The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Title: The Turn of the Screw

Author: Henry James

Publisher: 1898

Genre: Classics

Pages: 327

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Read Your Book Shelf; Classic - Horror

A young governess is sent to a great country house to care for two orphaned children. To begin with Flora and Miles seem to be model pupils but gradually the governess starts to suspect that something is very wrong with them. As she sets out to uncover the corrupt secrets of the house she becomes more and more convinced that something evil is watching her.

A random classic from my bookshelves. Somehow I have never gotten around to reading this one. I dove in and am so glad I did. This is a fascinating novella of potential supernatural events. I loved the ambiguity in James' writing. The characters are interesting and the house as a character is fascinating. I especially loved the critical essays presented after the novella in my edition. It was nice to read some more academic reviews of this story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh

Title: Simply Unforgettable (SImply #1)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2005

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 422

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar --Author from a country I haven't visited

New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh returns to the seductive world she knows so well–Regency England–in a new novel filled with her trademark wit, sensuality, and breathtaking storytelling. With this, the first in a dazzling new quartet of novels, Balogh invites us into a special world–a select academy for young ladies– a world of innocence and temptation. Drawing us into the lives of four women, teachers at Miss Martin’s School for Girls, Balogh introduces this novel’s marvelous heroine: music teacher Frances Allard–and the man who seduces her with a passion no woman could possibly forget.…

A little fluffy romance was exactly what I needed this week! I was a little wary of the story based on the first three chapters. Thankfully the characters and storyline improved quickly. I really came to love Lucius and Frances. They are such a great pair. And the side characters were amazing, especially the Earl and Amy. Definitely a good start to a series. I an't wait to start the next book...

Simply Quartet:

#1 Simply Unforgettable
#2 Simply Love
#3 Simply Magic
#4 Simply Perfect

dc049a522d84b84f_PS16_JP_Living_2017ReadingChallenge_List_R2-259x1024.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Title: Dearly, Departed

Author: Lia Habel

Publisher: Del Rey 2011

Genre: YA - Horror

Pages: 470

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Read Your Book Shelf; New Author

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the mores of an antique era. Sixteen-year-old Nora Dearly is far more interested in her country’s political unrest than in silly debutante balls. But the death of her beloved parents leaves Nora at the mercy of a social-climbing aunt who plans to marry off her niece for money. To Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses. Now she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting a fatal virus that raises the dead. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and thoroughly deceased. But like the rest of his special undead unit, Bram has been enabled by luck and modern science to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

One of those books that's been on my shelf for way too long! I finally picked it up and was glad I did. I love a good zombie book and this one had some good twists on the mythos. We get good zombies and bad zombies. We get a future dystopian world (at least for the New Victorians). We get a good adventure story. I will admit that it took me about 100 pages to really get into it, but once I did, I sped through it. There's a companion novel that I had to put a hold on at the library.

Gone with the Respiration:

#1 Dearly, Departed
#2 Dearly, Beloved

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dead Feminists by Chandler O'Leary and Jessica Spring

Title: Dead Feminists: Historic Heroines in Living Color

Author: Chandler O'Leary and Jessica Spring

Publisher: Sasquatch Books 2016

Genre: Nonfiction - Women's History

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NonAd; Feminism); Popsugar - About an Interesting Woman(en)

Based on the beloved letterpress poster series of the same name, Dead Feminists interweaves intricate broadside art with archival photographs and ephemera. This book brings feminist history to life, profiling 27 unforgettable forebears of the modern women’s movement such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Gwendolyn Brooks, Rachel Carson, and more. Across eras and industries, passions and geographies, this collection of diverse, progressive, and perseverant women faced what looked like insurmountable odds and yet, still, they persisted.

Random grab at the library, although someone on some blog had mentioned it. I did not read the description before diving in. I assumed it was just a book of short biographies of extraordinary women (which I would have loved to read). Instead, we get short bigraphies and artisitc broadsides created specifically for each woman. I loved the biographies of these amazing ladies, but the real interest was in the art that was created. I loved how the authors included some explanations as to their choices for each broadside. They incorporated so many aspects of life from each woman. Fascinating work! I would love to own a few of these broadsides for my walls.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The End of Oz by Danielle Paige

Title: The End of Oz (Dorothy Must Die #4)

Author: Danielle Page

Publisher: HarperCollins 2017

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 309

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I love Libraries

My name is Amy Gumm. You might remember me as the other girl from Kansas. When a tornado swept me away to the magical land of Oz, I was given a mission: Dorothy must die. That’s right, everyone’s favorite Wicked-Witch-slayer had let the magic of Oz corrupt her. She turned evil. So I killed her.

But just when we thought it was safe to start rebuilding the damaged land of Oz, we were betrayed. Now I’m following the Road of Yellow Brick as it helps me escape toward the mysterious land of Ev, where the Nome King rules a bleak and angry world. And what I’m about to find is shocking: My original mission may not have been successful.

I thought my job was over, but it’s only just beginning. And it’s up to me to foil Dorothy’s plans for revenge—and finally save the land I’ve come to love.

What an end to the series! I must admit that I was very worried when Paige re-ntroduced Madison in this volume. I couldn't see how she would fit into the storyline or with the characters. Thankfully Madison had a part to play in Amy's journey. I would have liked a bit more time in Oz proper and with the Order, but it was nice to get some new(ish) characters involved. The ending was a bit stilted, but I think it fits with the overall story. This was such a fun series. I'm going to miss Amy and Oz.

Dorothy Must Die

Next up on the TBR pile:

50 Great American Places by Brent D. Glass

Title: 50 Great American Places: Essential History Sites Across the U.S.

Author: Brent D. Glass

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2016

Genre: U.S. History

Pages: 292

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NonAd); What's in a Name - Number in Numbers

A one-of-a-kind guide to fifty of the most important cultural and historic sites in the United States guaranteed to fascinate, educate, and entertain—selected and described by the former director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

I grabbed this one from the library new books shelf. I love a good history book and thought this would be fun little book where I could learn some new facts. Unfortunately for me, I knew 90% of the information presented. Sometimes it sucks to be a U.S. History major... I did enjoy the book and Glass highlights some interesting spots around the country. It's just not going to be on my favorite reads for the year.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Title: Big Little Lies

Author: Liane Moriarty

Publisher: Berkley 2014

Genre: Contemporary fiction

Pages: 492

Rating: /5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Becoming a movie in 2017; New to Me; I Love Libraries

A murder...A tragic accident...Or just parents behaving badly? What’s indisputable is that someone is dead.

Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny, biting, and passionate; she remembers everything and forgives no one. Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare but she is paying a price for the illusion of perfection. New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for a nanny. She comes with a mysterious past and a sadness beyond her years. These three women are at different crossroads, but they will all wind up in the same shocking place.

TV Series:

Next up on the TBR pile:

Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige

Title: Yellow Brick War (Dorothy Must Die #3)

Author: Danielle Page

Publisher: HarperCollins 2016

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 270

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fairytale Retellings; I love Libraries

My name is Amy Gumm. Tornadoes must have a thing about girls from Kansas, because—just like Dorothy—I got swept away on one too. I landed in Oz, where Good is Wicked, Wicked is Good, and the Wicked Witches clued me in to my true calling: Assassin.

The way to stop Dorothy from destroying Oz—and Kansas—is to kill her. And I’m the only one who can do it. But I failed. Others died for my mistakes. Because of me, the portal between the worlds has been opened. And if I don’t find a way to close it? Dorothy will make sure I never get to go home again. Now it’s up to me to: join the Witches, fight for Oz, save Kansas, and stop Dorothy once and for all.

So I would say that I loved the last 75 pages of this book. The last 1/4 was an amazing ride through Oz's magic. We even get to meet Lurline in person! The first 3/4 of the book was a bit slow. The entire section in Kansas was a bit boring and I kept hoping Amy would get back to Oz soon. This review sounds like I didn't like the book at all, but I did. Just wish the first sections would have moved a bit faster. I loved the characters in this one especially The Nome King and Ozma. Plus we get to see the epic battle at the heart of Oz. Loved it! On to the last book in the series...

Dorothy Must Die

Next up on the TBR pile:

Locke and Key: Small World

Title: Locke and Key: Small World

Author: Joe Hill

Publisher: IDW 2017

Genre: Graphic novel - Horror

Pages: 72

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; I Love Libraries

Three years after wrapping up their award-winning, best-selling Locke & Key saga, the team that built Keyhouse returns to Lovecraft, Massachusetts with a new tale of terror and suspense! An impossible birthday gift for two little girls unexpectedly throws open a door to a monster on eight legs!

Another Locke and Key volume! I got so excited when I saw this on the library's new books shelf. I loved this little vignette from the history of Keyhouse. We get to see yet another key in action and a fun little story. A quick read, but very enjoyable.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Present by Jodi Taylor

Title: Christmas Present (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #4.5)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 41

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

It's Christmas Eve at St Mary's, And all through the house, Nothing is stirring ... Except for Max, Peterson, and Markham, sneaking out at midnight for an assignment that is very definitely off the books. It's ten years ago tonight that Senior Historians Bashford and Grey went missing in twelfth-century Jerusalem. So how did they end up in AD60 Roman Colchester? Max has a theory. Peterson has a plan. Markham has bacon sandwiches. Colchester has Boudicca and her bloodthirsty Iceni hordes. And then there's the giant pig ... the enraged giant pig ...

Another great St. Mary's adventure. As much as I love the main books in the series, these short stories are lots of fun. In this one, we get to meet Boudicea!!! The settings of these short stories are almost the best party. Beyond the setting, we get some great character growth of Markham and Guthrie, two of the great side characters in the series. Super short read, but I loved it!

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History
#8.5 A Perfect Storm
#9 The Long and Short of It

Next up on the TBR pile:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: McElderry Books 2010

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 497

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NPR Teen); Mount TBR

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them....

A friend loaned me this trilogy after we discussed how I was not a fan of the Mortal Instruments series. She claimed this one was better. So I finally go around to reading it and this series is most definitely better. Even the moments when Tessa really annoyed me, it was just her. I didn't loathe every character like in the other series. And thankfully this volume was free of absolutely ridiclous plot twists. The twists were appropriate and well timed. To took me awhile to finish this volume, but I really did enjoy reading it. I'll be continuing this series just as soon I finish my book club book...

The Infernal Devices

#1 Clockwork Angel
#2 Clockwork Prince
#3 Clockwork Princess

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige

Title: The Wicked Will Rise (Dorothy Must Die #2)

Author: Danielle Page

Publisher: HarperCollins 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 309

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fairytale Retellings; I love Libraries

My mission? Kill Dorothy. Except my job as assassin didn’t work out as planned. Dorothy is still alive. The Order has vanished. And the home I couldn’t wait to leave behind might be in danger.

Somehow, across a twisted and divided land, I have to find the Order, protect the true ruler of Oz, take Dorothy and her henchmen down—and try to figure out what I’m really doing here.

The first book was good, but holy crap the second book was so much better. The twists and turns were great. I loved seeing Amy explore more of Oz and encounter new and old characters. Meeting the Magril was especially interesting. I loved getting the glimpse into the inner workings of Oz. The cliffhanger ending was torturous (but in a good way). My only issue was the seemingly non-event of the Scarecrow's demise. I wanted more of climax to that one...

Dorothy Must Die

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor

Title: A Trail Through Time (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #4)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 404

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

St Mary's is back and is facing a battle to survive in this, the fourth installment of the Chronicles. Max and Leon are re-united and looking forward to a peaceful lifetime together. But, sadly, they don't even make it to lunchtime. The action races from 17th century London to Ancient Egypt and from Pompeii to 14th century Southwark as they're pursued up and down the timeline, playing a perilous game of hide and seek until they're finally forced to take refuge at St Mary's - where new dangers await them. As usual, there are plenty of moments of humor, but the final, desperate, Battle of St Mary's is in grim earnest. Overwhelmed and outnumbered and with the building crashing down around them, how can St Mary's possibly survive? So, make sure the tea's good and strong...

OH this was such a good volume int he series. I was unsure of where Taylor was going to go after the events of Book 3. Thankfully she found a way to stay true to the series but continue the adventure. I loved meeting all the characters once again. I enjoyed the side trips to the Frost Fair and Egypt and especially Pompeii. Max is such a great character, I'm glad we get yet another adventure starring her. This volume made me love the Director and Peterson even more. Such a great series!

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History

Next up on the TBR pile:

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Title: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

Author: Trevor Noah

Publisher: Spiegel and Grau 2016

Genre: Nonfiction Memoir

Pages: 304

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Nonfiction Adventure); Popsugar - Book by a person of color

Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life.

Such a powerful collection of stories. Noah has an amazing ability to tell a funny story and embed a serious conversation about a hard topic right there in the middle. His stories read a lot like Jenny Larson's from Let's Pretend This Never Happened. Her stories aren't about growing up under and after apratheid in South Africa, but they have a similar tone. I laughed along with his youthful misadventures. I marveled at his ability to move in and out of communities. I commiserated with this troubles at school. And then I was absolutely gutted by his frank discussions of racism and hate. Noah gives us an inside view of a tumultuous transition. I had to pause multiple times to place his own stories into a larger tragic context. Very good, but very powerful. And do not get me started on the final story about his mother. I was in tears reading it. I knew what was coming, but that didn't mean I was any more prepared for the story. An amazing read! And in a few days I get to discuss it with friends at book club. Hoping for a great conversation.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Zombies: A Brief History of Decay by Olivier Peru

Title: Zombies: A Brief History of Decay

Author: Olivier Peru

Publisher: Insight Comics 2017

Genre: Comics

Pages: 152

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Popsugar - Published in 2017; I Love Libraries

Six billion living corpses are all that remains of civilization. Among the few survivors is Sam Coleman, a man who owes his salvation to Smith & Wesson and a little luck. Fleeing Seattle at the onset of the zombie outbreak, he was forced to leave his daughter behind. Yet now that silence has fallen over the city, he believes that she may still be alive. And his conscience serves up a constant reminder that to be human in this grim world is to have hope—and to keep fighting.

A good collection of the first three volumes of Zombies. A bit like The Walking Dead, but not quite as severe. It was a quick read and I did enjoy it. Some very good graphics and characters. And I do appreciate the twist at the end of Volume 3. I'll have to check to see if any new comics are out.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Wonder Woman: The True Amazon by Jill Thompson

Title: Wonder Woman: The True Amazon

Author: Jill Thompson

Publisher: DC 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; I Love Libraries

See Wonder Woman like you’ve never seen her before in WONDER WOMAN: THE TRUE AMAZON, an original graphic novel from Eisner Award-winning writer and artist Jill Thompson. Join Princess Diana in her early years, as she develops into the formidable hero we know and love.

Young Diana has the fawning attention of her nation, but she soon grows spoiled and ungrateful. When a series of tragic events takes its toll, Diana must learn to grow up, take responsibility, and seize her destiny.

A great little origin story comic featuring the great art of Jill Thompson. This was a great companion piece to the new Wonder Woman movie.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 3 by Danielle Paige

Title: Dorothy Must DieStories Vol. 3 (Dorothy Must Die #0.7-0.9)

Author: Danielle Page

Publisher: HarperCollins 2017

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 258

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fairytale Retellings; I love Libraries

Before Amy Gumm lands in Oz in Dorothy Must Die, Dorothy Gale rules a twisted land where the Good have become truly Wicked—and it’s up to the Wicked to stop her reign. Follow your favorite witches from Dorothy Must Die as they form an elusive, secretive group known as the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked and begin training their own army to defeat Dorothy.

Thankfully the prequels ended on a high note. I loved all three of these stories!

"Order of the Wicked" -- We get to see the order operating before Amy arrives. I loved learning more about Melindra and Nox. Plus we get to see what happens to Annabel. Fascinating story.

"Dark Side of the Rainbow" -- I'll admit that when Polychrome appeared in the first book, I couldn't care less. This story changed my opinion. I loved seeing the Rainbow Island, getting more from Ozma, and setting up the mystery of Bright.

"The Queen of Oz" -- How exciting! Mombi and Ozma and Pete and Glamora and Glinda all in one story. I sped through this one because it was just so good. I love that it feels in some of the gaps from the previous stories and we get more from some of the best characters in the series.

Now I'm ready to jump back into the regular series and find out more about Amy's journey through Oz.

Dorothy Must Die

#0.1 No Place Like Oz
#0.2 The Witch Must Burn
#0.3 The Wizard Returns
#0.4 Heart of Tin
#0.5 The Straw King
#0.6 Ruler of Beasts
#0.7 Order of the Wicked
#0.8 Dark Side of the Rainbow
#0.9 The Queen of Oz
#1 Dorothy Must Die
#2 The Wicked Will Rise
#3 Yellow Brick War
#4 The End of Oz

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2 by Danielle Paige

Title: Dorothy Must DieStories Vol. 2 (Dorothy Must Die #0.4-0.6)

Author: Danielle Page

Publisher: HarperCollins 2016

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Fairytale Retellings

Follow Dorothy’s iconic companions from the beloved classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as each of their gifts becomes key to the downfall of Oz. After Dorothy Gale wished her way home and long before Amy Gumm found herself in Oz, Dorothy’s friends left the Road of Yellow Brick to go their separate ways. But in a place like Oz, where magic and temptation lurk, the gifts from the Wizard begin to take on a life of their own. The Tin Woodman becomes twisted with longing. The Scarecrow develops a taste for plotting. And doubt consumes the Cowardly Lion.

Another three prequels from the Dorothy Must Die series. This time, we focus on Dorothy's companions: the Tinman, the Scarecrow, and the Lion.

"Heart of Tin" -- My least favorite of the three stories. I'm really not a fan of Tin at all. His "love" for Dorothy is weird and creepy. Of the three companions, I see him as the weakest. This story filled in some of the gaps, but it wasn't great mostly because of the main character.

"The Straw King" -- Very interesting story. I loved the political maneuvering between Glinda and Scare. Their relationship is one of the more interesting ones in the series. I hope we get even more back and forth between them in the next book.

"Ruler of Beasts" -- I didn't think I would enjoy this series based off of the Lion in Dorothy Must Die, but I loved it. We get to see the Lion's eventual fall, but more importantly, we get to see what happened to Ozma before Dorothy came back. And we get to meet the Nome King which was oh so much fun! Finally, the question of how Dorothy was brought back is answered.

Can't wait to see where this series goes! But first, I need to finish the last three prequel stories.

Dorothy Must Die

#0.1 No Place Like Oz
#0.2 The Witch Must Burn
#0.3 The Wizard Returns
#0.4 Heart of Tin
#0.5 The Straw King
#0.6 Ruler of Beasts
#0.7 Order of the Wicked
#0.8 Dark Side of the Rainbow
#0.9 The Queen of Oz
#1 Dorothy Must Die
#2 The Wicked Will Rise
#3 Yellow Brick War
#4 The End of Oz

Next up on the TBR pile:

Secrets of the Heart by Candace Camp

Title: Secrets of the Heart (Agincourt #3)

Author: Candace Camp

Publisher: Harlequin 2005

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 416

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

On the eve of her wedding to Michael Trent, the Earl of Westhampton, Rachel Aincourt tried to elope with another man—only to be unceremoniously returned to her fiancé by her strong-willed father. Burdened by guilt and shame, Rachel felt she'd gotten what she deserved: a loveless marriage to a cold, enigmatic husband. She was wrong.

Behind Michael's proper demeanor lay a man who thrived on danger and intrigue—and now he'd been drawn into one of Bow Street's toughest cases. When the crime turned into a murder that involved Rachel, Michael found a new way to employ his mastery of disguise: seducing the wife he secretly loved. But would he finally be able to win her heart…or would he destroy his last chance for happiness?

So I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but I think this one was my favorite. I loved the characters of Rachel and Michael. We got a few glimpses of their story in the first two books, but I'm so glad we got to hear it all in this book. The characters were great. The romance was spot on. And even the slightly wild and unbelievable mystery didn't distract from my enjoyment. Definitely a great wrap up to the trilogy.

Aincourt

#1 So Wild a Heart
#2 The Hidden Heart
#3 Secrets of the Heart

Next up on the TBR pile:

Roman Holiday by Jodi Taylor

Title: Roman Holiday (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #3.5)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2014

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 36

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Another rollicking short story from the Chronicles of St Mary's. Question: What sort of idiot installs his mistress in his wife's house? Especially when that mistress is Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, Queen of Egypt and the most notorious woman of her time? Answer: Julius Caesar - poised to become King of Rome. Or as good as. Question: At this potentially sensitive point in your political manoeuvrings, who are the last people you'd want crashing through the door, observing, recording, documenting ...? I think we all know the answer to that one. Roman Holiday - an epic, stand alone tale set in Ancient Rome, 44 BC, featuring, in no particular order: an attempted murder, stampeding bullocks, Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile, a bowl of poisonous snakes, a smallish riot, Julius Caesar, and Mr Markham's wayward bosoms.

I love these crazy adventures of the historians from St. Mary's. This was a super short story, but I loved the descriptions of the characters both historical and fictional. Such a fun little read. Can't wait to read the next one...

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History

Next up on the TBR pile: