MissBrangwen's reading delights in 2024 - III

This is a continuation of the topic MissBrangwen's reading delights in 2024 - II.

Talk2024 Category Challenge

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MissBrangwen's reading delights in 2024 - III

1MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 2:43 pm


(Armchair Bookshop in Edinburgh, one of my favourite bookshops.)

I'm a bit late, but it is high time that I start a new thread, and it feels good to have one for the last quarter. Autumn is in full swing here and what I like most about it is cuddling up with a book and hot tea while it's rainy and windy outside!

~~~

Hi, I am Mirjam and this is my fourth year in the Category Challenge. In the first three years I encountered a huge reading/online slump each summer, and in 2024 I am determined to avoid that and stay focused on my books!
I live in the north of Germany close to the North Sea, together with my husband. We are both college teachers and besides reading, we love traveling. In 2023 I also joined a choir for the first time in more than fifteen years, and I am happy about the fact that music is back in my life.

I love this group so much because the challenges bring books to my attention that have often lingered on my shelves for many years without really being noticed. I also enjoy the atmosphere, it is such a comforting place with wonderful conversations, inspiration and kindness, and of course lots of BBs!

In 2023 I read about 2/3 books from my shelves and 1/2 new books - I was quite content with that although I aspire to read even more from my shelves. I plan to participate in several CATs and KITs, but not in all of them. If I don't have a book that fits a prompt, I will not participate in that month. Books are eligible to count for multiple challenges. I am also keeping my categories from last year.

~~~

Like last year, I don't have a dedicated theme, but decided to use pictures from my travels from 2023 that have a connection to books.

~~~

My reading year runs from Dec 24 to Dec 23!

2MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 2:44 pm

Currently Reading




5MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 2:54 pm

Chronological List - Third Quarter

56. The Sea Rose by Mariella Hunt
57. The Sea King by Mariella Hunt
58. Steeped in Suspicion by Eryn Scott
59. Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood
60. Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood
61. Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap
62. Lord Muck and Lady Alice by Isabella Hargreaves
63. Love and Other Addictions by Isabella Hargreaves
64. Love at Lost Lagoons by Isabella Hargreaves
65. The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
66. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
67. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne
68. They Came To Baghdad by Agatha Christie
69. Claiming The Heart Of A Duke by Arietta Richmond
70. Owuors Heimkehr by Stefanie Zweig
71. Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh
72. Am Hofe des Sonnenkönigs by Vonda McIntyre
73. Galatea by Madeline Miller
74. Herztier by Herta Müller
75. Little Mole's Week by Michal Černik, ill. by Zdeněk Miler & Kateřina Miler
76. Glitterland by Alexis Hall
77. Intriguing The Viscount by Arietta Richmond
78. Zoo Quest For A Dragon by David Attenborough
79. Quest in Paradise by David Attenborough
80. Quest Under Capricorn by David Attenborough
81. David Attenborough In His Own Words publ. by BBC Audio
82. The Roommate by Dervla McTiernan
83. Life Begins On Friday by Ioana Pârvulescu
84. Towards Zero by Agatha Christie
85. A Taste of Murder by Helena Marchmont
86. The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien (ed.)
87. Three Sea Stories: Typhoon, Falk, The Shadow-Line by Joseph Conrad
88. Lance by Vladimir Nabokov
89. Auf der Suche nach König Artus by Jürgen Wolf
90. Der Feuerturm by Catalin Dorian Florescu

7MissBrangwen
Edited: Nov 22, 12:36 pm

8MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 2:47 pm


(Armchair Books, Edinburgh)

Doorstoppers
All books that have more than 600 pages, or more than 500 if the print is tiny.

1. Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (950pp.)
2. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth by J.R.R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien (ed.) (539pp.)
3. Am Hofe des Sonnenkönigs by Vonda McIntyre (606pp.)

9MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 2:48 pm


(Literatų gatvė is a street in Vilnius that celebrates many different authors with unique commemorative plaques.)

J.R.R. Tolkien
All books connected to J.R.R. Tolkien in any way.

1. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth by J.R.R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien (ed.)
2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
3. The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien (ed.)

11MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 8, 10:16 am


(These statues in Kaunas commemorate the smugglers who brought Lithuanian books into Lithuania when the country was part of the empire of the Tsar and books in that language were forbidden, as well as the mothers who secretly taught Lithuanian to their children while instructing them in household skills.)

Nonfiction

Autobiography | Memoir | Letters | Biography
Der Klang meines Lebens by Patricia Kelly
Letters of Note - Love ed. by Shaun Usher

History
Maeshowe and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney by Sally Foster
Skara Brae by David Clarke
Auf der Suche nach König Artus by Jürgen Wolf
The Pitkin Guide to Titanic by Roger Cartwright
Die Minnesinger in Bildern der Manessischen Handschrift (Insel-Bücherei)

Politics | Sociology | Critical Theory
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

Religion
Das Geheimnis der Weihnacht by Tomáš Halík
The Bible - A Very Short Introduction by John Riches
Wer glaubt, kann vertrauen by Jörg Zink

Travel
Zoo Quest For A Dragon by David Attenborough
Quest in Paradise by David Attenborough
Quest Under Capricorn by David Attenborough

Others
Poet's Corner - Westminster Abbey by James Wilkinson
David Attenborough In His Own Words publ. by BBC Audio



Great Courses

13MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 2:58 pm


(Mint Vinetu, a bookshop in Vilnius)

Short Reads
Single short stories and articles (when I do not read the whole collection) read for leisure - texts read for work are not included.

Short stories and other prose
"The Quest of Erebor" by J.R.R. Tolkien - In: The Annotated Hobbit by Douglas A. Anderson, pp.367-377.
"The Natural History & Extinction of the People of the Sea" by Vonda McIntyre (Book View Café on web.archive.org)

Articles and essays

14MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 3:01 pm


(The Book Nook, a bookshop café in Stirling, Scotland)

Series

Ongoing Series

Bedwyn Series by Mary Balogh (reading in order)
- Slightly Wicked (2/6)
- Slightly Scandalous (3/6)
- Slightly Tempted (4/6)

Neues vom Süderhof by Brigitte Blobel (not reading in order)
- Die Nesträuber (10/23)

Superintendent Battle by Agatha Christie (not reading in order)
- Towards Zero (5/5)

Seebad-Krimi by Elsa Dix (reading in order)
- Der tote Rittmeister (2/4)

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (reading in order - reread)
- Dragonfly in Amber (2/9)

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (reading in order - reread)
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2/7)
- The Horse and His Boy (3/7)

Cormac Reilly by Dervla McTiernan (reading somewhat in order)
- The Roommate (0.7/3)

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny (reading in order)
- The Cruellest Month (3/19)

Inspector Rebus by Ian Rankin (reading in order)
- The Hanging Garden (9/24)
- Death Is Not The End (9.5/24)

Familie Redlich by Stefanie Zweig (not reading in order)
- Owuors Heimkehr (2.5/4)

15MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 18, 2:02 pm

New series

Rhona MacLeod by Lin Anderson (reading in order)
- Driftnet (1/18)

Little Village by Nathan Burgoine (not reading in order)
- A Little Village Blend (6/7)

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman (reading in order)
- The Invisible Library (1/8)
- The Masked City (2/8)

The Saxon Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell (reading in order)
- The Last Kingdom (1/13)

Nobody Series by Diane Farr (reading in order)
- The Nobody (1/2)

Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by Amanda Flower (reading in order)
- Assaulted Caramel (1/8)

Spires by Alexis Hall (reading in order)
- Glitterland (1/6)

All Creatures Great And Small by James Herriot (reading in order)
- All Creature Great And Small (1/5)

The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb (reading in order)
- Assassin's Apprentice (1/3)

Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb (reading in order)
- Assassin's Apprentice (1/16)

The Donovans by Martha Keyes (reading in order)
- Unrequited (1/4)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (reading in recommended order)
- Throne of Glass (1/8)
- Crown of Midnight (2/8)

17MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 3:02 pm

Finished series

Homecomings by Isabella Hargreaves (read in order)
- Homecomings (1/3)
- All Quiet On The Western Plains (2/3)
- Journey's End On The Western Plains (3/3)

The STEMinist Novellas by Ali Hazelwood (read in order)
- Under One Roof (1/3)
- Stuck With You (2/3)
- Below Zero (3/3)

Hedley Nicholson by Mary Kelly (not read in order)
- The Spoilt Kill (1/2)

Up to date series (waiting for next installment!)

Stations of the Heart by Isabella Hargreaves (reading in order)
- Lord Muck and Lady Alice (1/3)
- Love and Other Addictions (2/3)
- Love at Lost Lagoons (3/3)

Lords and Ladies of the Sea by Mariella Hunt (reading in order)
- The Sea Rose (1/2)
- The Sea King (2/2)

18MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 22, 6:44 am


(Rheinsberg Castle, which is the location of the Kurt Tucholsky Museum. Both Tucholsky and Theodor Fontane visited this castle.)

Historical Fiction Challenge

1. Set in the country you're from
2. Set in a different country
3. Set in your favourite historical period
4. Set in period you're less familiar with
5. Historical fiction with a speculative element
6. About a real historical figure or a specific event
7. A work of historical fiction of over 500 pages
Bonus: A classic work of historical fiction

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon - 2, 5, 6, 7
My Dear I Wanted To Tell You by Louisa Young - 2, 6
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig - 2
Der tote Rittmeister by Elsa Dix - 1
Summer in February by Jonathan Smith - 2, 6
The Crow Folk by Mark Stay - 2, 5
All Quiet On The Western Plains by Isabella Hargreaves - 2
Death Comes As The End by Agatha Christie - 2, 4, Bonus
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint - 2, 5
Am Hofe des Sonnenkönigs by Vonda McIntyre - 2, 5, 7
Life Begins On Friday by Ioana Pârvulescu - 2, 5
The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson - 2, 6
Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen - 2, 3
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen - 2
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell - 2, 3
A Quilt For Christmas by Sandra Dallas - 2, 4

19MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 21, 5:50 am

20MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 8, 10:17 am

Reading Through Time - Quarterly Topics

January - March: Prehistory
Maeshowe and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney by Sally Foster
Skara Brae by David Clarke

April - June: Ancient/Biblical Times
Death Comes As The End by Agatha Christie
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

July - September: Arthurian Britain
The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien (ed.)
Auf der Suche nach König Artus by Jürgen Wolf

October - December: Middle Ages/Vikings
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
Die Minnesinger in Bildern der Manessischen Handschrift (Insel-Bücherei)

21MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 23, 2:12 pm



1. Something themed around food or cooking: Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower
2. A book with an ugly cover: Murder on the Enriqueta by Molly Thynne
3. A book with nothing on the cover but the title and author: Galatea by Madeline Miller
4. A book featuring twins: The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
5. A book about a topic about which you have specific knowledge or expertise: The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien (ed.)
6. First published in a year ending in 24: The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson
7. Epistolary or diary format: Letters of Note - Love ed. by Shaun Usher
8. The words "Big" or "Little" in the title: Little Deaths by Emma Flint
9. A book from one of the libraries listed under the "Similar libraries" featured on your LT profile page: Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
10. A book about Friendship: Summer in February by Jonathan Smith
11. A three-word title: The Spoilt Kill by Mary Kelly
12. Features a paper based item in the plot: My Dear I Wanted To Tell You by Louisa Young
13. Read a CAT: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
14. A short story collection / Anthology: Crimespotting - An Edinburgh Crime Collection by Lin Anderson et al.
15. Title contains a person's name: Pole Poppenspäler by Theodor Storm
16. Set in the city: The Hanging Garden by Ian Rankin
17. A book with fewer than 100 copies on LT: Der Klang meines Lebens by Patricia Kelly
18. Something written by a person of colour: The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
19. Written by an author 65 or older: Das Geheimnis der Weihnacht by Tomáš Halík
20. A book featuring water: Der tote Rittmeister by Elsa Dix
21. Involves warriors or mercenaries: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
22. Reread a favorite book: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
23. A book written in another cultural tradition: The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth by Veeraporn Nitiprapha
24. Something that takes place in multiple countries: Homecomings by Isabella Hargreaves
25. Read a current/recent bestseller: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

23MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 16, 1:59 pm

HistoryCAT

February: Georgian/Regency/Victorian Britain
Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh

April: Riots, Revolutions and Mayhem
Der Feuerturm by Catalin Dorian Florescu

March: Science and Medicine
All Quiet On The Western Plains by Isabella Hargreaves

May: Middle Ages
Lieder (Mittelhochdeutsch/Neuhochdeutsch) by Neidhart von Reuental

July: Spies in July
They Came To Baghdad by Agatha Christie

September: WWI/WWII
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen

October: Disasters
The Pitkin Guide to Titanic by Roger Cartwright

December: Religion and Religious Festivals
The Christmas Hirelings by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

24MissBrangwen
Edited: Nov 22, 12:39 pm


(A book café in Hanoi.)

MysteryKIT

January: Short Stories
Crimespotting - An Edinburgh Crime Collection by Lin Anderson et al.

February: True Unsolved Mysteries
Little Deaths by Emma Flint

April: Series
Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower
The Cruellest Month by Louise Penny

May: The Golden Age
Death Comes As The End by Agatha Christie

July: Cross Genre Mysteries
Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

August: Amateur Sleuths
Matcha Do About Murder by Eryn Scott

September: Upstairs/Downstairs
Towards Zero by Agatha Christie

October: Not-too-scary Mysteries
The Body in the Annex by Diana Xarissa

November: Noir
Driftnet by Lin Anderson

25MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 18, 2:04 pm

SFFKIT

January: Epic Fantasy
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

February: Critters and Creatures
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

June: Monsters!
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

July: First Contact
Am Hofe des Sonnenkönigs by Vonda McIntyre

August: Paranormal Investigators
Matcha Do About Murder by Eryn Scott

December: Bookish Fantasy
The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman

31MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 3:17 pm

Hosting Commitments:

MysteryKIT: September - Upstairs/Downstairs
SFFKIT: December - Bookish Fantasies
HistoryCAT: December - Religions and religious festivals

32MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 19, 3:19 pm


Book Street Hanoi, a street lined with bookshops and publishers.

Welcome to my third and last thread of 2024!

33threadnsong
Oct 19, 5:36 pm

Hello! I can't believe I'm the first person to post here on your new thread. I hope you continue to have a great reading quarter.

34lowelibrary
Oct 19, 10:43 pm

Happy new thread. It was great to revisit your pictures.

35MissWatson
Oct 20, 3:22 am

Happy new thread, Mirjam. All those lovely bookshops are a treat to see.

37MissBrangwen
Oct 20, 4:33 am

I started October with The Body in the Annex by Diana Xarissa. I like the Aunt Bessie series by this author, and this book is the first one in a new mystery series written by her.



Book No 91

"The Body in the Annex" by Diana Xarissa
Series: Sunset Lodge Mysteries
First published in 2022
self-published
ebook, 185pp.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars - **°

CATs & KITs: October MysteryKIT - Not-too-scary Mysteries, October AlphaKIT D-T, Yearlong AlphaKIT X-Z
My own categories: Series - New Series

Abigail has just purchased a historic hotel in the Finger Lakes and has to figure out how to renovate it on a budget while attracting more guests. Fortunately, there is a small team to help her: The staff who have worked there for a long time and who have stayed out of loyalty to the lovely property. But when a guest is found murdered in the annex, things become even more complicated - even more so because it turns out that nearly everyone in the small town has a reason to hate the dead man.

This is quite a weak start to the new series. While the hotel location is lovely and I did like the main character, it just takes too much space to introduce all the people from the town and the hotel. There are too many info drops and everything seems too constructed. I think that a lot of the introductions could have been done more elegantly. On the other hand, I did like the case itself and the story became better towards the end, so I will read the next book in the series to see where it goes from here.

38MissBrangwen
Edited: Oct 20, 6:10 am

My next read was another Romanian novel, the last one for now, although I still have one on my shelf. I found Miruna, A Tale by Bogdan Suceavă through LT. This book was translated from Romanian to English by Alistair Ian Blyth.



Book No 92

"Miruna, A Tale" by Bogdan Suceavă
Original Title: Miruna, o poveste
First published in 2007
Twisted Spoon Press
ebook, 141pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

This novel is a mixture of family story, history and mythology/folklore. The narrator, now an adult man, remembers the times he spent as a young boy at his grandparent's house with his younger sister, Miruna. His grandparents lived in a village in the Carpathians where modernity had not yet reached, and his grandfather told stories to the children, especially to Miruna who was more open to the enchantment.
The stories mix memories of the grandfather's life and those of his ancestors with folk tales and local history and also the wider history of Romania. Wars and battles, threats of bandits and shapeshifters, the magic of old wise women against the power of the church, and the art of surviving in the Carpathian Mountains, where life is not safe not only because of the harshness and cruelty of nature, but also because of non-human beings that inhabit these parts and might bring you to strange places...

Although this is short, I needed a long time to read it because it needs to be savored, but also because there is no plot and sometimes I had to force myself a bit to go on, although all in all I enjoyed it very much. The translation flows well and seems effortless, and I felt myself drawn into this world that is only some decades old but feels timeless.

There is a very interesting afterword in which the author lays out his intentions and the background of the book. He explains that because of the rugged terrain and secludedness, mountain villages like that of his own grandparents were less effected by the communist regime as they did not have much economic value.
Thus, in this book he depicts a world that he experienced as a young boy but that since has vanished, a world of oral literature and traditional society.

39dudes22
Oct 20, 7:30 am

>37 MissBrangwen: - I like her Aunt Bessie series too. I'll have to check this series out.

40NinieB
Oct 20, 8:51 am

>37 MissBrangwen: It's set in the Finger Lakes? Which lake? (I live in upstate New York, so I'm always interested in local books.)

41MissBrangwen
Oct 20, 10:48 am

>39 dudes22: I have hopes that the next book will be better now that all the characters are established.

>40 NinieB: As far as I know no specific lake is mentioned, but I might have missed something since I am not familiar with the area. The town is called Nightshade and I believe it's fictional.
I hadn't heard of the Finger Lakes ever before, but I googled and it looks like a beautiful region!

42MissBrangwen
Oct 20, 11:24 am

After finishing Miruna, A Tale I needed some holiday reading and chose Matcha Do About Murder by Eryn Scott, the second book in the Pebble Cove Teahouse series. I had read the first book this summer and had liked it very much. I had chosen it for two AugustKITs but hadn't managed to read it in August, so I was glad to do so now.



Book No 93

"Matcha Do About Murder" by Eryn Scott
Series: Pebble Cove Teahouse (2/8)
First published in 2020
Kristopherson Press
ebook, 226pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: August MysteryKIT - Amateur Sleuths, August SFFKIT - Paranormal Investigators
My own categories: Series - Ongoing Series

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series!
Rosemary has inherited her grandmother's teashop in the seaside village of Pebble Cove and decided to keep it and run it just as her grandmother did. She is supported by Asher, a ghost living in the building, because apparently she can see and communicate with ghosts after she had two near death experiences as a child.

When Rosemary visits her competitor's teashop in the centre of town, a man dies after sipping a matcha. As it is her impression that the police do not really investigate the case for reasons of their own, she decides to start enquiries herself, once more asking the local ghosts for help.
I did like this case. It sounds like an old story, but it was interesting and kept me guessing for a long time. There was much more to it than I thought at first, and it gives more background to Pebble Cove.

There is also Asher's storyline, which I enjoyed even more. He died during World War One and needs Rosemary's help to find out why. I'm not explaining more to avoid spoilers (for this book and also book 1), but I must say that this storyline is totally gripping me and makes me much more emotional than I expected from a cosy mystery series!

I am already looking forward to the third book, to see how Asher's story will continue as well as to see how Rosemary will develop the teashop and what kind of case will be next.

43cindydavid4
Oct 20, 11:46 am

>41 MissBrangwen: My aunt and her family lived near one (cant remember the name) before I was born my parents used to take the kids up there for the summer, playing with the rest of the cousins.After I came along I joined them; my strongest memory is all the water skiing, and so wanted to do it too.

44NinieB
Oct 20, 2:27 pm

>41 MissBrangwen: You're probably right that she didn't name a lake; the locals would be thinking they were in the book! It is a beautiful region with sailing, hiking, and wine-tasting.

45beebeereads
Oct 21, 7:30 pm

>42 MissBrangwen: This series looks fun. Taking a BB for when I am looking to go down a new series rabbit hole! Thanks!

46VivienneR
Oct 22, 11:42 pm

Happy new thread, Mirjam! Glad you saw bears in the wild on your recent trip to Romania. We have them around here and they drop by our house often. I love to see them but of course we don't do anything to attract them.

47MissBrangwen
Oct 23, 2:06 pm

>43 cindydavid4: That sounds like summers full of fun!

>44 NinieB: It does sound like a lovely region.

>45 beebeereads: I'm so happy to spread the love because it looks like this series is not widely known!

>46 VivienneR: Thank you! It must be wonderful to see them and I feel like people in North America have another relationship to them compared to people in Europe.

48DeltaQueen50
Oct 25, 12:15 pm

Happy new thread! Your trip to Romania sounds wonderful but I am sorry that husband was suffering from a cold. You have had a wonderful reading year in 2024!

49MissBrangwen
Oct 27, 6:19 am

>48 DeltaQueen50: Yes, it has been the best reading year I've had in a very long time! I'm so happy about that.

50charl08
Oct 27, 4:22 pm

Lovely to see all your bookish pictures for your themes. I was inspired to pick up some Romanian writers from your last thread (thank you!). They've arrived (from Istros books who do lots of English translations). Now I "just" have to read them...

51Jackie_K
Oct 27, 5:28 pm

>50 charl08: I'd not heard of Istros Books, so that has sent me down a very enjoyable rabbit hole, thank you Charlotte! :)

52MissBrangwen
Nov 2, 6:55 am

Last weekend we went to Northrhine-Westphalia to celebrate my mom's 75th birthday, and after that I was buried in work and doctor's appointments (just checkups), and also very tired from all the driving. But now things are finally settling down!
My husband is visiting his best friend in Leipzig this weekend and I am doing some stuff around the apartment that I've put off for some time - including rearranging a couple of my shelves! - but apart from that I plan to read and relax! I also have to catch up with reviews, somehow I haven't done them with all that has been going on!

>50 charl08: I'm so glad the Romanian writers caught your interest! I hope you enjoy them.

>51 Jackie_K: That's wonderful!

53Helenliz
Nov 2, 4:43 pm

Happy new thread. Love revisiting your book site pictures.
I also have a husband free weekend. Much as I love mine, I do like having the house to myself for a bit. Hope your weekend is nice and relaxing.

54pamelad
Nov 2, 5:20 pm

You've been really getting out and about! A big advantage of living in Europe - so many diverse countries so close to you. Enjoy your relaxing weekend.

55MissBrangwen
Nov 3, 9:58 am

>53 Helenliz: Thank you! I enjoyed my weekend and I hope you did, too.

>54 pamelad: It certainly is an advantage of living here, and we try to make the most of it.

56MissBrangwen
Nov 3, 11:30 am

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson was the last book I read in Romania (my reviews are reaching that far back, yikes!). I bought this as a cheap kindle deal and chose it to finish my Bingo card without having any great expectations, but it turned out to be an amazing book!



Book No 94

"The Wartime Book Club" by Kate Thompson
First published in 2024
Hodder & Stoughton
ebook, 445pp.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars - ****°

BingoDOG: First published in a year ending in 24
Other LT challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge, Reading Through Time Monthly - The Joy of Reading

There seem to be so many World War Two novels with bookish themes these days, and while they all have lovely covers, I am a bit wary of them at the same time. This was the first one I tried - and I must say that I absolutely loved it, and it has set a high standard for any other ones I might read!

The story is set on Jersey during the occupation, a topic which I did not know much about before reading this. Bea works at the post office, while her best friend Grace is the town's librarian. During the course of the occupation they both fight the Germans in their own ways, trying to make the most of their situation, although they also experience a lot of dangers, heartbreak and suffering.

The novel is a real page turner and I could hardly set it aside. There are dark topics as the author does not shy away from describing the dire situation of the island's residents under the Nazis. But there are also bright moments, and they are provided by books more often than not. A love of literature really shines through this novel and it shows how books can give hope and solace, and also how they connect people.

Although the novel covers several years, a lot happens throughout these years, which sometimes seems a bit much for two protagonists. It felt a bit like that during the novel, but I had to rethink this notion to some extent when I read the appendix. Although, of course, in a novel the action needs to be somewhat condensed and thickened to provide a plot, most of the stories (not the book club part, though) are based on true stories that the author discovered during her research, and I cannot fault her for including as much as possible.

This leads me to the appendix of the book, which is amazing and which I did not expect in a historical novel such as this. It is about sixty pages long in my kindle edition, and it features a lot of background information from the extensive research that the author did on site in Jersey. You learn more about what actually happened at the post office in Jersey as a form of resistance, true stories that found their way into the novel, information on the Jersey inhabitants during the occupation, many photographs, recollections of interviews with contemporary witnesses, lists for further reading and even a small travel guide of World War Two sites on Jersey. It is a fascinating and humbling insight into a place that is often overlooked when it comes to the vast topic of World War Two. The Channel Islands had a special role and a particular fate as they were small islands and so close to France. Resistance was much harder and much more dangerous because of this situation, yet there were people who tried their best and risked their lives to fight the Germans even in small ways and to help others under the harshest of conditions. This book pays tribute to them and while I love the idea of the bookclub and all the literary themes, it would even have been an outstanding novel without that.

57MissBrangwen
Nov 3, 2:54 pm

Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen was included in my Audible subscription, and when I saw it, I immediately decided to try it. Some of those free audiobooks have been DNFs in the past, but this one was a very pleasant surprise!



Book No 95

"Shadows of Swanford Abbey" by Julie Klassen
First published in 2021
Recorded Books
Digital audiobook, 13h 30min
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: July MysteryKIT - Cross Genre Mysteries
Other LT challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge

The beginning of the story reminded me a little of Northanger Abbey: Rebecca Lane, who works as a companion to a wealthy lady, visits her brother in the countryside. Because she does not feel particularly welcome, she decides to stay in the nearby abbey hotel, despite the rumors that it is haunted. As the story develops, it becomes a mixture of regency romance, gothic novel and mystery: Rebecca meets her childhood heartthrob, now a widower, a murder happens, and she sees a nun in the hallways of the abbey, although nuns haven't lived there for a long time - so are the rumors true? There is also a theme of books and literature running through the novel, as Rebecca's brother is a writer, a famous author is staying in the hotel, and Rebecca is a real bookworm.

All this might seem like a rather wild mixture, but it does work well and I enjoyed the story very much. Sometimes it moves a little slowly and I would have liked the plot to develop more quickly, but overall I liked it a lot. Elizabeth Jasicki reads it very well.

This is Christian fiction, but that only comes to the forefront towards the end, in one scene particularly. Apart from that it is not apparent apart from a few prayers in difficult situations.

58cindydavid4
Nov 3, 3:37 pm

>56 MissBrangwen: Have you read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? its similar in plot except the book was written through letters that were based on real events. like you i had no idea about nazis being in the Channel Islands. I learned a lot and though it was well done

59MissBrangwen
Nov 3, 3:41 pm

>58 cindydavid4: Not yet, but it has been on my wishlist for ages!

60MissBrangwen
Edited: Nov 3, 4:07 pm

The Pitkin Guide to Titanic by Roger Cartwright was another book I bought as a souvenir in Ireland when I visited Titanic related sites in Cóbh and Belfast, more than ten years ago. I hadn't properly read it until now.

October's HistoryCAT was "Disasters" and it is not a topic I like to read about, nor do I have many books about disasters. Titanic is the exception, I have been fascinated with her ever since I saw the 1997 movie as a young teenager. No doubt I am totally romanticizing it, but I do like to read about it! Although even when it comes to Titanic, I prefer reading about the passengers and about her design to learning about the actual disaster.



Book No 96

"The Pitkin Guide to Titanic" by Roger Cartwright
Publisher series: Pitkin Guides
First published in 2011
Pitkin Publishing
Paperback, 33pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: October HistoryCAT - Disasters, October AlphaKIT - D-T
My own categories: Nonfiction

I have read several Pitkin guides before and found them to be short and concise, but providing thorough introductions to a topic. This one fit that bill as well.
The book only has 33 pages, but it is full of information from the history of ocean liners, the development of Titanic, her passengers, her journey, the sinking and the aftermath, including the finding of the wreck, (conspiracy) theories, film versions and a list of Titanic sites and museums. The information is easy to understand, but not overly simplified, and although it is so short, it is very detailed. There are also a lot of pictures as well as tables/charts and info boxes. It is a good book for what it is, and I will certainly buy more Pitkin guides on interesting topics in the future should I come across them.

61lowelibrary
Nov 3, 6:49 pm

Taking a BB for >56 MissBrangwen:

62threadnsong
Nov 3, 10:53 pm

>56 MissBrangwen: I also thought of the Guernsey Library book when I read your review of this book. I never thought about a post office being a place of resistance to the Nazis, but I guess it could easily be one. I'm glad this was a good book for you and thanks for your review!

63dudes22
Nov 4, 4:25 am

>56 MissBrangwen: - I think I'll take a BB for this. I have found a few authors that write historical fiction who have excellent appendices - Kate Quinn comes to mind. It's interesting to know how they have adjusted facts to fit into the book they write. And who their characters might be based on.

64christina_reads
Nov 4, 10:58 am

>56 MissBrangwen: I'm another lover of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and your review has convinced me to give The Wartime Book Club a try as well!

65MissBrangwen
Nov 10, 4:21 am

>62 threadnsong: It neither had occurred to me before, but it does make sense. For example, they steamed open letters that were sent to the German commander, so they were able to warn people to hide their radios or bring hidden persons to other safe houses etc. when someone betrayed those secrets.

>64 christina_reads: I don't think that I have ever accounted such an appendix, so I was astounded by it. I wish that more historical fiction writers did this.

>61 lowelibrary: >63 dudes22: >64 christina_reads: I am so happy to make this book more known among readers! I hope you like it.

66cindydavid4
Edited: Nov 10, 11:21 am

>65 MissBrangwen: re indexes (indices?) I so agree, and I am a huge advocate for decently drawn full size maps of the areas the book takes us to. Even non fiction authors omit them or make them micro small so you need to go to google and figure it out (probably the publishers fault, really)

67MissBrangwen
Nov 17, 4:03 am

>66 cindydavid4: Oh yes, maps are wonderful as well! I often look up the places an author refers to on google maps if there is no map, but a map that is provides is so much better.

68MissBrangwen
Nov 17, 4:26 am

Unfortunately, my November has been turning out quite stressful so far, with lots of work and appointments. I have been too tired to read most of the time, and have not spent much time on LT. Politics have played a part in this, too, not only international but also because of what is happening in Germany (we are going to have a new election in February because the coalition government broke apart).
Speaking about more positive things, I'm taking part in a concert today with my choir, we are performing Fauré's Requiem and two shorter works composed by him. I am looking forward to it very much, but of course the rehearsals have cut further into my reading/LT time.
I hope that the second half of November will be more quiet!

69MissBrangwen
Edited: Nov 17, 4:40 am

This is my last review from October, and then I am caught up because unfortunately I haven't finished anything in November so far! I have started Driftnet by Lin Anderson to get me back on track, though, and it seems to be working.

Dracula by Bram Stoker is one of those books that you have heard about all your life. Of course I had many images and preconceived ideas in my mind, so I was excited to finally read the real thing.



Book No 97

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker
First published in 1897
Macmillan Collector's Library
Hardcover, 526pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: October CalendarCAT, October AlphaKIT - D-T
My own categories: Classics

As I said above, it was exciting to finally read a novel of such fame and cultural influence. The opening chapters fascinated and intrigued me immensely, but the novel dragged throughout the middle, becoming more gripping towards the end. It was interesting to discover so many aspects that are now central to "vampire law" (garlic, crucifixes, magical powers, looks etc.), and I would love to read more vampire novels now, both predecessors and successors of Dracula, to see how these elements played out. This edition includes a thought-provoking afterword by Jonty Claypole in which he explains how the character of Dracula embodies the fears and worries of Victorian society. It seems that the different interpretations as well as the history of its impact are just as interesting as, if not even more interesting than the actual story itself!

70MissWatson
Nov 17, 5:28 am

>68 MissBrangwen: I agree, this November is not a pleasant time. I do wish you every success for your concert!

71charl08
Nov 17, 12:34 pm

>68 MissBrangwen: Sorry to hear that the month has been stressful. The concert sounds a great way to deal with that though: hope it goes / went well!

72christina_reads
Nov 18, 2:12 pm

>68 MissBrangwen: I love the Faure Requiem! I sang it with my church choir a few years ago. Hope the concert went well!

And regarding Dracula, I always think of this: http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=285

73MissBrangwen
Nov 21, 5:45 am

>70 MissWatson: >71 charl08: >72 christina_reads: The concert was a success indeed! It was only the second concert I took part in since I joined the choir, but I was not as nervous as the first time, and everything went well. There were also several solo pieces performed by professional musicians from the philharmonic orchestra of our city, and these were just wonderful!

>72 christina_reads: What a funny and brilliant take on Dracula! I enjoyed reading that very much, thanks for sharing it!

74Tess_W
Nov 21, 11:50 pm

Love Faure Requiem ! I'm sure it was brilliant! As to Dracula, congrats. I didn't read the actual book until I was about 50---and why, I don't know! Same with Frankenstein. I loved them both. Speaking of Dracula, it was performed by our ballet last month and I went with a friend, very good!

75MissBrangwen
Nov 22, 12:35 pm

>74 Tess_W: I have yet to read Frankenstein and am looking forward to it! The ballet sounds great.

76MissBrangwen
Edited: Nov 22, 1:08 pm

I first read Driftnet by Lin Anderson in 2010 and did not like it all - but I must say that back then I did not read any crime novels at all and was not prepared for the style of the book. It truly is Tartan noir and it was not the best place to start my foray into mysteries.
Almost fifteen years later I thought it was time to try this novel again, et voilà, I liked it very much! I did not remember anything apart from a few specific details, so the story was not spoilt for me and kept me on the edge of my seat.



Book No 98

"Driftnet" by Lin Anderson
Series: Rhona MacLeod
First published in 2003
Pan Publishing
ebook, 236pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: November MysteryKIT - Noir, November AlphaKIT - L-W
My own categories: Rereading Fiction, Series - New Series

Rhona MacLeod is a forensic scientist in Glasgow. The novel opens with a gruesome case: A male teenager is found brutally murdered, and he seems to have been a prostitute. While Rhona is working on the case, it becomes intertwined with her private life that has its dark sides, too.
As I said above, this truly is a Tartan noir novel full of dark secrets lying behind glitzy façades. It is also very short, so no chapter and no dialogue is longer than it should be, and everything is concise. I must admit that sometimes I felt like a bit more elaboration would have done the characters a favor, and I would have liked to see a bit more of the forensic work and actually solving the case, but apart from that I really enjoyed this novel. I could hardly stop reading and turned page after page way past my bedtime! Truth be told, some of the details are rather gritty and that turned me off all those years ago, but while I could still do without it now, it did not disturb me too much.

77VivienneR
Nov 22, 8:22 pm

>76 MissBrangwen: You enjoyed Driftnet more than I did although I'm willing to try another one later in the series.

78threadnsong
Nov 23, 7:32 pm

>69 MissBrangwen: Congrats on finally reading Dracula! It is a fascinating book; the edition I read more than a decade ago was an annotated version that had historical notes/endnotes throughout. Including a recipe for Hungarian stew.

And congrats also on a successful concert and singing in Fauré's Requiem. The rehearsal part does cut into one's reading time, doesn't it? Hope the remainder of this month goes well for you.

79MissBrangwen
Nov 24, 5:25 am

I planned for a relaxing weekend with lots of reading, but my husband broke his foot yesterday when he tripped on the stairs, so we spent all day at the hospital. Fortunately, he was able to come home in the evening and does not need an operation, and he is not in pain! But of course he is using crutches and has to wear an orthosis, and we have to organize our daily life rather differently now from how we normally do things.
Right now, I am very tired but so thankful that nothing worse has happened.

>77 VivienneR: I see that Driftnet has mixed reviews, some positive and some negative ones. I am curious to see how the series develops.

>78 threadnsong: I imagine that reading an annotated version of Dracula is very interesting! I probably missed a lot of background information.

80MissBrangwen
Edited: Nov 24, 5:49 am

I finished another book the day before yesterday: The Forgiving Quilt by Lenora Worth. I enjoyed the first book of the Shadow Lake series, but the second one was quite disappointing.



Book No 99

"The Forgiving Quilt" by Lenora Worth
Series: Shadow Lake (2/3)
First published in 2022
Zebra Books
ebook, 297pp.
Rating: 2 stars - **

CATs & KITs: November AlphaKIT L-W
My own categories: Series - Ongoing Series

Three Amish sisters manage the Shadow Lake Inn after their parents sort of retired. Eliza, the middle sister, who usually takes care of the horses, has severely broken her leg and cannot work anymore. Thus, the family needs to hire someone to help with the horses, and this someone is Levi, with whom Eliza walked out six years ago but who left the area after she reacted in panic when he kissed her.
Eliza treats him coldly at first, but she still has feelings for him, although she doesn't see any chance that they can overcome their difficulties and get together again.

I do like this family, the setting, and learning about the Amish, but still it was a chore to read this novel. Both the reasons for the conflict between Levi and Eliza as well as how they treated each other until the last couple of chapters were just exhausting to read about. The story is very repetitive and there is a lack of development.
I am still looking forward to reading the last installment, as it has good reviews and I am optimistic about it.

81MissWatson
Nov 24, 5:56 am

>79 MissBrangwen: That's what we call "Glück im Unglück", isn't it? I hope recovery is speedy and you can quickly settle to your new routines.

82charl08
Nov 24, 9:24 am

Sorry to hear about your husband's accident: glad to read that he is not in pain though. Hope he has a straightforward recovery.

I don't think I've read anything by Lin Anderson, I will see if the library has a copy!

83MissBrangwen
Nov 24, 10:42 am

>81 MissWatson: Thank you, Birgit - "Glück im Unglück" indeed!

>82 charl08: Thank you, Charlotte! I think it is amazing that he does not feel any pain apart from a little pressure as if from walking too much. I did not know that this was possible. I hope you find the book and enjoy it!

84MissBrangwen
Nov 24, 11:15 am

I had a lot of time to wait yesterday in the hospital and on top of that there was no mobile reception and only very bad wifi, so I decided to read. Not being able to concentrate on anything substantial, I decided to continue with Arietta Richmond's His Majesty's Hounds series. I read book 3, Giving A Heart Of Lace, and was pleasantly surprised by it.



Book No 100

"Giving A Heart Of Lace" by Arietta Richmond
Series: His Majesty's Hounds (3/17)
First published in 2017
Dreamstone Publishing
ebook, 82pp.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars - ***°

CATs & KITs: November AlphaKIT - L-W
My own categories: Series - Ongoing Series

Lady Serafine and her mother are shunned by the ton because her brother gambled away all of their money and then committed suicide. To support herself, she sews and starts to create little hearts and other embroidered products that people can give to their sweethearts. When Raphael, a wealthy merchant, notices such a work that has been given to his sister, he instantly realizes that this might be the new business opportunity he has been looking for.

Serafine and Raphael are both characters that I liked very much, and it was interesting that the male character was not an aristocrat, but a merchant. The storyline felt fresh and I just enjoyed reading it, despite the circumstances! At only 82 pages it is rather a novella, not a novel, but I think that the plot corresponds to the length in a good way.

85Jackie_K
Nov 24, 11:26 am

>79 MissBrangwen: I'm sorry to hear about your husband's accident. I think unless the injury is completely horrific they tend not to operate (when I broke my foot in the early 2000s I had a padded boot for a week, and then just had to let it heal, using crutches if I needed). I hope he feels better soon, and you can get into a routine which works for you both.

86LadyoftheLodge
Nov 24, 5:05 pm

You and your hubby are in my thoughts and prayers.

87DeltaQueen50
Nov 24, 9:14 pm

Healing thoughts to your husband. I have been reading the Lin Anderson series and it did get off to a slow start but the last two that I have read - numbers 5 & 6 - were very good reads. I do remember that I actually liked the first book more than the second but that could just be personal taste.

88MissBrangwen
Nov 25, 2:30 pm

>85 Jackie_K: We don't have any experience with injuries like these, so it is interesting to hear that.

>86 LadyoftheLodge: Thank you, Cheryl!

>87 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy! I am looking forward to continuing with the series-

89LadyoftheLodge
Nov 25, 3:53 pm

My hubby had a pressure sore on his foot a few years ago and had to wear a boot and walked with a cane. He trekked all over Italy, France, Spain, and Corsica with that thing on! Our tour guides and the airport personnel (except Indianapolis airport!) were very helpful and kind. He was glad to finally get it off!

90MissBrangwen
Nov 27, 2:47 pm

We are quite successfully settling into our new routine. I am just happy to have my husband at home and that he is not in pain. I have less time to read paper or ebooks since I am doing much more housework and have to use public transport (I don't like driving), but that means I listen to audiobooks more!

>89 LadyoftheLodge: Wow, that must have been so strenuous, but bravo for going through with the holiday!

91MissBrangwen
Nov 27, 3:02 pm

In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen was the third book written by this author I listened to.



Book No 101

"In Farleigh Field" by Rhys Bowen
First published in 2017
Audible Studios
Digital audiobook, 11h 44min
Rating: 3 1/2 stars - ***°

CATs & KITs: September HistoryCAT - WWI/WWII
Other LT challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge

Three childhood friends from Kent are in the centre of this novel: Aristocratic Pamela and two men who are both highly interested in her. Yet Ben, the vicar's son, knows that he doesn't stand a chance against Jeremy, an upper class RAF pilot with good looks and money. During the war, Pamela works at Bletchley Park, while Jeremy fights in Germany. Ben, who cannot fight because of a former injury, starts a job at MI5. After a long time of dry and repetitive work he is sent to Farleigh, the stately home owned by Pamela's parents, where an unknown man was found dead - might he have been a German spy?

This historical novel has lots of good ingredients, but the middle part dragged a bit. I also felt a bit disconnected from the characters (apart from Ben). However, the story was very interesting and picked up even more towards the end.
I especially liked the depiction of how life of the upper classes was during World War Two, and the mystery kept me guessing.

92VivienneR
Nov 30, 5:35 pm

Ow! Sorry to hear of your husband's accident! I hope he'll have a quick and full recovery. I know how an event like that can change a daily schedule more than imagined. Healing thoughts to you both.

93MissBrangwen
Dec 1, 8:39 am

>92 VivienneR: Thank you for your kind words! Our daily schedule is totally different now indeed, but I am glad because although I am tired, everything works out.

94MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 1, 9:32 am

Yesterday I decorated our apartment for advent and apart from some Christmas music I listened to Das Geheimnis der Weihnachtswichtel by Sven Nordqvist, which was included for free in my audible subscription.
This was published in English as The Tomtes' Christmas Porridge.



Book No 102

"Das Geheimnis der Weihnachtswichtel" by Sven Nordqvist
Original Title: Julgröten
First published in 1986
Oetinger Audio
Digital audiobook, 25min
Rating: 3 stars - ***

CATs & KITs: November AlphaKIT - L-W

This book was written by Sven Nordqvist, the creator of "Pettson and Findus". The German audiobook is narrated by Josef Tratnik, who performs it brilliantly. Thus, although the paper version of the book must be beautiful because of the illustrations, the audiobook has its merits, too.

The story is set on a farm in the countryside where a family of gnomes (from Swedish folklore) live and secretly support the human family. It is Christmas Eve and traditionally, the humans place a bowl of porridge outside to thank the gnomes for their work throughout the year. When they appear to forget it this Christmas, the mother gnome gets into action with her children to steal a bowl of porridge from the kitchen in order to prevent the father gnome from being angry for a whole year.

The atmosphere of the story is wonderful, and although it is so short, it conveys the atmosphere of Christmas Eve on the farm. It is a lively story and I was exciting for the outcome. However, the family dynamics of the gnomes are not healthy - a mother and her children lying, keeping secrets and manipulating because the father does not have any anger management skills? Not something I would encourage children to learn.

95MissBrangwen
Dec 1, 10:49 am

I had never read any Winnie-the-Pooh stories, until yesterday when I read Pooh's Snowy Day. Now I think I must read the original stories one day.



Book No 103

"Pooh's Snowy Day" by Andrew Grey (ill.), based on the works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard
First published in 2011
Farshore
Paperback, 32 pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: November CalendarCAT

It is a very snowy day and Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet decide to build a new house for Eeyore. What starts as a fun adventure becomes a bit more complicated because of a misunderstanding, but of course everything is solved in the end.
Friendship and good intentions are at the centre of this story, and children also learn that the best of intentions can be misguided if you are not careful. It is a tale full of kindness and I enjoyed reading it. The illustrations are beautiful as well.

96MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 1, 1:02 pm

Today I finished a nonfiction book that I had been reading for some time: Wer glaubt, kann vertrauen by Jörg Zink.



Book No 104

"Wer glaubt, kannn vertrauen" by Jörg Zink
First published in 2022
Bonifatius
Paperback, 127pp.
Rating: 3 stars - ***

CATs & KITs: Yearlong AlphaKIT - X-Z

This is a very short book, but it took me ages to finish because it was strenuous to read it - not because it was written in such a difficult style, but in a style that is too simple for me.
It is an introduction to Christianity advertised as being easy to understand, and I thought it might be a good read, but the language is almost "Leichte Sprache" (Easy Language, a specific version of German directed at people who have low reading skills). While I of course see the advantages of this for a specific audience, it was hard for me to read this because I did not get into any reading flow due to the simple and repetitive syntax. Moreover, the content sometimes lacks cohesion. On the other hand, I agree with the general concepts of Christianity the author provides, and some chapters really struck a chord with me.
I think that the blurb should be clearer on what this book wishes to achieve and who the target audience is, and the content and vocabulary have to be revised according to that, too.

97MissBrangwen
Dec 3, 2:31 pm

My next audiobook was Unrequited by Martha Keyes. I needed some escapism and was looking for something short and sweet to listen to before starting on my Christmas audiobooks, and this fit the bill. The beautiful cover was what first caught my eye.



Book No 105

"Unrequited" by Martha Keyes
Series: The Donovans (1/4)
First published in 2023
Dreamscape Media
Digital media, 05h 03min
Rating: 3 1/2 stars - ***°

CATs & KITs: November RandomKIT - I Told It My Way
My own categories: Series - New Series

Elena McKinnon is a young Scottish woman who has lived in England for a long time, learning to forget her accent and anything else that is Scottish about her. The war against Napoleon has just ended and the men come home, among them Theo, with whom Elena was in love when he left years ago, and who has become a navy captain. Elena still loves him, but she also feels humiliated because he didn't react to a love letter she hid in his luggage when he left for the war.

The story is told from Elena's perspective and follows her for a few days after Theo's return. It is a quiet and yet intense tale. Not many things happen, but there are emotions, fears and yearnings, and I felt for Elena. I was frustrated with Theo sometimes and wanted to kick him, and sometimes I wished for a little more action, but all in all I really enjoyed this.

98MissBrangwen
Dec 8, 5:35 am

I had wanted to read The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell for such a long time, and now I finally did!



Book No 106

"The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell
Series: The Saxon Chronicles (1/13)
First published in 2004
HarperCollins
Paperback, 333 pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

Other LT challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge, Reading Through Time Quarterly - Middle Ages/Vikings
My own categories: Series - New Series

Set in Viking Age Britain, this is the story of Uhtred, the Earl of Northumbria by birth, but growing up with the Danes. Although the author takes some liberties, there is a lot of history in this book: Alfred the Great, historic battles, Danish/Viking leaders and warriors, and the development of the Saxon kingdoms.
This was the first time I read something by Cornwell and I loved his style and the atmosphere he creates. The narration flows skillfully, yet effortlessly, and you follow Uhtred's life as he follows his destiny.
The only point of criticism I have is that I would have liked to learn more about some events that are only recounted briefly, and more often than not, these are the events involving the women in Uhtred's life. There is a lack of dialogues between him and these women, and the important events regarding them are only touched upon (such as Brida's miscarriage, and all the aspects of his marriage to Mildrith). But well, it is a masculine book full of warriors, and I like the rest of it so much that I can live with it and am eager to read the next book in the series.

99MissBrangwen
Dec 8, 10:36 am


Reading Through Time's quarterly topic is "Middle Ages plus Vikings" and it is one of my favorite time periods. I have so many books to choose from for this, but time is running away, especially now that my reading time is diminished because of my husband's injury. So I chose a very short, but beautiful book to read: Die Minnesinger in Bildern der Manessischen Handschrift from Insel-Bücherei.



Book No 107

"Die Minnesinger in Bildern der Manessischen Handschrift" publ. by Insel-Bücherei
Publisher Series: Insel-Bücherei (450)
This edition published in 1962
Insel Verlag
Hardcover, 35pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

Other LT challenges: Reading Through Time Quarterly - Middle Ages/Vikings
My own categories: Nonfiction - History

This is a collection of pictures from the Codex Manesse, which was created in the first half of the 14th century and which is the most famous and most beautiful codex of Middle High German minnesang poetry. Apart from two examples - one as an epigraph and one as a conclusion - the book does not contain any poetry, but reproductions of 24 of the 140 pictures of minnesingers included in the codex. The pictures are ornate and very interesting to look at. Most of them include heraldic symbols and show the poets in action, representing something they were famous for or that features heavily in their songs: Jousting, hunting, singing for a lady etc.
There is an afterword which gives more information about the pictures and the poets as well as the history of the Codex Manesse.

100MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 8, 11:49 am

I had planned to read a biography about Vincent van Gogh for May's RandomKIT (Art & Architecture), but didn't get to it for lack of time. However, in October and November I bought quite a lot of picture books for a new course I am teaching (an English class for future kindergarten teachers), and I bought Dear Vincent by Michael Bird, illustrated by Ella Beech (no touchstone). It is a beautiful book and I suddenly thought that it fits the KIT perfectly, although I still plan to read the biography one day.



Book No 108

"Dear Vincent" by Michael Bird & Ella Beech (ill.)
First published in 2024
Thames & Hudson
Hardcover, 40pp.
Rating: 5 stars - *****

CATs & KITs: May RandomKIT - Art & Architecture

Vincent van Gogh, only called Vincent in the book, wants to leave the grey and dark city to live somewhere where there is sunshine. His brother Theo supports him. Vincent travels to the south by train and Theo continues to help him through letters and parcels so that Vincent can realize painting the picture of his dreams.

This is a story about fulfilling your potential and finding your own way, but also about the power of art and its positive effects, and the importance of friendship and kindness. The illustrations are wonderful and a true homage to van Gogh's art while retaining their own original style.

This book is an absolute joy to read and I highly recommend it!

101MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 10, 2:52 pm

I usually read Christmas books in December, and looking for a Christmas book starting with the letter K (for AlphaKIT) I came across Die Kinder von Bethlehem by Eva Spaeth, illustrated by Lore Hummel, from my childhood. I still own my old copy and reread it this afternoon.



Book No 109

"Die Kinder von Bethlehem" by Eva Spaeth & Lore Hummel (ill.)
First published in 1980
Siebart u. Engelbert Dessart Verlag
Paperback, 19pp.
Rating: 3 stars - ***

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT, December AlphaKIT - K-Q

The rhymes in this picture book make up a Christmas story that does not make any sense at all and that does not fit the title, but they do create a festive atmosphere because they include all the key words and the main ingredients of the Christmas story.
The illustrations were created by Lore Hummel, an illustrator of Children's books who was very popular for many decades. The pictures have a nostalgic air and are very sweet - probably too sweet for today's taste, but I did enjoy looking at them.

102MissBrangwen
Dec 10, 3:07 pm

The Best Worst Christmas by Kate Forster was another free audible book I listened to. I already saved it last December, but didn't get to it then.



Book No 110

"The Best Worst Christmas" by Kate Forster
First published in 2021
Audible Originals
Digital audiobook, 4h 29min
Rating: 3 stars - ***

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT, December AlphaKIT - K-Q

Lily returns home to England for the first time in seven years, when she moved to Australia after her boyfriend broke up with her. She and Tom had been a couple in high school already, until Tom left her after he had started university. The truth is that Lily still thinks about him and that no man since Tom has ever been able to compete with him. So when she arrives at home and finds out that her mom is in a relationship with Tom's father, who is also a neighbor, she is not amused. Now she has to spend Christmas with Tom, and of course tensions are high.

The book starts very humorously and it isn't my kind of humor, so to me it was rather awkward, not funny. It got better during the course of the story and I liked all of the characters - but not Lily, who comes across as just too whiny and immature. On top of that, some of the dialogues are quite bad and basic. In the second half, some very serious topics are introduced, such as addiction and suicide, and to me this clashed with the humorous tone of the novel.
Despite of all this criticism, I did enjoy listening to parts of it and rooted for the couple, and the overall message of the novel is a good one. I did like the romance when it really started.

103LadyoftheLodge
Dec 10, 3:20 pm

>100 MissBrangwen: I am happy to hear you will be teaching future Kindergarten teachers. One of my library degree specializations is in Children's Services. I loved the courses and reading all the books for kids. I still enjoy reading books like the one you described in your review. I own the Little Golden Book about King Charles.

104MissBrangwen
Dec 11, 3:43 pm

>103 LadyoftheLodge: So far I haven't read many picture books as an adult, but it was such a joy to choose books for the course and I am looking forward to reading them.

105MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 16, 3:09 pm

Yesterday I took part in another of my choir's concerts, we performed Bach's Christmas Oratorio and it was a wonderful experience. Of course it cut into my reading time, so adding that to my husband's injury and end of year stress at work, I don't get nearly as much reading time in as I normally would. But today I have another audiobook to report, since I am spending more time on public transport that I can use to listen! I finished The Christmas Hirelings by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.



Book No 111

"The Christmas Hirelings" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
First published in 1894
Audible Originals
Digital audiobook, 3h 53min
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT, December HistoryCAT - Religions and Religious Festivals
Other LT challenges: Reading Through Time Monthly - Reader's Choice
My own categories: Classics

Sir John Penlyon lives alone on his estate in Cornwall, estranged from his daughter. He is visited by his niece and his best friend, who ponder how boring and shallow Christmas has become and decide to hire some children to bring the spirit of Christmas into the house. Sir John reluctantly agrees and is bent on ignoring the children, but when they arrive, he gets more than he has bargained for.

This story depicts a late Victorian Christmas on an estate located on the stormy Cornish coast. It is atmospheric and heartwarming, maybe even a little too sweet at times, and of course it is also a bit predictable, but I did not mind that. This audiobook is performed by Richard Armitage, and he is stellar, bringing the story and the past to life.

106MissWatson
Dec 17, 4:09 am

>105 MissBrangwen: I really enjoy Braddon’s books and this sounds like just the right book for the season. And Richard Armitage narrating, that’s brilliant...

107MissBrangwen
Dec 18, 1:59 pm

>106 MissWatson: It's a perfect Christmas read, and he is such a good narrator that he can even pull off the children's voices without sounding ridiculous!

108MissBrangwen
Dec 18, 2:21 pm

I read The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman earlier this year and enjoyed it, so for this month's SFFKIT, which is "Bookish Fantasy", I decided to read the second book in the series, The Masked City.



Book No 112

"The Masked City" by Genevieve Cogman
Series: The Invisible Library (2/8)
First published in 2015
Tor
ebook, 357pp.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars - ***°

CATs & KITs: December SFFKIT - Bookish Fantasy
My own categories: Series - Ongoing Series

In the second book of the series, Irene has to free Kai, who has been kidnapped and is kept in a different alternate. The story is extremely adventurous, but there were a few parts that got on my nerves, (mainly all the new characters Irene meets in Venice - I don't think they added much to the plot and I had trouble telling them apart. I loved the book so much more when Vale appeared, and even more when they finally find Kai). Nevertheless, this book is a page turner, especially towards the end, and I am looking forward to continuing the series. I adore Kai and Silver and also like the other characters, and I enjoy the author's effortless style.

109thornton37814
Dec 19, 6:51 pm

>80 MissBrangwen: I think I'll put the first book in the series on my wish list and decide if I'll read the second installment later.

>105 MissBrangwen: That one sounds tempting!

110MissBrangwen
Dec 21, 5:04 am

>109 thornton37814: That sounds like a good plan! And The Christmas Hirelings is well worth a read.

111MissBrangwen
Dec 21, 5:42 am

I finished two more audiobooks, the first one being another Audible freebie, How To Lose A Guy Before Christmas by A.J. Pine.



Book No 113

"How To Lose A Guy Before Christmas" by A.J. Pine
First published in 2023
Audible Originals
Digital audiobook, 5h 24min
Rating: 2 1/2 stars - **°

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT

When Lucy's flight from Chicago to Minneapolis is cancelled because of a snowstorm, and there are no trains either, she uses a ride share app to find someone driving there so that she can spend Christmas with her family after all. When she enters the car, she finds out that the driver is Eric, whom she ghosted after they spent a wonderful night together at Thanksgiving. What an awkward situation, especially because Lucy still finds Eric utterly attractive.

There was a good story in there, and I did like the main characters, especially Eric. However, this was often overshadowed by stupid plot lines, cheesiness and cheap humor. Moreover, while the cover and blurb suggest that the roadtrip is the main aspect of the novel, the couple spend most of the time in a small town where they are stranded, which is a commercial Christmas town, and there are a handful of side characters (inhabitants of the town) all of which I found ridiculous. This could have been a really good romance if all of that had been cut out.

112MissBrangwen
Dec 21, 6:03 am

I was interested to read more by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, so I decided to listen to At Chrighton Abbey next.



Book No 114

"At Chrighton Abbey" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
First published in 1871
Andrews UK
Digital audiobook, 1h 14min
Rating: 5 stars - *****

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT
Other LT challenges: Reading Through Time Monthly - Reader's Choice
My own categories: Classics

Sarah Chrighton, who works as a lady's companion abroad, visits her extended family at Chrighton Abbey for the first time after many years. As there are so many visitors, she stays in a bedroom in a rather disused wing of the grand former abbey. The Christmas festivities progress, but Sarah sees something spooky and wonders if disaster might be ahead.

This story is short, but I loved it. It is a ghost story, although there are not that many ghostly scenes, and it deals mainly with Sarah's visit and the family history and family dynamics. I greatly enjoyed Braddon's style and the atmosphere of this tale.
The audiobook is narrated wonderfully by Natalie Chisholm.

I am happy to have discovered Mary Elizabeth Braddon and am looking forward to reading more by this author!

113kac522
Dec 21, 12:33 pm

>112 MissBrangwen: I've read two of her novels: Lady Audley's Secret and The Doctor's Wife. The first one was very good; the second was good and it was interesting because it was Braddon's "response" (or a different take on) Madame Bovary. The shorter works you're reading sound like fun; she was so prolific, but sometimes it's hard to find her books in print (besides the most famous ones).

If you do get to Lady Audley's Secret, there was a LT group read with Liz a few years back that was very helpful for me.

114MissBrangwen
Dec 21, 1:32 pm

>113 kac522: I already ordered Lady Audley' Secret and will take note of The Doctor's Wife, although I haven't read Madame Bovary so far (but it's on my shelf). Thank you for pointing out the group read!

115MissBrangwen
Dec 22, 10:31 am

Yesterday I finished A Quilt For Christmas by Sandra Dallas, which was a BB from Judy.



Book No 115

"A Quilt For Christmas" by Sandra Dallas
First published in 2014
St. Martin's Press
ebook, 241pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: December AlphaKIT - K-Q
Other LT challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge, Global Challenge

Eliza lives on a farm in Kansas with her two children. Her husband is fighting for the Union in the Civil War, and she has to manage the farm on her own. The novel follows her over the course of a year, as she lives through heartbreak, danger and hardships, but also hope. I only have very basic knowledge of the American Civil War, and I learned a lot while reading this, although the book does not include any info dumps. It is a vivid portrait of the strength of women during that time and it also shows the value of women's friendships. While the novel starts in a quiet way, it becomes a page turner after a few chapters.

I only have two aspects of criticism: I have issues with the portrayal of an enslaved person who tries to reach safety. While the portrayal is not overtly racist, it still includes stereotypes and the person could have had more agency. I also was a bit disappointed by the abrupt ending of the novel.
Apart from this, I enjoyed this book a lot and plan to read more by this author.

Please note that despite the title, this is not a typical Christmas novel. Christmas plays a role in the plot, but it is only one of many aspects.

116MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 23, 12:09 pm

I read another picture book for another course I am going to teach next year, it is a similar one (future Kindergarten teachers/educators), but in German. This is why I read a German translation of The Tree That's Meant To Be by Yuval Zommer.



Book No 116

"Der Weihnachtsbaum, den niemand wollte" by Yuval Zommer
Original Title: The Tree That's Meant To Be
First published in 2019
arsEdition
Hardcover, 32pp.
Rating: 5 stars - *****

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT, Yearlong AlphaKIT - X-Z

A fir tree grows in the forest, but it is a bit crooked and the branches are uneven. When the humans come into the forest to cut down Christmas trees, the fir tree remains. It is all alone and very sad. But when it is Christmas, the animals of the forest decorate the fir tree with leaves and feathers, and it finally understands that it is good just as it is, and that it is just where it is meant to be.

This book gives a wonderful message of empowerment and acceptance, which is underlined further because the people that are depicted are diverse.
The book was both written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer, and the illustrations are stunning. There is so much to discover in the beautiful pictures of the forest, and the book provides an opportunity to talk about nature and to learn about forest animals and plants. What a wonderful book to treasure!

117Jackie_K
Dec 22, 3:11 pm

>116 MissBrangwen: I love Yuval Zommer's illustrations, what an amazing talent he has!

118MissBrangwen
Dec 23, 9:12 am

>117 Jackie_K: I feel like I could get lost in the beauty of his pictures!

119MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 23, 12:16 pm

And another short audiobook with a Christmas theme: All He Wants For Christmas by Jerrica Knight-Catania. I did not enjoy this one much!



Book No 117

"All He Wants For Christmas" by Jerrica Knight-Catania
Series: A Regency Christmas Pact
First published in 2013
Romancing the Book
Digital audiobook, 2h 10min
Rating: 1 1/2 stars - *°

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT, December AlphaKIT K-Q

Rowan Findley has made a pact with his friends never to marry, after one of their circle has been murdered by his wife. However, his resolution weakens when he sees Olivia, with whom he spent a night full of passion seven years ago. They meet at a Christmas party and feel immediately drawn to each other again, but Olivia has reasons to avoid him.

I would have abandoned this audiobook if it hadn't been so short. The plot is predictable of course, but I would have been ok with that. What got on my nerves was that there is nothing between the two main characters apart from physical attraction, and I couldn't understand what Olivia sees in Rowan: He behaves so badly, and I couldn't warm up to him at all. There is also a kissing scene without any consent on her part, and he seeks out her estranged parents without consulting her before. In addition, the narration of the audiobook seems hectic and too forceful. The only scenes I really enjoyed were those involving a sleigh ride and other activities in the snow.

This is part of a series with every book written by a different author, but I won't look for the other ones.

120MissBrangwen
Dec 24, 3:55 am

I decided to read the remaining two picture books that fit this season because I was in the mood and I need to read through them anyway :-) The next one was Snowflake by Benji Davies, again in the German edition, Kleine Schneeflocke.



Book No 118

"Kleine Schneeflocke" by Benji Davies
Original Title: Snowflake
First published in 2020
Aladin
Hardcover, 32pp.
Rating: 4 stars - ****

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT

This book includes two separate storylines that meet in the end.
There is a little snowflake that tumbles down to earth, feeling excited and playful, but then anxious about where it will land.
And there is Noelle, a little girl celebrating Christmas with her family.
They meet in the end when the snowflake becomes a part of the decoration of Noelle's small Christmas tree.
It is a story about finding your place in the world and also about the joy in small, seemingly simple things. A wonderful Christmas book!

121MissBrangwen
Dec 24, 6:24 am

The other picture book was Ein Pferd zu Channukka by Myriam Halberstam, illustrated by Nancy Cote. While this was originally written in German, there is an English edition, A Horse for Hanukkah.



Book No 119

"Ein Pferd zu Channukka" by Myriam Halberstam & Nancy Cote (ill.)
First published in 2010
Ariella Verlag
Hardcover, 32pp.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars - ****°

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT

Hannah's biggest wish is to have a horse and she is overjoyed when she actually receives a horse on the first evening of Hanukkah. She names it Golda because of its color. During the course of Hanukkah, however, there is a lot of chaos as Golda does not know how to behave, and so Hanukkah turns out rather differently than expected.

This is a great book to include Jewish children in the classroom and it provides a chance for non-Jewish children to learn about Hanukkah. The story follows Hannah and her family through the course of the holiday as there is a short element of the story for every day of it, and apart from the candle lighting, other customs are included as well.

The only aspect I was a bit disappointed in was the ending, I think it could have been a bit more meaningful or interesting. It is still is a wonderful book, though, and I will look for more books by this author, including her books for adults.

122MissBrangwen
Dec 24, 9:31 am

I finished the third book of the Shadow Lake series, The Christmas Quilt by Lenora Worth.



Book No 120

"The Christmas Quilt" by Lenora Worth
Series: Shadow Lake (3/3)
First published in 2023
Zebra Books
ebook, 286pp.
Rating: 3 stars - ***

CATs & KITs: December CalendarCAT, December AlphaKIT - K-Q
My own categories: Series

Three Amish sister manage an inn on the shore of Shadow Lake. Their elderly parents live there as well and still are involved. This is the story of the youngest sister, Colette. After she has been as good as engaged to Matthew, who has worked at the inn for many years, he has to go to Missouri for several months to help his sick uncle. When he comes back shortly before Christmas, he brings another woman with plans to marry her. Colette is heartbroken, and also confused, because this action seems so unlike him, so she and her sisters try to find out the truth.

While the first book in the series is still my favourite, I liked this one much more than the second one. The plot moves a bit slowly and there is a lot of repetition, but the story is engaging and I also enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere and the descriptions of the festivities.
This is the last book in the main series, but there is a Christmas novella that I hope to read in the days to come. I am looking forward to it because I do like the setting of the series and the King family, so I am happy to meet these characters again.

123MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 26, 10:52 am

My reading year ended on the 23rd of December because I always start the new one on the 24th. This time I kept some statistics for the very first time, so here they are in case you are interested.

ROOTS

Books read: 120
Rereads: 11
ROOTs read: 42
New books read: 64
Borrowed books read: 3
Books given away (unread or DNF): 27

Languages and authors

Read in German: 18
Read in English: 102
Read translated from other languages: 8 (2 Czech, 1 French, 2 Romanian, 1 Swedish, 2 Thai) + 1 short story (Russian)

Books by female author: 73
Books by male author: 39
Books by non-binary/genderqueer author: 3
Collabs by authors of different genders: 3

Books by non-white author: 7

Books by new authors: 63
Books by authors I have read before: 57

Forms

Prose: 93
Poetry: 4
Drama: 0
Nonfiction: 17
Graphic (Novel/Nonfiction): 1 (1/0)
Picture books: 6

Hardcover: 6
Paperback: 27
Kindle: 50
Audible: 25
Other physical books: 1

First published:

1240s: 1
-
1860s: 1
1870s: 3
-
1890s: 2
-
1910s: 1
1920s: 1
1930s: 1
1940s: 3
1950s: 5
1960s: 4
1970s: 1
1980s: 3
1990s: 9
2000s: 18
2010s: 34
2020s: 32

124MissBrangwen
Edited: Dec 26, 10:33 am

Favourite novels (excluding rereads):

Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
My Dear I Wanted To Tell You by Louisa Young
Summer in February by Jonathan Smith
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Glitterland by Alexis Hall

Favourite fiction rereads:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Favourite nonfiction:
Auf der Suche nach König Artus by Jürgen Wolf

125MissBrangwen
Dec 26, 10:39 am

I must say that I had the best reading year since finishing university, and I am so happy about that. And it is safe to say that LT, and especially this group, has played a huge part in that because you all inspire me so much and I love our conversations, following your threads, and finding books for the various prompts.

You can find my 2025 thread here.

I'm looking forward to reading and talking about books in the year to come :-)

126dudes22
Dec 26, 5:32 pm

You've had a really good reading year and lots of great stats. Looking forward to seeing what you'll be reading in 2025.

127VivienneR
Dec 26, 6:05 pm

Looking forward to following your reading in 2025. I've been hit by many of your BBs. Keep it up!

128MissBrangwen
Yesterday, 3:50 am

>126 dudes22: >127 VivienneR: Thank you both for your kind comments!