LadyoftheLodge Reads in 2022

Hi there!

I am Cheryl from Indiana, USA. I live in a small town with my husband and four cats. I teach college classes online as part time faculty.

I am reading for the 2022 Category Challenges this year, and also continue reviewing for NetGalley. It is always fun to read the postings here and try to stay current with the discussions. Happy New Year 2022 to all! Hope it is a good one.

Hi Cheryl, Happy new year to you too. I went to grad school in Bloomington and enjoyed my time there very much. Are you in northern or southern Indiana?

>2 labfs39: Hi there! Good to see a fellow Hoosier here. I live just south of Indianapolis. I also went to grad school in Bloomington.

Happy reading 2022 :-)

Happy New Year, Cheryl.

>4 Ameise1: Thanks for the warm wishes and the beautiful picture.

>5 NanaCC: Thank you, and the best to you in 2022 as well.

I am currently reading several books, a few of which are carryovers from 2021. Will update soon!

I finished Dying for Chocolate for my in person book group. Goldy always annoys me, with sticking her nose in where it does not belong, and then getting into dangerous situations. However, I still read the novels, don't I? In this early installment in the series, Goldy and her son Arch move into a mansion where she will serve as live-in chef and still do her catering, just for the summer until her house is ready. Secret affairs and attractions abound, along with a retired explosives expert who is still enamoured of explosives! There was a lot that required me to suspend my disbelief in this one. I will be interested to see how our reading group perceives the novel.

The Christmas Bookshop introduces readers to Carmen and her sister Sofia, around whom the story revolves. Carmen moves to Edinburgh when her job as a shopkeeper ends. She lives with her sister Sofia, who seemingly lives a perfect life in a lovely home with precocious kids and a helpful and beautiful nanny. When Carmen starts work at a bookshop, she finds her niche in life as she assists in remaking the ancient store into a successful and attractive business, especially with the Christmas season approaching. Carmen's love life also becomes complicated as she deals with two potential boyfriends, and surprisingly comes to love her sister's kids! She experiences a lot of growing up and shows responsibility and maturity by the end of the book.

This story contains a lot of different and complicated threads, some of which seem extraneous to the central plot. Things get wrapped up in the end. Sofia's kids are adorable, as is Mr. McCredie and his book vendor Ramsay and his kids. Carmen and her lawyer sister seem somewhat air-headed and confused a lot of the time. The story also contains some despicable characters, but then everyone loves a good villain, right?

The book contains swear words (unnecessary) and religious remarks that can offend some readers (I was offended). (There is enough here to offend most people's sensibilities in some way. Did someone mention witches and spells?) Readers who enjoy a fun,complex romantic comedy will probably like this read anyway.

>9 LadyoftheLodge: I read this one last month, and I quite liked it. It's of a piece with Colgan's other two Bookshop books (and Ramsay and his kids are actually part of the main cast of The Bookshop on the Shore, so it was fun to see them again), but I wouldn't say you'd have to read the other two to appreciate this one.

The unnecessary swear words thing is something I've noticed with books of this general genre (UK chick lit), and I have to wonder if it's a cultural thing.

I finished Homespun Suspicions by Olivia Newport, part of the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries. It was a clean read with no swearing or sexual intimacy or descriptive violence. This is one of the few books (and series!) in which the main character shares my name. In this late installment in the series, Cheryl is now married to Levi, her Amish boyfriend, and they have "met in the middle" and adopted a modified lifestyle that tends toward Menonnite. They have a cute little girl, Rebecca, who steals the show throughout the book. Cheryl is the property manager for her aunt's cottage, and is tasked with "making an effort" to befriend the tenant her aunt has chosen. The new tenant turns out to be quite prickly and difficult. Cheryl discovers that she is hiding something, and that "something" leads to acts of vandalism by an unknown person. I liked that the story hung together and was believable, and the characters were for the most part likeable. Although this is a Christian novel, the faith aspects are downplayed and the book is not preachy.

>10 shadrach_anki: I noticed that as well. I wonder if it is a technique used to uncover or demonstrate characteristics of some "types" of people or characters.

Hi Cheryl. I’ll be quietly lurking.

>13 dchaikin: Hi there, and welcome!

I finished two over the weekend: Mary's Christmas Goodbye which was a gift from my sister, and The Scent of Cherry Blossoms which was from my TBR shelf (and required a box of tissues to get through). Both were good reads.

Just finished Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. This book combines the story of Minli, a young girl who tries to help her family improve their living situation, with folktales from China. The illustrations are also beautiful. This was a quick and engrossing read. I think I first read this book in library school (children's services course).

Just finished Coming Out by Danielle Steel, which was a LT Secret Santa gift. The "coming out" starts out as a debutante ball that divides the Walker family. Olympia wants her twin daughters Veronica and Virginia to accept the invitation to the ball, which is a family tradition. Activist Veronica does not want to attend, stating it will be an occasion that excludes some people, while Virginia is all about attending the party and dressing in a lovely gown. Olympia's wealthy ex-husband is adamant the girls will attend and make a proper entrance into adulthood and society, or he will not pay for their college educations. Her (current) husband Harry does not agree with the idea, and refuses to attend. However, the "coming out" turns out to be a kind of epiphany in many ways for the characters in the story. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Just finished a quick and easy read by Linda Byler The Little Amish Matchmaker. This is the story of a young boy who tries to matchmake his older brother with his teacher. The book reveals a lot about Amish customs and school and home life. The characters are realistic and believable.

Strangers on a Skein
In this latest installment about the Black Sheep knitters group, Phoebe decides to try her hand at her own business venture. Having successfully served as assistant manager at Maggie's knitting shop, Phoebe applies her managerial and creative skills to opening her own shop in the local artisan market. Her plans are scuttled when strange things start to happen: her market stall is trashed, and her online presence is marred with critical, negative reviews. Maggie and her knitting friends group together to get to the bottom of these deeds and help Phoebe.

This is a cute, cozy read, and will probably appeal to readers who like to knit. The characters can be annoying at times with their over the top comments though. Everything is explained in the end, and the stage is set for the next book in the series. Of course, any cover featuring cute dogs wearing knitted attire is a sure draw for knitting and dog lovers.

Just finished Amish Christmas Carol by Sarah Price, which is a short novel that retells the story of A Christmas Carol set in the Amish culture.

Finished Journal of a Solitude by May Sarton, for the LGBTQ author square on BingoDog card. I think I read this book years ago, although I did not remember it when I was reading it this time. I think the author is a gifted poet, although suffered from depression and a sensitive, artistic nature. I still want to read the journals of when she moves to her house by the sea, which I think I have on Kindle.

Hi, Cheryl! I finally landed on your thread. I'll be following along as always. Cheers!

>22 rocketjk: Thanks for stopping by! See you here soon!

I just finished Autumn Light by Dan Walsh, which is set in a fictional Maine town and features four friends who help each other out with their businesses. It is part of a series and I plan to read more of them in the series.

Getaway with Murder features a newly-opened mountain lodge as a backdrop for murder. When Misty hosts a yoga retreat at her mountain lodge, she never expects to host a venue for murder. Suspects abound, with plausible reasons for many of them to commit murder. There are plenty of rabbit trails and red herrings to satisfy readers of cozy mysteries.

I would have liked to see less detail and repetition in the story, so I skimmed parts of it to get to the ending. The characters are interesting and diverse, and the stage is set for future novels in this series. I liked that the love interest did not detract from the mystery aspects of the story, and there is room for development of that relationship in future stories as well. Law enforcement was treated with respect, not made to look like bumbling idiots as in some mystery novels.

Readers who enjoy clean and cozy mysteries set in unique locations will find this an intriguing addition to the genre.

I finished Cat's Cradle by Julia Golding. I am sorry to see this series about Cat Royal come to an end. She is quite the feisty and bold teenager and I have enjoyed following her adventures through the six historical novels in the series.

On this snowy day, I opened a box of books I had ordered and just picked up from the front desk (since it did not fit in our tiny mail box at the mail house in our community). The receptionists know me by name now, since I get so many boxes. They must think I am nuts! They call me the "book lady!"

The box was like a treasure trove! Several nonfiction selections about Amish people, some Amish fiction books, a cookbook, a garden book, a mystery novel that was a BB from MysteryKIT, a mystery novel in a series that I have read. All are now entered in my LT catalog. Way to spend a snowy day! Just add the coffee, wine, cheese and crackers and I am good to go!

>27 LadyoftheLodge: So lucky! The snowstorm hits us tomorrow, so I had planned to go to the library today, where I had five books waiting for me. Unfortunately they had to shut down due to a covid outbreak. No! So, I guess it's back to the TBR for me.

>28 labfs39: Bummer! I can certainly find stuff on the TBR shelf. Yesterday when I was shelving my treasure trove of books, I picked up a random Nancy Drew book, just opened it and read the first two pages, and got drawn in to the story. That happens to me all the time. I am really fortunate to have so many books. We don't have library cards here yet, since we just moved here six months ago. That is on our list of things to do in 2022.

Once Upon a Wardrobe was not at all what I expected. This novel combined aspects of fantasy, historical fiction, romance, and spirituality. The story turns upon Megs and her younger brother George. Megs attends Oxford as a maths major, and George suffers from a weakened health condition, with a predicted short life span.George is enamored of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and implores Megs to ask the author where the story came from. Megs sets out to accomplish this task for her brother before his time on earth runs out.

The result of this quest for Megs is an enlightened view of fantasy and myth and their role in belief systems. During her interviews with C.S. Lewis, Megs gains wisdom and insight into the spiritual realm, an area not based on logic. In the process, she develops writing talents that previously lay hidden. She also meets a young man who guides her quest and finally becomes an important person in her life.

The point of view in this book alternates between Megs, George, and C.S.Lewis. The story incorporates aspects of the life of Lewis, while providing an analysis of possible meanings of the Aslan character and other features of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." The spiritual aspect of the story is gently conveyed through the plot and characters, as they are lead to new and eye-opening discoveries and growth.This book contains moments of joy and of sadness, as it winds to its inevitable conclusion. The romantic aspects of the story,,while somewhat sentimental, remain secondary to the key themes. The final chapter is a stunner.

While this is not an easy read, it is a very thoughtful one. I would encourage readers to continue on with the story if they are thinking about laying it aside. It is well worth the effort. One does not need to be familiar with the works of Lewis to appreciate this novel. However, those who are not familiar may be prompted to pick up the Narnia books and discover the mystical connections for themselves.

Hello! I don't know if you listen to podcasts, but you might be interested in one called Just Plain Wrong where 3 librarians discuss depictions of Amish, Mennonite and other plain groups in media and popular culture. They include popular Amish novels. They also have FB, Instagram & Twitter

>31 Nickelini: Huh. I'm interested and have just marked the podcast to follow.

>31 Nickelini: That sounds like something I need to check out! I grew up in northern Indiana and lived there until 2003. I had quite a bit of experience with Amish people and culture in several different settings. When I was in college and an education major, we visited an Amish school and talked with the teachers.

I finished Nancy's Mysterious Letter which is book 8 in the Nancy Drew series. In this story, Nancy has two mysteries to solve: one is the theft of a leather mail pouch, and the other is locating a woman whose name is also Nancy Drew but has inherited a sum of money. Nancy also attends a college football game with her beau and enjoys its attendant entertainments.

I am still finishing Bake, Borrow, and Steal by Ellie Alexander. We received a lot of snow and today it is bitterly cold, so we have become house cats this week. That provided lots of time to drink coffee and wine and read. I also have been working on the last of the six courses I am contracted to write. All the elements are in place, I just need to pull them together and then proofread.

>27 LadyoftheLodge: What a wonderful delivery!!! :-) How nice to be a called a book lady!
This reminds of something that happened about seven years ago. I went through a difficult stage of my life and one day I ordered a lot of books through an online secondhand book selling website. They were really cheap (many not even a Euro) and I just added and added to my virtual shopping cart. It made me happy and was just what I needed to pick me up again. The books were from different sellers and antiquaries and they displayed different delivery times, so I thought it should be fine... Well, the story is that I went to visit my mom for a few days and when I came back, my neighbors had to carry all the packages and envelopes to my flat in their laundry basket!
I was ashamed, but they were really nice and thought it was funny.

Bake, Borrow, and Steal
For those who enjoy culinary mysteries, this latest one is a fun and cozy read. Jules and her staff at Torte assist with a new museum exhibit featuring a lost Shakespeare manuscript. While their focus is supposed to be food, as usual, Jules and her staff get involved in helping law enforcement solve several mysteries. The characters are described well (and some of them are real "characters") and the reader can easily picture the town in November, with its preparations for fall holidays and its scenic views. The story contains many descriptions of food preparations and culinary venues. While there are no cliffhangers, the stage is set for the next novel in the series. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

There were some plot holes that I had questions about. I was reading a galley, so maybe they were fixed in the final publication. Maybe my mind wandered when I was reading and I missed something.

>36 MissBrangwen: That is a funny story! Before we moved here to our community (with our tiny mailboxes!), I lived in an area that had rural mailboxes. My mail carrier asked us to get a bigger mailbox so all the packages of books could fit in it!

The seller I recently found has an online store and the books are all very inexpensive, with a "buy 3, get one free" if the books are under $5.00 each. They have quite a good selection too.

I started to read Lockdown on London Lane for NetGalley, and ended up skimming it to the end. This book used diary format to describe a week of lockdown in an apartment building and how different individuals handled it or not. The premise is probably an interesting and valid one, but I got annoyed with the book overall. The characters seemed really shallow and quite gushy about their feelings for each other. Lots of profanity for no reason. Maybe a younger adult would find this book to be cute and funny, but it would not stand the test of time with its many references to current culture.

Just finished a boatload of books recently.
The Wizard's Butler by Nathan Lowell which was a BB from another reader. I loved this book and look forward to the next one in the series (I hope). A few readers panned it on Amazon but I don't get their comments at all. I stayed up late to finish it.

Zin! Zin! Zin! A violin by Lloyd Moss--for the AlphaKIT letter Z.

Running Around (and such) by Linda Byler--cute coming-of-age story in a series of three.

Amish Women: Lives and Stories by Louise Stoltzfus--my first e-checkout with my new library card! Loving it!

I finally got my new library card and used it to check out e-books on Hoopla--yippee! It's a different library world, my dearies, since I graduated from Library School.

This short and comfortable read features correspondence between two women as its format. Although their letters to each other begin with sharing recipes and cooking tips, they quickly become much more. Immy and Joan soon become good friends and begin discussing details of their personal lives. They gather courage and strength from each other, although they only meet in person one time over the few years of their correspondence.

Love and Saffron" is a clean story of friendship, set in the 1960's. I enjoyed the details of life in that time period, and also found it interesting to compare the moral standards of the time to current ones. I recommend this novel to those readers who enjoy a diary/correspondence format, with glimpses into the political and social aspects of the 1960's.

Finished Maizy Chen's Last Chance which has a fine core story about a girl who reconnects with her Chinese family heritage and her grandparents. I respect the author's viewpoint and the backstory, but it seemed as if the book was trying too hard to connect all the socially acceptable politically correct themes--prejudice, discrimination, refugees/immigrants, LGBTQ, pregnancy out of wedlock is okay, pursue your dreams no matter what, and more. I really liked Maizy's grandparents, the tips about playing poker, and the story within a story. Maizy is a likeable and smart girl, and it would be interesting to read more stories about her.

Also read a book about coral reefs for NetGalley, which had lovely color illustrations but did not transfer well to the tablet format. Again, this book tried too hard by including college-level vocabulary words in a book aimed at kids. The book would have conveyed interesting info about coral reefs without the vocabulary words interspersed.

An Amish Bride continues the story begun in Book One of this Joyful River series. Sadie is the focus of this story, as she struggles to decide about her future. When her boyfriend Mark shows his dark side, Sadie fears she has made a mistake. Sadie seeks guidance and support from her friends the Lapp family, and rediscovers her feelings for elder son Sam. When Sadie tries to break things off with Mark, things go further awry for Sadie. She ends up bearing the responsibility of a relationship that has gone wrong, and the result of lies and cover-ups, though she did nothing wrong.

This book also features Megan, Serena, and Grace, the Englisher cousins who have come to live with the Lapps. They also seek guidance for their futures, as they find they no longer fit in with their friends in Philly.

The characters in this novel are realistic and endure struggles that are common to the human condition. The story demonstrates that the Amish communities must grapple with the same ills found in non-Amish society. I was both annoyed and astonished at the stance taken by the community leaders regarding violence against women and the result of their male dominance. The novel comes to a rather abrupt ending. I would have liked to see more development of the action in the final chapter.

Readers who enjoyed the first book in this series will reacquaint themselves with old friends. The book can also be read as a standalone.

Foundation of Love by Amy Clipston
"Foundation of Love" highlights the lives of two characters seeking love and friendship, but stymied by interfering friends and family. Duane lost his wife to cancer, and now is left to raise three young adult sons, while tending to his roofing business and farm. Crystal lives with her brother and cares for his growing family, yet yearns for a love and family of her own. When Duane and Crystal begin to care for each other and plan a life together, family and community members continue to try to match them with others and find reasons to keep them apart.

This book impressed me with its attention to a theme seldom seen in novels about Amish people: love later in life. Duane and Crystal are no starry-eyed youngsters; instead, they are mature adults who seek a fulfilled life together. The story is realistic and shows how friends and family can disrupt relationships for reasons of their own. In this case, Duane is pushed to take a widow for his wife in order to help the community, while his sons believe he should not remarry out of respect for his deceased wife.. Crystal's brother and sister-in-law selfishly expect Crystal to continue caring for their large family as a maid of all work, without consideration for her future happiness. It was frustrating to see them continually thwarted and kept apart, and.I quietly cheered when Duane and Crystal finally stood up for themselves. Themes of child bearing, male dominance, and grief also appear in this novel.

This is a clean novel, without adult intimacy scenes, graphic violence, or strong language. Readers who enjoy novels about Amish people, with a bit of a twist to the usual themes, will find this to be a thoughtful and intriguing choice.

(A personal aside here: I got really annoyed with Duane's constant focus on grieving for his deceased wife, 18 months after her death. I felt as if this stood in the way of his moving on with life. I know people grieve differently, and I have personal experience with the loss of a spouse. I also have personal experience with family getting in the way of remarriage; the story was realistic. I also got tired of hearing about sister-in-law Leona and her huge pregnancy with twins and how she kept rubbing her belly. Enough! Crystal was treated like Cinderella; I do not know how she kept up with all the work, especially since she was not getting paid to do all that. She basically ran a household of six kids all by herself. And then the bishop "ordering" Duane to marry the widow Tricia! I liked this novel but it was frustrating in some ways. As my bookmark says, "Sometimes I'd like to smack the characters with their own book.")

I finished An Amish Kitchen which contains three short stories about different Amish women. Although the stories are loosely connected by some of the same characters, the three women are quite different. The third story was unique for me in that it dealt with an aging parent who struggles with Parkinson's disease. The story pointed out the differences in Amish communities and acceptance of new ideas and modernization within the guidelines of the Ordnung (rules). There were some hilarious moments in this quite serious story, particularly when the pet lizard of one of the teen boys escapes from its cage and grandma finds it on her bed. She thinks she is seeing things, so curls up on the bed to take a nap with the lizard! This is also a story about families, secrets, and acceptance of others, even though differences of opinion exist. This was a satisfying read overall.

Just finished a light romance Philip's Christmas Secret by Hannah Miller. Definitely not high literature, just a fun read on a cold night. Also read Pumpkin Pie Mystery which was a fun mystery novella, but I felt as if I walked into the middle of a story that was already going along. This is number 4 in a series, but definitely not a good standalone. No list of characters or any kind of introduction was included, just dropped the reader into the action. It took me half the book to figure out who the people were. I think this is the kind of book that really needs to be collected into one volume with the others, so they can be read in order. There was also a cliff-hanger ending, forcing the reader to buy the next book to find out what happens. This seems to me like a rip-off and a way to manipulate the reader. I liked the story though.

I managed to snag two lots of Maigret paperbacks on ebay. Anxiously awaiting their arrival.

Just finished Missing May by Cynthia Rylant for a "cover all" on my BingoDoG bingo card.

>44 LadyoftheLodge: "As my bookmark says, 'Sometimes I'd like to smack the characters with their own book.'"

Where did you find such a delightful bookmark? Because I have felt that particular inclination myself on more than one occasion....

>49 shadrach_anki: My sister gave me the bookmark inside a book which was a gift. The web address on the bookmark is www.creanoso.com.

I finished reading The Library for NetGalley, which was a somewhat disappointing read. i wish the book tried to cover less ground and stuck to the idea of saving the local library. I thought the teen boy character was judgmental about adult issues and a big whiner. The senior citizen Maggie was a strong character, made that way through a lot of hardship and personal tragedy, but her kind heart and care for others showed her ability to overcome and triumph. I would have liked a lighter read, as it seemed there were really two parallel stories and they detracted from each other.

I finished Love Overboard which is a romance by Janet Evanovich. She wrote a series in the Loveswept line of romances years ago, before Stephanie Plum. It was silly but fun and a quick read.

I am reading Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker, which is about a journalist who decides to become a sommelier. I started and stopped this novel some months back, so trying it again. Also reading An Amish Garden which is a beautifully illustrated coffee table sized book about an Amish family's gardens through the year.

The Sugarcreek Surprise tells the story of Lisa, a teacher who fears to love due to past losses and pain at losing her family in an accident. She slowly takes steps to lower her guard when she is adopted by Maggie, a stray dog. When Lisa meets and forms a friendship with newcomer Paul, she begins to trust him and spend time with him. Some bumps in their relationship cause Lisa to pull back while they both reconsider what the future might hold for them.

This is a clean and sweet novel, lacking in explicit intimacy scenes, violence, or strong language. Readers who enjoy a lot of detail in their novels, and like to read about Amish people, will find this a sweet read by a well-known author. This novel continues the Sugarcreek/Walnut Creek series. Although some characters are found in both volume one and volume two, the novel can be read as a standalone. Personally, I found there to be a lot of extraneous detail (maybe filler) and events unrelated to the main story line. I also wondered where the title fit in with the story, as it was never really explained, maybe implicit in the romance angle of the story.

I read Romeo's Ex: Rosaline's Story by Lisa Fiedler. This novel was aimed at young adults. I liked the basic premise of the story, and it moved along well until the ending. Then things became rather bizarre and unbelievable. The author skillfully used the Elizabethan style of Shakespeare, with some humorous tongue-in-cheek additions. Too bad the ending degenerated into grotesque and gory weirdness. I also found the alternating viewpoints among many characters to be confusing. There were some plot points that lacked accuracy as well, since Rosaline was admired by Romeo but was not his "ex," and comments about "Renaissance thinking." Also, would Benvolio really have waited four years for Rosaline to return from the university, since she was in Padua studying medicine? As I said, readers should just skip the weird ending.

The Fashion Orphans is a tale of friendship, fashion, and family. Upon the death of their mother Bette, sisters Lulu and Gabrielle are tasked with sorting out her estate. When they find a huge closet packed with Chanel designer clothes and accessories, the sisters are puzzled about what to do with them and why their mother owned them. The ensuing journey leads them to new lives and new friends. In the process, Lulu and Gabrielle learn more than they ever imagined about their mother.

Although the story is told from alternating points of view, this gambit does not detract from the action and movement of the plotline. Readers will find themselves cheering for the sisters, as well as weeping for their losses. The characters are realistic, as are their dilemmas, failures, and victories, as they are changed over time by the magic of fashion, style, and genuine love. This charming read is a clean women's fiction novel, with no overt sexual scenes or violence, although a few swear words occur. The tension and action build to a satisfying conclusion for all concerned. Highly recommended.

Her Amish Springtime Miracle (Hope's Haven Book 2) reveals the power of hope and trust, in this Christian novel where Amish and Englisch cultures collide. When Hannah discovered an abandoned baby in her barn, she felt as if her life was finally fulfilled. Unable to have children of her own, and reeling from a broken courtship, Hannah embraces the child as her own miracle. She never counted on the appearance of Mike, the child's uncle, who desires to claim the child and adopt her. Faced with the loss of her miracle baby, Hannah faces heartbreak, while Mike discovers clues to his secret past. As he reconnects with lost family and realizes his feelings for Hannah and baby Grace, Mike must confront what he really wants his life to become.

This is a heart-tugging novel, with a plot that swiftly moves along to its conclusion. Hard decisions must be made by the strong characters, yet they never lose faith in the God who sustains them. Themes in this novel include fostering and adopting children, past lies and their present consequences, family ties, and the differences between Amish and non-Amish cultures. Readers of the previous book in the Hope's Haven series will recognize familiar characters and locales in cameo appearances, although this novel can be read as a stand-alone. Those who seek a clean read, without strong language or overt violence or intimacy, will find this an intriguing yet satisfying read. The Christian message is overt, yet an integral part of the story without being preachy or overbearing. Readers will sympathize with the predicaments of the characters and their difficult choices, and should prepare to shed a few tears whilst reading this novel. Highly recommended

The Maid provides readers with both a mystery and a character study. Molly takes great pride in her work as a housekeeper at a luxury hotel. Although Molly has some personality quirks, she is a hard worker and always looks for ways to improve. However, Molly unknowingly becomes embroiled in illegal operations that are based at the hotel, as criminals take advantage of her kindness. With the help of some surprising friends, Molly works through her challenges to a satisfying and yet surprising ending!

Readers who enjoy an intriguing mystery will find this novel to be of interest, and will want to cheer for Molly throughout the story. However, the novel presents a thoughtful look into the life of someone who sees things just a little differently from most people. After reading Molly's story, readers will also perhaps take a second look at the people who interact with them in service roles.

I just finished Almost Amish which was a disappointing read and not what I expected at all. This book was about a family and how they made "responsible" changes in their lives to benefit the environment. The theme of Amish wisdom and information about the Amish culture were interesting but seemed like a vehicle to show how great this family is and how we all should be doing what they are doing (probably could do it with the kind of money they seemed to have). I can read other books about the Amish that are more to my liking. The whole thing came off as superior, preachy, and probably unrealistic for most people. (And there are bible verses to support what she writes about too. Proof-texting?) I scanned most of the book after the first few chapters. It just was not what I expected. Glad I did not buy it, as it was a library check out. Go back, book! This is one that I wanted to smack the characters with their own book.

I also read Amish by Accident which apparently is the second book in a trilogy. It is about two women who look alike but are not related--a case of mistaken identity all around, forming the theme of this story. There were some questions I had about why the family and boyfriend of one woman did not search harder to find out if she really was killed in a plane crash--wouldn't the airline have notified the families of the victims? Also, I wondered how a simple conversation could turn a person dead set against having children into one who is now a total convert to parenthood. Also, when the two women finally meet, why would a husband who loved his wife suddenly assume that she is a gold-digger using a stolen identity, without even stopping to figure things out? I still liked the story though, even with some unbelievable bits. Now I need to find the other two in the series. It was an easy read too.

Popping up to say hello. Just wanted you to know I'm following along. Good reviews in >58 LadyoftheLodge:.

>59 labfs39: Hi and thanks! Good to see you, and welcome. Here is another review:

Just finished Christmas in Paradise by J.E.B. Spredemann, which is part of the Amish by Accident trilogy. It was a short read, mostly a novella. It was a clean read with an overt Christian message, featuring characters from the previous two novellas. In this one, Mattie and Richard are struggling with their marriage, seeming to have grown apart. Mattie returns to her Amish/Mennonite family, having lived in the Englisch world for six years, to find comfort and counsel about her marriage. Richard meets with Carson (a friend from the previous book) to try to figure out what to do. Both Mattie and Richard need to communicate with each other often, and not make assumptions about each other. A lot of pain between these two could have been avoided if they were just talking to each other. The story was somewhat simplistic, and had some plot holes. (If as Mattie did, I walked into my husband's office and he was praying with a woman, I think I could tell that's what they were doing, even if they were holding hands. Anyway, my sweetie would have some 'splainin' to do right away! Then Richard walks into a restaurant and sees Mattie talking and laughing with her male cousin, and Richard punches the guy in the face, assuming Mattie is cheating on him! Did I mention her cousin was Amish? So he won't fight back??) Mostly I wanted to just crack these people a little bit with their own book, or with a deck of Dutch Blitz cards--but you notice I finished it anyway. Now I need to go back to the beginning and read the first book in the trilogy.

I just finished the "prequel" to Amish by Accident which is titled Englisch on Purpose. This was a novel a person could cheerfully miss. The story describes Mattie Riehl's flight from her Mennonite life to become a New Yorker. The main theme of the book is the overt Christian message. The story itself seemed thin and contrived, and has a nothing ending--it just stops. This prequel is not necessary to understanding the next two books in the series.

A Fatal Booking continues the series of mysteries that occur at a Bed and Breakfast with a book/reading theme. In this selection. Charlotte works with reading group that is focused on fairy tales, with accompanying themed events. When one of the group members is poisoned, Charlotte teams up with her neighbor Ellen to try to figure out what happened. As most mystery readers can guess, more than one group member is not what they seem and secrets abound.

Readers who enjoy detailed cozy mysteries with a bookish theme will also enjoy this latest in the series. The book can be read as a stand-alone, since all the characters are introduced and the setting is described at the beginning of the book.

I read The Adventures of Rembrandt the Tuxedo Cat for NetGalley, which was a cute and delightful read, a picture book for kids.

I started but did not continue with Lessons in Chemistry which featured a violent rape scene right at the start of the book. I just don't read that kind of material, so it was a DNF. Lots of other reviewers liked it though and gave it five stars.

I also read Death of a Laird by M.C. Beaton, which was part of the Hamish Macbeth mystery series, which I love. This one was a short story in the tradition of the "house party" murder scene during a huge storm. This one was enjoyable.

I finished The Scarlet Imperial by Dorothy B. Hughes, which I read for the MysteryKIT challenge. This is not my usual kind of mystery novel, since I don't read noir/hardboiled, but I enjoyed it once I got used to the writing style. It sure kept me reading, and I never saw the twist at the end coming! Our library has a bunch of Dorothy B. Hughes on hoopla and Libby, so I will probably read some more of them.

Now I should settle down to something a bit less intense than locked room mysteries and international jewel thievery.

I went outdoors today and turned over the soil in my little garden beds. This is our first spring at our new place, so it will be fun to plant some flowers and bushes. The buildings and grounds people dug out the old bushes and added top soil in the fall, so we are ready to plant. I will probably have sore muscles tomorrow though.

The Bookseller's Promise leads readers on a journey through hope and heartbreak, as well as lost and found loves. English and Amish worlds collide in this novel about a mysterious book and those who seek to own it. The subplots of romance between both Amish and English couples add interest to this novel by a well-known and loved author of Amish fiction.

When book broker Yvonne cannot convince Amish bookseller Jake to sell her a rare book, no matter how much money she offers, Yvonne determines to visit him in person to plead her case. While she is gone on her book buying trip, her fiance Trevor embarks on a business trip. Both look forward to their upcoming wedding. Yvonne's arrival at Jake's bookstore results in some tense and also hilarious moments, as Jake and Yvonne try to come to some agreement about the rare book Yvonne seeks to purchase.

Eva works in the bookstore with Jake, but desires to become more than his employee. When Jake refuses to see her as the lovely young woman who wants to win his heart, Eva determines to move on to date another Amish man.

Yvonne and Eva become fast friends and share secrets and romantic plans for their futures. When tragedy strikes, Yvonne must confront her own beliefs, with some help from Jake's mysterious book.

This book is set in Montgomery, Indiana. The establishments mentioned exist, adding authenticity to the events in this novel. As an Indiana resident, I was excited to read about places familiar to me. I appreciate the author's attention to detail. I hope this is just the first in a new series, as the stage has been set for the further adventures of characters who appeared in this book.

Themes include struggles with faith, loss of loved ones, joys and trials of relationships, and the differences between the Amish and non-Amish cultures. The characters are well-developed and realistic. The Christian message in this sweet and clean novel is overt. Readers who enjoy books about Amish people and culture will also enjoy the twists and turns of this story.

I just finished three books, and it seems that I am on a streak of reading good ones.
Winter and Rough Weather by D. E. Stevenson is the third in a trilogy set in Scotland. I was reminded of how much I enjoy this author's writing. I have been reading her works for 40 years and still like reading about the lives of ordinary people and families, often dealing with hardships but getting through them.

Under the Maui Sky was a free book on Kindle, and did its job of hooking me into this series about a family pineapple business set on the island of Maui. Having been there, it was fun to read about Lahaina and other places I visited. The pineapple plantation sounds like somewhere I would like to go. My only complaint is the few typos that should have been caught by the editors. The story continues in four more books in the series. In this first book, the patriarch Lincoln Briscoe has died in an auto accident on the Road to Hana (if you have been there, you know the treachery of this road). While his widow Ava and his four adult children mourn his death, secrets of his life emerge that change their visions of him.

The White Stone: The Art of Letting Go features a series of essays in which the author describes her life changes of moving from a well-loved cottage to a retirement community in Oxford. Other essays address death, loss of relationships, monastic tradition, and the psalms. This completes my Lenten reading observance for this year.

>66 LadyoftheLodge: I've read seven books by DE Stevenson. My favorites are the Miss Buncles and Mrs. Tims. I didn't care for the Two Mrs. Abbotts as much.

>67 labfs39: I found that I have downloaded many of them on my Kindle or app, so I am looking forward to reading them soon. Winter and Rough Weather was the third in a trilogy, all of which I read.

I have been on a reading streak lately. I read Bel Canto by Ann Patchett for my community book group. It was quite an interesting read overall and I finished in one evening. The discussion was also a good one.

I also read Dinner with a Perfect Stranger which is a parable about a man who has dinner with Jesus. This was a quick read and provided food for thought.

I just finished Tea with Milk and Murder in the Oxford Tearoom series. I read most of these in the series but out of order, which does not matter. They are good standalones too.

>69 LadyoftheLodge: I loved Bel Canto.

>71 labfs39: I really disliked the ending, but saw it coming.

We had a kitty emergency visit over the weekend to deal with an eye infection, apparently caused by a herpes type virus that can remain in a cat in latent form for years. Kitty also has some tooth issues that need to be addressed once the eye infection is cleared up. Giving kitty meds is no fun--eye drops and pain medicine. Lots of loud vocalizing--and that is just from my husband whilst trying to hold the kitty so I can administer the medications.

>73 LadyoftheLodge: Yikes, I can’t imagine giving my cats eye drops. Good luck with that. If the pain meds are in pill form, try pill pockets by greenies. They are a godsend for us.

>74 Yells: Thanks for your sympathetic words. Thankfully, the pain med is in little syringes and can be squirted into the cat's mouth or the cheek pouch. Still a struggle though, and getting him out from under the recliner is always a challenge (the cat, not my husband, LOL).

Hey, if hubby is already under the recliner, the cat won’t have room. Win-win! :)

>76 Yells: LOL! There are other hiding spots.

In The Amish Farmer's Proposal romance and relationship plans are thrown to the wind and upended when Abe Stolzfus takes a tumble off a roof. Although Lavinia Fisher is more than willing to help Abe recover and spend time with him, Abe's attitude about his farm and their relationship gets in their way. Abe worries about his aging parents, the ongoing problems that plague his farm, and his ability to become strong enough to manage the farm again. With the help of wise elders, Abe and Lavinia start to plan their new path.

Themes in this novel include dealing with disabilities, aging, relationships, financial problems, and work-life balance. This is a sweet and clean novel, without graphic violence, intimacy, or strong language. The Christian message is clear. Readers who enjoy novels about Amish people and family relationships will find this a welcome addition to their reading selections.

Currently reading Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey for our local reading group and also Till Death Do Us Tart in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series.

We went to see Yo Yo Ma in concert last evening, and the show was well worth the tickets. This is the third time I have seen him perform, but the first time I saw him perform in concert with pianist Kathryn Stott. The show was packed, and it always amazes me how the audience can be so totally silent during a music or theater show. (Which is as it should be, in order to appreciate the performance and show respect for the performers in this kind of setting.)

>80 LadyoftheLodge: I'm envious. I bet it was a wonderful concert. Do you live in Bloomington?

>81 labfs39: We do not live in Bloomington, although it is not a long drive to get there, just about 60 minutes. I did graduate work at the IU Bloomington campus though.

>82 LadyoftheLodge: me too :-)

>83 labfs39: Hey there, fellow Hoosier!

Fun! I was in grad school from 1991-1995 and then worked at the main library as a cataloger from 1997-1999. I loved all the music options in Bloomington: from the IU opera to jazz (was it called Bear's Club?). I also liked going to the Brown County Playhouse.

>85 labfs39: I finished my second Masters degree in 2012 (SLIS). Things still abound in Bloomington at the music and theater venues. Brown County Playhouse is under different management now and the shows are also quite different--IU gave it up years ago. Brown County also has a large new performing arts venue but I have not been there. It just opened and then the pandemic came along and it shut down until recently.

>86 LadyoftheLodge: It's been so long since I've been to the theatre (with the exception of going to Pinkalicious with my niece at an outdoor venue).

I just finished Henry VIII A Life from Beginning to End which is part of the Hourly History series of short biographies, meant to be read in an hour, as on your lunch hour, etc. I have read others in this series and they are generally okay as an overview, leading the reader to obtain other sources for more in depth coverage of the topic.

However, this one was problematic as there were huge discrepancies with the dates. Example: Katherine Howard was beheaded in February 1542, but was thought to be pregnant in April of the same year? And the heads of Culpepper and Dereham were displayed in December 1542, but Catherine saw their heads when she was on the way to the Tower? The writer seemed stuck on 1542. I dug into online sources for correct chronology. This book needed some careful editing.

>87 labfs39: Many of the theaters and music venues are just getting going again here. We went to a few plays at Beef and Boards and also have attended music performances at the symphony--lots of social distancing and optional masks, but vaccine cards required at the symphony.

I read Meowy Christmas Mayhem which is a novella in which the sleuth/PI can communicate with and understand animals and their speech.

Finished two for NetGalley: Winnie Zheng Unleashes a Legend and Kids Cook Dinner. Touchstones not showing up for any of these.

I finished The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo. I loved this kids' book and whipped through it quickly. This was a sort of fantasy novel with a medieval sort of twist, featuring a runaway girl, a captured queen, a protective goat, a monk who prophecies, an agile young man, a good king, and of course an evil counselor and his clueless king. I highly recommend this read, easy to check out on Libby.

Today we went out to buy plants for the garden--best to wait until after Derby Day/Mother's Day here in the Midwest to avoid freezes. I bought two containers of pansies, four geraniums for my little porch pots, a large planter of assorted pink, white, and purple flowers, and a smaller large container (does that make sense?) of starry night petunias (purple with white dots). I also trimmed the long grass on the side of our house (which the mowing maintenance guy is supposed to get but does not) and transplanted all my little herb plants from their jiffy pots to larger pots. I love my flowers and I am so happy to get the garden going here. This is our first spring here at this house, so I am loving starting from scratch.

I did not finish Poseidon's Academy and instead chose to skip from halfway through the book to the last chapter. This is the first in a series of books that are similar to Rick Riordan's novels for middle grades and YA. I had enough of the gory fights with attacking monsters and the use of teen powers to vanquish evil. The series has potential but more suited to kids than adults.

I then moved on to God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen.

Our garden is looking nice with the roses in bloom and iris and peony starting to bloom soon. I transplanted some hostas and hope they survive the move! They needed to be thinned out anyway.

>94 LadyoftheLodge: Your garden is further along than mine here in Maine. My daffodils are still up!

>95 labfs39: My daffodils are long gone and bulbs waiting for fall so I can replant them. I just planted pink and white geraniums amongst the hostas and also some red begonias with green leaves (in the ginger jar pots). Rain and sun lately have helped them along, except for a few that got subjected to splash erosion when my gutters overflowed yesterday. I replanted them and hope those poor little seedlings make it. They have been drowned and also dumped over by the wind.

Finished Plain Christmas which was slow-moving and unrealistic, a three star selection. Amish woman marries hot Cuban rock star and enters the high life of luxury homes and all that money can buy, now decides she wants to return to her Amish roots. Hot Cuban husband agrees and they both "jump the fence" in reverse, with their three kids in tow to the simpler life. Really?

I finished A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari, which included information about poisonous plants. The academic setting appealed to me, and featured details about university faculty, departmental rivalries, and dress and manners of the early 1900's.

Just finished The Saturday Night Supper Club and not sure if I want to read the other two in the trilogy.

I am currently reading Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen featuring Her Royal Spyness Georgie Rannoch. Recovering from a daylong trip to Cubs v Reds game in Cincinnati.

Harvey and the Collection of Impossible Things
This story, told from a cat's point of view, made me alternately weep and laugh. Harvey lives in the city with all its dangers and constant fights for food and safety. Harvey finds his safe place on the roof atop an apartment building, which happens to be the home of the "bakery lady" aka Danielle who has been feeding him. Harvey has his own list of "impossible things" to do, one of which is becoming a brave city cat. Throughout his many adventures, Harvey avoids living indoors, until circumstances lead him to his "adoption" and learning to live as an indoor cat. This wee feline fellow is certainly a brave and helpful one, as he navigates his new life, learns to love and trust, and achieves his list of "impossible things."

While this was no doubt intended to be a book for children, as a cat lover I loved this book! The black and white line drawings perfectly capture Harvey and his world. This is a book meant to be loved and shared and read over and over. Older kids who are accomplished readers will enjoy reading this book themselves, while younger ones and their parents or caregivers can enjoy this book together. The story also helps kids learn about how to properly care for animals and appreciate them as fellow creatures. Bravo, Harvey!

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

>101 LadyoftheLodge: Sounds fascinating! But what's the title?

>102 jjmcgaffey: Well duh! I got so carried away with Harvey I left it out. Thanks, it is fixed above.

I am currently reading Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar and Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen, in between kitty care and teaching courses online. I just found out that both of my bosses (two different universities for which I teach) are leaving their current positions! Yikes, I wonder what the new ones will be like?

>104 LadyoftheLodge: what are you teaching?

>105 dianeham: My current course is Earth Science for nonmajors. I am booked to teach leadership and education courses for the rest of the summer.

Finished Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen, not one of her best though. Also skimmed Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe which got to be enough half way through. Now reading The Murder of Mr. Wickham.

>107 LadyoftheLodge: The Murder of Mr. Wickham sounds fun. I'll look forward to your review.

>108 labfs39: I think a person who is not familiar with Austen's work might find it overwhelming since so many characters are introduced right away at the beginning. I had to take a minute to review the synopses of her work to get the characters all straight in my mind.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham finds the characters from several of Jane Austen's classic novels together for a summer house party. When the despicable Mr. Wickham shows up, the gloom of rain is immeasurably increased by his presence. Most of the characters have reason to see him dead, but only one (or maybe more?) have executed the deed. It is up to the reader to discover the truth, along with the help of two young adult members of the party. Marital discord, secrets, and deception add to the mix. The story is written in the style of Jane Austen's novels, with the usual attention to customs, rules, and styles of the time. While clues to the identity of the killer abound, readers will still be kept guessing until the end.

The point of view in this book changes frequently, which can be confusing to some readers. Those who are unfamiliar with the novels of Jane Austen might also find difficulty keeping track of the characters, since some of them are similar. A preface alerts readers to the time periods involved in this novel. This is a clean novel (as Jane would have it!) and lacks graphic violence and adult situations. Hopefully there will be more novels in this series.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I seem to be on a Jane Austen binge lately since finishing The Murder of Mr. Wickham. I read a picture book about Jane Austen in the "Little People, Big Dreams" series, and also dug out my mini book of Jane Austen works "all in one sitting." I have a children's bio of her on my table too--Who Was Jane Austen? which is part of a series of nonfiction history and biog for kids.

Finished Jeeves and the Leap of Faith by Ben Schott, in homage to the master Wodehouse. Lots of fun with Bertie and friends, and the end notes explaining some of the phrases and events were more fun than the book--well, maybe.

I just finished Calamity Town by Ellery Queen, which was a BB from another LT reader. I did not know the author was actually two authors working together. I liked the story and the final unwinding of the mystery at the end. (I was on track with detecting the murderer, motive, and opportunity, but not all the details.)

Still reading At the Captain's Table by Gervase Phinn.

Finished At the Captain's Table by Gervase Phinn, which was mainly character studies of the people on a cruise ship. Based on my experience, the descriptions of the ship and activities were accurate, and the people were like caricatures of cruise ship passengers. Not much of a plot but fun to read all the same.

Just started Bloomsbury Girls which is about a bookstore in post-war London.

Bloomsbury Girls describes the lives and struggles of three women who work at a London bookstore right after World War II. While each of them deals with her own personal doubts and crises, they come together during a time when women were not empowered to make decisions, in a male-dominated world.

This is a character-driven novel that follows up on The Jane Austen Society story and includes some of the characters from that novel. The bookstore setting drew me in immediately, and gave me a flavor of the details of working in a bookstore. The character sketches of the women and the ways in which their lives intersected carried the story forward. Readers who enjoy detailed descriptions and strong female protagonists will find this to their liking.

>115 LadyoftheLodge: Nice review, Cheryl.

>116 labfs39: Thanks! I enjoyed the book and appreciated the follow ups for the Jane Austen Society characters, although it was awhile since I read that one.

I finished Grandkids Gone Wild which was a very light and humorous mystery in the Garden Girls series. I also skimmed two for NetGalley: Donut Disturb and Ashton Hall.
I am currently reading His Amish Sweetheart by Jennifer Beckstrand.

His Amish Sweetheart introduces readers to another of the Petersheim brothers. This time we meet Andrew, who is too ambitious and handsome for his own good. He seems to be disregarding Hannah, the lovely woman who has been his good friend for life, and instead focuses on Priscilla, another potential wife whose personality is not nearly as attractive as it appears. In order to send things in a positive direction, Austin's younger brothers and their cousins get involved, with hilarious results. The kids definitely steal the show in this delightful Amish romance novel. Some unique turns of phrase also add interest and provide insights into the characters and their thoughts.

Readers who desire a clean read, without violence, strong language, or overt intimacy will appreciate this latest offering about the Petersheim brothers. The Christian message is subtle.Those who appreciate and seek out novels about Amish people will find this to be a welcome addition to their reading list. Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

I finished The Brighter the Light and started Full of Beans and Mint Chocolate Murder.

I just finished Full of Beans which was a great addition to the Key West book I love Turtle in Paradise and actually comes before that one in terms of characters and action.

Mint Chocolate Murder contains elements of both gothic and cozy mysteries. The gothic part includes rumors of weeping ghosts, secret passages, locked rooms, and disappearing wives. The cozy part revolves around the owner of an ice cream shop and her sleuthing to try to solve a mysterious death in a locked room. The ice cream treats sounded delightful, although there was no mention of the mint chocolate (found in the title). I had a hard time keeping up with the many different threads of mysteries, although some readers might like this kind of novel.

I am still trying to cope with the loss of two of my cats within a week: one expected, the other unexpected, both due to age and deteriorating health. Also it is still very hot here.

I finished Starboard Secrets and started The Walker on the Cape.

Fatal Flowers is a cozy mystery that features an amateur sleuth with an interesting career of running a flower-themed cafe. As she plans for a fast-approaching wedding for which she will provide flowers, Sierra encounters a murder scene involving the wedding planner. The novel describes how Sierra and company work to assist in solving the murder.

The setting and theme is unique, as is the tangled threads leading up to the murder. Readers who enjoy learning more about flowers and their uses, as well as a lot of description and more than a touch of romance, might enjoy this novel. It was a bit to slow moving for me.

>122 LadyoftheLodge: I'm sorry to hear about your cats, losing two so close together must have been devastating.

>122 LadyoftheLodge: Oh, my. A trying week.

Today we went to a library book sale. We had been there about 20 minutes when large dark clouds rolled in and the wind picked up. Volunteers at the sale started moving along the check out line and helping people pay and people were starting to move for cover. I quickly found my husband, we paid for the books we had selected, and headed for our car to wait it out.

Amazingly, the entire storm system blew over in about 5 minutes with no rain. We offloaded the books into our car and resumed shopping. What an adventure!

My husband managed to find a box full of western novels and a few adventure/thriller novels. I found about 20 Amish and historical fiction novels, plus a large number of mysteries. We ended up with very few duplicates, which will go to the Little Free Library in our community. A good time was had by all!

I think our next big book sale will be the charity sale in October that lasts for a week. Last year we spent three separate days at that one.

>124 rhian_of_oz: >125 labfs39: Thanks for your kind thoughts. It has been difficult to lose our little friends, both of whom we had since kittenhood.
Judah ben Hur--16 years 3 months, and Ernie Hemingway 14 years, 3 months.
Our two remaining cats have been wandering around alot, probably looking for their buddies. They also have taken to sleeping with us at night and wanting lots of attention.

>127 LadyoftheLodge: kiss some kitties for me.

>127 LadyoftheLodge: Aw, cute names. At least they had good long lives. It's amazing how animals can be touched by loss.

>128 dianeham: Thanks, Mr. Charles and Toeney both got lots of hugs and attention today.
>129 labfs39: I am fortunate that both of them had long and pampered lives. Mr. Charles and Mr. Ernest were brothers, both black cats from a litter of three. We are trying to figure out life without the two that we lost.

I am reading The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. I just finished Bill at Rainbow Bridge which I am hoping will help me get through the loss of two of my faithful felines just a week apart in July.

The Messy Lives of Book People
Olivia works as cleaner for several clients, among them famed author Essie Starling, and her long time favorite writer. When Essie passes away, she leaves instructions for Olivia to finish her final novel. This novel details the transformation of Olivia from cleaner to writer, fulfilling her life's dream. She uncovers secrets about the author and about her own family that lead her in surprising and sometimes uncomfortable directions. In the process, Olivia must closely scrutinize what she really finds meaningful in her life.

This story could be a book-lover's dream, as readers can easily place themselves in the novel. Most readers can identify with the place books hold in their hearts and the influence books and writers exert on their lives, just as Olivia portrays in the story. There are many different ways the story could have ended and many different points in the novel when that ending could have occurred. Personally, I felt as if it went on too long. Readers will have to decide for themselves about their satisfaction with the ending chosen by the author. This is a clean read, without strong language, violence, or graphic intimacy.

Hi! Anybody home? ;)

>133 dianeham: Hi there, just lurking about.

>134 LadyoftheLodge: I missed you!

>135 dianeham: Thanks, I miss the group too. Just had a bit of a disagreement a few months ago that put me off from posting.

>136 LadyoftheLodge: i’m sorry to hear that.

>137 dianeham: I have been lurking about though, but I enjoyed the Questions for the Avid Reader which is where things went down hill. I am still involved in the Category Challenge groups though.