You might have noticed that I've branched into genres not usual for me of late. That's due to a three month trial of Kindle Unlimited. I was skeptical of KU at first, thinking that I wouldn't find enough to read, but I just keep being impressed. Several authors I already love are available on KU and I've discovered a plethora of new ones as well. It's lovely not to have to be on a wait list like at the library, and there are so many great indie authors that my library system does not offer. On the whole, I'm really enjoying KU and would recommend the free trial if, like me, you are a book borrower and don't mind not owning everything you read.
Books Read
Disinheritance by Mary Kingswood (2024) 4/5 stars
Book One of The Chaplain's Legacy Series
This Regency-era novel begins with a murder and continues with layers of family drama and a gentle romance. While I was somewhat disappointed with the outcome of the mystery, overall, I enjoyed the story immensely and look forward to reading more by this author.
Determination by Mary Kingswood (2024) 4/5 stars
Book Two of The Chaplain's Legacy Series
This book follows a side character from the first book, and while not as layered as Disinheritance, was still well-written, entertaining and engrossing. I was disappointed that the mystery wasn't readdressed, however, and did feel that Kingswood wasn't always true to the time period, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment or weaken the novel.
Anger by Mary Kingswood (2024) 4/5 stars
Book Three of The Chaplain's Legacy Series
Anger also follows a side character from the first book of the series, and while I didn't enjoy it as much, it was certainly well-written and entertaining. The development of the hard-to-love main character was nicely done, and I even found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading. Some of the threads of mystery from Disinheritance were mentioned, so I still have hope that it will be revisited as the series continues. I am looking forward to the release of book four in January.
The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright (2017) 4/5 stars
This novel follows two women, generations apart, who are affected by evil events that occur in the house on Foster Hill. The author writes well overall, but excels at creating a sense of suspense and unease. The plot is intriguing, and I found it so engrossing that I read the over-300-page book in just over 24 hours. Based on the strength of this, her debut, I'm excited to read Wright's more recent works.
John Eyre by Mimi Matthews (2021) 5/5 stars (my review
here)
Beauty and the Beast by K. M. Shea (2013) 4/5 stars
Timeless Fairy Tales Series, Book 1
Elle falls through the glass roof of the chateau of the cursed Prince Severin and, while she is recovering from the resulting broken leg, she becomes friends with his equally cursed staff, and later, with him. As these friendships grow, Elle is always conscious of the fact that she is lying to them all, and that the truth could bring heartbreak.
This is a well-written retelling of the traditional fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, that is charming, fun, and even moving, but, happily, lacking the Stockholm syndrome. I enjoyed Shea's style, the gentle and even realistic romance, and the overall book experience. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
A Noble Purpose by Laurie Lucking (2024) 3/5 stars
This is a sweet novella, based on the fairy tale "Hans, Who Made the Princess Laugh". Due to it's brevity, it is not particularly involved and things happen a bit too quickly. Despite that, it's generally well-written, and I would certainly be willing to try a full-length novel by this author.
By the Light of the Setting Sun by Laura Rollins (2023) 4/5 stars
A Gentleman's Heart Series, Book 1In this Regency romance, Alex is concerned for the wellbeing of his stepsister, eight year old Lily and determined to remove her from the stepfather he detests. Elizabeth has just finished her fourth unsuccessful season in London, and is visiting Bath with her family, in hopes of improving her father's health. Alex and Elizabeth meet in a most interesting situation, and a friendship is quickly formed, which turns to something warmer. Duty, however, is uppermost in his mind, and Alex worries that he can't have Elizabeth's heart and still have Lily's safety.
This is a charming and well-written novel, with characters that I cared for immediately. There were funny moments alongside the more serious issues, and the plot was nicely paced. I was startled and amused at Rollins' use of the word "updo" (first recorded in the 1930s), but otherwise the feel and atmosphere of the era was nicely done. The romance was sweet, the resolution satisfying, and the book a pleasure overall. I will certainly read more by this author.
Tempted by Folly by Christina Dudley (2022) 4/5 stars
The Ellsworth Assortment, Book One
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| Christina Dudley |
This is a charming, witty, engaging, and well-written Regency romance. It's closer in flavor to a Georgette Heyer novel than any other I have read. I was immediately interested in the characters, felt invested in their story, and found the period atmosphere to be realistic. The plot was complex enough to be absorbing, with moments both amusing and serious, and the believable family dynamic enhanced the overall experience, making me eager to continue with the series.
(I'd love to know if Mr. Ellsworth reminded anyone else of Jane Austin's Sir Walter Elliot.)
The Belle of Winchester by Christina Dudley (2022) 4/5 stars
The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Two
This is another delightful and well-written Regency romance by Dudley. Lily was introduced in the prior novel, and her story is similar to that of her sister, but with enough differences and detours to make it fresh and interesting. It captured my attention immediately and I was thoroughly invested in the story, cared about the characters, and was curious as to how it would all work out in the long run. The author has quickly become a favorite.
Minta in Spite of Herself by Christina Dudley (2023) 4/5 stars
The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Three
The third book of this series follows the likable hoyden Ellsworth, eighteen-yar-old Araminta, as she matures and discovers there is life to be found apart from archery and the freedom of the outdoors. This appealing novel was a delight from beginning to end. It was of the quality I now expect from the author: well-written, diverting, satisfying, and absorbing. The series just gets better with each book!
A Scholarly Pursuit by Christina Dudley (2023) 4/5 stars
The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Four
This follows the eldest Ellsworth brother, Tyrone, who has a secret business of writing love letters and speeches for less eloquent gentlemen. When a customer wants to court Agatha, the best friend of Tyrone's twin, Tyrone begins to regret his involvement as he realizes he would like to woo her himself.
While I didn't find this one as charming as the previous three, I still enjoyed it immensely. It's well-written, fun, and engaging, with quite likable characters. I did feel the ending was rushed, but that didn't affect the overall strength of the book.
Miranda at Heart by Christina Dudley (2024) 4/5 stars
The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Five
The fourth Mrs. Ellsworth was proposed to for practical reasons, and accepted for the same. Now a widow at thirty-nine, she discovers romantic love for the first time, but must put her family's needs before her heart.
I loved this one so much! It was wonderful to see Miranda, who did her duty so admirably in the previous books, find a happiness she never expected. The writing was solid, the characters so easy to care for, and the plot delightful. I highly recommend this series (read in order).
A Capital Arrangement by Christina Dudley (2024) 4/5 stars
The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Six
The final installment of the series follows the youngest Ellsworth daughter, Beatrice, as she falls in love for the first time -- and suffers her first heartbreak as well. This is as charming and delightful as the previous books, well-written and nicely plotted. I have enjoyed the entire series tremendously, from the quotes at the start of the chapters, to the historical details, to the wonderful family dynamics. I highly recommend the Ellsworth Assortment -- read in order -- for lovers of clean, intelligent, entertaining Regency romance.
The Phantom Hollow
by Gerald Verner (1933) 3/5 stars
The Trevor Lowe series, book one
Verner borrowed a page from the Victorian melodrama with this mystery/thriller, giving the reader multiple murders, a threat painted in blood, ghost sightings, robbery, assassination attempts, kidnapping, secret identities, a quick romance, Scotland Yard, and a gentleman amateur detective. Yes, it's a silly book, but it's also a great deal of fun. I was interested and entertained from beginning to end, and will definitely continue the series.
Praying with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Insights, and Wisdom of Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Susan Conroy (2016) 5/5 stars
Lovely book of the thoughts and prayers of Mother Teresa.
Audiobooks CompletedAnne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (1909) 4/5 stars
Book Two of the Anne of Green Gables Series
This sweet book picks up where Anne of Green Gables stops. While it doesn't have the full charm of the first, it is still a gentle, lovely, enjoyable book, and well worth reading.
Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (1915) 4/5 stars
Book Three of the Anne of Green Gables Series
This lovely book follows Anne's four years at college, as she matures and finds love. It is as well-written, gentle, and enjoyable as the previous two, and watching Anne grow up is both bittersweet and wonderful.
The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie (1928) 3/5 stars
Entertaining and well-plotted story and, despite it being a reread, still surprising. That said, there is a point that feels too contrived to make it entirely believable.
The Big Four by Agatha Christie (1927) 3/5 stars
This is a set of interconnected short stories that tell the story of Poirot battling against a gang of international criminals, known as The Big Four. While not Christie's strongest work, it is charmingly narrated by Hastings, giving an extra dimension of fun to the improbable plot.
Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie (1937) 4/5 stars
Well-written, twisty, and completely entertaining. This was a reread but I still immensely enjoyed seeing how Christie wove all the strands together to make such a complex plot.
Did Not Finish
The Pennington Perplexity by Natalie Brianne
I couldn't decide if this was supposed to be an alternate universe, or if the author was making mistakes with historical accuracy. Then, when she used the word "fall" instead of "autumn" in a Victorian London setting, I knew that I'd spend the whole book expecting more problems instead of enjoying the story, so I stopped.
The Wild Swans by K. M. Shea
Timeless Fairy Tales Series, Book 2
This didn't start off as fun or charming as the first in the series, and when I realized it was going to be a love triangle (a least-favorite trope), I decided to pass, at least for now.
The Starling and the Hatter by Annette K. Larsen
This is advertised as "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Reimagined" but after about 30%, the connection was so tenuous that I stopped looking for the character/plot tie-ins. I made it a few more chapters, but the two POVs were not distinctive enough to be convincing, and then it became a love triangle, so I lost interest.
