Low Vol. 2

Title: Low Volume 2: Before the Dawn Burns Us

Author: Rick Remender, Greg Tocchini

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Will Stel Caine rise from the depths to become first human in millennia to set foot on the surface of the Earth? Who is the relentless Minister of Thought on a quest to put an end to Stel's attempt to restore the light to a dying world? Collects LOW #7-10.

This volume starts with a bang. Wow! I didn’t know where the story was going to go at the end of the first volume. I love that we finally get to see more from Tajo and Della. Plus there are some significant developments in the overall world story. Really enjoyed it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw

Title: The Autumnlands Volume 1: Tooth and Claw

Author: Kurt Busiek and Ben Dewey

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 184

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

When the wizards of the Autumnlands reach through time to bring back a legendary hero, they don't get the savior they expected. But in a shattered, besieged city, he's their only hope of survival-and possibly their entire world's, as well.
Collects THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW #1-6.

A rare comic series that I don’t think is for me. I was intrigued by the world building, but didn’t connect to the characters. I wasn’t really rooting for anyone or anything. And the art was not pulling me in like I wanted it to.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Title: Guidebook to Murder (Tourist Trap Mystery #1)

Author: Lynn Cahoon

Publisher: Kensington 2014

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Monthly Motif - New to Me Author; Cloak and Dagger

In the gentle coastal town of South Cove, California, all Jill Gardner wants is to keep her store--Coffee, Books, and More--open and running. So why is she caught up in the business of murder?

When Jill's elderly friend, Miss Emily, calls in a fit of pique, she already knows the city council is trying to force Emily to sell her dilapidated old house. But Emily's gumption goes for naught when she dies unexpectedly and leaves the house to Jill--along with all of her problems. . .and her enemies. Convinced her friend was murdered, Jill is finding the list of suspects longer than the list of repairs needed on the house. But Jill is determined to uncover the culprit--especially if it gets her closer to South Cove's finest, Detective Greg King. Problem is, the killer knows she's on the case--and is determined to close the book on Jill permanently. . .

I picked this volume up on a whim at the library and I’m so glad I did. This is a very cute cozy mystery full of red herrings, twists, secrets, and ultimately a good conclusion. Jill is a great main character and amateur detective. And South Cove is a great little setting for murder. I can just see the main street full of old cottages serving as business locales. And all the great random side characters. I’ll definitely keep reading this series.

Tourist Trap Mystery:

#1 Guidebook to Murder
#2 Mission to Murder
#3 If the Shoe Kills
#3.25 Rockets’ Dead Glare
#4 Dressed to Kill
#5 Killer Run
#6 Murder on Wheels
#7 Tea Cups and Carnage
#8 Hospitality and Homicide
#9 Killer Party
#9.5 A Deadly Brew
#9.75 Santa Puppy
#10 Corned Beef and Casulties
#10.5 Mother’s Day Mayhem

Next up on the TBR pile:

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

Title: Winter Solstice (Winter #4)

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2017

Genre: Romance

Pages: 297

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Set in Winter

It's been too long since the entire Quinn family has been able to celebrate the holidays under the same roof, but that's about to change. With Bart back safe and sound from Afghanistan, the Quinns are preparing for a holiday more joyous than any they've experienced in years. And Bart's safe return isn't the family's only good news: Kevin is enjoying married life with Isabelle; Patrick is getting back on his feet after paying his debt to society; Ava thinks she's finally found the love of her life; and Kelly is thrilled to see his family reunited at last. But it just wouldn't be a Quinn family gathering if things went smoothly. A celebration of everything we love--and some of the things we endure--about the holidays,

Goodness! What an ending to this series! I admit, I was in tears by the end of the book. The Quinn family really got under my skin. I wanted to see each and every one of them happy and settled by the end of the series. That didn’t quite happen, but I was still very satisfied with the ending. I loved seeing Ava make up her mind, finally! I loved seeing Bart find a place once again. I was very interested in Jennifer and Norah’s stories. The only part that felt a little flat for me was Eddie’s story and narrated chapters. But his perspective did move along the rest of the characters’s stories. Overall a very good series.

Winter:

#1 Winter Street
#2 Winter Stroll
#3 Winter Storms
#4 Winter Solstice

Next up on the TBR pile:

Open House by Elizabeth Berg

Title: Open House

Author: Elizabeth Berg

Publisher: Random House 2000

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 240

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar - Meant to Read in 2018; Women Authors

Samantha's husband has left her, and after a spree of overcharging at Tiffany's, she settles down to reconstruct a life for herself and her eleven-year-old son. Her eccentric mother tries to help by fixing her up with dates, but a more pressing problem is money. To meet her mortgage payments, Sam decides to take in boarders. The first is an older woman who offers sage advice and sorely needed comfort; the second, a maladjusted student, is not quite so helpful. A new friend, King, an untraditional man, suggests that Samantha get out, get going, get work. But her real work is this: In order to emerge from grief and the past, she has to learn how to make her own happiness. In order to really see people, she has to look within her heart. And in order to know who she is, she has to remember—and reclaim—the person she used to be, long before she became someone else in an effort to save her marriage.

Quite a disappointing read for me. This was recommended by Oprah and a few other bloggers that I follow. I had previously read another of Berg’s novels, Tapestry of Fortunes, and found it fairly charming. This one just fell a bit flat for me. I could not stand the main character and wasn’t all that inspired by her boarders. Struggled to finish this one. Just not for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Precious Jewel by Mary Balogh

Title: A Precious Jewel (Stapleton-Downes #2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: 1993

Genre: Romance

Pages: 338

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Monthly Key Word - Jewel; Finishing the Series

She was unlike any woman he’d ever met in the ton or the demimonde. But Sir Gerald Stapleton frequented Mrs. Blyth’s euphemistically dubbed “finishing school” for pure, uncomplicated pleasure–and nothing else. So why was this confirmed bachelor so thoroughly captivated by one woman in particular? Why did he find himself wondering how such a rare jewel of grace, beauty, and refinement as Priss had ended up a courtesan? And when she needed protection, why did Gerald, who’d sworn he’d never get entangled in affairs of the heart, hasten to set her up as his own pampered mistress to ensure her safety–and have her all to himself?

For Priscilla Wentworth, the path leading to Sir Gerald’s bed had been as filled with misfortune as it suddenly seemed charmed. But Priss couldn’t allow herself to believe she’d ever be more to a man like Sir Gerald than a well-cared-for object of pleasure. Now, despite Gerald’s deep distrust of marriage, neither scandal nor society’s censure can keep them apart–only the fear of trusting their hearts.

Another disappointing read. January is really ending up to be a very mixed bag when it comes to books. But anyway… I was not a fan of either of the main characters in this book. Priss was extremely wooden throughout every encounter with other people. I really wanted her to have some kind of personality. And Gerald was a bit of a naive yet pompous ass. For all of Priss’s talk of the worth of Gerald, I just couldn’t really see it. I just really wanted better characters. The previous book, The Ideal Wife, was such a delight. This was the opposite.

Stapleton-Downes:

#1 The Ideal Wife
#2 A Precious Jewel

Dark Angel:

#1 Dark Angel
#2 Lord Carew’s Bride
#3 The Famous Heroine
#4 The Plumed Bonnet
#5 The Ideal Wife
#6 A Precious Jewel
#7 A Christmas Bride
#8 Christmas Beau

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Past by Jodi Taylor

Title: Christmas Past (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8.6)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 47

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Max, Leon and Matthew - together at last for Christmas at St Mary's - a time of conspicuous consumption, riotous misbehaviour and the traditional illegal Christmas jump. And this time, it's inter-generational.

Donning her unfamiliar mother hat, Max takes Matthew back to 19th century London, where they plan to deliver a parcel of Christmas cheer to his former friends, but find themselves confronting the terrifying Old Ma Scrope in the process.

'Tis the season to be jolly.

It's also the season of goodwill towards all mankind.

Pity no one told Max.

Oh my! This short story brought me to tears. I loved that this story focused on Max and Matthew. I loved that we got to see more personality from him. And we get to visit a new time period for the historians. Loved this one so much! Plus the ending was priceless.

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
#8.6 Christmas Past
#9 An Argumentation of Historians
#9.5 Battersea Barricades
#9.6 The Steam-Pump Jump
#9.7 And Now For Something Completely Different
#10 Hope is for the Best

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Title: The Wife Between Us

Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press 2018

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 352

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar - Two Female Authors

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.

Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen's The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage - and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Read between the lies.

One of the book club selections for January. This one definitely kept my attention in terms of wanting to find out what happened. I sped through to the ending. Immediately I was interested in Vanessa’s story as well as Nellie’s story. I had sympathetic thoughts towards each women through the first half of the book.. And the twist happened and I was slightly disappointed, but stuck with it. I still wanted to see how the story played out. And then the coincidences and twists kept coming and I started to lose interest. I don’t mind a twist, but there were just too many in this book. And the whole reveal from Emma and her origin family just made me want to put the book down. No thank you. Too much.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand

Title: Winter Storms (Winter #3)

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 246

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Series Completely Published

Some of the stormy weather of the past few seasons seems to have finally lifted for the Quinns. After a year apart, and an ill-fated affair with the Winter Street Inn's old Santa Claus, Mitzi has returned to rule the roost; Patrick is about to be released from prison; Kevin has a successful new business and is finally ready to tie the knot with Isabelle; and best of all, there's hopeful news about Bart, who has been captured by enemy forces in Afghanistan.

That doesn't mean there aren't a few dark clouds on the horizon. Kelley has recently survived a health scare; Jennifer can't quite shake her addiction to the drugs she used as a crutch while Patrick was in jail; and Ava still can't decide between the two lovers that she's been juggling with limited success. However, if there's one holiday that brings the Quinn family together to give thanks for the good times, it's Christmas. And this year promises to be a celebration unlike any other as the Quinns prepare to host Kevin and Isabelle's wedding at the inn. But as the special day approaches, a historic once-in-a-century blizzard bears down on Nantucket, threatening to keep the Quinns away from the place--and the people--they love most. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough upheavals to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog, in this touching novel that proves that when the holidays roll around, you can always go home again.

Still enjoying this series a lot. I loved checking back in with the Quinns after the tumultuous events of the last volume. We finally get more of Bart’s story and even a bit more of Norah (turns out she’s actually an interesting character). I loved the big events of this book and seeing the happy moments. I’m still annoyed with Ava, or I should say that I was very annoyed with her until about halfway through the book. Finally, we get to see some growth from her! I can’t wait to dive into the final book in the series.

P.S. It was very weird for Hilderbrand to namedrop herself and another of her books during the scene of Isabelle’s bridal shower. I seriously had to reread the paragraph, but yep it was there…

Winter:

#1 Winter Street
#2 Winter Stroll
#3 Winter Storms
#4 Winter Solstice

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Ideal Wife by Mary Balogh

Title: The Ideal Wife (Stapleton-Downes #1; Dark Angel #5)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: 1991

Genre: Romance

Pages: 339

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Finishing the Series; Romance

When Abigail Gardiner knocks at the door of Miles Ripley, Earl of Severn, the last thing she expects is a marriage proposal. Desperate, she’d come to this charismatic stranger’s home to plead for her future. Instead she shocks them both by saying yes. Her impulsive decision will have consequences neither she nor her new husband can foresee. For Miles has his own reasons for marrying her. And Abigail is harboring a secret of her own. As distrust gives way to desire . . . as, together, they give in to the pleasures of the marriage bed, a devastating scandal threatens their future. Now these two wary hearts will risk ruin and disgrace for a love that has changed them both forever—the kind all seek, but few ever find

I might be reading the Dark Angel series out of order, but this was written first, so I’m starting here… Also, it’s been on my book shelves for a few years now. Time to read and get rid of it.

I loved this story! Abby and Miles are such great characters. The plot uses a common trope in Regency romances, but I loved how the story evolved from there. We get to know the two main characters very well in just a short amount of time. I loved see how Abby and Miles grew both in their own person and within their marriage. Seriously loved it!

Stapleton-Downes:

#1 The Ideal Wife
#2 A Precious Jewel

Dark Angel:

#1 Dark Angel
#2 Lord Carew’s Bride
#3 The Famous Heroine
#4 The Plumed Bonnet
#5 The Ideal Wife
#6 A Precious Jewel
#7 A Christmas Bride
#8 Christmas Beau

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Perfect Storm by Jodi Taylor

Title: A Perfect Storm (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8.5)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 54

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

For Max, what starts off as a perfectly normal week is about to degenerate into a quagmire of egotistical film producers, monumental pub crawls, unsigned contracts, exploding rocks, Professor Rapson and his megaphone, the world’s biggest bacon butty – and Angus – the third component of the most notorious love triangle since Menelaus, Paris and Whatshername – the one with the face they launched ships off.

Oh another great short story from the crew at St. Mary’s. I loved that was get more from Markham and the antics of the R&D department. But of course things get out of hand and something blows up. Loved it so much!

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
#8.6 Christmas Past
#9 An Argumentation of Historians
#9.5 Battersea Barricades
#9.6 The Steam-Pump Jump
#9.7 And Now for Something Completely Different
#10 Hope is for the Best

Next up on the TBR pile:

And the Rest is History by Jodi Taylor

Title: And the Rest is History (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 376

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Ebook; Seasonal Series - Gifted to Me

No one knows quite how, but Max and her baby are safe at last. No one knows quite how, but Peterson has persuaded Dr Foster to marry him. No one knows quite how, but Markham's marital status remains unknown. Certainly no one knows quite how a twelve-foot-high teapot has mysteriously materialised on the South Lawn, but it has. But they do know that Clive Ronan is back. They do know that he hates them and that this time he has good cause. And they do know that he will bring death and destruction in his wake. Follow the disaster magnets of St Mary's from the Egyptian desert to the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and from Hastings to the Sack of Constantinople...

Oh my. This volume killed me, seriously killed me. I was devastated in the middle of the book and then even more devastated by the end. But don’t let that statement make you think that I didn’t like this book. I loved every single page of it. I have come to really feel like the characters of St. Mary’s are part of my friend circle. Plus this volume sees the historians finally visiting Hastings in 1066. Woohoo!

P.S. I also read the super short (i.e. 4 page) short story Desiccated Water featuring a science experiment gone wrong. And I read the other super short (i.e. 7 page) short story Markham and the Anal Probing right after reading this book. Oh so much fun!

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
#8.6 Christmas Past
#9 An Argumentation of Historians
#9.5 Battersea Barricades
#9.6 The Steam-Pump Jump
#9.7 And Now for Something Completely Different
#10 Hope is for the Best

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 30

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 30: New Order World

Author: Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard; Stefano Guadiano; Cliff Rathburn; Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

NEW FRIENDS. NEW ENEMIES. NEW THREATS. IT’S A WHOLE NEW WORLD. Collects THE WALKING DEAD #175-180

Hmmm… while I really enjoyed this volume and will continue to read this series, I do wonder where it’s going. Now we have a whole new community of people run by some not-so-great-people. Not really new material, just a new geographic setting. I hope this particular storyline gets wrapped up in the next trade.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Saga Volume 9

Title: Saga Volume 9

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Get ready for the most shocking, most impactful SAGA storyline yet, an action-packed adventure about fake news and genuine terror. Collects SAGA #49-54

I am at a loss of what to say about this volume. I was in tears and angry by the end, but it was amazing! The story has taken quite a turn in the last few issues and I’m truly afraid at where it’s going to end up. I am very sad that the creators are taking a long hiatus, but hopeful that they will come back and complete this story with an amazing ending!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Exile by Diana Gabaldon

Title: The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel

Author: Diana Gabaldon, Hoang Nguyen

Publisher: Del Rey 2011

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 224

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Diana Gabaldon’s brilliant storytelling has captivated millions of readers in her bestselling and award-winning Outlander saga. Now, in her first-ever graphic novel, Gabaldon gives readers a fresh look at the events of the original Outlander: Jamie Fraser’s side of the story, gorgeously rendered by artist Hoang Nguyen.

A bit of a disappointing read for me. I loved the first Outlander book and hoped this prequel comic would add to the series. Unfortunately I wasn’t a huge fan of the art style or how they portrayed some of the characters. I read it, but wasn’t really a favorite.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Rat Queens Vol. 5

Title: Rat Queens Vol. 5: The Colossal Magic Nothing

Author: Kurtis Wiebe; Owen Gieni

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Palisade has a new resident: a strange wizard who wants to end the suffering of others. As the Queens disappear one by one, Betty uncovers a terrifying truth that finally reveals the events following Hannah’s imprisonment in a magical void. Collects RAT QUEENS, VOL. 2 #6-10 and RAT QUEENS: ORC DAVE SPECIAL #1

Another great, if slightly confusing, volume of Rat Queens. The alternate timeline is fascinating. I’m wondering where the series will go next…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Coffee Talk by Morton Satin

Title: Coffee Talk: The Stimulating Story of the World’s Most Popular Brew

Author: Morton Satin

Publisher: Prometheus Books 2011

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 368

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Nonfiction Bingo

This entertaining yet comprehensive book describes how, in recent times, coffee has become the magnet that draws people together for spirited interchanges of information and ideas. In the intellectual capitals of the world, coffeehouses have been and continue to be the venues where the great minds flock to discuss the latest developments in the arts, sciences, and social philosophies. The author also traces the rich and intriguing history of coffee and even goes on to reveal the best techniques for home brewing. Moreover, he enlivens his narrative with stories of the fine art of the barista, which includes the World Barista Championship where rival barmen from around the globe display the highest artistry of coffee brewing. Lavishly illustrated, this delightful and informative book is the perfect complement for your next coffee break.

I had high hopes for this book. I had heard good things. Unfortunately the chapters in this book were a mixed bag. I loved learning about the history of coffee and the science behind the plant. My favorite part was following coffee around the world. A wonderful history. And then the chapters start to go down hill. There’s interesting content, but I didn’t particularly need an entire glossary of terms or a chapter detailing different ways to brew coffee. I start skimming the second half of the book until I got to the end. Oh well.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked + The Divine Volume 7

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 7: Mothering Invention

Author: Kieron Gillen; Jamie McKelvie; Matt Wilson

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 208

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

In the past: awful stuff. In the present: awful stuff. But, increasingly: answers. Collects THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #34-39

Seriously love this series! The twists and turns in this trade took me for a ride. I didn’t know what was going on and had to reread a few issues. But seriously in a good way. It was such a great volume. The two years are almost up and I’m waiting on pins and needles to find out how it’s going to end.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton

Title: The Clockmaker’s Daughter

Author: Kate Morton

Publisher: Atria 2018

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 485

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Women Authors; Dancing with SciFi and Fantasy - Ghosts

In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing; and Edward Radcliffe's life is in ruins.

Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist's sketchbook containing the drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river.

Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets?

I’ve enjoyed a few of Morton’s previous works, so I had to have this one when it came up for Book of the Month last October. I finally picked it up to dive in last week and immediately fell into another world. I love how Morton creates an entire atmosphere surrounding her setting. The house is just fantastic and beautiful and mysterious and enchanting. I love how Morton connects all the different characters and ad time periods to create one epic story. The murder mystery was actually one fo the least interesting aspects. I really wanted to hear more about many of the other characters like Ada and Leonard. In fact, I think Ada was my favorite character. Overall, I took my time with this book and loved every page of it.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Night Before Christmas

Title: The Night Before Christmas

Author: Lori Foster, Jill Shalvis, Katherine Garbera, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Kylie Adams

Publisher: Kensington 2005

Genre: Romance

Pages: 304

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

Six sexy Christmas tales--by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Jill Shalvis, Kylie Adams, and Katherine Garbera--come together in a seductive collection that will thaw the icicles off the eave, with stories of office romance, infatuation, lust, and fantasy

A very uneven collection of stories. I get that these are to be short stories, but most of them were too short. I wanted just a bit more substance before we got to the “I love you” stage of the story. I just wasn’t a huge fan of this collection. Oh well.

Next up on the TBR pile: