DeltaQueen's 2024 Tea Party - Part 6

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Welcome to my 6th Tea Party Thread. We are in the last quarter of the year now and starting to look forward to 2025 and a new Category Challenge. In honor of the literary “Victober”, I have used pictures to open the thread that bring a Victorian tea party to mind.

My 2024 Category Challenge has worked well and I have been successful at moving books off my shelves, my Kindle and my library list. I have filled in all the squares of my Bingo card and completed the 40 prompts of my 2024 Personal Reading Challenge. I am looking forward to closing out the year with lots more books, completing my Rainbow Reading Challenge and the AlphaKit. Of course I look forward to bookish comments and some friendly chats about life.

Pull up a chair, the tea is brewing ....

2024 Tickers

Categories:

1. High Tea – This elegant and classic tea event is the perfect place to house my 1,001 reads.

2. Imported Teas – Oolong, Chai, Mint, Sencha and Rosibos Teas are all examples of teas from around the world. This is where I will place my global reading – books with a global setting or written by an author from a country other than Canada, America or the United Kingdom.

3. Boston Tea Party – This famous historical event is the perfect name for my historical fiction category as decided by the Reading Thru Time Challenge Themes.

4. Polly Put the Kettle On – Is making tea only a woman’s job? Not hardly. I will list books by female authors here.

5. Tea For Two - As the song says, twosomes are made for romance so this spot will be for romance fiction

6. A Cup of Tea Will Solve it - This sounds exactly like what Miss Marple would say, so this is where I will place my vintage mysteries

7. Badly Made Tea Is A Criminal Offense - A well made cup of tea is a matter of pride. Many tea lovers declare that tea that is too milky or too watery is a criminal offence. This sounds like a good place for crime and mystery stories.

8. One Lump or Two – Hopefully it won’t come to fisticuffs but this sounds like the perfect place to list my crime series and police procedurals.

9. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party - Where else would I place my fantasy reading?

10. The Dregs - Most people look away from the dark and gritty remains in the bottom of the cup, personally I like dark and gritty so this is where I will place my horror and darker reading.

11. The Formula For Your Cuppa – Is there a perfect scientific formula for a cup of tea? We can only hope so. This will be where I place my science fiction reading.

12. Mul-Tea-Tasking – My idea of multitasking is a cup of tea, a cookie (or two), and a good book! One of my reading tasks this year is going to be ensuring that I am reading the Kindle Unlimited books that I borrow in a timely fashion and I will place those reads here.

13. Cup or Mug? It’s great to have choices and that’s exactly what you get at the library. This will be where I place a selection of library books.

14. My Cup Runneth Over - I always need a place for extras

My Various 2024 Reading Challenges

I will be allowing myself a certain amount of overlap with my various challenges and I will only participate in the Cats/Kits if I currently have a book that fits.

1. Rainbow Reading Challenge – 12 prompts

2. Personal Reading Challenge – 40 prompts

3. Category Challenge Bingo – 25 prompts

4. AlphaKit

5. CalendarCat

6. RandomKit

7. SFFKit

8. MysteryKit

9. ScaredyKit

10. Reading Through Time Monthly Challenges

11. TIOLI Challenges – I participate in these challenges that are posted monthly at the 75 Challenge

2024 Bingo - Completed



1. Food or Cooking: Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies by Vicky Zimmerman
2. Ugly Cover: Mouse and Dragon by Sharon Lee
3. Only Title and Author on Cover: The Trees by Percival Everett
4. Featuring Twins: Cassandra At the Wedding by Dorothy Baker
5. Topic Which You Have Specific Knowledge: The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee
6. Published in a Year Ending in 24: 49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards
7. Epistolary or Diary: The Which Way Tree by Elizabeth Crook
8. "Big" or "Little" in Title: Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston
9. Book From an "LT Similar" Library: The Witch Elm by Tana French
10. About Friendship: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
11. Three Word Title: Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst
12. Paper Based Item in Plot: The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
13. Read A Cat: Providence by Max Barry
14. Short Story Collection: The Fabulous Mrs. V by H. E. Bates
15. Person's Name in Title: Mrs. March by Virginia Feito
16. Set in a City: Girl on the Stairs by Louise Welsh
17. Less Than 100 Copies Listed on LT: Escape of the Amethyst by C. E. Lucas Phillips
18. POC author: Citizens Creek by Lalita Tademy
19. Author 65 or older: Third Girl by Agatha Christie
20. Featuring Water: Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
21. Warriors or Mercenaries: A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
22. Reread a Favorite Book: The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
23. Written in another cultural tradition: Daughters of the River Huong by Uyen Nicole Duong
24. Set in Multiple Countries: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
25. Current or Recent Bestseller: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

2024 Rainbow Reading Challenge

Based on the colors of the Rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo & violet) plus shades of black/white, grey, brown/sepia and pink. Each month a different color will be chosen and I will read a book where the cover reflects the chosen color. I have added a twelfth for December, that of Christmas colors – a festive combination of holiday colors.

Month - Color - Book

January - Black/White: A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
February - Red: Providence by Max Barry
March - Green: Citizens Creek by Lalita Tademy
April - Yellow: Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies by Vicky Zimmerman
May - Indigo: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson
June - Pink: Two of a Kind by Sasha Cottman
July - Violet: Phantom Lady by Cornell Woolrich
August - Brown/Sepia: Salt Creek by Lucy Treloar
September - Blue: Snow Angel by Mary Balogh
October - Orange: Harvest of Thorns by Corban Addison
November - Grey: Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates
December - Festive Colors

2024 Personal Reading Challenge - Completed

1. Cover shows a large body of water: The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson
2. Award Nominated: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
3. A Memoir: Forever Young by Hayley Mills
4. The sun is shown on the cover: Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill
5. Set in the 1950s: The Incredible Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson
6. Set on an Island: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
7. A book with snow on the cover: A Winter Away by Elizabeth Fair
8. A book by an author that you have read once before: Anna by Niccolo Ammaniti
9. A book about or with Royalty: The Queen's Secret by Karin Harper
10. An audio book: The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
11. A new-to-you author: She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper
12. A book that has been translated: Garden of the Finzi-Continis by Giorgio Bassani
13. A book set in Scotland: All That's Dead by Stuart MacBride
14. A book that is fairy-tale inspired: Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
15. Flowers are on the cover: Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
16. A book that is longer than 400 pages: The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
17. A book that is shorter than 200 pages: Mojave Crossing by Louis L'Amour
18. Part of a trilogy: The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston
19. A book that was a book bullet: The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts
20. Set in the American south: The Tilted World by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly
21. A historical fantasy novel: A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
22. A science fiction novel: Columbus Day by Craig Alanson
23. Set in Africa: Fever by Deon Meyer
24. A collection of short stories: The Fabulous Mrs. V by H. E. Bates
25. A book by an Australian author: Snapshot by Garry Disher
26. A Romance story: A Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas
27. A Survival story: Devils Unto Dust by Emma Berquist
28. A Horror story: Empty Bodies by Zach Bohannon
29. Character wearing a hat is on the cover: Angels of the Pacific by Elise Hooper
30. A Color in the title: Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
31. A Family saga: Citizens Creek by Lalita Tademy
32. A mystery/crime novel written by a woman: Water Like A Stone by Deborah Crombie
33. An animal is on the cover: Destry Rides Again by Max Brand
34. Written by an indigenous Author: Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
35. Dystopian fiction: The Savage Boy by Nick Cole
36. Title Consists of a Name: Fay by Larry Brown
37. Cover is mostly sky: Palisades Park by Alan Brennert
38. In the style of “Fact-ion”: Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb
39. A book you’ve had far too long: High Midnight by Stuart Kaminsky
40. Set in Asia: Island of a Thousand Mirrors by Nayomi Munaweera

2024 AlphaKit



A January: A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
B June: The Fabulous Mrs. V by H. E. Bates
C September: The Savage Boy by Nick Cole
D October: Daughters of the River Huong by Uyen Nicole Duong
E February: The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich
F February: A Winter Away by Elizabeth Fair
G August: Grimm Up North by David Gatward
H March: Undead With Benefits by Jeff Hart
I July: Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls
J June: Exit Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston
K December: Shadows Cast By Stars by Catherine Knutsson
L November: Bloodhounds by Peter Lovesey
M August: All That's Dead by Stuart MacBride
N May: Falling by T. J. Newman
O April: The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
P May: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson
Q December: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
R March: The Fairacre Festival by Miss Read
S July: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
T October: Resistance by Mara Timon
U April: In The Blood by Lisa Unger
V September: Hollow Beasts by Alisa Lynn Valdes
W November: Two Old Women by Velma Wallis
Y January: Speak For The Dead by Margaret Yorke

High Tea: 1,001 Books List



Books Read

1. The Birds by Tarjei Vesaas - 5.0 ★
2. The Garden of the Finzi-Continis - 3.8 ★
3. Perfume: The Story of A Murderer by Patrick Suskind - 4.0 ★
4. Spring Torrents by Ivan Turgenev - 3.3 ★
5. The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham - 4.0 ★
6. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams - 3.7 ★
7. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene - 4.0 ★
8. Under Fire by Henri Barbusse - 4.0 ★
9. Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson - 2.0 ★
10. The Devil in the Flesh by Raymond Radiguet - 4.0 ★

Imported Tea: Global Reading



Books Read

1. The Sandcastle Girls (Syria) by Chris Bohjalian - 3.5 ★
2. Against the Loveless World (Palestine) by Susan Abulhawa - 3.7 ★
3. Island of a Thousand Mirrors (Sri Lanka) by Nayomi Munaweera - 4.3 ★
4. Hunt for the Bamboo Rat (Philippines) by Graham Salisbury - 4.2 ★
5. Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line (India) by Deepa Anappara - 4.2 ★
6. Fever by Deon Meyer (South Africa) by Deon Meyer - 4.0 ★
7. The Cavalier of the Apocalypse (France) by Susanne Alleyn - 4.2 ★
8. Salt Creek (Australia) by Lucy Treloar - 4.1 ★
9. The Spider-King's Daughter (Nigeria) by Chibundu Onuzo - 3.6 ★
10. Anna (Sicily) by Niccolo Ammaniti - 3.7 ★
11. The Abominable Man (Sweden) by Maj Sjowall & Per Wahloo - 4.0 ★
12. Daughters of the River Huong (Vietnam) by Uyen Nicole Duong - 3.5 ★

Boston Tea Party: Historical Fiction



Books Read

1. The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson - 4.1 ★
2. Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black - 2.8 ★
3. The Which Way Tree by Elizabeth Crook - 4.5 ★
4. Escape of the Amethyst by C.E. Lucas Phillips - 3.5 ★
5. Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar - 4.0 ★
6. The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh - 4.5 ★
7. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert - 4.5 ★
8. Snipe Hunt by David Allin - 4.0 ★
9. The Tiger Queens by Stephanie Thornton - 4.5 ★
10. Sentinels of Fire by P. T. Deutermann - 3.8 ★
11. Palisades Park by Alan Brennert - 4.1 ★
13. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See - 3.8 ★
14. Angels of the Pacific by Elise Hooper - 4.2 ★
15. The Queen's Secret by Karen Harper - 3.7 ★
16. The Land of My Dreams by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles - 4.2 ★
17. The Blue Butterfly by Leslie Johansen Nack - 4.1 ★
18. Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.0 ★
19. The Lion in the Lei Shop by Kaye Starbird - 4.2 ★

Polly Put the Kettle On: Female Authors



Books Read

1. The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee - 3.5 ★
2. The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman - 4.0 ★
3. A Winter Away by Elizabeth Fair - 3.0 ★
4. Red Hair by Elinor Glyn - 3.0 ★
5. Lady-in-Waiting by Anne Glenconner - 4.0 ★
6. The Witch Elm by Tana French - 3.6 ★
7. Forever Young by Hayley Mills - 4.2 ★
8. Atomic Family by Ciera Horton McElroy - 4.0 ★
9. Falling by T. J. Newman - 4.1 ★
10. Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix - 4.0 ★
11. Exit Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston - 3.7 ★
12. Grand Ambition by Lisa Michaels - 3.8 ★
13. The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Sarah Jane Gilman - 4.0 ★
14. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls - 3.6 ★
15. 49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards - 3.4 ★
16. Emily Davis by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
17. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr - 4.5 ★
18. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan - 4.5 ★
19. Two Old Women by Velma Wallis - 4.5 ★

Tea for Two: Romance



Books Read

1. Salt Bride by Lucinda Brant - 3.7 ★
2. Sally-Ann by Susan Scarlett - 4.0 ★
3. A Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas - 3.7 ★
4. The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy - 3.7 ★
5. Bright Day Dawning by Anna Jacobs - 3.4 ★
6. Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies by Vicky Zimmerman - 4.2 ★
7. The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary - 4.5 ★
8. Two of a Kind by Sasha Cottman - 3.6 ★
9. The Diamond of London by Andrea Penrose - 4.0 ★
10. Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson - 4.3 ★
11. Snow Angel by Mary Balogh - 3.7 ★
12. Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer - 3.7 ★
13. The Chocolate Debutante by M. C. Beaton - 4.0 ★
14. Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
15. The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham - 3.8 ★

A Cup of Tea Will Solve It: Vintage Mysteries



Books Read

1. Speak For The Dead by Margaret Yorke - 4.0 ★
2. Busman's Honeymoon by Dorothy Sayers - 4.5 ★
3. To Hunt a Killer by Julie MacKay - 4.0 ★
4. Third Girl by Agatha Christie - 3.3 ★
5. The Ginger Cat Mystery by Robin Forsythe - 2.4 ★
6. Devil Take the Blue-Tail Fly by John Franklin Bardin - 2.5 ★
7. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman - 4.0 ★
8. Phantom Lady by Cornell Woolrich - 4.5 ★
9. The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White - 5.0 ★
10. Hurricane by John D. MacDonald - 4.0 ★
11. Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie - 3.3 ★
12. A Late Phoenix by Catherine Aird - 2.8 ★
13. March Violets by Philip Kerr - 3.7 ★
14. In A Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes - 5.0 ★

Badly Made Tea is a Criminal Offense: Crime/Mystery



Books Read

1. After-Dinner Story by Cornell Woolrich - 4.0 ★
2. Fay by Larry Brown - 4.0 ★
3. The Girl on the Stairs by Louise Welsh - 4.2 ★
4. The Missing Place by Sophie Littlefield - 4.0 ★
5. In The Blood by Lisa Unger - 3.8 ★
6. She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper - 4.5 ★
7. The Wolf Wants In by Laura McHugh - 3.4 ★
8. Palm Beach Finland by Antti Tuomainen - 4.0 ★
9. The Tilted World by Tom Franklin & Beth Ann Fennelly - 4.0 ★
10. Beneath the Shadows by Sara Foster - 2.0 ★
11. Confidence by Denise Mina - 4.0 ★
12. Frost At Midnight by James Henry - 3.9 ★

One Lump or Two: Crime Series/Police Procedurals



Books Read

1. Insidious Intent by Val McDermid - 3.8 ★
2. From the Dead by Mark Billingham - 4.0 ★
3. High Midnight by Stuart Kaminsky - 3.8 ★
4. Chill Factor by Stuart Pawson - 3.8 ★
5. Dark Saturday by Nicci French - 4.1 ★
6. The Killing Room by Peter May - 4.2 ★
7. Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin - 4.2 ★
8. The Doll's House by M. J. Arlidge - 3.7 ★
9. Water Like A Stone by Deborah Crombie - 4.3 ★
10. Snapshot by Garry Disher - 4.0 ★
11. All That's Dead by Stuart MacBride - 4.2 ★
12. The Dead House by Harry Bingham - 4.2 ★
13. Force of Nature by Jane Harper - 3.4 ★
14. Sleeping in the Ground by Peter Robinson - 4.0 ★
15. Joe Victim by Paul Cleave - 3.6 ★
16. Bloodhounds by Peter Lovesey - 3.7 ★

Mad Hatter's Tea Party: Fantasy



Books Read

1. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie - 4.2 ★
2. Hero At the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton - 4.0 ★
3. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden - 4.3 ★
4. The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston - 4.2 ★
5. Penric's Demon by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
6. Race The Sands by Sarah Beth Durst - 4.5 ★
7. The Girl in Red by Christina Henry - 4.1 ★
8. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust - 3.8 ★
9. Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston - 4.0 ★
10. The Green Fairy Book by Andrew Lang - 3.8 ★

The Dregs: Horror



Books Read

1. Wanderers by Chuck Wendig - 4.0 ★
2. Devolution by Max Brooks - 4.2 ★
3. After Siege by Rhiannon Frater - 2.5 ★
4. Undead With Benefits by Jeff Hart - 3.4 ★
5. Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher - 4.2 ★
6. Hater by David Moody - 2.0 ★
7. The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow - DNF
8. Empty Bodies by Zach Bohannon - 3.8 ★
9. I Have No Mouth & I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison - 3.8 ★
10. Devils Unto Dust by Emma Berquist - 4.0 ★
11. The Savage Boy by Nick Cole - 4.0 ★
12. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand - 3.8 ★
13. End of Summer by S. M. Anderson - 4.0 ★
14. Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough - 4.0 ★
15. The Woods Are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins - 2.0 ★
16. Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.4 ★
17. A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill - 3.7 ★

The Formula for Your Cuppa: Science Fiction



Books Read

1. Mouse and Dragon by Sharon Lee - 4.0 ★
2. Providence by Max Barry - 4.0 ★
3. The Incredible Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson - 4.0 ★
4. Stars Uncharted by S. K. Dunstall - 4.3 ★
5. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir - 5.0 ★
6. Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill - 4.0 ★
7. Tomorrow's Kin by Nancy Kress - 2.2 ★
8. The Post by Kevin Munoz - 3.7 ★
9. Drifters' Alliance 1 by Elle Casey - 4.0 ★

Mul-Tea-Tasking - Kindle Unlimited Books



Books Read

1. World Between by Sarah Lyons Fleming - 4.2 ★
2. The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich - 4.0 ★
3. The Mugger by Ed McBain - 4.0 ★
4. Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon - 4.2 ★
5. World Without by Sarah Lyons Fleming - 4.5 ★
6. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson - 4.5 ★
7. Salt Redux by Lucinda Brant - 3.6 ★
8. Columbus Day by Craig Alanson - 3.6 ★
9. World Undone by Sarah Lyons Fleming - 4.5 ★
10. Grimm Up North by David Gatward - 3.7 ★
11. Hollow Beasts by Alisa Lynn Valdes - 4.0 ★
12. The Secret of Villa Alba by Louise Douglas - 3.6 ★
13. Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen - 4.0 ★
14 Shadows Cast By Stars by Catherine Knutsson - 3.8 ★

Cup or Mug: Library



Books Read

1. Mrs. March by Virginia Feito - 4.0 ★
2. The Beautiful Dead by Belinda Bauer - 3.8 ★
3. The Fur Person by May Sarton - 4.0 ★
4. Citizens Creek by Lalita Tademy - 4.2 ★
5. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - 3.8 ★
6. The Bear by Andrew Krivak - 5.0 ★
7. Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Standal - 4.1 ★
8. The Fabulous Mrs. V by H. E. Bates - 3.8 ★
9. Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb - 4.0 ★
10. The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts - 4.3 ★
11. Yours Cheerfully by AJ Pearce - 4.1 ★
12. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey - 3.7 ★
13. Resistance by Mara Timon - 4.0 ★
14. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

My Cup Runneth Over: Extras



Books Read

1. Cassandra At the Wedding by Dorothy Baker - 4.0 ★
2. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray - 4.5 ★
3. Fairy Water by Charlotte Riddell - 3.2 ★
4. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate - 5.0 ★
5. Mojave Crossing by Louis L'Amour - 3.6 ★
6. The Fairacre Festival by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
7. Destry Rides Again by Max Brand - 3.3 ★
8. Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson - 4.2 ★
9. Errol Flynn Slept Here by Robert Marzen & Michael Mazzone - 3.3 ★
10. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 4.5 ★
11. The Memory of an Elephant by Alex Lasker - 5.0 ★
12. The Black Stallion by Walter Farley - 3.6 ★
13. The Trees by Percival Everett - 4.5 ★
14. Harvest of Thorns by Corban Addison - 4.0 ★
15. The Fault Is In Our Stars by John Green - 3.6 ★
16. The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald - 2.0 ★

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread, Judy!

Happy New Thread, Judy.

Happy New Thread!

>24 mstrust: >25 VivienneR: >26 dudes22: & >27 beebeereads: Thank you, all!

Book Number 171

A Harvest of Thorns by Corban Addison - 4.0 ★
Category: My Cup Runneth Over
Rainbow Reading Challenge: Orange
October TIOLI #6: An LT Rating of 3.5 or better



Corban Addison writes books whose subject matters are ripped from newspaper headlines. InA Harvest of Thorns he writes about the horrors of global workforce exploitation in the garment industry. The book opens with a nightmare sequence of a factory in Bangladesh burning to the ground, taking the lives of hundred of workers, mostly young women. The book then moves on Malaysia and the enforced slavery of workers and finally on to Jordan and the sexual exploitation of young women workers. All of these were set in garment factories, places where the clothing of North Americans are manufactured.

I have read other books by this author and it is obvious that he is a supporter of a number of humanitarian causes. His books are both descriptive and meaningful. Although I found the story in A Harvest of Thorns to be less engrossing than usual, it was educational and leaves you thinking about how and where you shop. We follow two main characters, Josh, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist as he tracks these incidents and Cameron Alexander, who works as the general counsel for a large American clothing company. Both these men have side stories dealing with their families, but my interest was all in the parts about the sweatshops, the rights of labour and the ethics involved in producing materials for the global market.

In writing A Harvest of Thorns, Corban Addison is prodding our conscience and demanding justice for overworked and underpaid third world workers and as an attorney, an activist and a world traveler, he knows of what he writes. A Harvest of Thorns is the story of these less fortunate people, but it is also a story that questions whether we are locked into consumerism at such a price.

Happy new thread

Happy new thread, Judy. Those ladies' hats are gorgeous!

Happy New Thread, Judy. I hope your husband has been improving.

Happy New Thread. Your posts are always so interesting to read.

>30 lowelibrary: Thank you. I find it hard to believe that the end of the year is coming up so quickly!

>31 MissWatson: I love the look of those hats, Birgit, but at the same time, I am glad that we don't dress so fussily anymore!

>32 msf59: Thanks, Mark. He is improving daily.

>33 mnleona: Thank you so much. I don't know what I would be doing with my time if I wasn't so invested in LibraryThing!

I am very hopeful that my husband will be home later this week. I had a call yesterday from the outpatient clinic and they have tentatively scheduled his release for May 17. Of course this depends on his latest tests regarding the infection of which the results should be in today. They are going to set up some home care visits to manage his wound care and change the dressing, but with the help of a walker, he should be able to do everything else on his own.

>35 DeltaQueen50: That is great news, Judy. I love your tea-themed thread and look forward to see what you come up with next year.

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Judy! I'm keeping everything crossed your husband is able to come home soon.

>35 DeltaQueen50: I hope your husband will be home well before May! Hoping his return is only a couple of days away.

Hi and Happy New Thread! Good to be here.

>35 DeltaQueen50: Good news.

>36 BLBera: I've enjoyed this theme a lot. I don't think my next year's theme will be quite as entertaining but hopefully will work with all my categories. 😊

>37 Jackie_K: I will be so glad not to have to shuffle off to the hospital to see him!

>38 pamelad: Yes, I meant October! I don't know why but the month of May is stuck in my head. I not only got it wrong here but a couple of times yesterday I said May instead of October when talking to the doctor.

>39 LadyoftheLodge: Welcome, Cheryl!

>40 mnleona: I am so looking forward to getting our life back on track. We will still need some help but I am sure he will do better at home.

Book Number 172

The Chocolate Debutante by M. C. Beaton
Category: Tea for Two
October CalendarCat: National Chocolate Day (October 28th)
October TIOLI #12: Completes the sentence, "I don't want to be ____"



The Chocolate Debutante by M. C. Beaton was a fun read that never took itself seriously. Full of humor and outlandish situations, I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle escape from reality. When self-proclaimed “bluestocking” Harriet Tremayne takes on the responsibility of launching her niece into society little does she know that her life is about to be totally changed.

Her niece, Susan, is a beautiful young woman and soon becomes the toast of the season but Harriet quickly finds out that what Susan desires above all else is candy, preferably chocolate. Harriet finds herself continuously separating Susan from confectioneries and begging her to not act so greedy in public, Luckily Susan is so beautiful that most of society doesn’t notice her stuffing herself full of candy at every opportunity. Susan and Harriet actually make a great team as Harriet is intelligent whereas Susan is “people-smart”. This is a romance novel and we are given two as Susan snares herself a husband and Harriet comes to the attention of Lord Dangerfield.

With a plot packed with jealous rivals, kidnapping, romance and, of course, chocolate, The Chocolate Debutante was a silly yet delightful read and I enjoyed it immensely. The author has delivered a great blend of action, humor and romance that was lighthearted and entertaining.

>42 DeltaQueen50: Taking a BB on this one, although I am sure I read this book many moons ago when I read almost exclusively Regencies.

>43 LadyoftheLodge: It's very silly, Cheryl, but if you are in the right mood, it's a fun read.

Unfortunately, my husband isn't coming home today after all. They have decided to run another course of antibiotics which will keep him in there until at least Oct. 20th. They also did a CT scan yesterday to see in the infection has spread to muscle or bone. This afternoon they are going to do a bone scan to check for cancer in case it is more than infection that is slowing him down.

>45 DeltaQueen50: Oh, Judy, this all sounds very scary for you. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Oh no! I'm sure you were really looking forward to him coming home, and to hear that he'll need more tests is worrying. Good wishes to you both, and a speedy recovery to him.

>45 DeltaQueen50: You and your husband are in my thoughts. Best wishes for his quick recovery and return home!

>45 DeltaQueen50: That's very worrying. Best wishes to you both.

Wishing all the best to you and your husband! I hope all the tests come back with good results!

I'm praying Judy that things go well for you and your husband.

Thinking of you and your husband, Judy. ((Hugs))

Sending hugs and strength for you and your husband as you travel through all this uncertainty.

I hope the next few days pass quickly and that in the meantime you can get rest.

I'm sorry to hear this, Judy - I hope they can get to the bottom of things soon.

My best wishes for you and your husband and hoping all test results are good.

Thank you everyone, I don't know what I would do if I couldn't vent here. Today he was sent out for the bone scan but I doubt if we will hear anything before Monday. Best case will be that they don't find anything and I can bring him home and set to building up his strength.

Book Number 173

Resistance by Mara Timon - 4.0 ★
Category: Cup or Mug
October AlphaKit: T
October TIOLI #6: An LT rating of 3.5 or better



Resistance by Mara Timon is the second historical thriller that carries us back to the days of World War II. Once again we follow British Agent Cecile as this time she is dropped behind enemy lines in France. It is just weeks before the Allied invasion, but German-occupied Normandy is a very dangerous place. We follow Cecile as she sets up as a radio operator and helps her friends as they align with the local Resistance to prepare for the coming invasion.

There is a suspicion that someone in the Resistance is working with the Gestapo and passing on information and names. Cecile soon becomes a target of this traitor but luckily her identity has been kept a secret and she is soon involved in a cat and mouse game to see which one will expose the other first. She also comes face to face with her husband, Eduard Graf, who is an aide to Rommel and involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler and other anti-Nazi activity.

I enjoyed the complex and clever plot lines as the author connected us to her characters, bringing back some that we first met in the previous book, and introducing new ones that helped to carry the story forward. The last third of the novel is intense as it features the D-Day landings and many pieces of the story come together during the chaos and betrayals that ensue. I thought Resistance was an excellent sequel to the original, City of Spies. The ending was left fairly open so there could possibly be another book in the future which I would love to see.

I'm so sorry to hear your husband wasn't able to come home yet, Judy. This sounds very stressful for both of you.

So sorry to hear this, Judy. Waiting for the results must be so tense and worrisome for you. Best wishes for a good result.

Adding my wishes for your husband and you getting through this difficult time. I am glad to be here where you can vent!

>29 DeltaQueen50: Thank you for this great review. Consumerism in the way of clothes is just out of hand, and I am glad that someone with Addison's skills is writing about the working conditions in these sweatshops.

Sorry to see that your husband hasn't been able to come home yet, Judy. It must be very worrying and the current weather doesn't help!

>61 threadnsong: Thank you for your kind thoughts.

>62 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I find it hard to believe that Ken has been in the hospital since September 29th. It's been a long three weeks! Hopefully we will get some answers this week and will find out what our next steps are going to be.

Book number 174

The Secret of Villa Alba by Louise Douglas - 3.6 ★
Category: Mul-Tea-Tasking
October TIOLI #4: Zodiac Challenge - Libra



There was a lot going on in The Secret of Villa Alba by Louise Douglas as ex-policewoman April Cobain travels to Sicily to help her old school friend, Maddalena, find out what actually happened over thirty years ago when Maddalena’s stepmother disappeared. Her case is about to be exposed on television and it is being suggested that Maddalena’s father most likely murdered her.

In alternate chapters we get to follow April’s investigation and also go back in time to meet Irene, who married Enzo Borgata and came to Sicily to start a new life. She had suffered a tragedy back home in England and was hoping that Enzo and his small daughter could help her rebuild her life. Unfortunately the marriage wasn’t a great success. The couple went to live at the family villa and Enzo’s mother was obvious in her dislike of Irene, and went out of her way to make the young woman feel worthless. Irene found her happiness at the stables where she tended and trained the horses, but a devastating earthquake changes everything.

While I loved the setting of this story I did find some incidents rather unbelievable. The characters were varied with some being much better developed than others. The story itself was gritty and intriguing but the sugar-coated ending disappointed me with it’s simplicity.

>63 DeltaQueen50:- I'm sure that seems like a long time. I'm not sure about Canada, but here in the US (at least where I live) hospitals want to get you out as soon as possible. It should be somewhat comforting that they're taking the time to make sure he's well enough. I have friends who were in Costa Rica at the beginning of a vacation when the husband had a kidney stone flair-up. He was in the hospital there for a few days while they got him well enough to travel home and even sent a nurse to their hotel room at 4:00 AM to give him a shot (antibiotic, I think) so he could fly home. Hang in there!

I am sorry to hear this but they must think he should stay a bit longer. Hugs to both of you and I am sending prayers. Take care.

>65 dudes22: It's not necessarily the hospital pushing patients out, often releases are timed by what your insurance will cover. If the Dr. thinks you aren't ready to go they can file a request for extension and if a patient thinks they are being released too early the decision can be appealed but it's a headache to do it.

Good news this morning! My husband's bone scan came back negative so no cancer!! There is still some infection deep in the tissues but they are treating that and seem fairly positive that he will be coming home later on in the week. I guess it is just going to take a lot of time to get his strength built up and have him back to normal.

>65 dudes22: Hospitals here seem to push the patients out as quickly as possible as well. I think most people do heal better when they are at home surrounded by their own things. Part of my husband's long stay is due to the fact that he is somewhat immobile and the injury only increased that.

>66 mnleona: Overall I am happy that they have kept him in as it would be difficult for me, even with help, to meet all his needs. I can see he is ready to come home soon as he is starting to get bored and restless.

>67 clue: Our health system is far from perfect and the cost of everything is skyrocketing. I hope we (Canada) can upgrade our health system but I know we are lucky to have it in place.

So glad to hear the bone scan had good results! Hope all continues to go well.

Book Number 175

The Devil in the Flesh by Raymond Radiguet - 4.0 ★
Category: High Tea
October TIOLI #10: A Scary or Disturbing Title



I found The Devil in the Flesh to be an interesting coming-of-age story that was originally published in 1923, the year that the author died. He passed away at the age of 20 and is supposed to have written the book a few years previous to that so I am wondering if this is actually based on his own experiences.

Set during World War I, the novel tells of an affair between a French teenage boy and a young married woman whose husband is away at the front. Although the age difference isn’t all that great with he being 16 and she 19, the book caused a huge outpouring of anger and outrage over the wife of a patriot carrying on with a lad. The lad in question is not the naive innocent one might expect but rather amoral and callous. The straying wife actually seemed far more naive and innocent than he did. What does come across is his brutal honesty as he describes this illicit affair.

The Devil in the Flesh is a quick read but the story is complex and the writing exceptional. I was immediately drawn in by the realness of how the author described the main character’s thoughts, one minute showing a deep maturity and in the next the raw selfishness and angst of a teen. Overall I found The Devil in the Flesh to be a worthwhile reading experience.

I'm happy you've gotten good news!

>68 DeltaQueen50: Oh! Great news, Judy!

Happy newish thread!

>68 DeltaQueen50: What terrific news! I hope your husband’s home soon!

>68 DeltaQueen50: So glad to hear your good news!

>68 DeltaQueen50: Relieved to hear your good news. May his recovery continue in an upward direction. Once he is home I assume you will have some trained home care support (PT) to help him regain his strength. 3 weeks is a long time in a hospital bed. Wishing you both well.

>68 DeltaQueen50: Great news! Hoping he comes home very soon.

I am happy to hear your good news. Hopefully he will continue to improve and get stronger. Still keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

>68 DeltaQueen50: I'm happy for your good news!

>68 DeltaQueen50: That is great to hear! Hope his recovery goes well and he comes home soon!

I'm so glad to hear the news about your husband Judy, I hope he continues to improve at home.

Happy new thread Judy! Best wishes for your husband's continued improvement and I hope he can come home soon.

This morning we put my husband in a wheel chair and I wheeled him around the hospital for awhile. Then they changed his dressing and said that it has improved (although I thought it looked terrible). Tomorrow they are taking him to see a surgeon so that she can check the wound and after that he may be ready to come home.

I am quite shocked at his weakened condition, he is going to need help getting permanently back on his feet. I have been contacted by Delta Heath Care and they are planning on having home care for dressing his wound and for physio to get him walking again. I can see it's going to be a long haul but hopefully we will get him back to where he was before this happened.

I am getting lazy and instead of answering everyone individually I am sending a huge hug to all and my thanks for being so caring. I plan to spend the afternoon on the couch with a good mystery book.

> 82. Oh my! Do not worry about individual messages. We only care both of you are doing OK. Sending hugs. Be sure to take care of yourself also.

>82 DeltaQueen50: Good news that your husband can come home soon and that you will be getting some home care. My brother-in-law recently went through a similar experience, an infection that was out of control requiring a long hospitalization. He is home and slowly improving.

>58 DeltaQueen50: This sounds good. I will look for the first one.

>82 DeltaQueen50: Pulling for your husband and hoping he can come home tomorrow, which is always preferable to staying in hospital. Glad he’ll be getting home care, which will take some of the burden off you. Glad you’re taking care of yourself too. {{{hugs}}}

>68 DeltaQueen50: I am so relieved at the good news, and I wish you all the best for what is ahead!
I second what >83 mnleona: said, and I am glad to read that your husband will receive home care.

I hope your husband's recovery progresses well. Sounds like it might be a long haul for you both. Take care of yourself too.

Today my husband was sent to another hospital to have a consult with a surgeon. One of my daughters and I also went to see what she said. This surgeon isn't the one who did the work but she is now on the case. She cleaned up the tissue around the wound and said it looks good. She also thinks that he can be moved onto oral antibiotics and suggested a new type of dressing called a vacuum dressing that helps to draw the edges together. Except for his weakened condition, she thinks he is almost ready to come home. We now need to encourage him to get up and do some walking and gain some strength, then he will be ready to come home with some assistance. So hopefully just a few more days in the hospital. This is going to take a long, long time as healing is slow in elderly people but at least we have plenty of hope.

Book Number 176

Sleeping in the Ground by Peter Robinson - 4.0 ★
Category: One Lump or Two
October TIOLI #4: Zodiac Challenge - Libra



Sleeping in the Ground is the 24th book in the DCI Banks police procedural series by Peter Robinson. In this entry Alan Banks and his team are working on a horrific case of mass murder at a country wedding. Following the evidence and the few clues that they have, they arrive at the house of a retired dentist who they believe is the shooter but Banks finds too many discrepancies to settle on the easy answer and continues to investigate.

As always Robinson supplies us with a detailed story rich in both characters and plot. Along with the main story about the doomed wedding, we also get to revisit a part of Bank’s past as he grieves the death of his first girlfriend. Along with the many characters that we have come to know through this series, long-time readers can welcome back a character that has been gone for 20 years. I suspect that this character has an important role to play in upcoming books.

Although the book opened with a bloody and brutal scene, the rest of the book is far more dedicated to the slow sifting of information, the following up of clues and the interviewing of witnesses. Personally I found the unravelling of the crime and it’s motives engaging and compelling to read about. I know the author has passed away but luckily I still have a few books of the series to go.

>88 DeltaQueen50: Hope is the thing with feathers....E.D. One of my favorite poems.

Hope is a wonderful thing to have. I hope he is able to come home soon so that you can begin the next phase of recovery.

>89 DeltaQueen50: Hmm, this is one series I haven’t read. Perhaps I’ll try the first one in the series and see how it goes. If I enjoy it, I’ll have a lot of books to look forward to!

What’s the news on your husband?

>90 beebeereads: Thank you so much. Hope is indeed keeping us going these days.

>91 Storeetllr: Hi Mary. As I recall it took a few books for Robinson to find his feet with this series. You may not enjoy the first few books but the series eventually found it's rhythm and is now one of my favorites.

As for my husband, yesterday was a difficult day. I was hooked up to a heart monitor which is rather clunky to carry around all day. They started digging up my street to replace the water mains and it was awkward to come and go. My elder daughter and I did go to the hospital as I can see my husband is depressed. We spoke with the Patient Care Coordinator and discussed plans for his release which could happen next week. They are working on building up his strength and stamina. Then last night he seemed really out of it and both daughters went up to the hospital as we are afraid he is getting sick. Once there they found that the biggest problem was that he didn't have his hearing aids in so didn't really know who he was talking to on the phone. They did point out to the nurse that he seems quite congested so I hope they are keeping an eye on him. Today I will get up to the hospital after I remove this heart monitor.

I hope your husband gets to come home soon, Judy. It seems like an awful long haul.

>93 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. It has been a long haul which is partly due to his age, at 82 one just doesn't bounce back easily. We have been told that the wound healing is going to take a long, long time but he will be happier if I can just get him home.

Keeping you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers, as always. I think having those up and down days during recovery is a usual thing. Healing at home seems to do a world of good for all concerned.

Still sending prayers. Take care.

Hi Judy. Sending healing thoughts your way. This has been quite a saga. Fingers crossed that your husband can come home soon.

>92 DeltaQueen50: Thinking of you and your husband and hoping he’s able to go home soon. It must be so frustrating for him, on top of everything else, going in thinking he’d be home the next day and ending up having to stay for over a week. And not being able to hear! Sending healing vibes.

I just finished my first DCI Banks mystery. You were right—it was a bit of a slog, and, at some parts (especially where it seemed they were completely ignoring good police procedure), I admit I rolled my eyes—but I enjoyed it overall and am looking forward to the next. So, thanks for the recommendation!

Happy Sunday everyone. My younger daughter and I went up to the hospital this morning to see my husband. He has the patience of a saint. We haven't heard when he's coming home but I sure hope it will be this coming week! Thanks for sending me all the encouraging messages it means the world to me.

>98 Storeetllr: Mary. I though the Alan Banks series just kept getting better as it went along. Hope you find so too!

Book Number 177

The Blue Butterfly by Leslie Johansen Nack - 4.1 ★
Category: Boston Tea Party
October Reading Through Time: Adultry
October TIOLI #6: An LT Rating of 3.5 or more



The Blue Butterfly by Leslie Johansen Nack is the story of actress Marion Davies and her long committed relationship with William Randolph Hearst. Hearst, a powerful publishing baron oversaw Marion Davies career from the day they met in 1915 when Marion was a shy and rather innocent 18 year old. She was by his side until he passed away in 1951. The great tragedy of their lives was the fact that he was already married when he met her.

His wife refused to divorce him and while Marion was occasionally unfaithful, she truly loved WR. The book covers the highlights of their lives and is presented with Marion as the narrator. We see an ambitious, insightful young woman who struggles to find her place. Hearst sees himself as her protector and doesn’t give her enough lee-way in making either career or life choices. The lifestyle of these rich and famous people is truly breathtaking from the San Simeon estate to the jewels, real estate and fine gifts that he showers her with.

Unfortunately Marion expressed her lack of control by drinking too much and by her late twenties was an alcoholic. I found the book gave a detailed, moving portrait of Marion Davies who sacrificed a lot to be able to give her family a good life.

>101 DeltaQueen50: I have been to the Hearst Castle in California two times. I always remember the library. I will check on this book as I have never read about either of them.

When my older sister had knee surgery last year, she was in a weakened state and had mobility issues. She went home but then was sent back to a special rehab hospital for two weeks and that worked wonders for building up her stamina and strength, as well as her mental state and attitude. After being released, she went to outpatient rehab for awhile and is doing quite well now.

>103 LadyoftheLodge: That is good. Surgery effects people differently.

>102 mnleona: I have visited the Hearst Castle just once but was very impressed and it was fun to actually be able to picture the rooms in my mind when the author described them.

>103 LadyoftheLodge: My husband has had problems with surgery before and I am hoping that he doesn't have to have any more. I think he must be one of those people whose body doesn't handle surgery well.

Book Number 178

The Woods Are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins - 2.0 ★
Category: The Dregs
October ScaredyKit: Contemporary Horror
October TIOLI #9: The Words "Woods" or "Forest" are in the title



The Woods are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins is meant to be a horror thriller but unfortunately there were just too many holes in the plot and twists that one could see coming from miles away to be in any way believable or realistically frightening. Two girls go backpacking in the woods, they have never even camped before yet off they go. The trip is their farewell to summer and to each other as one is leaving in a few days for university in California.

I actually found the first part of the book when it was just the girls suffering through the hike with blisters and heavy backpacks and feeling uncertain as to the route, or how to set up a camp site more interesting than the later part of the book when their stalker made himself known to them. Josie and Neena had been best friends for years but this trip had them fighting and arguing as they hiked. Neena felt guilty about leaving, Josie felt she was being left behind and abandoned. With their constant whining and bickering their friendship is strained to the limit. Of course all that goes out the window when a couple of random psychos appear on the scene.

The Woods are Always Watching is a fairly short book that I think should have been longer so that the author could have developed her characters more fully. The plot felt very cliched and overdone. I was disappointed that this story didn’t give me the chills in any way, instead I was left feeling frustrated and angry about the time I wasted on this book.

Happy Wednesday, Judy. We are all rootin' for your husband to come home this week. 🙏🙏

Glad to hear you will be joining us on The Painted Veil in November. I will most likely start it in the latter part of the month.

>107 msf59: Thanks, Mark. It's starting to look like a long shot, I guess he needs more physio than I knew. I will most likely start The Painted Veil later on in the month as well.

Book Number 179

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
Category: Tea for Two
November TIOLI #3: Familiar Author - New Series



Just Like Heaven, the first in the Smythe-Smith Quartet by Julia Quinn was exactly what I was looking for, a light, quick reading romance story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. There were similar ingredients to the Bridgerton series such as the style of writing, the warmth in tone and the importance of a close family. There were even some familiar characters to help set the scene but this story belonged to Marcus, Lord Chatteris and Honoria Smythe-Smith.

Marcus and Honoria have known each other since childhood. Marcus is her brother Daniel’s best friend and the Smythe-Smiths drew the lonely boy into their family circle years ago. It is only when Marcus is injured and Honoria and her mother nurse him, that their feelings of friendship change into love and thoughts of passion.

I liked that this book didn’t have much conflict or painful emotions, the simple friends-to-lovers format worked well and the author added a good dash of humor, especially in the Smythe-Smith musicale. This is the first book of four and I am looking forward to reading the next one.

>109 DeltaQueen50: I enjoyed that one too! Very low angst, and I liked that both Marcus and Honoria are regular people rather than rakes or bluestockings or champions of anachronistic causes.

>109 DeltaQueen50: It is on my Kindle, cannot wait to read it based on your review.

>110 christina_reads: & >111 LadyoftheLodge: I am happy that I have another Quinn romance series to look forward to. 😊

I am also happy to report that I brought my husband home from the hospital today. He is snuggled down in his recliner watching a new channel and so happy to be home. Within the next hour or two I am expecting the first visit from home health. They will be coming 4 times a day to start with to assist him with his mobility. Also I have heard from the wound care nurse and she will be here on Saturday or Sunday to dress his wound. Now we just have to set up some home physio and we are all set.

It's such a relief to have him home!

>113 DeltaQueen50: That’s such wonderful news! I’m also happy to hear that you’ll have help with his care. I hope you both feel better now!

Great news, Judy!

Great news, Judy. I hope the recovery goes smoothly.

>113 DeltaQueen50: So very happy for you both! Home is the best!

>113 DeltaQueen50: I'm so glad to hear your good news! Things will improve for him now.

Just a quick update. We got through our first night, have had two visits from the home care nurse and I am expecting to see her any minute. It hasn't been easy but I can see him gaining strength which is important.

I'm so glad to hear that your husband was able to come home, Judy! It sounds like you have a good support system in place, which is also excellent news.

>109 DeltaQueen50: - I loved the Smythe-Smith series! It might be due a re-read soon...

>119 DeltaQueen50: I am so happy for you and for your husband too. It is good that he is home and you can already see improvement.

Hi Judy, I'm so glad to hear that your husband is home, and that he is gaining some of his strength back.

Great that your husband can sit in his recliner! I was thinking he might have to stay in bed for awhile. In my experience that's even more tiring for the caretaker. Best wishes that all will go well even if it's slow.

Hurray, welcome home for your husband! :)

>113 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad you have your husband back home, but also that you already have the help you'll need lined up. I'm sure his recovery will progress more quickly now that he's home.

Glad he's home. I feel sure you'll make sure he does his exercises to improve mobility again. Don't fall into the trap of you running yourself ragged to compensate. Take care of you too.

>113 DeltaQueen50: Finally, such good news! Best wishes for his further recovery and for everything you need to navigate!

>109 DeltaQueen50: This sounds really good. I haven't read the Bridgerton series yet, but I'm making a mental note that the author has written another series.

>113 DeltaQueen50: Wonderful news. Still sending hugs and prayers.

Good news, Judy. I imagine he will improve quickly now that he's home.

Happy Sunday, Judy. So glad to hear that your husband is home. Good luck moving forward. Keep us updated.

That's excellent news, Judy! Congrats on having him home!

Oh! What great news! I hope he continues to improve, and that the improvement is exponential.

I’ll be starting the fourth DCI Baks mystery as soon as I’m done rereading These Old Shades, which is a delight. Love Heyer’s romances!

Happy November, everyone. Things are steadily improving here. I cancelled two of the four daily visits by the home nurse. So now they will come in the morning to help him shower and dress and then at night to help with undressing. The rest of the time we are doing fine with just the two of us.

>120 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. We will have two home visits by the nurse and also today another nurse came by and changed his dressing. They will be back to change his dressing again on Wednesday. So he's getting lots of attention and care. I am looking forward to continuing on with the Smythe-Smith series!

>121 LadyoftheLodge: It's great to have him home with me, Cheryl.

>122 lsh63: Thanks, Lisa.

>123 clue: He loves watching news but after a couple of days home he is sick of the American election news - it's all the news that they seem to be showing these days.

>124 rabbitprincess: Thanks, RP!

>125 RidgewayGirl: His recovery has really speeded up since he has come home. I have to watch that he doesn't try to do too much, too quickly!

>126 Helenliz: He is very patient and doesn't expect me to drop everything and rush to him. He is always telling me that he is fine and I should go read a book. (which, of course, I do!)

>127 MissBrangwen: This Smythe-Smith series by Julia Quinn has gotten off to a good start. I loved the Bridgertons and while this one doesn't reach the heights that series did, it's still a fun one.

>128 mnleona: I appreciate your caring, Leona. :)

>129 BLBera: It's like night and day, Beth. I can see he will soon be back to his old self.

>130 msf59: Thanks, Mark.

>131 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer.

>132 Storeetllr: I love Georgette Heyer! And I hope you are enjoying DCI Banks, Mary.

Book Number 180

Joe Victim by Paul Cleave - 3.6 ★
Category: One Lump or Two
November TIOLI #13: A geographical term is in the title or author's name



The series of thrillers entitled the Christchurch Murders by New Zealand author Paul Cleave opened with The Cleaner which was a 5 star read for me, and since then I have been waiting to continue on with the story about the Christchurch Carver. Now finally after five other books, all edge-of-your-seat thrillers, the author has returned to continue the story of Joe Middleton, a serial killer who hides behind his fake personality as “Slow Joe”. He has been sitting in prison all this time awaiting trial and claims to have no memory of ever murdering anyone.

We follow the disgraced ex-cop Carl Schroder as he becomes involved with Joe in the days leading up to his trial. We also connect once again to Joe’s girlfriend, psychopath Melissa, who is as bloodthirsty as Joe and her plans to spring Joe from custody. Set against a backdrop of a referendum regarding the death penalty, it isn’t long before there are more deaths and violence.

Joe Victim is a complex psychological thriller but I can’t say it was totally worth the wait. I think it was simply too long between the stories so I had trouble engaging with the book. This is a long story and I felt worn out by the time the action finally got going. With some of the disgusting descriptions and his trademark dark humor, I did catch a glimpse of the Paul Cleave that I love, so I am sure that I will be continuing with this series in the near future.

Here's to adding my joy at your husband's return to home, in a recliner (no less!) and the home nurse down to 2 times per day. It is such a relief to hear that he was healed enough to be released from (the) hospital.

Adding into your friends' words of wisdom to take care of yourself as well. He sounds like he's a low maintenance kind of hubby and I'm glad of that. Heck, any spouse who says, "I'm fine, go read a book" is definitely looking out for your health!

Thanks for the laugh when he said "go read a book". Sounds like both of you are doing OK.

>133 DeltaQueen50: I'm the same way with the election "news." I think most of us are making liberal use of the mute button. Next week as the media continues to do it's guessing on the outcome, I'll be reading.

>135 threadnsong: Thanks Threadnsong. It's good to be have him home and actually see him improve daily. I would agree that he is usually very low maintenance and is always agreeable to me burying my head in a book!

>136 mnleona: We are indeed doing well. :)

>137 clue: It's not going to be over tomorrow either, it seems like it's going to be a very close one so this will be going on for weeks yet! Books are definitely far more appealing.

Book Number 181

Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.0 ★
Category: Boston Tea Party
Rainbow Reading Challenge: Grey Cover
1,001 Books List
November TIOLI #5: Title includes something that is fragile, liquid or perishable



Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates was originally published in 1992. Based on the Chappaquiddick incident in which U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy crashed a car and caused the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy’s questionable behavior forever squashed his chances to run for President, the incident was never totally explained and remains a question mark in the minds of most people.

In fact the body of Mary Jo Kopechne was retrieved the next morning before Senator Kennedy had even reported the incident. He apparently swam away from the car and left Miss Kopechne to her fate. As the cause of death was due to drowning, not the impact of the accident, it is obvious that she had been left alone while still alive.

Black Water is a novella in which the author depicts an idealistic, twenty something young woman who has much to live for and look forward to but meets a powerful man who she is attracted to, and ends up on a drunken tragic car ride. Written in a stream of consciousness style, I found this story to be compelling, impactful and sad.

Just catching up with your good news, Judy. I'm so happy for you!

>140 MissWatson: Thanks, Birgit.

Book Number 182

Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.4 ★
Category: The Dregs
November ScaredyKit: Things With a Bite
November TIOLI #7: Zodiac Challenge - Scorpio



Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones is a dark fantasy about a family of werewolves as seen through the eyes of it’s youngest member, a young boy who shares the experience of how they struggle to survive in modern-day America.

He lives with his grandfather who tells him werewolf stories that he thinks are just tales but eventually he sees that his grandfather, along with his Aunt Libby and her twin, Uncle Darrin are indeed werewolves. He wonders if he will ever change, something he longs for but isn’t sure will ever happen. The chapters jump around in time but show us the way and nature of today’s werewolves. We learn why werewolves should not wear lycra and why french fries can be deadly, along with many other rules and survival tips.

Mongrels is a combination coming-of-age, road trip, and horror story that chronicles the confusion and angst of growing up with the mythology of these supernatural beasts. The story is delivered in an internal narrative which I found a little “one-note” and grew impatient for something to happen. This is the second book by this author that I have read, and I am beginning to think that he and I are not a good match.

Book 183

In A Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes - 5.0 ★
Category: A Cup of Tea Will Solve It
November MysteryKit: Noir
November TIOLI #7: Zodiac Challenge - Scorpio



In A Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes is a classic psychological suspense story that is considered one of the finest examples of Noir. It stands the test of time with it’s setting of post-war Los Angeles as it exposes the main character as one of the most memorable villains of all time.

With it’s hard-boiled prose, intense characters, and dark atmosphere the story pulls the reader into the world of Dixon Steele. He is unemployed but educated, dependent upon the allowance that his uncle provides while he pretends to be writing a book when in fact, he is a hunter of young women. He lives in an absent friend’s apartment, drives the friend’s car, uses his charge cards and even wears his clothes. He looks up an old friend and finds to his surprise the friend is now a police detective who is working on the ongoing case of a serial killer. Dix decides to encourage the friendship so that he can obtain information of how the police are working this case.

In A Lonely Place was a stellar read. The author, Dorothy Hughes, delves into the mind of a psychopath and we are treated to a dark but fascinating character study. The story unfolds entirely from Dixon’s viewpoint. What he sees and feels is expressed through his narration and the author does an amazing job of showing the various layers of this man’s personality.

>143 DeltaQueen50: That book is absolutely perfect.

>143 DeltaQueen50: Taking a BB for this one!

>143 DeltaQueen50: that does sound good. Adding it to the wish list.

>143 DeltaQueen50: Serial killer fiction sounds about right just now. Into the list it goes.

I’m barreling through the DCI Banks mysteries. I’ll be starting #7 soon. I’m still not loving them, but they are definitely compelling yet easy reads, which is what I need right now.

>143 DeltaQueen50: I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

>144 RidgewayGirl: I totally agree!

>145 Charon07: Enjoy!

>146 Helenliz: I hope you love it.

>147 Storeetllr: I'm glad it is working for you, Mary. I thought the Banks series got better as it went along.

>148 mstrust: In a Lonely Place has sat on my shelf for years, I love the Humphrey Bogart movie and was afraid I wouldn't like the book as well. Silly me - the book is every bit as good and maybe even better than the movie.

Hi, Judy. I wanted to let you know that I just started The Painted Veil. I think this is going to be another gem. I hope everything is good on the homefront.

>150 msf59: Hi Mark. My reading is going slower than usual as I am pretty busy with everything else but I hope to start The Painted Veil soon. My hubby is doing well and getting stronger every day.

>151 DeltaQueen50: Glad to hear that your husband's on the mend, Judy.

>152 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda.

Book 184

The Lion in the Lei Shop by Kaye Starbird - 4.2 ★
Category: Boston Tea Party
November TIOLI #6: A Connection to Chivalry



I first heard about The Lion in the Lei Shop from reading Nancy Pearl’s Book Lust in which this was one of the books that she called forgotten treasures. This was a great read in which a mother and young daughter’s alternating perspectives tell the story of Pearl Harbor and the resulting war years. April, the mother and Marty, the child, along with the father, Lang were a military family that were stationed at Hawaii. And although there are differences in each one’s experiences, they both show how the trauma they endured affected them.

The moment the Japanese started the air raid on that early Sunday morning, Lang ensured his “girls” were as safe as possible and left to join the other soldiers. Other than quick visits he had basically left for the war and April and Marty were on their own. Marty is told a story by a neighborhood boy about a man-eating lion being trapped in a nearby vacant story. Somehow this story takes root in the little girl’s mind and gets mixed up with the absence of her father. And in the years that follow, the lion and her father’s absence becomes a reoccurring nightmare.

Strong descriptive writing sprinkled with bits of humor and pathos make The Lion in the Lei Shop a memorable read. This is a personal story told in an interesting and different way as the author, Kaye Starbird, explores how those who saw their loved ones go off to war managed to survive the separation and loss.

>143 DeltaQueen50: This is a BB for me too!

>155 VivienneR: It truly is a classic of the noir genre and a great read.

Book Number 185

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green - 3.6 ★
Category: My Cup Runneth Over
November RandomCat: I Told It My Way
November TIOLI #2: Anita's Memorial Read



While I liked The Fault in Our Stars by John Green well enough, I didn’t love it. Even though I’ve had it on my Kindle for years and had a pretty good idea of what it was about, I think I chose the wrong time to read it. My life has been full of hospitals and diagnosis's over the last little while and so I found it hard to read about these two young cancer patients with an open mind.

For a story with terminal teens as the main characters, I do have to commend author John Green, for keeping it real and not too cloyingly sentimental. The relationship between Hazel and Gus was readable and relatable. The author used dark humor to get us through the rough patches but I did find the fictional author, Van Houten, showing up in America a little over the top.

I was able to accept Hazel and Gus as two “old souls”, otherwise their seriousness and intelligence, not to mention their philosophical conversations, would have seemed off to me. I’m sure there is no right way to do terminal teenage cancer but I do think this author did a fine job of expressing the darkness of this disease.

>151 DeltaQueen50: - Good to hear your husband is getting stronger, Judy.

>157 DeltaQueen50: I have this book checked out and need to start it for the November PrizeCAT, but I’ve been putting it off since I know it’s sad.

>158 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie.

>159 Charon07: There is no way to write "happy" when dealing with terminal cancer but I thought John Green did a good job of keeping the book from sinking under it's sadness.

Book Number 186

The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham - 3.8 ★
Category: Tea For Two
November TIOLI #5: Title includes something that is fragile, liquid or perishable



The 1925 novel, The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham surprised me by it’s readability. The story is about the beautiful yet spoiled Kitty Fane who marries Dr. Walter Fane and travels with him to China where he works as a bacteriologist. She has an affair with a married man and is caught by her husband. He then moves them to a small town that is experiencing a cholera epidemic. Kitty finds herself drawn to the catholic convent and learns to think about others rather than herself. She also starts to see her husband in a different light when she learns all that he is doing to help the victims of cholera.

Kitty starts the book as a thoughtless, silly woman but during the course of the story undergoes a change. Her personal growth allows her to see what terrible mistakes she has made and to seek forgiveness. Her maturity by the end of the book helps to give her direction and purpose in life.

The Painted Veil is a simple story of love, betrayal and a search for the real meaning of life. The author obviously has a strong moral lesson he wishes to implant but due to the shortness of the book, discussions on life philosophies are kept to the bare minimum and therefore the question of Kitty’s salvation and morality seemed rather rushed. I did enjoy the story and I thought the ending was excellent with Kitty vowing to bring up her daughter to be strong, not weak and silly like she had been. While not a particularly happy read, this is a story that I suspect will linger in the back of my mind for some time.

Hi Judy, I'm so happy your husband is home and getting better!

>139 DeltaQueen50: I must admit that I have never heard about Mary Jo Kopechne, but I added this book to my ever-growing wish list.

>161 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad you liked this one - I watched the film ages ago and have wished to read the book ever since. I must get to it one day.

>162 MissBrangwen: I was just posting to another thread about The Painted Veil and we both thought it was a great read and that Maugham's writing has remained fresh and current.

That tragedy at Chappaquiddick totally changed the direction of Edward Kennedy's career, causing him to remain a senator and never making a try for the White House.

>163 DeltaQueen50: But Ted Kennedy did make a try. He ran in 1980, a rare case of a primary campaign against an incumbent president. In the runup to his official announcement, he was beating Carter in the polls by a 2-1 margin. He dropped badly when he couldn't give a convincing answer to a TV reporter who asked why he was running -- surely a question any candidate should have a prepared answer for -- and the primary campaign became a nasty drawn-out fight. The power of incumbency was enough to give Carter the win, but Kennedy refused to drop out of the race until the convention. Kennedy's challenge damaged Carter quite badly; while Carter probably would have lost to Reagan even without it, he might have made a more respectable showing.

>164 KeithChaffee: I had totally forgotten about that - I guess being a Canadian I should know better than to comment on American history/politics.

Happy Sunday, Judy. I am so glad you joined us on The Painted Veil. Good review.

>166 msf59: Hope you are having a great weekend, Mark. I have really enjoyed our two group reads of W Somerset Maugham this year and I look forward to reading more of him in the future.

Book Number 187

The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald - 2.0 ★
Category: My Cup Runneth Over
Reading Through Time: Memoirs, Biography
November TIOLI #4: Female Author and Female Main Character



The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald was published in 1945 and is meant to be a humorous memoir of the author’s experiences as a young wife on a chicken farm set on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Unfortunately I was put off very early in the book by the author’s attitude and comments regarding both her neighbours and the Indigenous population. I realize that her “educated whites are superior” attitude wasn’t all that unusual for the day, but nevertheless I lost all sympathy I might have had for her especially when she started to sprinkle her writing with french phrases to show how educated she was.

The author paints a vivid picture of how unprepared she was for the rigours of raising chickens. Living in a run-down house, with no running water or electricity, in an area that was considered remote in those days, she gives us a light-hearted account of the pitfalls and family chaos that became her life.

I am quite familiar with the Olympic Peninsula, having visited there numerous times so I was very interested in her descriptions of this lush and beautiful place and she was well able to pass on a sense of the scenic delights to be found there. As I mentioned above, her mean-spirited bigotry cut into her humor and her observations did little to tickle my funny bone. I believe that this is a book that has not stood the test of time very well and perhaps should have stayed in the past.

>168 DeltaQueen50: Oh wow, that would have put me off that book too. When a lot of the jokes are based on off-putting insults, then the humorous book isn't all that funny anymore. The chicken farm sounds interesting though. It's always nice to get an insight into the day-to-day life of different professions and jobs!

>168 DeltaQueen50: Oh, disappointing. I remember the movie they did with great fondness but then if I saw it again I might be bothered by the attitude if it seeped into the movie. Haven't seen it since I was child so don't rember any cultural aspects of it.

>168 DeltaQueen50: The racism in this book was extraordinary, even by standards of the day.

>169 shimmermarie: It was unfortunate, I was hoping for a gentle, humorous story - more like the 1960s television show "Green Acres" but I just couldn't get past her bigotry.

>170 majkia: I haven't seen the movie but I have heard very good things about it and I just read that it was the inspiration for the above mentioned TV show "Green Acres".

>171 RidgewayGirl: It was certainly very cringeworthy!!

Book Number 188

Drifters' Alliance 1 by Elle Casey - 4.0 ★
Category: The formula for your cuppa
November SFFKit: Recommended by a friend - Lori (Ikernaugh)
November TIOLI #1: Two Word Title with one of the title words beginning with the same letter as the book listed above it



Drifters' Alliance 1 by Elle Casey is the first book in a space opera series that has left me wanting more. Nineteen year old Cass has won a space ship in a card game, now she has to secure allies, establish a course of action and escape the clutches of the OSG, the elite command that her father is a major general of.

The book basically only covers one day and the story is definitely setting up the situation and characters for more to come, but I enjoyed the writing, the pacing, the humor and the promise of plenty of action so I will be reaching for the next volume as soon as I can fit it into my reading schedule.

As a science fiction adventure, Drifters' Alliance 1 has all the right ingredients with intriguing characters, a great setting in a rickety space ship that needs some TLC, and the promise of stunts, exploits and operations to come. Judging by the quirky characters and the humorous situations, the book doesn’t take itself too seriously but offers colorful and exciting galactic adventures.

Hmm, do I need another scifi series to add to the pile? Yes. Yes, I do. Good review. Adding to the pile!

Hope your husband’s recovery is continuing apace.

Hi Mary, I hope all is well with you and yours. My hubby is improving every day. The wound nurse and her supervisor came today to change his dressing and they were amazed at how quicky it is healing. He is on a negative pressure bandage that sucks all the air out of the wound and pulls the edges together and it is really working well. The nurse thinks maybe just a couple of more weeks of this type of bandage and then a regular dressing.

>175 DeltaQueen50: - That's good news. And quite interesting. I've never heard of that type of dressing. When my husband broke both heels 30+ years ago, one of the pins they put in went necrotic and he went for some whirlpool with antibiotics every day. And there was gauze with antibiotic that I had to put into the hole. This sounds so much nicer - sort of. I'm going to ask my daughter-in-law about it the next time I see her.

ETA: I learn so many interesting non-book things on LT.

>175 DeltaQueen50: I also have not heard of this bandage. My son-in-law's mother has a wound on her leg and does not heal. She is a diabetic. I am wondering if they have tried this and if it would it work for her.
So glad your husband is doing good. I think being home and with you helps.
Ditto with >176 dudes22: on learning new things.

Happy Wednesday, Judy. I am glad your husband is improving. Lets keep it going. AlphaKit has really came in handy this month and for most of the year. Thanks for recommending it. I really like the simplicity of it.

>176 dudes22: & >177 mnleona: The make of the dressing that they use is called Pico-7 (pictured below)



He carries the monitor in his shirt pocket and we have to keep an eye it as it lights up if there is a leak or any other problems. The dressing is changed every 3 - 4 days and the monitor once a week. They are expensive but we are covered by our health insurance.

Hi Mark. I love the AlphaKit and join in every month. If you are planning on continuing to use it next year, here is a link to the 2025 thread.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/365408#

>179 DeltaQueen50: Thank you. I will tell my daughter.

>175 DeltaQueen50: Good news Judy.

>179 DeltaQueen50: I'd never heard of this one. The advances! I hope he has great success in healing.
For a cheaper, more readily available wound care product, try Duoderm wound pads. They're available from Walmart and Amazon now, but my MIL used to teach doctors and nurses how to use the new medical supplies for hospitals, specializing in burn care, and this was one of her products that were only available to medical professionals back then. The product is a sticky pad of moist gel that sort of mimics a thick layer of skin. I've used it for both cuts and severe burns and it healed the wounds and kept them from scarring.

>182 BLBera: Hi Beth. Now that his wound is healing so well, we can turn our attention to his physio which is starting next week. We aren't expecting miracles but it would be nice if he could be steadier on his feet.

>183 mstrust: Hi Jennifer. I know what you mean about medical advances, it seems new products are introduced all the time. A tough profession to keep up with!

Good to hear your husband is going so well, Judy.

>185 pamelad: Thanks, it's been a long road and I am very happy that we seem to be moving in the right direction.

Book Number 189

Bloodhounds by Peter Lovesey - 3.7 ★
Category: One Lump or Two
November AlphaKit: L
November TIOLI #5: Title contains something that is fragile, liquid or perishable



Bloodhounds by Peter Lovesey is the fourth book in his Peter Diamond series and this one gives a nod to readers of mysteries. Inspector Diamond is investigating a murder where most of the suspects are members of a mystery fan club in Bath called Bloodhounds.

Bloodhounds are a small group who meet, discuss mysteries and recommend books to each other. We are privy to a couple of their meetings as they discuss authors from Agatha Christie to Andrew Vachss. In particular they are currently discussing locked room mysteries. Meanwhile a taunting riddle has been sent to the police predicting a theft of a valuable object. As the theft does occur successfully it is no surprise that more riddles are written and all too soon a murder victim is discovered.

While Bloodhounds isn’t one of my favorite Peter Diamond mysteries, I do enjoy this author’s writing style and the passing references to so many classic mysteries was interesting. Diamond is rather rough and clumsy when it comes to literature but his comments were often quite humorous. After a number of false starts, Diamond, with plenty of help from his assistant, Julie, put the pieces together and came up with the right answer. Case solved and now I am looking forward to book number five.

Book 190

Two Old Women by Velma Wallis - 4.5 ★
Category: Polly Put the Kettle On
November CalendarCat: Native American and Alaskan Native Heritage Month
November AlphaKit: W
November TIOLI #4: Female Author - Female Main Characters



The moving story of Two Old Women by Velma Wallis is a written version of an indigenous fable that the author learned from her mother when she was a girl. This is a simple story of two elderly women who, when the village is starving and weak, are left behind to die. They are devastated that their people think so little of them that they leave them stranded in the wilderness, but they also decide that they will survive.

They fall back on techniques and skills that they learned when young and not only survive but thrive so that when the next winter comes they are well prepared to sustain themselves through the barren months. Their people on the other hand are once again suffering and most regret leaving the two elderly women behind. When they have a chance to reunite what will happen? Will the elders forgive the abandonment and help their people or has the trust and love been broken forever.

A simple story told gracefully with powerful themes of friendship, dignity and human integrity shining through on every page. The author recounts the legend in vivid details that helps the reader to see the life of labour that is needed in order to live in such a hostile environment. A moving and comforting story that was a delight to read and imagine.

I've read both the Oates and Wallis book and enjoyed them both, also.

>188 DeltaQueen50: - I'll take a BB for this.

>188 DeltaQueen50: I will also add Two Old Women to my list. It sounds like a perfect book for winter reading.

>188 DeltaQueen50: I would like to read this one.

Happy Friday, Judy. I had not heard of Two Old Women. Sounds great. On the obese TBR it goes.

>188 DeltaQueen50: BB for me, too. One of the categories I’m planning for next year is aging/old people, so this will be perfect.

>188 DeltaQueen50: I have Two Old Women on my shelf. I picked it up at an independent bookstore in Palmer, Alaska. It seems like maybe I should read it.

>189 Tess_W: Every once in awhile I stumble on a story that really affects me, and this one certainly did.

>190 dudes22: >191 japaul22: >192 mnleona: >193 msf59: >194 Charon07: >195 BLBera: I thought I was one of the last ones to read Two Old Women! I am glad that I have brought this small gem to your attention, I thought it was a great read.

>195 BLBera: I bought my copy at an independent book store in Alaska too!

>188 DeltaQueen50: It looks like I am not the only one taking a BB for this book

>179 DeltaQueen50: I heard that Pico dressing mentioned in a book I was reading recently. I'll try to remember what book it was and if I come up with it, I'll let you know. I seem to remember they were alternating with a more traditional dressing. As we read so many of the same books maybe you'll come across it yourself. Glad to hear your husband is doing well.

>195 BLBera: & >197 LadyoftheLodge: I love bringing home a book from my travels that reflects where I have been or what I saw.

>198 lowelibrary: I hope you enjoy it!

>199 VivienneR: I would love to know what book has the Pico dressing - I hope you are able to remember it.

>188 DeltaQueen50: I put a hold on it at the library. It sounds like a metaphor for what may happen in the near future in the US.

Glad your husband is improving daily!

>201 Storeetllr: I am very nervous and concerned for the U.S. over the next four years. I feel like we have to brace ourselves for some unexplainable events to come.

It’s never-wracking, Judy, but it won’t be unexplained. Misogyny, racism, and greed, along with religious extremism, coupled with an appalling lack of education of too many Americans, are a few of the top reasons for this catastrophe.

Some might say that it was the non-stop demeaning commentary such as yours that lost the election. People tend to push back against being told that they are "misogynists" and "racists" and "too uneducated to know what's good for you." Especially when the dispersions also come with grocery, gas and housing prices that are forcing so many into a lower standard of living.
But of course, maybe you're a millionaire who isn't affected.

Hi Judy! Glad to hear that your hubby is about to start (or maybe he has started?) physio-therapy. When DH broke his ankle a number of years back and was on crutches for a while, he did his first day of PT and credits the excellent staff for teaching him to walk again.

>168 DeltaQueen50: The attempted humor of this book sounds very much like the observations in the "Little House" series. I have re-read these childhood treasures as an adult and just cannot condone Laura's (or Ma's, or Pa's, or whomever's) description of the Native peoples that they encounter.

Though I did not know the idea for "Green Acres" came from this book! Again, all the things I learn on LT.

>187 DeltaQueen50: I like how your review goes from Agatha Christie to Andrew Vachss. Two of my favorite mystery authors!

>203 Storeetllr: & >204 mstrust: Oh dear, I have been trying not to comment on the American election as even though I have my own opinion, I am Canadian and I would like to continue being a good neighbour. It's obvious that this is a very polarizing time but hopefully we here on LT can remain friendly and positive with each other.

>205 threadnsong: Hi threadnsong. Hubby's physio starts this coming week on Wednesday, I believe. We are trying to be realistic as to results. His mobility is compromised but we would like to see him able to get around with just the aid of his cane and be able to get out on his mobility scooter for short drives.

I'm very glad to read that your husbands is doing better and will start physio on Wednesday, Judy. I've not read anything by Peter Lovesey, but my husband is a fan of his books.

>207 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah. I am quite new to Peter Lovesey but I was a fan from the first book!

>206 DeltaQueen50: You and I are good, Judy! You've always been respectful.

>209 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. We do live in difficult times but I see Library Thing as a haven away from politics.

>210 DeltaQueen50: That is my feeling exactly. I dropped out of two other LT groups because of political discourse. I think there is a specific LT group for those discussions.

>210 DeltaQueen50: I also greatly prefer to have a safe place for me to go to.

>210 DeltaQueen50: Amen! LibraryThing is a safe space.

Karen O

>213 klobrien2: LT friends have sometimes been closer to me than non-Lt friends and neighbors. LT got me through the pandemic and other tough situations, even though we live far away from each other.

>211 LadyoftheLodge:, >212 JoeB1934:, >213 klobrien2: Glad that my guests agree - we will try to avoid politics and concentrate on our reading and other areas less troublesome.

Book 191

Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen - 4.0 ★
Category: Mul-Tea-Tasking
November TIOLI #4: Woman author - woman main character



Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen follows the story of Josie Banks during the years of World War II. She starts off as a Cockney housewife, married to a bully of a man, but all of that is about to change when he is called up and leaves to join the army.

First her place of work, a small neighbourhood tea shop, is bombed and her employer killed, then her house is also hit by a bomb. She survives and with no belongings or place of her own, she is evacuated to the country. Housed in a large place with a rather unwelcoming older woman and her inhospitable housekeeper, Josie settles in and soon is helping those around her and setting up a small tea shop for the nearby airmen. One particular airman becomes special to her, but being a married woman, she cannot act upon her feelings. Josie goes through many changes during the course of the book and by war’s end has yet another new life to look forward to.

I enjoyed this story. Josie was someone that was easy to root for and I found her life interesting. Her life was determined both by chance and by her own choices, and she wasn’t one to dwell on the dark side. The author brings her characters to life and delivers on the emotion that we are looking for in a book of this type. Where the Sky Begins is a heart-warming story about loss and second chances set against a backdrop of the British home-front during WW II.

>216 DeltaQueen50: Taking a BB for this one, thanks for the review. I saw this one suggested in my Amazon recommendations, but was uncertain about it until now.

>216 DeltaQueen50: Where the Sky Begins looks like a good one, Judy. Nice to see that your husband is home and making progress.

Its been a couple of weeks since I have been on LT but Iam very thankful to have returned. On Monday evening, Nov 25th I experieced a stroke and was taken to hospital. Luckily I am on the road to recovery and camehome today. My left side was affected and I am inhe process of learning to use it again. There sre many things Ican'do now but hopefully with lots of physio I willrelearn the essentials.I underwent the pocedure where sugeon goes in and retreives thr blood clotwhich sped my recovery. The one thing Icoulddo in hospitalwas read and so I am a number books behind reporting. I will be trying to catch up over the next few days. One of the things I can't do is cook so we will be relying onordering in or going out (although I can't dfrive right now either) Typing isn't very easy either but I will continue to work at it! It is 3 am here and I must get back to bed. I'll be back in the morning,

Oh Judy - I'm so sorry to hear that. You've certainly had a time of it lately. I wondered where you had been. I hope you feel better soon.

>219 DeltaQueen50: I am so sorry to hear this. I see courage and strength in your writing. Sending prayers and hugs. Take care.

So sorry to hear this! Thanks for the update and wishing you all the best in your recovery.

Judy, I am so sorry to hear this, and I’m glad that you are on the road to recovery.Take care of yourself.

Very sorry to hear your news, Judy, but I'm glad you are home now and on the road to recovery. Take care!

I knew something was going on with you being away for so long, and I'm so sorry to hear of your stroke. Yet your ability to type the way you are doing is amazing. Keep it up, Judy, we're rooting for you!

I am so sorry to hear about your stroke, Judy. Thanks for letting us know and keep us updated on your progress. We are praying for you. 🙏

What challenging times you’ve been having. I’m so sorry to hear about your stroke, and I wish you a speedy recovery! I’m glad reading can still be something to enjoy. Good luck with your physio!

Oh Judy, I am so sorry to hear this, and I wish you all the best. I am glad you can enjoy reading. Keep up your courage!

Judy, so sorry to hear about your stroke. Wishing you all the best! That's great that you've been able to read!

You have had a tough time recently, Judy. I wish you a fast recovery. Take care.

I'm so sorry to hear about your stroke. Your ability to type so well is incredible but most of all I'm glad you can still read. I'm wishing you all the best for your recovery. Like everyone else here, I've been checking your thread every day. Your absence was noticed very quickly. Hugs from me.

Good morning. It was lovely to come here this morning and find so many encouraging messages, believe me I missed LT more than anything! Typing is both difficult and frustrating but Iam going off to start putting together some small reviews so I can catch up.

>220 dudes22: Betty, they are telling me that I have a long road ahead of me with rehab etc. Thank heaven for books!

>221 mnleona: Thank leona, I need all the prayers and hugs I can get!

>222 japaul22: Thanks Jennifer. I suspect this will slow my 1001 reading even more as I seem to only want to read 'good' stories right now not 'good' literature.

>223 lsh63: Thanks Lisa - so far I haven't found anything that I love about getting older!

>224 katiekrug: Thanks Katie. Since Ihaven't found anything tht I like better than me, I intend to take the best care of me!!

>225 mstrust: Thanks Jennifer- I really have to work at the typing.

>226 msf59: Thanks Mark

>227 Charon07: I had to work to get my reading back but it was well worth it.

>228 MissWatson:. Thanks Bigit, it feels so good to be home.
>229 NinieB: Thanks Ninie - now bring on the Agatha's!

>230 BLBera: Hi Beth. Yes, they think that stress over my husband's health probably contriubted to the stroke. I guess it's a problem that I intend to internalize everything so much!

>229 NinieB: Thanks Ninie.

>231 VivienneR: Thanks for noticing my absence, Vivienne, I am very happy to be able to come back now.

Your courage is so inspiring! Just like your book reading you are dealing with all of the issues so well. Your friends are so thankful for you and, of course wish you well as you continue this process.

Having had a broken hip a year ago I advise that you take special caution about walking and moving around. I found physical therapy so critical to my recovery and I'm very pleased that your physicians are on top of your treatment. Just take special caution when moving around.

I'm sorry that you're going through that, but I'm so glad you are still able to get enjoyment out of books. Please make sure to get help in all the areas you need it instead of rushing to get back to doing everything yourself. You'll be in my thoughts.

I had just checked your thread a couple of days ago to see when you had posted last because I thought it seemed like a long time. Best wishes with recovery, I'm a believer in therapy but I know it can be frustrating too. Unfortunately, as far as I know there's not much else to do but hang in and I'm sure you'll do your best. In the meantime take comfort in books and keep us updated.

Well, it took me all morning but following are reports on the first two books , that I read in hospital, please note that Bright,Young Women was a BB fromRidgeway Girl (Thanks, Kay!)

So glad you are back with us, Judy. I very much admire your perseverance and positivity, and wish you a rapid recovery.

Book Nbr 192
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll - 4.2 ★
Category: Cup or Mug

I have been trying and trying but I can't remember how to post pictures of book-covers. I will have to go without illustrations for now. Hooray I think I figured it out!



Bright Young Women - 384 pages

Bright Young Women by author Jessia Knoll is a very different novel focusing as it does on the victims of celebrity serial killer Ted Bundy instead of the crimes themselves. Of course names have been changed but the books shines attention on the sorority that felt Bundy’s lethal attention. PamelaSchumacher, president of the sorority, must come to terms with the death of two of her sisters and herself as a witness, being thrust into the eye of the public.

Meanwhile inWashingon State, Tina Cannon had gotten very close with Ruth Wahowsky until Ruth goes missing from Lake Sammamish on a warm summer day. Tina has devoted her life to finding out what happened to Ruth. When she hears about the sorority tragedy she comes to Florida and meets Pamela. Working together these two women prove that the young women whose lives were cut short by this monster, were the exceptional ones.

Bright Young Women is entirely about the women , following several alternating timelines, it is interesting to note that the identity of the serial killer is never given as such although it is very obvious who he is and at one point one of the main characters vow to stop using his name as she doesn’t believe he deserves any attention. Over all I found this novel to be a stunning and extremely interesting version of the Bundy crimes.

I'm so sorry to hear about this latest health problem. You have more than enough to deal with lately.

Book Nbr 193

Frost At Midnight by James Henry - 4.0 ★
Cattergoy: Badly Made Tea Is A Criminal Offense
Dec TIOLI #3: 3 Letters from the word December are in the title



I have long been a fan of the original DI Frost series by R. D. Wingfield and was happy to continue when a couple of his friends decided to continue the series after his death. Frost at Midnight is the 4th prequel to that series and although Frost is much as usual in his avoidance of paperwork and superiors, shirking regulations and taking the “piss” out of friends and co-workers, I found the humor in this volume felt a little forced and contrived. But on the other hand, Jack,as always has a heart of gold when it comes to helping children and women in trouble. Is brave and intelligent and alway manages to pull all the pieces together and solve the case. There was a definate format to the original books and these authors have been wise enough to stick to that format. But this book was published in 2017 and I believe is truly the end of the series.

I recommend this series if you haven’t already discovered it,beginning with Frost At Christmas which is followed by 5 more books and then 4 “prequels” by the James Henry team.

Judy, so sorry to hear about your stroke. Hoping for you to continue on the road to recovery. Please take care!!

Sending you lots of strength for physical therapy and hoping that all the books you pick up are good ones. I'm so relieved you're back with us. Thinking of you -- take care.

>238 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad you liked Bright Young Women as much as I did.

Book Number 194

A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill - 3.8 ★
Category: The Dregs
Decdmber Scaredy Kit: CatchUp Month
TIOLI #3: Three leters from the word December are in the Title



Monsters are very much part of the Tuner family. As narrated by Noah, the youngest, we learn of his mother Margaret’s marriage to Harry and how they go on to have 2 daughters. Margaret and one of the daughters are haunted by horrific dreams while Harry beomes obsessed with a haunted house that the fsmily run. While the family tried to shield Noah from the horror, he has his own connection with a furry beast with glowing orange eyes.

A Cosmology of Monsters the debut novel of author Shaun Hamill has a fairly linear narrative as we follow the Turner Family from its beginning thoughout the childhood of the narrator into his middle aged adulthood. While there are a few violent, scary moments, the author obviously means to affect his readers more with psychological trauma and inner demons although he cleverly and constantly builds the dread in the background. To help with yourunderstanding, you may also want to be up on your Lovecraft references as well. I would rate this book as quite descriptive but not an intense, viseral horror story.

Sorry to hear of your stroke. Glad you've been able to read and good luck with the physio to get everything back up and running again.

Book Number 195

Shadows Cast By Stars by Catherine Knutsson
Category: Mul-tea-tasking
Dec Alpha Kit: K
Decmber TIOLI #10: Leftovers



Shadows Cast by Stars by author Catherine Knutsson is a dystopian story featuring a young Metis girl, Cassandra Mercredi who comes to the Island for protection and refuge, hiding from government forces who are searching for aboriginals in order to harvest their blood. Set some 200 years in the future, the Island is run by the Band, with their guerilla warriors and has an enigmatic energy barrier that keeps outsiders out and the spirit world in. Cassandra has come under the protection of the village healer and the leader’s son has developed a tenderness for her.

Although I was expecting an action-packed adventure story this dreamily written story was full of self exploration and a lot of intospection and tradition. Cassandra, her twin brother Paul and her father come to the Island full of hope but because of their impure mixed blood are not easily accepted. The author delivers a beautifully written story that, for me, enveloped itself too fully into culture and tradition.

I find myself with conflicted views about Shadows Cast by Stars, on one hand I was expecting a faster, lighter story but instead the book was slow in movement and dark in theme. A lot of emphasis is put on First Nations mythology actually more culture information that I wanted. I would advise the reader to bring their patience to the read as this is a very slow story.

Shadows Cast by Stars by author Catherine Knutsson is a dystopian story featuring a young Metis girl, Cassandra Mercredi who comes to the Island for protection and refuge, hiding from government forces who are searching for aboriginals in order to harvest their blood. Set some 200 years in the future, the Island is run by the Band, with their guerilla warriors and has an enigmatic energy barrier that keeps outsiders out and the spirit world in. Cassandra has come under the protection of the village healer and the leader’s son has developed a tenderness for her.

Although I was expecting an action-packed adventure story this dreamily written story was full of self exploration and a lot of intospection and tradition. Cassandra, her twin brother Paul and her father come to the Island full of hope but because of their impure mixed blood are not easily accepted. The author delivers a beautifully written story that, for me, enveloped itself too fully into culture and tradition.

I find myself with conflicted views about Shadows Cast by Stars, on one hand I was expecting a faster, lighter story but instead the book was slow in movement and dark in theme. A lot of emphasis is put on First Nations mythology actually more culture information that I wanted. I would advise the reader to bring their patience to the read as this is a very slow story.

Book Number 196

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
Category: Tea for Two
Dec Alpha Kit: Q
Dec TIOLI #4: Zodiac Challenge



One of my favorite Romance authors is Julia Quinn and so I had no hesitation about picking up Because of Miss Bridgerton and I was mostly satisfied with it, This is the first book from a series considered the Bridgerton prequels and features a family that are cousins to the better known Bridgertons and thier neighbours, the Rokesbys. I found the romance was fairly straightforward
without two many surprises as we follow tomboy Billie Bridgerton as she falls in love with George Rokesby.

As neighbours she grew up with the Rokesby Children, in particular Edward and Andrew and it was expected that she would marry one of these. She never gave the eldest son, George a thought, finding him arrogant and overbearing. But one kiss changes every thing and as they find themselves thrown together,sparks fly.

A fun read and the Rokesbys are a large enough family that I can see the author will have plenty of material for more books. So although I found this one rather constrictive in setting, I will definitely be contunuing on.

My new thread is up and ready. A warm w!elcome to everyone!