May 2026 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Night of the Letter by Dorothy Eden (1955)  4/5 stars

This is a domestic suspense with gothic vibes.  And if melodramatic, was still entertaining and engrossing, with a satisfying ending.

Blood & Roses: The Paston Family and the Wars of the Roses by Helen Castor (2004)  5/5 stars

Drawing from the the oldest surviving family correspondence written in English, the author/historian tells the story of three generations of the Paston family as they survived the upheavals of the Wars of the Roses. This book is intelligently written while still being easy-to-read.  It is a fascinating glimpse into the ordinary lives of an upwardly-moving family who were living through tumultuous times. 

Cargo of Eagles by Margery Allingham (1968)  3/5 stars

Albert Campion mysteries, book 19

This is the final Campion novel that was written by Allingham, and it was completed after her death by her husband, Pip Youngman Carter, from the notes she left.  It suffers from having too much going on in too few pages.  Despite being convoluted and confusing at times, the adventure was generally entertaining, and it's always fun to revisit Campion and Lugg.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (1942)  5/5 stars

This was a reread for me, and I was even more impressed this time.  Lewis holds a mirror up and I saw myself in so many ways.  Simply a fantastic read for Christians who are willing to see themselves from outside, and who desire to change for the better.

The Captain of the Vulture by Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1863)  4/5 stars

This melodrama/mystery takes place in Georgian England, in the mid 18th century.  I went into it blind, only knowing I love the author, and I'm glad I did because all the plot was a surprise for me. I figured out some elements, but it still had me guessing in parts.  It was quite entertaining, and those that love the genre like I do will most likely enjoy it, too.  

Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley (2024)  4/5 stars 

This is a contemporary Pride and Prejudice retelling that takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area among the Asian American community.  The characters are mainly college and grad students, learning to know themselves as they mature over the course of the novel.  I enjoyed how the author used the classic plot as a template for her modern story, giving it new twists yet staying faithful to the original.     Overall, I found it charming, often funny, and well-written.   As a fan of Dudley's Regency romances, I had great hopes for this one and was not disappointed.  (note: While it is no-spice, I'd place it in the New Adult category rather than YA.)

Audiobooks Completed:

War Bound by Tara Grayce (2020)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 2

War Bound picks up immediately after the end of the first book, Fierce Heart (my review here), and follows Essie and her elf husband Farrendel to her home country as they try to negotiate a further treaty to ally humans and elves against the aggression of the trolls. The sweet (no-spice) romance between the two continues as their marriage of alliance grows into love.  The plot is one of traitors, danger, and betrayal; it is exciting and engaging, and even had me in tears toward the end.  I enjoyed it tremendously and began the third book immediately after finishing this one.

Death Wind by Tara Grayce (2020)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 3

As previously, Death Wind picks up immediately after the end of War Bound, and tells of the war between the Trolls and the Human/Elf alliance.  It does include a lot of off-the-page torture, which is mentioned without  graphic details after the event.  It is well-written with a tense, gripping, and exciting plot which made me eager to begin the fourth book.

Troll Queen by Tara Grayce (2021)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 4

Like the others, this one picks up exactly where the last one ended.  I don't want to give spoilers, but a treaty is made between the Trolls and the Human/Elf alliance, leading to another marriage to seal the peace -- this time between Elf and Troll.  This book is well-written with lots of action, emotion, and drama, and with sweet and swoony no-spice romance thrown in for good measure. In addition, the author deals with topics like how to love in such a beautiful and healthy way.  I absolutely loved this book!  It's definitely my favorite of the series so far.

Pretense by Tara Grayce (2021)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 5

Assassination attempts, scandal, spying, secrets, and broken hearts fill this fifth installment of the Elven Alliance series.  It focuses on the human Prince Edmund and the elven Princess Jalissa as they navigate a budding relationship initially built on lies.  It's another well-written, no-spice fantasy, with action, emotion, and drama.  While Troll Queen remains my favorite, this one was a great read as well.

Shield Band by Tara Grayce (2022)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 6

To make a stronger alliance between the human kingdom and the Trolls, the Prince Julian searches for a bride among the Troll warriors.  Picking her was the easiest part -- wooing her was a test of Julian's courage and humility.  They become closer through tragedy and adventure, learning to stand side-by-side and back-to-back to face all difficulties.  This is the final book of the story arc (though three more books remain that deal with side characters and other points-of-view) and it wrapped everything up nicely.  It was well-written, engaging, exciting, and even moving at times, with swoon-worthy no-spice romance.  It quite nearly edged out Troll Queen as my favorite of the series.  

Did Not Finish:

Maid in Waiting by John Galsworthy

End of the Chapter, book 1; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 7

This book begins the final trilogy of The Forsyte Chronicles, but follows cousins-by-marriage to Fleur Forsyte Mont instead of the actual Forsyte family.  I read about half of it, but didn't find it as compelling as the prior two trilogies and eventually lost interest entirely.

Top Five Tuesday: Mysterious Houses

  Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Meeghan Reads 

I'm a day late, but yesterday's prompt of "mysterious houses" was too fun to pass up.  Here are five books that I have enjoyed where the houses are mysterious in a variety of ways. 

1. and 2.  Howl's Moving Castle (not pictured) and House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

In Howl, the house has legs and moves about and is a character in it's own right.  In one of the sequels, House of Many Ways, the house has doors that are portals, and is also a most important part of the story.

3. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

In this book, the house, Manderley, is full of unsettling secrets and people, an uneasy place that the new Mrs. de Winter learns to dread.

4. Dracula by Bram Stoker

Count Dracula's castle is terrifying place, menacing and deadly.

 

5. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Poor Catherine Morland!  She goes to Northanger Abbey expecting a gothic thrill but the mysterious oud house doesn't give exactly what she was wanting.

Have you read any of these?  Dracula and Rebecca are among my top favorite books of all times, but I recommend any of these five.

April 2026 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

The Silver Spoon by John Galsworthy (1926)  4/5 stars

A Modern Comedy, book 2; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 5

This novel combines politics, modern morality, and the reflections of those born "with a silver spoon" to make an engrossing, immersive continuation of the Forsyte family story.  As is usual with this series, there are beautiful passages of prose, thought-provoking instances, and a strongly believable story.  While it may not be as all-consuming as those of the first trilogy (The Forsyte Saga), The Silver Spoon is a worthy addition to the Chronicles.

Swan Song by John Galsworthy (1928)  4/5 stars

A Modern Comedy, book 3; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 6

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the previous five.  I did not like the direction it took nor did I care for Fleur, the main focus of the story.  Despite that, it was engrossing and I had to continue to see what would happen. Galsworthy was a master storyteller, making a gripping, thought-provoking story about flawed, believable people.  I came away not "liking" Swan Song, but still glad that I had read it.

Mirrors of Ice by Celeste Baxendell  (2021)  4/5 stars

Bewitching Fairy Tales, book 2

This no-spice fantasy is a blending of the tales of "Snow White" and "The Snow Queen", and carries over some of the charters from Stalks of Gold (my review here). At over 350 pages, the author took the time to build the world well and create believable, nuanced characters. It is both tense and sweet, with plenty of action. I definitely enjoyed it and will be continuing the series.

Audiobooks Completed:
Root of All Evil by E.X. Ferrars (1984)  4/5 stars

Andrew Basnett series, book 2 

This is a fun, well-written, and clever mystery.   

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright (2019)  4/5 stars

This is an engrossing Christian-themed, dual-timeline gothic mystery novel.  It's well-written and both time periods felt believable.  It kept me guessing and involved throughout.   

Fierce Heart by Tara Grayce (2019)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book one

This was a fun and often exciting story of a human princess marrying an elf prince to secure peace between their countries.  It's narrated through the thoughts of the princess, Essie, and if her continual introspection was annoying at times, it was age-appropriate and felt natural.  Watching the (no-spice) romance between Essie and her PTSD-suffering warrior husband unfold was sweet and satisfying.  I enjoyed the book a good deal, especially the mix of magic and steam, and look forward to continuing the series.  

March 2026 Wrap Up

Books Read: 

Pink Sugar by O. Douglas (1924)  4/5 stars

The Priorsford Trilogy, book 2

While this is the second book of the Priorsford trilogy, it is not a sequel to Penny Plain (my review here), but only takes place in the same general area of Scotland.  It is a wonderful story -- part slice-of-life, part character study -- and is full of gentle humor, charm, emotion, and life.  I enjoyed this well-written, absorbing book even more than Penny Plain, and was sad when it ended. 

The Midnight Show by Sarah Pennington (2020)  3/5 stars

Bastian Dennel PI, book 1

This mystery is a retelling of "the Twelve Dancing Princesses" set in a fantasy world similar to a US city during the Jazz Age.  The concept is unique, fun, and engaging, but (at under 200 pages), the book is too short to really develop the world, magic system, or characters.  Despite that, I enjoyed it and would definitely read more of the series.

The Broken Halo by Florence L. Barclay (1913)  4/5 stars

Barclay is the author of my favorite Edwardian romance (The Rosary), so I expected a typical-of-her romantic love story.  Instead, it's the tale of a new doctor who lost his faith in God at the age of seven, and spent the next twenty years developing a hardened resistance to anything to do with Christianity and an overwhelming desire to succeed regardless of the cost.  He becomes the physician to an older heart patient, whose faith is strong and alive -- and who prays determinedly for his soul.  This is a moving and surprisingly riveting book, which shows the beauty of a Christ-like love. 

Priorsford by O. Douglas (1932)  3/5 stars

The Priorsford Trilogy, book 3

Priorsford takes place about four years after the events of Pink Sugar, and ten after Penny Plain, bringing back and blending the stories of characters from both.  It was a bit uneven to me, with some dull places that weren't quite outweighed by the good parts of the story.  It's obvious that the author was quite concerned with the state of Britain at the time, as she inserted discussions of issues here and there, but in a way that didn't feel natural.   Priorsford also finished in an unfinished way, for lack of a better term, seeming to be setting the scene for a fourth book that never came. I still enjoyed reading it, but it wasn't on par with the previous two of the series. 

The White Monkey by John Galsworthy (1924)  4/5 stars

A Modern Comedy, book 1; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 4

This is the first novel of the second trilogy following the Forsyte family, and takes place almost immediately after To Let.  While not as excellent as the previous three*, it's still compelling, engrossing, and immersive.  Galsworthy was a magnificent writer. (*see audiobook section for reviews)

Interlude: The Silent Wooing by John Galsworthy (1924)  3/5 stars

A Modern Comedy, book 1.5; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 4.5

This short story is not a good example of Galsworthy's talent, but does set the scene for the following novel.

Audiobooks Completed:

Galsworthy

In Chancery by John Galsworthy (1920)  5/5 stars

The Forsyte Saga, book 2; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 2

This continues the story of the Forsytes, Soames and Young Jolyon in particular, 12 years after the events of A Man of Property.  The family is still focused on property, human and material alike, and their relationships reflect this.  It is a beautifully written and masterful character study, an excellent picture of the death of the Victorian era, and a gripping, engrossing story.  

Interlude: Awakening by John Galsworthy (1920)  5/5 stars

The Forsyte Saga, book 2.5; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 2.5

This short story takes place eight years after In Chancery and tells of the discovery of beauty by a young Forsyte.  It's a moving story which illuminates one familiar character and sets the stage for the adulthood of a new one.

To Let by John Galsworthy (1921)  5/5 stars

The Forsyte Saga, book 3; The Forsyte Chronicles, book 3

This is stellar conclusion to the first trilogy of The Forsyte Chronicles (i.e. The Forsyte Saga).  It follows two of the youngest Forsyte generation, as the actions of their parents affect the outcome of their own lives.  In addition, it's a character study of the early Jazz Age, which it's change or priorities, so contrary to the Victorian raised Forsytes.  It's a brilliant finish, unsettling and moving, that leaves the reader wanting more.  

 A Certain Justice by P.D. James (1997)  5/5 stars

Adam Dalgliesh series, book 10

James is a master story teller, and the disconcerting ending of this character-driven mystery makes this one of her best.  This was a reread and I still found it incredibly moving and enthralling.

February 2026 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

Stalks of Gold by Celeste Baxendell (2021)  3/5 stars

Bewitching Fairy Tales, book 1 

This no-spice fantasy is a combined retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and Rapunzel.  It is one of the author's earliest published novels and is not as good as her later books, mainly because nearly all the characters wallow in anger, despair, angst, or self-pity (if not all at once).  However, it is imaginative, well-written, has an intriguing plot and, for the most part, was an entertaining story. I will certainly read more of the Bewitching Fairy Tales series, but in the meantime, I highly recommend Ties of Starlight (my review) or This Rotting Heart (my review), both of which were five star reads for me.

The Belton Estate by Anthony Trollope (1866)  5/5 stars (my review here)

Fair Warning by Mignon G. Eberhart (1936)  4/5 stars

Marcia has been married for three miserable years to Ivan, an emotionally abusive manipulator.  Her neighbor, Rob, confesses that he loves Marcia and begs her to leave Ivan, but in her fragile mental state, she simply can't.  That night, Ivan is found murdered and Marcia is the most likely suspect.  

Eberhart creates a sense of dread from the very beginning, gradually increasing it until the tense atmosphere is nearly smothering.  The clues and false clues are clever -- every time I was certain I had the answer, I had to start over again.  While it's not a five star book, it was certainly entertaining and gripping.

Nathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton (1999)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Case Of The Blind Barber by John Dickson Carr (1934)  4/5 stars

Dr. Gideon Fell mysteries, book 4

A group of friends crossing the Atlantic from New York are robbed, rob someone themselves, find and lose an injured person, and become embroiled in one laugh-out-loud situation after another.  It reads  like a slapstick comedy, yet is a clever, skillfully-planned, rather grisly murder mystery. I found it to be highly entertaining  overall, and with a satisfying conclusion.  This is my first time reading any from the Dr. Fell series, so I don't know if they are all humorous stories, but I will certainly read another to see. 

Penny Plain by O. Douglas (1920)  4/5 stars 

The Priorsford Trilogy, book 1

This gentle book is a character study of both people and place, a slice-of-life story, a celebration of sibling love, and a light romance.  It's full of engaging characters and lovely descriptions, and includes strong Christian and moral undertones. Though like a fairy-tale in parts, Penny Plain felt alive and believable in many other ways.  I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written novel and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.     

Audiobooks Completed:

These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1943)  4/5 stars

Little House series, book 8; Newbury Medal Nominee

This book finds the Ingalls family doing well in their homestead and becoming a part of the town.  It follows Laura as she becomes a young woman, begins earning money to assist her family, and experiences romance.  It's sweet, funny, and delightful, and a pleasure to watch her grow and mature.  

The Man of Property by John Galsworthy (1906)  5/5 stars

The Forsyte Chronicles, book 1 

This is the story of family obsessed with property of all sorts, and their relationships with each other. It's a character study, a novel of manners, and an examination of Victorian life.  Excellently written and completely engrossing, The Man of Property is a memorable experience.

Indian Summer of a Forsyte by John Galsworthy (1918)  5/5 stars

The Forsyte Chronicles, book 1.5 

This novella begins a three years after the end of The Man of Property and is a wonderful, moving, and well-written footnote to the story.   

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (1826) 4/5 stars  (my review) 

Did Not Finish:

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This is not so much a "did not finish" as a "did not start".  I didn't want to interrupt the flow of Laura's stories with Almanzo's tale, so my intention was to read it last, after I finished the rest of the Little House series.  I listened to less than one chapter, but got interested in the Galsworthy book and switched to audio with it.  I still intend to return to Farmer Boy, though, as it's one of my favorites of the series.

Orchid Muse by Erica Hannickel

This is subtitled "a history of obsession in fifteen flowers" and I was intrigued.  I love a history tied around one object or person. Unfortunately, the author starts the introduction by saying that there is "nothing quite like the raw sexuality" of an orchid, and she continued with an agenda to sexualize the orchid, which isn't what I was looking to read. 

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

The Last of the Mohicans
James Fenimore Cooper
1826 
4/5 stars

I'm not particularly interested in American history nor American literature, so while I enjoy British books from the mid-to-late 19th Century, I've read very little by Americans. This is one of those classics that I've "always meant to read" but never thought would be interesting enough. I was wrong.

The Last of the Mohicans is exactly what one would expect if a Victorian melodrama/adventure was uprooted from Britain and placed in the wilds of North American -- a rugged tale, full of war and daring deeds, shaped by the wildness of the land.  There is an obvious love story, and one that is hidden, but the real focus of relationships is that of father-to-son and friend-to-friend.

Yes, it's dated, and at times cringe-worthy.  However, Cooper saves the word "savage" for the enemies of his hero Native Americans, the Mohicans and the Delaware, and shows a sensitivity to the Native American culture that I didn't expect. 

While I wouldn't say that The Last of the Mohicans changed my point-of-view about American literature, I will say that I was quite impressed.  I was engrossed in this adventure, was moved to tears on a few occasions, and loved it much more than I expected.  I wouldn't hesitate to read more of Cooper's novels.

Nathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton

Nathaniel's Nutmeg: Or the True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History 

Giles Milton

1999

4/5 stars

This is a nonfiction account of the English attempt (during the 16th and 17th centuries) to acquire spice trading posts in what is now Indonesia.  The East India Company had their sights set on the island of Run in the Banda Islands.  This lead to hostility and bloodshed between them and the Dutch East India Company -- and to the eventual English ownership of Manhattan.

One difficulty I had with the book is that while Milton makes extensive use of journals, diaries, and letters, which he acknowledges in the bibliography, he unfortunately doesn't ascribe to any particular source with footnotes.

My other complaint is that the title is misleading.  Nathaniel Courthope features only as a minor character in the story of these spice wars.  Milton gives Courthope direct credit for the British obtaining Manhattan because of the stand he took against the Dutch on the island of Run.  This is tenuous at best, though I don't deny that Courthope was both brave and heroic.

Despite these two problems, I found the book easy to read, enjoyable, and fascinating.  I've studied a lot of British history but had no idea of the depth of the conflict between England and the Dutch over  cloves and nutmeg.  The brutality was horrifying, and the extent of the rancor over one small spice island was astounding. 

I will add that Nathaniel's Nutmeg is definitely written from the British point of view, and may be biased, but it is still interesting and informative.