending time with Juniper and Levi. The supernatural elements added to the story but weren't crazy. Definitely a good read for my middle of the night feedings.

The Obituary Society

#1 The Obituary Society
#2 The Stranger's Obituary
#3 The Obituary Society's Last Stand

Rat Queens Vol. 3

Title: Rat Queens Vol. 1: Sass and Sorcery

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe, Tamra Bonvillain, Tess Fowler

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

Having survived the end of the world, the Queens follow Hannah back to where it all began: Mage University. A long perilous journey awaits the Rat Queens as they attempt to find out what happened to Hannah's father while battling their own demons.

Ooooh my. Shit just got crazy for the queens. I sped through this volume in record time. Learning more about Hannah's past was just what I was wanting for. I love the back and forth between the four main characters. That is really why I keep reading. I can't wait to see what happens after the explosive events at the end of this volume.

The Stranger's Obituary by Jessica L. Randall

Title: The Stranger's Obituary (The Obituary Society #2)

Author: Jessica L. Randall

Publisher: Amazon 2015

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 184

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W42

Mina Fairchild keeps to herself, and that’s the way she likes it. Her secluded life protects the secrets she hides, as well as a certain peculiarity that even people in the colorful town of Auburn, Nebraska find strange.
But when her movie-star sister Bernadette shows up on her sofa, Mina’s cozy bungalow is overrun with paparazzi. One dark eyed reporter seems to see straight into Mina’s soul and her world begins to crumble. It’s bad enough when he noses around her secrets, but then he starts digging for information about her mother, and Mina can’t let that happen.

Not quite as good as the first book in the series, but still a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed Mina's storyline, but found Bernie lacking. I just couldn't get behind her motivations at all. Mina had reasons for her faults Bernie just seemed very self-centered. I was not a fan of hers even after her "redemption." I loved revisiting some of my favorite characters: Gladys, Juniper, and Ada. Plus all the other townspeople make appearances. We also get a bit of a supernatural twist. Amazingly enough, it doesn't feel weird or forced. The supernatural elements seem right at home in Auburn. I'm certain I will dive into the third book tonight during the late night feeding sessions.

The Obituary Society

#1 The Obituary Society
#2 The Stranger's Obituary
#3 The Obituary Society's Last Stand

The Obituary Society by Jessica L. Randall

Title: The Obituary Society

Author: Jessica L. Randall

Publisher: Amazon 2014

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 194

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors

When Lila Moore inherits her grandfather's house, she finds herself in a small Midwestern town where margarine is never an acceptable substitution for butter, a coveted family recipe can serve as currency, and the friend who will take your darkest secrets to the grave will still never give you the secret to her prize-winning begonias.

Apparently, I'm huge into easy fluffy books while feeding the baby in the middle of the night. And I loved loved loved this one! I immediately fell into the town of Auburn, Nebraska and all the mysteries and characters. Lila is a great main character, but I was really pulled in by the ladies of the Obituary Society and Juniper. They seem like my kind of women. The mystery was intriguing and I even enjoyed the slightly supernatural elements to the story. They weren't distracting like I had initially feared. Instead, they just added a bit more to the mystery and atmosphere of Auburn. The romance was sweet and satisfying. I know that the next book in the series has a different main character, but I'm hoping everyone else at least makes and appearance. Can't wait to dive in tonight.

The Obituary Society

#1 The Obituary Society
#2 The Stranger's Obituary
#3 The Obituary Society's Last Stand

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

Title: Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe (Gingerbread Cafe #3)

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Carina 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 304

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W41

The gingerbread is baking, the dress is fitted and the mistletoe’s in place – for once, everything’s going to plan. That is until her mother-in-law arrives… Suddenly, Lily’s famous cool is being tested like never before and her dream wedding is crumbling before her eyes.
In the blink of a fairylight, the Gingerbread Café has been thrown into chaos! Lily thought she had this wedding wrapped up, but with so much to do before she says ‘I do’, can Lily get to the church on time – and make this Christmas sparkle after all?

A satisfying conclusion to this little contemporary romance trilogy. It wasn't anything spectacular or attention-grabbing, but this volume definitely held my attention during late night feeding sessions. I loved reading about Lil's relationships with all the different townspeople. Those were more interesting than her relationship with Damon. Thankfully it seems that Raisin has written more stories centered around some of those characters. I may just have to pick up those other stories...

Gingerbread Cafe

#1 Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe
#2 Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe
#3 Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe

Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

Title: Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe (Gingerbread Cafe #2)

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Carina 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 94

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors

The Gingerbread Café is all a buzz! This Easter, Lily and the rest of the town of Ashford, Connecticut are planning a truly decadent Chocolate Festival. Cooking up a storm, CeeCee and Lily are not just baking a batch of their sinfully delicious chocolate-dipped gingerbread men, but an excess of chocolate truffles, squidgy, cinnamony hot cross buns and melt in your mouth chocolate eggs. The Gingerbread Café staff have definitely enjoyed the tasting process!

Another cute little fluffy short story to occupy my early morning newborn feedings. I liked diving back into life at the Gingerbread Cafe. And Charlie was a treat. My biggest issue with the story was the abrupt ending. It felt like the story just cut off mid chapter. So I knocked off a star. I imagine I will start the last story in the trilogy tonight.

Gingerbread Cafe

#1 Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe
#2 Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe
#3 Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe

Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

Title: Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe (Gingerbread Cafe #1)

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Carina 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 64

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W40

Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café in Ashford, Connecticut was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.
But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – even the someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!

With the arrival of the littlest addition to our household, I've been mostly reading during night feedings. Because it's night time and I'm super tired, I decided that I would dive into some of the fluffy reads on my Kindle. This series is one of those fluffy reads. The beginning wasn't amazing, but I eventually was sucked into the story of the cafe and Lily. A nice light read. I think I'll start the second one tonight...

Gingerbread Cafe

#1 Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe
#2 Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe
#3 Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe

The Motel Room by Alyssa Cooper

Title: The Motel Room

Author: Alyssa Cooper

Publisher: 2014

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 28

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors

Since his death, the ghost has been trapped in a motel room, watching the comings and goings of his nightly guests. The strangers never stay more than a night or two, and they never seem to notice him – no more than he notices them. Wrapped in fading memories of the time he was alive, he drifts through time, waiting for the return of the one person he can still see clearly.
But as time stretches out before him, his frustration begins to build, boiling over into violent anger. When a young couple dares to rent his room for the night, igniting his rage, the ghost finally discovers the true power behind his ghostly form.

A little short story I snagged for free off of Amazon. I didn't quite know what to expect from the summary. The story could have gone the true horror route or the sentimental romance. Instead I must say that the story had a weird tone. I couldn't quite figure out how to take the characters or storyline. I think there was some interesting plot points in there, but ultimately it wasn't really for me.

Circling the Sun by Paula McClain

Title: Circling the Sun

Author: Paula McClain

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2015

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 366

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Women Authors; 52 Books - W39

Brought to Kenya from England as a child and then abandoned by her mother, Beryl is raised by both her father and the native Kipsigis tribe who share his estate. Her unconventional upbringing transforms Beryl into a bold young woman with a fierce love of all things wild and an inherent understanding of nature’s delicate balance. But even the wild child must grow up, and when everything Beryl knows and trusts dissolves, she is catapulted into a string of disastrous relationships.
Beryl forges her own path as a horse trainer, and her uncommon style attracts the eye of the Happy Valley set, a decadent, bohemian community of European expats who also live and love by their own set of rules. But it’s the ruggedly charismatic Denys Finch Hatton who ultimately helps Beryl navigate the uncharted territory of her own heart. The intensity of their love reveals Beryl’s truest self and her fate: to fly.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. A found another historical figure that I did not know of before. I loved the overall storyline and characters. I enjoyed learning more about Kenya and the general atmosphere of Africa during the early 20th century. I could really feel Kenya in the book. Unfortunately, the book lost a star due to the writing and chapter transitions. I just wasn't a super fan of how the jumps in time were handled.

How to Talk About Video Games by Ian Bogost

Title: How to Talk About Video Games

Author: Ian Bogost

Publisher: University of Minnesota 2015

Genre: Pop Culture - Media

Pages: 197

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W38; Perpetual (NonAd)

Videogames! Aren’t they the medium of the twenty-first century? The new cinema? The apotheosis of art and entertainment, the realization of Wagnerian gesamtkunstwerk? The final victory of interaction over passivity? No, probably not. Games are part art and part appliance, part tableau and part toaster. In How to Talk about Videogames, leading critic Ian Bogost explores this paradox more thoroughly than any other author to date.

Our book club selection for October. I got a jump on the book due to the baby coming in less than a week. And I'm thoroughly disappointed in this book. Bogost personality is so very insufferable. I couldn't stand his "gamergate" type approach to video games. I read most of this book, but I admit to skimming some chapters. I just grew so bored with his writing, assumptions, and tone. Pass.

Founding Myths by Ray Raphael

Title: Founding Myths: Stories That Hide Our Patriotic Past

Author: Ray Raphael

Publisher: The New Press 2004

Genre: Nonfiction - U.S. History

Pages: 432

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W37

First published ten years ago, award-winning historian Ray Raphael’s Founding Myths has since established itself as a landmark of historical myth-busting. With Raphael’s trademark wit and flair,Founding Myths exposed the errors and inventions in America’s most cherished tales, from Paul Revere’s famous ride to Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech. For the thousands who have been captivated by Raphael’s eye-opening accounts, history has never been the same.

I'm giving this book 3 stars, but that rating really only applies to me. I think this is a well written look at many of the myths we learn about U.S. History. Unfortunately for me, I already knew the truth of the matter. Curse of being a history major in college. This book was just too broad for me. I need to pick books that go much deeper in a particular subject or time period instead of a general overview.

The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio

Title: The Last Camellia

Author: Sarah Jio

Publisher: Plume 2013

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 306

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Popsugar - Murder Mystery; Women Authors

On the eve of the Second World War, the last surviving specimen of a camellia plant known as the Middlebury Pink lies secreted away on an English country estate. Flora, an amateur American botanist, is contracted by an international ring of flower thieves to infiltrate the household and acquire the coveted bloom. Her search is at once brightened by new love and threatened by her discovery of a series of ghastly crimes.
More than half a century later, garden designer Addison takes up residence at the manor, now owned by the family of her husband, Rex. The couple’s shared passion for mysteries is fueled by the enchanting camellia orchard and an old gardener’s notebook. Yet its pages hint at dark acts ingeniously concealed. If the danger that Flora once faced remains very much alive, will Addison share her fate?

Our book club selection for September and a book that's been on my shelf for awhile. This was such a quick read for me. I think it took me a total of 3 days to read and I wasn't spending that much time reading. I quickly fell into the story wanting to know what happened to Flora and what would happen to Addison. The back and forth between the two time periods worked just fine. I was intrigued by the botany and the big mystery of the camellia. I loved the side characters in the historical sections especially the children. I also love that the manor seemed to become another character in the story. With all these good things, there were a few elements that bugged me. I didn't feel very connected to Addison at all. Her backstory bugged me. And I definitely didn't really see the relationship between her and Rex. It just wasn't that well developed. And the ending on Addison's side was super rushed and weird. Not satisfying at all.

The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower

Title: The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House

Author: Kate Andersen Brower

Publisher: HarperCollins 2015

Genre: History

Pages: 310

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Political Memoir (sorta); 52 Books - W36

Combining incredible first-person anecdotes from extensive interviews with scores of White House staff members—many speaking for the first time—with archival research, Kate Andersen Brower tells their story. She reveals the intimacy between the First Family and the people who serve them, as well as tension that has shaken the staff over the decades. From the housekeeper and engineer who fell in love while serving President Reagan to Jackie Kennedy’s private moment of grief with a beloved staffer after her husband’s assassination to the tumultuous days surrounding President Nixon’s resignation and President Clinton’s impeachment battle, The Residence is full of surprising and moving details that illuminate day-to-day life at the White House.

My lovely One Bad Mother gift exchange partner sent me this book last month. I finally got a chance to pick it up a few days ago and I couldn't put it back down. I love this behind the scenes look at the White House. I loved all the little stories and peeks at the personalities and personal lives of the presidents. It was fascinating to hear about all the work that no one ever acknowledges. Definitely a very interesting read.

The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh

Title: The Secret Mistress (Dudley #3)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2011

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 406

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W35

While Lady Angeline Dudley’s pedigree dictates that she must land a titled gentleman, the irrepressible beauty longs for a simple, ordinary suitor. So when Edward Ailsbury, the new Earl of Heyward, defends her honor with unmatched civility, Angeline thinks that she has found true love. Persuading the earl is another matter entirely. From her unconventional fashion sense to her hoydenish antics, Angeline is the last woman on earth for Edward. And yet a stolen kiss awakens something primal within him. Naturally, being a gentleman, he does the right thing after compromising a lady: He offers marriage. The proposal is born of duty, but will Angeline cause Edward to forget about decorum behind closed doors, where sensuality and seduction play wicked games? For a proper wife by day can become a husband’s secret mistress by night, when delicious desire rules.

A fitting conclusion to the trilogy. I wasn't overly fond of Angeline or Heyward in the first two books, but I did enjoy reading their story in this volume. A very cute couple doing the will they or won't they dance for almost 350 pages. Finally we get to see them both surrender to their true feelings. Definitely an enjoyable read for this week.

Mistress (Dudley)

No Man's Mistress by Mary Balogh

Title: No Man's Mistress (Dudley #2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 20001

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 381

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books

The dark, devastating stranger rode into the village fair and wagered twenty pounds at the throwing booth — for a chance to win the daisies in Viola Thornhill’s hair. The Gypsy fortune teller had warned: “Beware of a tall, dark, handsome stranger. He can destroy you — if you do not first snare his heart."

Another fun fluffy romance to occupy my reading time. I think this one was marginally better than the first in the series. Most of that relies on the likability of Ferdinand. Definitely a more likable character than his brother. And Viola was a good foil to his intentions. My only issue with the book was again the ending. I'm sensing a pattern of abrupt endings. I like a bit more drawn out and explained, but oh well. I still enjoyed reading it. On to the last book in the series.,.

Mistress (Dudley)

#1 More Than a Mistress
#2 No Man’s Mistress
#3 The Secret Mistress

More Than a Mistress by Mary Balogh

Title: More Than a Mistress (Dudley #1)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2000

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages:403

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors

She races onto the green, desperate to stop a duel. In the melée, Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, is shot. To his astonishment, Tresham finds himself hiring the servant as his nurse. Jane Ingleby is far too bold for her own good. Her blue eyes are the sort a man could drown in—were it not for her impudence. She questions his every move, breaches his secrets, touches his soul. When he offers to set her up in his London town house, love is the last thing on his mind.
Jane tries to pretend it’s strictly business, an arrangement she’s been forced to accept in order to conceal a dangerous secret. Surely there is nothing more perilous than being the lover of such a man. Yet as she gets past his devilish façade and sees the noble heart within, she knows the greatest jeopardy of all, a passion that drives her to risk everything on one perfect month with the improper gentleman who thinks that love is for fools.

Time to dive back into some fluffy romance. I picked up this book because I have all three books sitting in my TBR pile. I almost always read romance series books back-to-back. So on to the book itself. I was a bit turned off by the Duke at the beginning of the story, but he definitely grew on me. The best parts were the conversations between the Duke and Jane in the den. I loved those moments. The only thing I really didn't like was the ending. I hate super abrupt endings and this book has one of those. Oh well, I can ignore the last three pages. I enjoyed the rest of the book. On to the second in the series...

Mistress (Dudley)

#1 More Than a Mistress
#2 No Man's Mistress
#3 The Secret Mistress

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates by Brian Kilmeade

Title: Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War that Changed American History

Author: Brian Kilmeade

Publisher: Sentinel 2015

Genre: Nonfiction - U.S. History

Pages: 238

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction; 52 Books - W34

This is the little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America’s third president decided to stand up to intimidation.

When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa’s Barbary coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford.

Definitely a good follow-up to George Washington's Secret Six. I have a passing knowledge of the Barbary War, but even I can classify it as the forgotten war. I learned so much about the intricacies, people involved, and battles of the war. Stories like that of the USS Philadelphia sparked a memory for me, but it was nice to get the full story in these pages. A good random pick-up from the library shelves.

Waistcoats and Weaponry by Gail Carriger

Title: Waistcoats and Weaponry(The Finishing School #3)

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2014

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 317

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books

Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style--with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey hijack a suspiciously empty train to return their chum Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. But when Sophronia discovers they are being trailed by a dirigible of Picklemen and flywaymen, she unearths a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos. With her friends in mortal danger, Sophronia must sacrifice what she holds most dear--her freedom.

Loved this volume in the series! But oh man, that ending nearly killed me. Way to tear at the heartstrings Carriger. Usually I'm not a fan of constant action in a book, but this one just seemed like a rollicking good time. We get so much good action but also some great character development scenes. I especially loved the scenes featuring both Soap and Felix. So much fun! Plu

The Finishing School

#1 Etiquette and Espionage
#2 Curtsies and Conspiracies
#3 Waistcoats and Weaponry
#4 Manners and Mutiny