Susan aka suslyn 2012a

Forum75 Books Challenge for 2012

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Susan aka suslyn 2012a

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1suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jan. 9, 2013, 2:53 am

** Best reads so far for 2012 **
Inside, Outside by Wouk
To Ride Hell's Chasm* by Wurts
Empress by Karen Miller
Big Cherry Holler by Trigiani
Spindle's End* by McKinley
The Confessor by Silva
The Spirit Ring* by Bujold

Last year's total: 254 books mostly under 300 pp. That's down from 2008 but I'd still like to see it lower (and thus suggest to myself that I'm doing more elsewhere LOL). Best reads of 2011:
Church Folk by Bowen, fiction, 20th century US African America.
March by Brooks, fiction, Mr March of Little Women's war experience.
Sundays at Tiffany's by Patterson, fiction, contemporary NYC, sort of a modern fairy tale.
Choosing to SEE by Chapman, Christian memoir, deals with loss of a child and depression (and is very encouraging LOL).

Last year's thread is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/113378

December

363 Born Again by Chuck Colson (msg 311)
362 Starswarm by Pournelle (msg 311)
361 Victory Conditions by Elizabeth Moon (msg 311)
360 Command Decision by Elizabeth Moon (msg 311)
359 Engaging the Enemy by Elizabeth Moon (msg 311)
358 Marque and Reprisal by Elizabeth Moon (msg 311)
357 Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon (msg 311)
356 Change of Command by Moon (msg 311)
355 Rules of Engagement by Moon (msg 311)
354 Raphael by MacAvoy (msg 304)
353 Damiano's Lute by MacAvoy (msg 304)
352 Damiano by MacAvoy (msg 304)
351 Shards of a Broken Crown by Feist (msg 304)
350 Rage of a Demon King by Feist (msg 304)
349 Rise of a Merchant Prince by Feist (msg 304)
348 Krondor the Betrayal by Feist (msg 293)
347 The Taking of Satcon Station by Cohen and Baen (msg 293)
346 First Lord's Fury by Butcher (msg 292)
345 Princeps' Fury by Butcher (msg 292)
344 My Only Valentine by Hinshaw (msg 292)
343 The Warrior Returns by Cole (msg 292)
342 Captain's Fury by Butcher (msg 290)
341 Cursor's Fury by Butcher (msg 289)
340 Academ's Fury by Butcher (msg 289)
339 Furies of Calderon by Butcher (msg 284)
338 Ozarks Cookery: A collection of Pioneer Recipes by Stratton (msg 282)
337 Historical Christmas Stories 1990 by Roberts, Potter and Langan (msg 282)
336 A Primrose Wedding by Ferguson (msg 282)
335 Reluctant Bridegrooms by Marshall & Andrew (msg 282)
334 Sad Cypress by Christie (msg 282)
333 The Cycle of Fire - Shadowfane by Wurts (msg 282)
332 The Cycle of Fire - Keeper of the Keys by Wurts (msg 282)
331 The Cycle of Fire - Stormwarden by Wurts (msg 282)
330 With This Ring by Donnelyy (msg 282)
329 Set Free by Aston (msg 282)

November
328 Christmas Betrothals by James Sofia (msg 277)
327 Christmas Stories 1992 by Maura Seger (msg 277)
326 Mistletoe Marriages by Elaine Barbieri (msg 277)
325 A Touch of Merry by Irene Loyd Black (msg 277)
324 Christmas Keepsakes by Mary Balogh (msg 277)
323 Gwen's Christmas Ghost by Kerstan (msg 277)
322 Regency Christmas Wishes by Edith Layton (msg 277)
321 Mistletoe and Folly by Marian Devon (msg 277)
320 A Christmas to Cherish by Georgina Devon (msg 277)
319 Leopard Lord by Morland (msg 277)
318 Into the Wilderness by Donati (msg 277)
317 The Broken Crown by West (msg 277)
316 Starfire by Bretton (msg 276)
315 White Hot* by Brown (msg 276)
314 Ten Things I Wish I'd Known -- before I went out into the Real World, by Shriver (msg 274)
313 Dust Devil by Brandewyne (msg 274)
312 Tailchaser's Song by Williams (msg 274)
311 Topaz by Uris (msg 273)
310 The Amber Enchantress by Denning (msg 268)

October
309 A Man Rides Through by Donaldson (msg 263)
308 The Mirror of Her Dreams by Donaldson (msg 263)
307 The Ladies of Mandrigyn by Hambly (msg 263)
306 A Stroke of Luck by Pickens (msg 260)
305 Cordelia's Honor by Bujold (msg 260)
304 Devil's Cub by Heyer (msg 260)
303 The Clothes They Stood Up In by Bennett (msg 260)
302 Out of the Dark and into God's Light by Dolores Bos (msg 260)
301 The Invincible Viscount by Saunders (msg 260)
300 Roots of Evil by Mitchell (msg 260)
299 Blood Sport by Francis (msg 260)
298 Paying the Virgin's Price by Merrill (msg 259)
297 The Story of a Marriage by Greer (msg 259)
296 The Ambassador by West (msg 258)
295 Picture Perfect by Picoult (msg 255)
294 The Quilter's Apprentice by Chiaverini (msg 255)
293 Hunting Badger by Hillerman (msg 255)
292 The Last Jihad by Rosenberg (msg 253)
291 Grave Consequences by Cameron (msg 253)
290 The Toll Gate by Heyer (msg 253)
289 Chill Factor by Rogers (msg 250)
288 Windmills of the Gods by Sheldon (msg 250)
287 Days of Drums by Shelby (msg 250)
286 Inside, Outside by Wouk (msg 250)
285 The Halo Effect by Rose (msg 250)
284 Mystery by Peter Straub (msg 250)
283 The Secrets of Harry Bright by Joseph Wambaugh (msg 247)
282 Western by Yerby (msg 247)
281 The House of Gaian by Anne Bishop (msg 243)
280 The Pillars of the World by Anne Bishop (msg 243)
279 Squire by Telep (msg 239)
278 Long Spoon Lane by Perry (msg 239)
277 Farriers' Lane by Perry (msg 239)
276 Highgate Rise by Perry (msg 239)
275 Rutland Place by Perry (msg 239)

September
274 The Black Moth by Heyer (msg 238)
273 Sacred Ground by Wood (msg 237)
272 The Spirit Ring by Bujold (msg 234)
271 The Sword of Angels by Marco (msg 232)
270 The Burden of Proof by Turow (msg 231)
269 Devil's Armor by Marco (msg 231)
268 A Civil Contract by Heyer (msg 230)
267 Ruled by Passion by Menzel (msg 227)
266 Honor Besieged by Buck (msg 227)
265 Warriors of the Storm by Chalker (msg 227)
264 Pirates of Thunder by Chalker (msg 227)
263 Power Play by McCaffrey and Scarborough (msg 227)
262 Powers That Be by McCaffrey and Scarborough (msg 227)
261 The Eyes of God by Marco (msg 227)
260 A Grand Design by Jensen (msg 222)
259 The Undaunted Bride by Cameron (msg 222)
258 Roses for Harriet by Oliver (msg 222)
257 Least Likely Lovers by Hinshaw (msg 222)
256 Spirits of Flux and Anchor by Chalker (msg 222)
255 The Web of the Chozen by Chalker (msg 222)
254 Daring Alliance by Hocker (msg 215)
253 A Kiss for Lucy by Prevel (msg 215)
252 A Choice of Cousins by Kihlstrom (msg 215)
251 The Notorious Widow by Lane (msg 215)
250 A Convenient Marriage by Raleigh (msg 215)
249 Keeper of the Swans by Butler (msg 215)
248 Lord Carlton's Courtship by Raleigh aka Alexandra Ivy (msg 215)
247 The Errant Earl by Suson (msg 215)
246 Dangerous Lord, Innocent Governess by Merrill (msg 215)
245 Mutual Consent by Buck (msg 215)
244 The Reckless Barrister by Kihlstrom (msg 215)

August
243 A Comfortable Wife by Laurens (msg 210)
242 The Affair at Greengage Manor by Gedney (msg 210)
241 Francesca's Rake by Kersten (msg 210)
240 The Meddlesome Heiress* by Cameron (msg 210)
239 The Bluestocking's Beau by Bell (msg 210)
238 Cupid's Choice by Buck (msg 210)
237 Love for Lucinda by Buck (msg 210)
236 The Gods in Anger by Cole (msg 209)
235 The King of Light and Shadows by Cole (msg 209)
234 Throne of Fools by Cole (msg 209)
233 House of Chains by Erikson (msg 207)
232 Rogue Powers by Allen (msg 201)
231 Hades' Daughter by Douglass (msg 200)
230 The Ring by Anthony (msg 196)
229 The Wooden Sword by Abbey (msg 196)
228 Kilobyte by Anthony (msg 194)
227 Out of Phaze by Anthony (msg 194)
226 Cube Route by Anthony (msg 194)
225 Edisto by Powell (msg 194)
224 Outlanders by Axler (msg 189)
223 A Civil Campaign by Bujold (msg 189)
222 Komarr by Bujold (msg 189)
221 A Place of Hiding by George (msg 189)
220 On mystic Lake by Hannah (msg 189)
219 The Armies of Daylight by Hambly (msg 189)
218 Wages of Sin by Coonts (msg 189)
217 To Fall Like Stars by Asire (msg 189)
216 Lion's Legacy by Barclay (msg 189)
215 Lady Velvet by Williams (msg 185)
214 A Change of Heart by Hern (msg 185)
213 A Wreath of Orchids by Shoebridge (msg 185)
212 Bewitching Hearts by King (msg 185)
211 A Most Exceptional Quest by Westleigh (msg 185)
210 The Guardian's Dilemma by Whitaker (msg 185)
209 The Disgraced Marchioness by O'Brien (msg 185)
208 The Rake's Rainbow by Lane (msg 185)
207 A Place among the Fallen by Cole (msg 185)
206 Privateer by Brown (msg 185)

July
205 The Walls of Air by Hambly (msg 182)
204 The Time of the Dark by Hambly (msg 179)
203 My Lady's Mask by Roby (msg 176)
202 Fortune's Smile by Roby (msg 176)
201 An Offer to Love by Whitiker (msg 176)
200 Lady of Quality by Heyer (msg 173)
199 The Harem Bride by Bancroft (msg 173)
198 The Marriage Mart by Clark (msg 173)
197 The Willful Miss Winthrop by Counts (msg 173)
196 Lady Knightley's Secret by Ahsley (msg 173)
195 Willowswood Match by Buck (msg 173)
194 An Unreasonable Match by Andrew (msg 173)
193 A Dangerous Courtship by Randall (msg 173)
192 Miss Harcourt's Dilemma by Ashley (msg 173)
191 Memories of Ice by Erikson (msg 166)
190 Country Flirt* by Smith (msg 166)
189 Miss Seldon's Suitors by Savery (msg 166)
188 By Way of a Wager by Solomon (msg 166)
187 The Royal Scamp by Smith (msg 166)
186 Deadhouse Gates by Erickson (msg 160)
185 The Notorious Lord Havergal by Smith (msg 157)
184 Friends and Relations by Stables (msg 157)
183 The Traitor's Daughter by Powell (msg 157)
182 The Storybook Hero by Pickens (msg 157)
181 Anne's Perfect Husband by Wilson (msg 157)
180 True Lady by Smith (msg 157)
179 Seer King by Bunch (msg 157)
178 Imager's Intrigue by Modesitt (msg 154)
177 Imager's Challenge by Modesitt (msg 154)

June
176 Finders Seekers by Greeno (msg 152)
175 Midnight Magic by Krahn (msg 149)
174 The Sands of Kalaven by Heller (msg 148)
173 Evil at Whispering Hills by Cameron (msg 146)
172 The Janus Mask* by Knaak (msg 146)
171 The Quartered Sea by Huff (msg 143)
170 No Quarter by Huff (msg 143)
169 Fifth Quarter by Huff (msg 142)
168 Sing the Four Quarters by Huff (msg 142)
167 The Death Ship of Dartmouth by Jecks (msg 141)
166 Imager by Modesitt (msg 140)
165 Octagonal Raven by Modesitt (msg 134)
164 Betrothals by James (msg 134)
163 A Christmas Courtship by Dunn (msg 134)
162 The Cat who Sang for the Birds by Braun (msg 134)
161 Why I am a Christian by Stott (msg 133)
160 The Eternity Artifact by Modesitt (msg 130)
159 Northworld Trilogy by Drake (msg 130)
158 King of the Grey by Knaak (msg 130)
157 The Image by Charlotte Paul (msg 130)
156 The Knocker on Death's Door by Peters (msg 128)
155 A Time-travel Christmas by Blair and various (msg 128)
154 A Highlander for Christmas by Blair and various (msg 128)
153 The Last Cold-War Cowboy by Sloan (msg 128)
153 The Wastrel by Moore (msg 126)
152 Scion of Cyador by Modesitt (msg 126)
151 Magi'i of Cyador by Modesitt (msg 126)
150 Tigana by Kay (msg 126)
149 Presumed Innocent by Turow (msg 126)
148 Love Yourself: Self-Acceptance and Depression by Trobisch (msg 121)
147 Grace by James (msg 121)

May
146 Avaryan Resplendent by Tarr (msg 118)
145 The Golden Key by Rawn (msg 118)
144 The Furies by Jakes (msg 118)
143 The Rebels by Jakes (msg 118)
142 The Bastard by Jakes (msg 118)
141 John Bunyan: God's Tinker by Rosio (msg 117)
140 Kingslayer by James (msg 116)
139 Riding Shotgun by Brown (msg 116)
138 Greenmagic by Kilian (msg 116)
137 The Masters of Solitude by Kaye & Godwin (msg 116)
136 Strathmere's Bride by Navin (msg 116)
135 The Cat Who Played Post Office by Braun (msg 116)
134 The Star Explorer by Evan Innes (msg 116)
133 America 2040: The Return by Evan Innes (msg 116)
132 City in the Mist by Evan Innes (msg 116)
131 The Golden World by Evan Innes (msg 116)
130 America 2040 by Evan Innes (msg 116)
129 Secrets of the Deep by Jakes (msg 116)
128 Emerald House Rising by Kerr (msg 116)
127 Starship Orpheus #2 by Symon Jade (msg 116)
126 Darkspell by Kerr (msg 116)
125 Space Winners by Dickson (msg 116)
124 When Darkness Falls by Lackey and Mallory (msg 116)
123 To Light a Candle by Lackey and Mallory (msg 116)
122 The Rogue's Return by Moore (msg 116)
121 Sharp Edges by Krentz (msg 116)
120 Soft Focus by Krentz (msg 116)

April
119 The Steerswoman by Kirstein (msg 114)
118 The Outstretched Shadow by Lackey and Mallory (msg 114)
117 Patriots by Drake (msg 114)
116 Fortress by Drake (msg 114)
115 Dagger by Drake (msg 114)
114 Sorcerer's Legacy by Wurts (msg 103)
113 To Ride Hell's Chasm (msg 103)
112 The Wizard King by Smith (msg 103)
111 Call of Madness by Smith (msg 103)
110 Needlepoint by Chase (msg 103)
109 Unbreathed Memories by Talley (msg 103)
108 The Ecologic Envoy by Modesitt (msg 103)
107 Odd Girl Out by Zahn (msg 103)
106 The Oxford Murders by Martinez (msg 102)
105 The White Mists of Power by Rusch (msg 102)
104 Nibbled to Death by Ducks by Campbell (msg 102)
103 The Queen's Man by Penman (msg 102)
103 Hammer of God by Miller (msg 102)
102 The Riven Kingdom by Miller (msg 102)
101 Empress by Miller (msg 101)

March
100 The Silent Warrior by Modesitt (msg 97)
99 The Ecolitan Envoy by Modesitt (msg 97)
98 Bright and Shining Tiger by Edwards (msg 95)
97 1635 by Flint and DeMarce (msg 95)
96 Trust Me, I'm a Vet by Woodman (msg 95)
95 Beyond Lich Gate by Frankos (msg 95)
94 ....
93 Sassinak by McCaffrey and Moon (msg 95)
92 A Horsewoman in Godsland by Edwards (msg 95)
91 A World of Difference by Turtledove (msg 95)
90 The Pugnacious Peacemaker by Turtledove and Sprague (msg 95)
89 The Rescue by Sparks (msg 92)
88 Days of Drums by Shelby (msg 92)
87 The Confessor by Silva (msg 92)
86 Pay the Devil by Higgins (msg 92)
85 Hymn Before Battle by Ringo (msg 92)
84 Spindle's End by Robin McKinley (msg 92)
83 Honor's Bride by Wilson (msg 92)
82 The Gambler's Heart by Wilson (msg 92)
81 Marrying the Major by Maitland (msg 89)
80 Now You See Her by Howard (msg 89)
79 Mr Perfect by Howard (msg 89)
78 Amethyst Dreams by Whitney (msg 89)
77 The Gates of Twilight by Volsky (msg 89)
76 Something Deadly by Lee (msg 89)
75 The Girl with Botticelli Eyes by Lieberman (msg 89)
74 Fortune's Lady by Richardson (msg 89)

February
73 East of the Sun, West of the Moon by Ringo (msg 86)
72 The Mistress of Hanover Square by Herries (msg 86)
71 Better to Beg Forgiveness by Williamson (msg 86)
70 The Empty House by Pilcher (msg 86)
69 Winter Solstice by Pilcher (msg 86)
68 Looking for Peyton Place by Delinsky (msg 86)
67 A Civil Contract by Heyer (msg 86)
66 Insurrection by Weber and White (msg 80)
65 Daughter of Witches by Wrede (msg 80)
64 Willowswood Match by Buck (msg 80)
63 Lord Glenraven's Return by Barbour (msg 80)
62 A Kind and Decent Man by Brendan (msg 80)
61 Lord of Scandal by Cornick (msg 80)
60 A Marriage of Inconvenience by Campbell (msg 80)
59 The Willful Miss Winthrop by Counts (msg 80)
58 Lord Margrave's Deception by Campbell (msg 80)
57 The Rogue's Lady by Devon (msg 80)
56 The Reluctant Cyprian by Campbell (msg 80)
54 Forbidden Magic by Wells (msg 80)
53 The Righteous Rakehell by Buck (msg 74)
52 The Prodigal Hero by Butler (msg 74)
51 The Major Meets His Match by Bancroft (msg 74)
50 The Lady and the Cit by Bancroft (msg 74)
49 A Timely Affair by Bennett (msg 74)
48 The Wager by Cheney (msg 74)
47 A Family Affair by Haran (msg 71)
46 Belle's Beau by Buck (msg 71)
45 A Very Unusual Governess by Andrew (msg 71)
44 Big Cherry Holler by Trigiani (msg 68)
43 The Stone Forest by Harper (msg 68)

January
42 Brimstone by Preston & Child (msg 64)
41 Althea's Grand Tour by Hendrickson (msg 64)
40 Gallant Waif by Gracie (msg 64)
39 The Wolfe's Mate by Marshall (msg 64)
38 A Choice of Cousins by Kijlstrom (msg 64)
37 A Grand Deception by Mansfield (msg 64)
36 The Reckless Barrister by Kihlstrom (msg 58)
35 A Primrose Wedding by Ferguson (msg 58)
34 The Best Intentions by Hern (msg 58)
33 The Ambitious Baronet by Kihlstrom (msg 58)
32 That Scandalous Heiress by Kirkland (msg 58)
31 A Bird in Hand by Lane (msg 58)
30 Francesca's Rake by Kerstan (msg 58)
29 The Affair at Greengage Manor by Gedney (msg 58)
28 A Dangerous Affair by Gedney (msg 58)
27 Wonderful and Wicked by King (msg 58)
26 A Change of Heart by Hern (msg 58)
25 The Artful Heir by Kirkland (msg 58)
24 A Woman's Estate by Gellis (msg 58)
23 Children of the Dust by Lawrence (msg 58)
22 The Hallowed Hunt by Bujold (msg 48)
21 Paladin of Souls by Bujold (msg 45)
20 Curse of Chalion by Bujold (msg 45)
19 Move Heaven and Earth by Dodd (msg 45)
18 A Garden Folly by Hern (msg 45)
17 A Perilous Journey by Eastwood (msg 45)
16 An Affair of Honor by Hern (msg 39)
15 An Innocent Debutante in Hanover Square by Herries (msg 39)
14 Bath Revels by Edwards (msg 39)
13 Miss Lacey's Last Fling (msg 39)
12 Place Among the Fallen by Cole (msg 39)
11 Bath Tangle by Heyer (msg 39)
10 The Talisman Ring by Heyer (msg 39)
9 The Disgraced Marchioness by O'Brien (msg 28)
8 Double Deception by Oliver (msg 28)
7 Birds of a Feather by Lane (msg 28)
6 Miss Drayton's Downfall by Oliver (msg 28)
5 The Rake's Rainbow by Lane (msg 28)
4 The Missing Brides by Holbrook (msg 28)
3 A Comfortable Wife by Laurens (msg 28)
2 A Spirited Bluestocking by Overfield (msg 18)
1 Least Likely Lovers by Hinshaw (msg 10)

2FAMeulstee
Jan. 1, 2012, 9:22 am

hi Susan, glad you joined us again for 2012!

3suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jan. 1, 2012, 9:32 am

Re: the house. We still have no fridge. But there is now water in the kitchen. It is not, however, attached to the sink! LOL But, and this is a good thing, there is a drain for disposing of the dirty water. So with buckets and the kettle for making water hot, I was able to dispose of half of the accumulated dirty dishes.

Flooring for the kitchen should arrive later this week. Steph is almost done with the slab in preparation for that. Still need to install a wall separating the laundry room and kitchen. Then the wiring, insulating the walls and installing the cabinets.

heating is still done primiarly by the fireplace. inefficient, but with layered clothes sufficient. We're very thankful for the mild winter we've experienced to date.

tried to post a pic of the kitties, but something's not working. Turns out one can't use the FB album address for these things. Alors, here's the album, at present it's the first pic.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.175861556012.160183.613481012&type...

4richardderus
Jan. 1, 2012, 9:41 am

Buon capo d'anno, dear Suse! Glad you're back and settling in.

5thornton37814
Jan. 1, 2012, 10:11 am

Actually, I've been uploading things to my LibraryThing album and posting the pictures in my thread. You just have to right click on the picture in your album and copy the link location and use the HTML img src tags (see the help thread on the topic) instead of using the URL.

6alcottacre
Jan. 1, 2012, 10:37 am

Happy New Year, Susan!

7drneutron
Jan. 1, 2012, 2:00 pm

Welcome back, and happy New Year to you and Steph!

8Kittybee
Jan. 1, 2012, 2:05 pm

Happy New Year!!!

9suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jan. 1, 2012, 4:35 pm

>msg 5 that's what I did, a couple of times (and using the html thread LOL)

Welcome Jim, Anita, Dear Richard, Lori and Kittybee. Here's hope you have a great year too!

10suslyn
Jan. 1, 2012, 4:18 pm

Book 1 Least Likely Lovers by Hinsaw
genre
regency (shock!) ;->
where I got it another box from Romania
why I read it too tired for a real book
what I thought I think this one's a great little story.

11ronincats
Jan. 1, 2012, 4:37 pm

Dropping in to welcome you back, Susan, and wish you a Happy New Year!

12suslyn
Jan. 1, 2012, 6:32 pm

Thx Roni. I'm really hoping not to have a repeat of last year!! xox

13Donna828
Jan. 1, 2012, 7:07 pm

>3 suslyn:: I saw one cute kitty and lots of gorgeous scrapbook pages. How do you have time to read? I'm sorry about the lack of a frig. How do you like the pioneer life?

It's great to "see" you here again, Susan. If you come back to the states for Thanksgiving, you can do the Joplin meetup with us. There were ten of us there in 2011!

Happy New Year!

P.S. I sent you a FB friend request so I can keep up with you that way, too. I'm hardly on there but I do get updates when someone posts on my almost dormant page.

14dk_phoenix
Jan. 1, 2012, 8:01 pm

Happy New Year, Susan!!!

15lauranav
Jan. 1, 2012, 9:35 pm

'ello 'ello
This proves to be an interesting winter as you renovate and get settled in.
We lost power for 2 hours the other day from 1:30 to 3:30 am - does that count as roughing it? sleeping through the outage under our cozy comforter?
What about the 10 minutes walking around in the dark to turn off the computers and shut up the annoying UPS boxes?

OK, so none of that comes close to having water in the kitchen that isn't even connected to the sink :-) Or heating with a fireplace.

Congrats on your first read completed for the year.

16PiyushC
Jan. 2, 2012, 2:17 am

And you start your year with another soft porn book, why am I not surprised! Well, this one does look better than the usual ones you read, but still...

17alcottacre
Jan. 2, 2012, 5:56 am

((Hugs)), Susan

18suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jan. 5, 2012, 11:51 pm

Book 2 A Spirited Bluestocking by Overfield
genre
regency
where I got it the "o" box
why I read it too much going on for real reads
what I thought meh. Twice was enough --> recycled.

Piyush! LOL For a book with a title like "least likely lovers" one would anticipate more than a chaste kiss... mais non.

Pioneering's okay :) Um, Laura, think you may have to try a little harder ;->

And you can count on my being there in Joplin if I'm in Missouri!! I was green with envy!

a bientot

19souloftherose
Jan. 2, 2012, 4:58 pm

Bonne année Susan! I'm glad March was one of your favourite reads from last year because I think it's going to be my choice for my new bookgroup.

I hope your kitchen gets sorted soon...

20alcottacre
Jan. 2, 2012, 8:40 pm

#18: Oh I would love for you to make Joplin this year, Susan! It will be the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Mark your calendar now!

21suslyn
Jan. 2, 2012, 8:47 pm

Done :)

22alcottacre
Jan. 2, 2012, 10:56 pm

Good!

23LizzieD
Jan. 2, 2012, 11:02 pm

Happy New Year, Susan! I haven't lived without running water since I was a tiny child, but I know all about heating with wood - sweaty on one side, frozen on the other. I'm glad that you're young!
And I too loved March!

24suslyn
Jan. 2, 2012, 11:51 pm

Must say Lizzie that 50 isn't feeling all that young! LOL

25richardderus
Jan. 2, 2012, 11:54 pm

>24 suslyn: Amen, soul sister.

26PiyushC
Jan. 3, 2012, 12:17 am

#18 Looks like someone was disappointed for there being nothing more than a chaste kiss.

27billiejean
Jan. 4, 2012, 2:19 am

Happy New Year!

28suslyn
Jan. 5, 2012, 11:56 pm

*wave* to Dear Richard.
Piyush -- I'm beginning to believe you're incorrigible!
Thanks BJ -- same to you m'dear.

And the list, regencies all. I'm going to forgo the long format on this run.

3 A Comfortable Wife* by Laurens
4 The Missing Brides by Holbrook - silly but fun
5 The Rake's Rainbow by Lane. i enjoyed the repartee between the main characters when he wasn't being an idiot.
6 Miss Drayton's Downfall by Oliver
7 Birds of a Feather by Lane (still haven't figured out why they titled this as they did)
8 Double Deception by Oliver -- i like this one
9 The Disgraced Marchioness by O'Brien --> recycled.

As you may have guessed, not feeling great so doing not a whole lot beside reading.
Fridge is back tomorrow. We hope to buy our sink tomorrow as well. Flooring arrives next week. Maybe we'll have a kitchen by the end of the month? :)

29alcottacre
Jan. 6, 2012, 2:06 am

Here's hoping you see the new kitchen by month-end!

30PiyushC
Jan. 6, 2012, 6:46 am

Titles 3, 4, 6 and 9 are self-explanatory and I am the incorrigible one! *Sigh* I have given up on making you change your reading habits and have decided to accept you as you are.

31suslyn
Jan. 6, 2012, 11:03 am

LOL P -- I *do* hope we manage to meet in person some day!

Thx Stasia -- I'm with you!

32FAMeulstee
Jan. 6, 2012, 2:22 pm

*shrudders* only thinking how life would be without fridge, sink and flooring....
I really hope it will all be fixed soon!

33LizzieD
Jan. 6, 2012, 2:46 pm

If patience is a virtue, you're surely being forced to learn some. Also hoping for the new kitchen to be in by February or sooner!

34suslyn
Jan. 7, 2012, 12:14 pm

LOL I keep looking for the "like" button. Maybe I spend too much time on FB? THanks Anita, Lizzie! Steph's working as I write. Fridge is working (but not stocked yet!) and the laundry sink is here -- we drove to the coast to pick it up last night. 10 Euros was a price that merited a two hour trip and pizza in the car! LOL

As the laundry is right behind the kitchen at least we'll have water --with a sink!-- in the same space really soon!

Piyush -- I'm reading a mystery. Hope you were sitting when you read that ;->

35alcottacre
Jan. 7, 2012, 11:46 pm

Water and a sink in the same space sounds like a start!

36allthesedarnbooks
Jan. 8, 2012, 1:52 am

Happy belated New Year, Susan! Found you (after some searching, the group is so big this year) and I've got you starred! :)

37PiyushC
Jan. 8, 2012, 8:58 am

#31 Careful what you wish for, for the wish may come true :D

#34 Yeah, I thankfully was and therefore didn't tumble down and hurt my head which I think you intended me to do while throwing that pitch!

38dk_phoenix
Jan. 8, 2012, 9:03 am

A fridge! A sink! We have progress... :D

39suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jan. 11, 2012, 6:43 pm

Marcia! welcome :) now I have to (get to) do the hunt for yours! :)

Well the sink's in the room. The old is now attached to a drain but neither has water. However there is water in the room. Still progress though :)

10 The Talisman Ring* by Heyer, Georgian hist fic, mystery/romance. A lot of fun!

Missing Susan by McCrumb, mystery. I've been reading this on and off for about 6 weeks but just to page 96. This would have been a re-read, but I just couldn't do it. British humour and I are too often like oil and vinegar... --> recycled.

11 Bath Tangle by Heyer, regency. Everything one expects in a Heyer.

12 Place Among the Fallen by Cole, fantasy. I'm of mixed feelings on this one. I think the world-building is sound. Something just didn't click with me, however. Nice twists (unexpected but reasonable), satisfying ending despite the fact that it's book one in a series. Dunno... It did hold my attention as was rather inventive.

and the other regencies:

13 Miss Lacey's Last Fling -- fun and pretty good on a pathos level.
14 Bath Revels by Edwards -- if she was trying to emulate Heyer, I'd say she did a good job. Fun romp.
15 An Innocent Debutante in Hanover Square by Herries. Insipid. I really don't understand how this stayed on my shelves excpet to guess that when I last read it I really really really couldn't deal with anything complex. Feels like a good final draft ready to go to the editor. --> recycled.
16 An Affair of Honor by Hern. I really like this one. The plot hinges on a misunderstanding. One little word. Everyone has these kinds of problems, but, if I may, I'm guessing we may have a few more of these than many other couples due to the language and culture barriers. I like it.

40avatiakh
Jan. 11, 2012, 7:43 pm

Hi Susan - your kitchen will be terrific when it's all done. I've got a few Heyers lined up to read over the next few weeks, starting with The Spanish Bride.

41suslyn
Jan. 11, 2012, 9:15 pm

Hey Kerry! Just found your thread :) If you read those fantasy books you picked up off my thread last year already, do let me know what you thought (Sean Russell and somebody else LOL). If they're still in the future, I will, Lord willing!, be following your thread to get to see what you thought for myself :)

42lauranav
Jan. 12, 2012, 9:24 am

Slow progress with the kitchen! That's good (way better than no progress at least).

Interesting comments on book 16. It is very much about communication. And communication (verbal, nonverbal, assumptions) are all hard.

43PiyushC
Jan. 13, 2012, 1:57 pm

Piyush keeps his thoughts on the titles of "the books" to himself and wanders around aimlessly

44avatiakh
Jan. 13, 2012, 2:56 pm

#41: Susan, I have yet to get to them, but quite a few people have been reading the first book in the Hambly series for Madeline's TIOLI challenge so I'm tempted to move it up the list.
The Sean Russell still appeals and I hope to squeeze it in, I'll report back here when I get it done.

45suslyn
Jan. 17, 2012, 9:22 am

Well so far I'm behind. In just about everything! oh well. maybe I just won't be as far behind as I was last year :)

a few more regencies, just for Piyush,

17 A Perilous Journey by Eastwood. I'm certain that I haven't read this before (but I've been wrong before....) I really enjoyed it :)
18 A Garden Folly* by Hern -- love the play on words in the title :) I was reading the sequel to this when I lost it somewhere in the house. When I picked this one up I realized the other was a sequel. I like them both (and hope I find the other one to finish it soon)
19 Move Heaven and Earth* by Dodd. Deals with battle stress and survivor guilt. nice story too.

Book 20 Curse of Chalion* by Bujold
genre
fantasy
where I got it the "b" box :)
why I read it wanted more substance.
what I thought Oh this is a good book. I'm currently reading it's sequel, Paladin of Souls, (actually I'm almost done with it). As I've read I've tried to evaluate why many seem to prefer PofS as CofC is just sooo good. I think one factor may be that the sequel if read after the first book adds layers of depth which have to be missing from the other. It may also be that Ista gets to do what we've all wanted to do at one time or another -- get away from it all. Or at least that's what she thought! :) Anyway, I really like them both and couldn't choose. One great world, two super books.

As I'm almost done. I'll go ahead and thorugh in the next one:
Book 21 Paladin of Souls* by Bujold
genre
fantasy
where I got it m why I read itm what I thought : see above :)

Looking forward to your views, Kerry, whenever you get them read.

>42 lauranav: I got to wash dishes in a sink with running hot and cold water yesterday for the first time since the 20th of December! Never thought I'd be happy to be hand-washing dishes!!

46lauranav
Jan. 17, 2012, 1:20 pm

Yay - congrats on washing dishes!

Glad to see your comments on CoC and PoS - they are on my list for the next few weeks. I had already heard they were good, this just gives me even more motivation.

47PiyushC
Jan. 18, 2012, 3:39 am

Thank you for the regencies, A Garden Folly seems just my type if only I had a garden and someone to do follies with.

I read both CoC and PoS based on your recommendation and maybe am one of those rare ones who liked CoC better than PoS.

48suslyn
Jan. 19, 2012, 5:13 am

Laura, I do hope you enjoy them! I really can't see how it would be possible not to! Those books (especially CoC) have inspired a series of scraps re: how God works in and through us.

LOL -- Piyush, is that a prayer request (for a garden and the someone)? :) Happy to oblige if so!

Book 22 The Hallowed Hunt by Bujold
genre
fantasy
where I got it No clue, but it's newly purchased. Maybe the English bookstore in Bucharest.
why I read it It was next in the series :)
what I thought I began with some trepidation as I'd heard mixed reactions to this book. I, however, absolutely adored it! Really. I love the characters, felt the story was well-wrought ... and I want more! LOL Maybe one day she'll do another in the series in the Hallowed Kings' lands. Although a story about the northern seas' folk would make me happy too!

Has anyone read The Sharing Knife books?

49LizzieD
Bearbeitet: Jan. 19, 2012, 8:53 am

Hi, Susan! Yes, I've read the first two of The Sharing Knife, and I think they are aimed more at the YA market. I liked them - with Bujold, how could I not? - but I don't think they're on a par with the three you just finished. I absolutely adore all three of them too!!!
And I adore Heyer, but I'm afraid I'm with Piyush on some of your others. HOWEVER, I read Dean Koontz, so I'm not about to say anything derogatory about somebody else's taste.
And HOORAY for hot and cold water in the kitchen!!! How did our grandmothers manage? (In fact, one of the saddest things I've ever read was a description of the lives of women in the hill country of Texas before rural electricity came - a chapter in the first volume of Robert Caro's Lyndon Johnson bio, The Path to Power.)

50suslyn
Jan. 19, 2012, 9:31 am

Thx for the comments Lizzie! THe regencies (not the Heyers!) are just 'cause my brain's fuzzy. Picked up another one now. Texas history is a love of mine. Might have to see if I can find a copy of that one. While not set in Texas, Zane Grey's Woman of the Frontier is a kind of tribute to these ladies and the struggles they overcame (or were overcome by, as the case may have been). We read this one aloud and enjoyed it.

51PiyushC
Jan. 20, 2012, 11:20 am

One wonders how are you gonna get me a garden in the middle of the city and as to the second "prayer request", well...

The Sharing Knife - The reviews seem to indicate that I would need a big box of tissues if I read this book, me being the living personation of sensitivity and stuff.

Lizzie, liking Dean Koontz cannot be compared to well, whatever. I quite liked Odd Thomas when I read it for the yearly Halloween Thread Mac (blackdogbooks) runs.

52ronincats
Jan. 20, 2012, 11:57 am

FINALLY!!! It took you long enough to get around to Bujold's fantasy. Can I say, "I told you so!"? Great quality fantasy, very soul-satisfying.

As far as the Sharing Knife books, where the Chalion duo have Spain as an under-strata, and the Hunt has a Germanic tone, these have an Ohio river valley underlayment. There is a May-October romance/relationship that is key to them, especially the focus of the first two books, but it ends up being one of those travel quests and actually ends up being very satisfying as well. I wouldn't say I love them like I do the Chalion books, but an average Bujold beats most other storytellers.

Congrats on having hot and cold running water! Yay!

53richardderus
Jan. 20, 2012, 1:37 pm

Running water goooood!

Running HOT water ***excellent****!

*smooch*

Hi Steph!

54alcottacre
Jan. 20, 2012, 8:45 pm

I loved the Chalion books too, Susan! I am glad to see you enjoyed them.

Congrats on running water!!

55suslyn
Jan. 21, 2012, 9:46 am

Oh I've read and re-read the Chalion books except The Hallowed Hunt which was new. I don't know when I first read CofC but it was well-before I moved to Romania (2003?). I also love her Spirit Ring. So what would you say for that one Roni? Italian would be my guess.

Reading Children of the Dust right now (YA? post-apocalyptic). No verdict yet except to say that it's holding my interest.

56suslyn
Jan. 21, 2012, 9:47 am

oh I forgot to say "hi"

Hi all!!

57gennyt
Jan. 24, 2012, 1:49 pm

Love Heyer, haven't read other regencies, nor any Bujold - I think I will look out for those.

And hooray! for hot running water!

58suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jan. 25, 2012, 11:08 pm

Hey Genny :) Bujold's fabulous, just fabulous!

I'm doing the quick list here. Must clean off my desk

Not regency:
23 Children of the Dust by Lawrence post-apocalypse. Ends well. It was still rather depressing until then... put me in mind of the boatload of depressing books I was required to read in middle school and high school.

24 A Woman's Estate* by Gellis. While set in the regency period, it is just listed as fiction on the cover which I think apt. I remember thinking the first time I read this how much I learned about the War of 1812. There was one particularly good quote (quoting a judge's ruling from the 18th century) that I must find again. Made me want to scrap LOL

and the regencies
25 The Artful Heir* by Kirkland (reading it now, but I'll be done soon ...) I really like this one. Good mystery and a wealth of bad-guy characters to choose from to try to figure out who's the real bad guy :)
26 A Change of Heart* by Hern. Delightful
27 Wonderful and Wicked* by King. The title makes me mad as it has nothing to do with the story.
28 A Dangerous Affair* by Gedney. A good mystery even the 2nd time around when I knew who did it.
29 The Affair at Greengage Manor* by Gedney. I'd say this is one of the better Heyer imitations
30 Francesca's Rake* by Kerstan. Light, fun.
31 A Bird in Hand* by Lane. This one is fun too.
32 That Scandalous Heiress* by Kirkland. Appropriate title, if not for the reasons one might assume.
33 The Ambitious Baronet* by Kihlstrom. fairy tale-like, but especially laudable LOL
34 The Best Intentions* by Hern. I really enjoyed this one, again.
35 A Primrose Wedding* by Ferguson. fun
36 The Reckless Barrister* by Kihlstrom. enjoyable

Got one box of books unpacked and put away... okay almost put away LOL Btw, I didn't read every regency in the box! I passed over at least 2. ;->

Pooh, I've been doing more reading than last year. Yes, these are light and quick, most around 220 pp although some were longer. But I must admit these past few days I've done something that it's been just forever since I did: I'm just sitting down and reading. Usually, I just read in the car, in between other things, i.e., in snatches. But I've really enjoyed putting my feet up and just reading.

That can't continue, alas, as there is just sooo much to do here, but it's been wonderful.

59lauranav
Jan. 27, 2012, 10:36 am

I know the feeling. I have read more in Dec and Jan, just sit down and ignore everything else and read, than I did all last year. And I know the calendar is filling up again with good things so the reading time will get cut. And that's ok - there are good things to be done, and good people to do them with.
But it has been wonderful (as you say). I'm so glad you have had this time.

60PiyushC
Jan. 28, 2012, 3:40 pm

A Woman's Estate is a regency through and through, I looked at the cover and the covers and titles of the first book of the series too, don't pretend it is otherwise!

Children of the Dust on the other hand looks promising.

61suslyn
Jan. 29, 2012, 8:47 am

Oh Piyush -- thanks a ton! I had no idea it was part of a series xox (LOL)

Laura, I'm pleased you got some quality reading time too!

I must get off line. First an email and now these posts -- between you guys my cheeks are literally aching from grinning so much! LOL

bisous a tous

62suslyn
Jan. 29, 2012, 8:50 am

Just checked out the series for fun.

"LibraryThing thinks you will love Fortune's Bride (prediction confidence: very low)"

that cracks me up! LOL (cheeks are still aching)

63PiyushC
Jan. 29, 2012, 12:00 pm

Glad to be of help in finding the series out for you! More porn for you to read!

64suslyn
Jan. 30, 2012, 12:21 pm

LOL

more regencies
37 A Grand Deception by Mansfield (330 pp)
38 A Choice of Cousins by Kijlstrom (214 pp)
An Improper Companion by Kihlstrom. Rape myth story --> recycled.
39 The Wolfe's Mate by Marshall (251 pp). Part of the Marriage and Mayhem group. These are, imo, superior.
40 Gallant Waif by Gracie (297 pp). A Rita Award finalist, and it's easy to see why.
41 Althea's Grand Tour by Hendrickson (221 pp). light but still good read.

definitely too many books for January... and my house and life show it!

65suslyn
Bearbeitet: Feb. 3, 2012, 12:13 pm

42 Brimstone by Preston & Child, mystery. ... with a touch of horror LOL. It's too tame, no doubt, for BDB's Halloween read list, but I thought it fit.

Part of a series, and clearly part of a series, I didn't realize that Relic which I read years ago and enjoyed very much was the initial book. Curious to read the books in between the first and Brimstone.

Enjoyable, some great word plays, fast moving, exciting and not too predictable. --> recommended
Caveat: you might wanna kill the authors for their somewhat cliffhanger ending. Not a total cliffhanger, but definitely written to make you get the next book, the first chapter of which was obligingly included in my edition.

66FAMeulstee
Feb. 1, 2012, 1:08 pm

Hi Susan, how are you and how is the house improving?

67ronincats
Feb. 1, 2012, 2:05 pm

Susan, I just read a new-to-me Regency author who was not bad, Candice Hern. I got a cheap one on my Kindle so tried it out. Have you read her?

68suslyn
Feb. 2, 2012, 9:38 pm

Yes, Roni, I've got a mess of Herns... I agree, not bad. Thx for the heads up. Would have hated to be out of the loop :)

Anita, Thx for asking. I'm okay. The house... well. hmmm... the house is pretty much the same. We now have wiring and plumbing installed for what we're going to do. Still need walls, 3/4 of the ceiling, insulation all over, floors installed, etc. We did find a hood we both like and a way to install it, so that's one problem down. I don't know when we'll have our new kitchen except that it's no time soon! LOL While he's working there I'm on the next floor working on our living area there. It's also going slowly, but I'm enjoying the process.

re: books

43 The Stone Forest by Harper, mystery (392 pp). I just can't recommend this. The story is interesting enough, but it needs another pass with the editor before it goes to print! I went to put it down so many times ... huge gaps in the story line, inconsistencies, stupid dialogue, etc. But the story was yanking on me to finish.

44 Big Cherry Holler by Trigiani, fiction (307 pp). Great story. It was really slow for me at the beginning, but it got to where I couldn't put it down. I'd describe this as a story about a gal who begins growing up at 40. And it has a ton of excellent quotables -- sorry I didn't mark the pages. Sorry for you and me both: a) I wanted to share, b) I just plain old wanted to copy out a few for myself. --> recommended. Pretty sure this will be one of my top 2012 reads.

69thornton37814
Feb. 3, 2012, 8:10 am

I really want to read Big Cherry Holler sometime. Glad to hear the story is great.

70dk_phoenix
Feb. 3, 2012, 8:21 am

Oh gosh... I detest renovations, but they're always worth it in the end. When my parents were renovating about 7 years ago, it must have taken 3 years to get the project finished. But it looks amazing now, so... even if it's slow going, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the process. Keep that mindset! :) LOL

71suslyn
Feb. 13, 2012, 2:08 am

>69 thornton37814: Hope you enjoy it!

Faith, it's exhausting! And it's a real pain to have most of our stuff still in boxes... It'll be slow going. And while they are renovations per se, they're more than just minor stuff. As the house was poorly renovated several times Steph is actually having to rebuild a lot of stuff as well as figure out creative solutions to problems they left behind (like floor supports for the 2nd story which are not resting on the walls below... all we can figure is that they're staying up because they floor above is nailed to them! LOL And of course this kind of interruption makes the going even slower.

45A Very Unusual Governess* by Andrew (298 pp), regency. It's funny. I remember reading this before and the thing which bugged me last time is the feature of the story I enjoyed the most this time through (a fairy-tale like addition to the regular regency story).

46 Belle's Beau* by Buck (218 pp), regency. This is the 2nd of two stories, either of which can be read alone. I passed this time on the first. Odd thing was while I remembered the first story this one was full of surprises for me. Funny what one retains.

47 A Family Affair* by Haran (374 pp), fiction. Set in modern times (end of 20th century?) England, this is a story of a family and the family business. Of course, it's a lot more too. Lots of adultery though, but happily without the hot and heavy sex scenes. All in all a good read. Must confess that I found their morals saddening ... both for the characters (they were not happy with what they reaped) and for the reflection of modern mores that they are.

72Donna828
Feb. 13, 2012, 9:36 am

Hi Susan, slow but steady progress sounds good to me. And now you can wash dishes in a sink with both hot and cold water. That's real progress. Btw, I actually like to wash dishes. I get my best thinking done with my hands in warm, sudsy water looking out the window.

I have the Chalion books on my wishlist already - just in case I ever make good on my promise to give Sci-Fi a real chance. One of these days....

73suslyn
Feb. 13, 2012, 10:09 am

Well the Chalion books are fantasy, but an excellent choice IMO. Bujold's Cordelia's Honor is, however, an excellent choice for a testing the SF waters :)

74suslyn
Feb. 13, 2012, 11:17 am

I thought I'd read more since my post in 68 when I logged a few in earlier today. And I was right. I just stumbled onto a stack waiting for input:

48 The Wager* by Cheney (299 pp), romance. Not a regency but the same as, it just happens to be set (very well) in the 1840s.

49 A Timely Affair* by Bennett (415 pp), timetravel -- Contemp England and regency. Satisfying ending.

50 The Lady and the Cit* by Bancroft (213 pp), regency. Reminded me how egalitarian I am. I wouldn't function well in highly deliniated social structures.

51 The Major Meets His Match* by Bancroft (227 pp), regency. Another story involving class struggles among other things. Fun mystery.

52 The Prodigal Hero* by Butler (230 pp), regency. I really enjoy this story.

53 The Righteous Rakehell* by Buck (222 pp), regency. Almost finished with this one so I thought I'd include it now.

75suslyn
Feb. 14, 2012, 1:29 am

I am really loving this new-to-me resource, http://www.quoty.org, where one may store and organize quotes.

No more slips of paper with scribbles, notepad files saved everywhere or bookmarks in books. just used it (for the second time) and was reminded I hadn't told you guys.

76souloftherose
Feb. 14, 2012, 6:24 am

Hi Susan. Going back to the Bujold conversation I read and really enjoyed The Curse of Chalion last year as well as the first few books in the Vorkosigan series. Need to get back to those.

77suslyn
Feb. 14, 2012, 9:22 am

I like the first few of the Miles books and the last two. I didn't really enjoy the middle ones as much (as far as I know I've read them all).

78PiyushC
Feb. 14, 2012, 12:49 pm

Created an account on quoty, thanks for sharing.

79gennyt
Feb. 18, 2012, 9:22 am

Thanks for mentioning quoty - that looks useful, if I remember to use it!

80suslyn
Feb. 19, 2012, 11:04 am

Yeah, I'm thinking quoty hasn't caught on yet. It should especially among folks like us!

Just finished another re-read
54 Forbidden Magic* by Wells, fantasy (472 pp). Even tho it has a cliffhanger ending it still manages to end well. If I had a library I'd run to get the sequel. But I didn't love it enough to want to buy it. LOL Still is was quite good with an interesting world and back history. And I enjoyed the characters too.

And the regencies finished before that (obviously these are not numbered in order!):
55 The Marriage Mart* by Clark (239 pp). I really found this one to be a cut above. An interesting set of characters and some interesting psychological exploration. In the breadth of treatment of a family I was reminded of Austen.

56 The Reluctant Cyprian by Campbell (222 pp). A fun romp if completely unbelievable.
57 The Rogue's Lady* by Devon (234 pp). I enjoyed this one -- a nice departure from the usual plotlines.
58 Lord Margrave's Deception* by Campbell (215 pp). A bit silly but fun.
59 The Willful Miss Winthrop* by Counts (254 pp). Set largely on the Iberian peninsula, I enjoyed this book and the historical endnotes.
60 A Marriage of Inconvenience* by Campbell (217 pp). If you want a story with an impressive set of villains and a rather stupid (as in thick, he was actually intelligent) fellow, read this one.
61 Lord of Scandal* by Cornick (376 pp). As usual Cornick does a nice job. But this one is a bit too racy for my shelves --> recycled.
62 A Kind and Decent Man* by Brendan (248 pp). Unbelievable but a good enough story.
63 Lord Glenraven's Return* by Barbour (220 pp). I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The villain's are routed, justices righted and the guy gets the girl.
64 Willowswood Match* by Buck (224 pp). I was a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.

and a non-regency
65 Daughter of Witches* by Wrede, fantasy (214 pp). Still unsure of my response to this story.

Happy to report that the newest boxes contain no regencies. You see, I only have a place to shelve my regencies. So as I go through the boxes trying to considate them (they were ill-packed by the movers) and reduce their number, I'm removing regencies. And, as you know, I've re-read most of them :)

Currently reading Insurrection by Weber and White and have the sequel awaiting my pleasure. It was with some reluctance that I packed back up my Pournelles, but they'll just have to wait for another day.

81suslyn
Feb. 23, 2012, 7:48 am

66 Insurrection by Weber and White, sci-fi (space opera). I read 150 pages or so and got bored. Started another book, misplaced it, and picked up Insurrection again. This time I wasn't bored (maybe it was me?). Super ending. Enjoyed it a bunch. Even so, I'm not hurrying on to the sequel.

Instead with some friends I'm launching a nonprofit/not for profit organization to help folks in crisis who are 'one step from the street,' i.e., about to be homeless. At the moment we have two ladies in view, both of whom have lived responsibily and made, as well as continue to make, every effort to pay their bills, get jobs, etc. But in their cases it's just not enough. Nor are the limited resources of their friends and/or families sufficient to the need.

So I'm reading less. Still reading, bien sur!, but reading less. Scrapping less too. If you pray, prayers are welcome!

Blessings.

82dk_phoenix
Feb. 23, 2012, 8:31 am

Prayers coming your way. Sounds like a wonderful venture to undertake, but also difficult and I imagine at times it will become emotionally draining. But if your team is strong and you all work well together, you'll be able to make a real difference in these peoples' lives.

83suslyn
Bearbeitet: Feb. 23, 2012, 8:46 am

TY! I really hope so. It is a huge undertaking! LOL Trying to assemble a board atm. Don't want to get saddled with detractors...

84BookAngel_a
Feb. 23, 2012, 2:57 pm

Just saying Hi and trying to catch up! Best wishes for all your endeavors. :)

85lauranav
Feb. 24, 2012, 4:38 pm

Praying.
And it sounds like a great thing you are doing.

86suslyn
Feb. 28, 2012, 9:33 am

Thanks so much for the well-wishing and prayers. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all there is to do.

Okay friends, I'm gonna do my list quick and dirty :)

67 A Civil Contract by Heyer, fiction (414 pp). This must be my favorite Heyer. I really need a new copy as only the last 90 pages or so are still attached to the cover!

68 Looking for Peyton Place by Delinsky, fiction (358 pp). Not my fav Delinsky, but still good. However 2x is enough for me, and so --> recylced.

69 Winter Solstice by Pilcher, fiction (504 pp). It's easy to see when you read this or Shell Seekers why she gained acclaim.

70 The Empty House by Pilcher, fiction (247 pp). More of a regency than many regencies although set in modern day in England. Not really recommended.

71 Better to Beg Forgiveness by Williamson, sf (597 pp). first in a series although the ending does not leave one hanging at all. Hope to find others.

72 The Mistress of Hanover Square by Herries, regency (296 pp). Apparently part of a series about the inhabitants of Hanover Square. I recycled another in the series earlier for insipidity, I believe. This one was rather enjoyable and shall remain. I'm not searching out the others, however.

73 East of the Sun, West of the Moon by Ringo, SF (424 pp). 4th in a series of which I've only read the 1st. I think I'd enjoy this volume more if I'd read the inner two.

I have vertigo. Makes it hard to think, although (obviously), I can still read. So much to do. Really would like a clear head. It was so bad at one point I felt I was falling fast and out of control -- and I was in bed!

selah

87Whisper1
Feb. 28, 2012, 9:08 pm

Hi Susan

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well.

I hope tonight is better than today and that tomorrow is better than tonight.

Congratulations on reading 73 books thus far!

88scaifea
Mrz. 6, 2012, 7:43 pm

De-lurking to say that I'm, well, lurking, and enjoying following your thread, your home improvements, your reads, and your new NFP venture. Hope you're feeling better!

89suslyn
Mrz. 8, 2012, 1:56 pm

Thx gals. vertigo's better but not gone. I'm happy with "better"!

74 Fortune's Lady* by Richardson, regency (231 pp). Lately I've been going tthrough unpacked books trying to find ones I think I might be removing from my shelves. On the last pass, I spotted this mis-shelved regency. It's a good one :)

75 The Girl with Botticelli Eyes by Lieberman, thriller (358 pp). I've avoided reading this one like the plague. Why? The title reminded me of The Girl with the Pearl Earring -- if it's popular in general I avoid it. Contrary and silly, as they're often popular for a good reason... Well still having not read TGwtPE, I can't say anything about how they compare :) I can say this was pretty good. Judicious and often very effective use of flash backs. Plot centers around a show of Botticelli at the Met in NY. recommended with this caveat: don't go there if you can't do gruesome!

76 Something Deadly by Lee, mystery/thriller (376 pp). Interesting use of a canine voice as one of the main authors. This is a spiritual work, with synchretized voodoo and Catholicism. It was also pretty good. Felt they rushed the ending a bit, but that's unfortunately not too uncommon. --> recycled 'cause once was enough, but I am glad I read it once. :)

77 The Gates of Twilight by Volsky, fantasy (389 pp). Another gruesome book, this is set in a convincing world. The main characters are the only ones that were really developed and that's a pity, but on the whole I'd say this was a satisfying read.

78 Amethyst Dreams* by Whitney, mystery (289 pp). Good mystery with interesting historical setting (modern setting for the novel making use of the history of the island).

79 Mr Perfect by Howard, romance (405 pp). so so --> recycled

80 Now You See Her by Howard, paranormal romance (362 pp). Preferred it to the other one --> recycled.

81 Marrying the Major* by Maitland, regency (296 pp). Another mis-shelved book. Still good. :)

Currently enjoying The Rescue by Sparks. His main character is in the kind of situation that our nonprofit wants to help. In her case, it looks like she'll marry and solve the problems. That isn't the case for most of the folks on the edge out there. We have a name: One Step Away Intl. Now to find graphics that can evoke the idea of one step from disaster and/or one step from help!

90PaulCranswick
Mrz. 8, 2012, 2:01 pm

Susan - congratulations for joining the 75 club....in March!

81 books already this year already way to go!

91klobrien2
Mrz. 8, 2012, 5:04 pm

Wow! 81 books! You are my hero!

At post 89, Now You See Her, I read it as "paranoid romance," not "paranormal romance"! I'll be giggling about that for a while.

Karen O.

92suslyn
Mrz. 18, 2012, 11:57 pm

LOL Karen. What a hoot!! Maybe it was paranoid too ;->

And thanks for the congrats, but... I am disappointed. I've been trying to read less. Succeeded in 2009, 2010 and 2011, but looks like this year might even beat 2008. C'est la vie...

Another bullet list not (in order read):

82 The Gambler's Heart* by Wilson, regency (347 pp). Decent suspense, pretty racy but it's all within marriage (what a concept! LOL).

83 Honor's Bride* by Wilson, regency (299 pp). I prefer this one (which I read first this time around). Set mainly in the Peninsula during the Napoleonic wars with a group of wounded cut off from the main army.

84 Spindle's End* by Robin McKinley, retold fairy tale (354 pp). What a nice world she's created here. I really have to get some of her other works. Recommended. (slow start... almost reshelved it. Glad I persevered.)

85 Hymn Before Battle* by Ringo, SF (467 pp). I was disappointed that the sequel to this book doesn't pick up with the same folks. It's apparently later on, but they don't explain how the changes which have occured came to pass. However, none of that matters for the reading of this volume which ends well and was a good read.

86 Pay the Devil by Higgins, hist fic (294 pp). Higgins, right? With a blurb by Tom Clancy... so I'm thinking something along the lines of Hunt for Red October. Nope. This is about a confederate soldier who goes "home" to Ireland after the war. It was interesting to see him portray the difficulties the character encountered there, but I'm sure there are better books on the same thing (my apologies to Higgins). --> recycled. Once was enough.

87 The Confessor* by Silva, suspense/espionage (403 pp). Fast paced and hard to put down, this book is one of a series, but I had no idea until I finished the volume, i.e., it tells it's own story quite nicely. Now I want the series!

88 Days of Drums by Shelby, thriller (310 pp). Really enjoyed it til the last page. The story was over, and then he went philosophical. I really have no idea what the last page was about. However... I loved 309 pages of the book :)

89 The Rescue by Sparks, fiction (461 pp). I really enjoy Sparks. The others I've read by him were in a very different (to me) setting. This is in a small southern town. This is the kind of book I want on those lazy days of summer when you just read. Recommended.

93FAMeulstee
Mrz. 20, 2012, 5:13 pm

I love it, I think you are the only member of this group who tries to read less each year ;-)
Anyway congrats on reaching 75!

94PaulCranswick
Mrz. 20, 2012, 8:03 pm

Anita I am not sure that Susan is not being a little tongue in cheek here. She also describes The Confessor as being hard to put down - I agree and had the same problem but surely she has the same issue with all her reading!

95suslyn
Bearbeitet: Mrz. 29, 2012, 4:08 am

No Paul, not being tongue in cheek! I really am a bit distressed that my reading is back up again this year. Anita's watched the struggle for a few years now :)

Thanks guys for dropping in.

So busy that I haven't scrapped in a week -- unheard of!

We're officially incorporated as nonprofit now and waiting for the fed i.d. number :)

Okay -- somehow I keep finishing books (despite two mini-funks which not even Andrea Norton, one of my favs, could cure!):

90 The Pugnacious Peacemaker by Turtledove and Sprague, alternative history (185 pp). One of the TOR SF Double series (No. 20), I expected to hate it. I didn't. I want more :) The two stories are connected by the main character and universe.

91 A World of Difference by Turtledove, sf (308 pp). Set during the cold war, a joint Soviet/U.S. expedition travels to a world populated by sentient beings as discovered by a Viking probe. Good story. Great characters imo.

92 A Horsewoman in Godsland by Edwards, fantasy (219 pp). Story of serious culture clash. excellent. I enjoyed it very much.

93 Sassinak* by McCaffrey and Moon, SF (333 pp). First in a trilogoy it is also the end of another story. The other story is the one I wanted to read, bien sur. I liked this volume except the very end which I found to be out of sync with the rest of the story. I believe it's purpose was to set up the rest of the series.

94 recycled. Caveat: if you enjoy 12th century history this book might be for you even if it's not for me.

95 Beyond Lich Gate by Frankos, fantasy (310 pp). An odd little quest book -- interesting and provocative ending.

96 Trust Me, I'm a Vet* by Woodman, fiction (385 pp). Nice, fun easy read. Glad I read it -- again!

97 1635 by Flint and DeMarce, alt hist (799 pp). I thought I was bored, I thought I was just reading til it was over. But when I was done, I kept wondering what the characters were doing now... what was happening next. That kind of response tells me I enjoyed this more than I thought. It didn't help that I found the table of the cast once I was done though...

98 Bright and Shining Tiger* by Edwards, fantasy (218 pp). This story left me wanting more.

House update: kitchen lighting purchased, alcove niche reinforced with a beam and mostly knocked out, ceiling mostly done, wall about to be erected between kitchen and laundry and bathroom areas. Upstairs, a door was installed to keep the cats out of the stairwell (where one used the bottom step as a toilet!). The result is better circulation as we can keep the door downstairs open. and yes, i meant that. The door upstairs is 2 parts of a 3-part screen in wood that has holes (a la moroccan?) so it lets light and air through. behind the house the cat yard is finished and within it the nettles are gone, the dirt is compacted and ready for planting. finalement.

Cheers and thanks for stopping by!

96dk_phoenix
Mrz. 29, 2012, 9:23 am

Official incorporation! Whoo-hoo! Looks like things are moving along nicely.

97suslyn
Mrz. 30, 2012, 7:43 am

Yes Faith, thx! I just sent off a really rough intro to the organization to a prospective advisory panel memeber. There's just so much to do that it's just nuts. However, I think I'm over the hump for the worst of it :)

I have a book in mind that I'd like to re-read. I'm thinking it must not be Modesitt as I thought, but some non- or sideline-Dorsai book by Dickson. Haven't come to the Dickson box yet though...

So the two books that aren't what I was looking for are book 99 The Ecolitan Envoy (287 pp) and book 100 The Silent Warrior by Modesitt, a slimmer volume. Both are SF set in the future when mankind has colonized a mess of worlds. Unfortunately both are also parts of series for which I've never been able to find the rest of the series... oh well. Happily they are self-contained enough that this isn't a big deal.

98FAMeulstee
Mrz. 30, 2012, 4:44 pm

WOW 100 books in the first quarter of 2012!

99ronincats
Mrz. 30, 2012, 4:49 pm

You really have been busy, Susan! Congratulations on being so productive with house, nonprofit, and reading.

100suslyn
Mrz. 31, 2012, 1:48 am

Thank you both :)

Just popped in to say that I'm sooooo enjoying Empress by Karen Miller. I cannot like the main character. In fact, one might say I actively dislike her! Fantasy, Miller's created a convincing society... I would say world, but there are indications that the rest of the world does not function as this nation does. I'm gonna have to get the sequels unless something totally out of character happens in the next 2/3 of the book.

101suslyn
Apr. 2, 2012, 7:08 am

101 Empress by Miller, fantasy (724 pp). Fabulous. And it's settled, I hate the main character, evil stubborn misled arrogant woman! LOL

Gotta get books 2 and 3.

102suslyn
Apr. 17, 2012, 5:10 pm

Once again this is going to be a minimalist report. And once again they're not being reported in the order read, but the order I find them on my desk!

Got books 2 & 3 -- fab series. absolutely fabulous.

102 The Riven Kingdom by Miller, fantasy (671 pp). If you just read this book, you'd say it was great (I think...). And yet, it may be the weakest in the trilogy. Still, I liked it very well. And, yes, I can now say she makes a convincing world as we've now been introduced to a few more of the societies in it. good stuff.

103 Hammer of God by Miller, fantasy (787 pp). Well the girl didn't get the guy I wanted, but the author was right. Pooh :) LOL Satisfying culmination to an excellent series.

103 The Queen's Man* by Penman, hist mystery (272 pp). Good stuf. A re-read that was as fun the 2nd time around as the first. I should really look into getting more in the series. This is the first Justin de Quincy mystery, set in the court of Eleanor while waiting for King Richard to make it home from the crusades.

104 Nibbled to Death by Ducks by Campbell, mystery (276 pp). Set in Chicago, this book is a lot of fun and one of the Jimmy Flannery series. I'd really like to read more.

105 The White Mists of Power by Rusch, fantasy (302 pp). A pretty darn good first novel. She employs some interesting techniques and I appreciated how they added to the story.

106 The Oxford Murders* by Martinez, mystery (197 pp). It won the Planeta Prize which means nothing to me except that someone besides me liked it a lot. Good twists.

There are more books waiting to be inputted but I'm afraid of giving LT too many at once. I'll be back later. :)

103suslyn
Apr. 20, 2012, 11:40 am

Definitely not in reading order as most of these were read before those in the previous post!

107 Odd Girl Out* by Zahn, SF (386 pp). His Star Wars books aside, Zahn is one of my favorite writers. This however is not my favorite book of his. If you're trying Zahn for the first time I'd suggest Deadman Switch or Mantas's Gift for standalone stories or his excellent Conquerors Saga trilogy. And I actually find the series more compelling if one starts with book 2, Conqueror's Heritage! (and then by 1 followed by 3)

108 The Ecologic Envoy* by Modesitt, SF (287 pp). Standard Modesitt and another book for which I do not have the rest of the series.

109 Unbreathed Memories* by Talley, mystery (272 pp). Very good, often LOL funny for me, earthy book from the Hannah Ives series. I really must get more of Talley's work. This volume deals with some really series issues and does it well. It contains a particularly touching death scene - one of the best I've read.

110 Needlepoint by Chase, mystery/thriller (444 pp). This may have been a re-read but I'm not 100% sure. Regarless it was a gripping page turner for me. And I really connected with the characters.

111 and 112 Call of Madness* and The Wizard King* by Smith, fantasy (~300 pp each). First and last of 4 in the series, Smith has a knack for weaving her story in such a way that even without volumes 2 and 3 it didn't feel like I missed anything, rather it was as though book 4 was book 2 and 2 years had passed between the volumes. That's quite a trick. I think she has solid world-building and I enjoyed her characters and their growth.

113 To Ride Hell's Chasm* by Wurts, fantasy (692 pp). I literally wailed as I realized I was nearing the end of the book -- I hope/think it was only internally that I did so! I knew this was a standalone and I just didn't want it to end. However, with her amazing touch she wound up the book and left me content like the proverbial weaned child resting at her mother's breast. That doesn't mean I wouldn't welcome a sequel! Indeed I would. But I don't need it. Selah. (this is really a fabulous book)

114 Sorcerer's Legacy by Wurts, fantasy (303 pp). And since there was no sequel, I tried to quench my thirst with more Wurts. It helped, but the need is still there. I have partial series scattered in boxes but not in the same box, nor do I know which boxes, so I'll just have to stave off my thirst as best I can. This story is a treat.

Today we've been married 10 years. We're off to Honfleur for the weekend. In many ways it's like yesterday and in others a lifetime! LOL Things are better between us now, thank God. But it's still been over 2 years since I heard "I love you." I'm grateful that my dear husband's actions are consistently kind and loving -- that helps.

bless you -- Hope you have a great weekend.

104richardderus
Apr. 20, 2012, 12:35 pm

*smooch*

105ronincats
Apr. 20, 2012, 12:51 pm

Dropped in to wish you a Happy Anniversary! And glad things are going well--consistently kind and loving is nothing to sneeze at!

106alcottacre
Apr. 20, 2012, 9:00 pm

*waving* at Susan

107PaulCranswick
Apr. 20, 2012, 9:02 pm

Love Honfleur and the food in that region of France is worth the price to enjoy. Have a nice weekend Susan.

108PiyushC
Apr. 21, 2012, 8:18 am

Happy Anniversary Susan and have a nice weekend :)

109FAMeulstee
Apr. 21, 2012, 2:27 pm

Happy Anniversary, Honfleur reminds me of Jacques Brel, in his song Vesoul:

T’as voulu voir Honfleur
Et on a vu Honfleur

linkt to the complete lyrics of Vesoul We have thought about visiting all places named in that song ;-)

110drneutron
Apr. 21, 2012, 8:09 pm

Happy anniversary! I'm happy to hear that things are better, and continuing to pray they get better yet.

111Eat_Read_Knit
Apr. 24, 2012, 10:47 am

*catches up, waves hello*

Happy anniversary, and I'm glad things are better. :)

112souloftherose
Apr. 25, 2012, 8:48 am

Belated Happy Anniversary Susan! Glad to hear things are a bit better.

113suslyn
Apr. 25, 2012, 1:58 pm

Well! What a nice surprise!! THank you all. THe food was good Paul, but we aren't sure it was worth the price! We came across a quote that made us laugh. Baudelaire talks about how Honfleur is the most dear thing in his dreams -- We found it "dear" indeed. Exceedingly expensive. Well we celebrated all right! LOL We're both glad we decided the weekend was our gift to each other!

Thanks Anita for the lyric :) That's as good a reason as any to visit and better than some!

And roni, you're exactly right. I've got it good compared to many, and I'm grateful.

114suslyn
Apr. 26, 2012, 11:30 pm

Well, while I'm still woefully behind I did get some thread-reading in yesterday. That's a relief! Looking forward to getting caught up with the rest of you soon!

More shortlistings follow. It appears I'm in the d-k SF/fantasy box :)

115 Dagger by Drake, fantasy (250 pp). A Thieves' World Novel, I enjoyed this self-contained story. I don't recall hearing of it or reading any of the others, but I'd not hesitate to pick up another if I saw it.

116 Fortress by Drake, SF (311 pp). A Clancy-esque thriller with a SF twist. I enjoyed it. In hunting for the correct touchstone, I found that this is book two of a series. Huh. Just might have to look for others :) http://www.librarything.com/work/187872

117 Patriots* by Drake, SF (240 pp). Based on Ethan Allen's Green Mountain Boys in the days before the American Revolution, I found this story okay. The settings were convincing and I enjoyed the characters.

118 The Outstretched Shadow by Lackey and Mallory, fantasy (727 pp). I liked this one enough that I bought the next two in the trilogy. I really want to know what happens next :)

119 The Steerswoman* by Kirstein, fantasy (279 pp). I enjoyed this one enough to try to buy the rest in the series. But Abe Books doesn't like my card, or, er, the husband's card -- hope I didn't mess it up for him!

115suslyn
Mai 12, 2012, 12:07 am

116suslyn
Bearbeitet: Mai 17, 2012, 6:06 am

argh. just lost my post. so frustrating.

As I'd like to get these books off my desk, I'll do it again, but it may not be as thorough as the first time.

120 and 121 Soft Focus* and Sharp Edges* by Krentz, fiction (350 and 368). Read alone, either is fine. Read together I felt Krentz is misapplying the dictum, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Both rereads, it's time for them to have a new home --> recycled.

122 The Rogue's Return* by Moore, hist romance (296 pp). Reads like a regency, though set a few decades later. That works for me.

123 and 124 To Light a Candle and When Darkness Falls by Lackey and Mallory, fantasy (853 and 605). Satisfying sequels to the first in the Obsidian Trilogy. I enjoyed the series and am glad I bought the sequels -- Thx Book Despoitory!

125 Space Winners by Dickson, SF (250). Fun idea as the basis for the book. Enjoyable.

126 Darkspell by Kerr, fantasy (359 pp). This was good. Not the first in the series, she did a great job making this book work without the prequel. But I do need the sequel for this celtic-based series!

127 Starship Orpheus #2 by Symon Jade, SF (198 pp). Kind of a Mission Impossible or Jason Bourne set in space. Felt like I was watching (a good) episode of a show. I'd happily read more.

128 Emerald House Rising by Kerr (Peg, not Katherine of #126), fantasy (325 pp). I really enjoyed this story. Hope I run into more by her (and Katherine, for that matter).

129 Secrets of the Deep* by Jakes, SF (153 pp). YA? Part of an omnibus, I enjoyed this tale, again. Wasn't in the mood for the other story atm.

117suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 11, 2012, 4:03 am

Some of these were read before some of the reads listed in the previous message.

130-134 America 2040, The Golden World, City in the Mist, America 2040: The Return, and, The Star Explorer, SF (344, 374, 374). Those are books 1, 3 and 4. I read book 2 as well, but it's not here on my desk, so I'll in put it later (maybe... if it shows up). I really enjoyed this series. The covers are annoying -- so annoying that I didn't pick them up because of it. (full of ads)

135 The Cat Who Played Post Office* by Braun, mystery (186). fine for light reading

136 Strathmere's Bride by Navin, regency (297). I felt this one was pretty well done.

137 The Masters of Solitude by Kaye & Godwin, SF (403). I really enjoyed this book. I didn't like the ending, but it might have been the right one. I wanted the lead to act completely out of character. He didn't.

138 Greenmagic by Kilian, fantasy (311). A provocative and strange little book. I have mixed feelings about this one.

139 Riding Shotgun* by Brown, fiction/time travel (341). She's writing what she knows: Virginia and the fox hunt. I enjoy this book each time I read it. My book-swapping friend didn't like it at all...

140 Kingslayer* by James, fantasy (307). A sequel, I found I didn't miss the first book. Also really liked the chars (even the ones I didn't like). neither masterpiece nor waste of time. A keeper :)

118suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 11, 2012, 4:06 am

141 Just finished a most excellent little book! John Bunyan: God's Tinker by Rosio (123 pp). I'm going through the biographies in my shelf. The first I read was a nice little story, but not much more. This one is really amazing. So encouraging too. Despite the fact that it reads a bit like a term paper, albeit a very well-written and readable one, this is a great little intro to Bunyan. Highly recommended. It's worth the little bit of time it'll take to go through it. I see amazon has it used for $0.96 LOL -- a bargain indeed. Or buy from CLC direct and support their worthy efforts: http://www.clcpublications.com/

119suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 11, 2012, 4:07 am

And books read before the Bunyan book,

142 The Bastard, 143 The Rebels, and 144 The Furies by Jakes, historical fiction (628 pp, 533 pp and 537 pp respectively). Books 1, 2 and 4 of Jakes' American Bicentennial series, these are more I received in that shipment of books while in Romania. I resisted these because of the covers LOL. Too hyped. But I really appreciated books one and two. They made me want to look further into the history of the time. Jakes took pains to be historically accurate and alerts the readers to liberties he's taken. Book 4 let me pick up the story without too much trouble despite missing a volumen. The tone however was one I didn't enjoy. I did enjoy the topic a bit (The Alamo and other bits of Texan history). The next book I have is book VI, The Warriors. The trend in the characters (the series follows a family) which I did not appreciate continues. At page 316 I'm abandoning this volume without regrets. So I'll recycle book 4 and 6, but keep 1 and 2 for re-reading later.

145 The Golden Key by Rawn, Roberson and Elliot, fantasy (889 pp). I've been reading this book in pieces for several weeks (or longer). I found it too depressing at one point, too bloody at another, too ... This time when I picked it up I found it too good to put down! LOL Maybe they were just setting things up? Don't know. It was very interesting and a bit unusual in approach. If you're into art, especially painting, you might really enjoy this book.

146 Avaryan Resplendent by Tarr, fantasy (826 pp). This omnibus volume of Tarr's second Avaryan trilogy is excellent. I had my doubts, serious ones. I so enjoyed the first trilogy that I really didn't see what else she could do. I'm glad she did not have me as a counselor! In the end, I'd say they're tied neck and neck as trilogies, and I don't think I could choose between them. I did note one loose end... does that mean I get more some day? I'd like to think so :)
Included in the omnibus, Arrows of the Sun, Spear of Heaven, and Tides of Darkness. Yummy!

147

120souloftherose
Jun. 5, 2012, 12:38 pm

#118 Sounds interesting although the cover really puts me off for some reason.

#119 " I resisted these because of the covers" so I should probably not judge the Bunyan bio by its cover then?!

146?

121suslyn
Jun. 5, 2012, 1:19 pm

LOL Heather! :)

Well I still haven't found book 146...

146 some missionary biography. about 120 pages. I feel like another author might have made the story have more impact, but it was fine.

147 Asked for Healing ... Given Grace by James, nonfic (58 pp). Well as some of my books were 800 pages... I guess I'll let this slide although the author calls her work a "booklet" -- true. Not a theological discouurse. Rather it's her personal exploration of her faith and her disease, Parkinson's. Not preachy imo, good questions. She write them hoping that they'll help others as they seek their own answers to their own questions (not that they'll think just like her). Think I'll grab this for a few friends. ISBN 0-87508-563-6

148 Love Yourself: Self-Acceptance and Depression by Trobisch, NF (54 pp). This little booklet packs a wallop. While I read it in snatches throughout one day, it is really not the kind that can be absorbed in that amount of time. I think I'll keep it out and re-read meditatively. Provocative, challenging, practical and, imo, not to be ignored.

122ronincats
Jun. 6, 2012, 12:09 am

You've been getting a lot of reading done!! How is the house going, and your foundation, and your scrapping?

123PaulCranswick
Jun. 6, 2012, 12:57 am

Susan - the Jakes series looks interesting because of the subject matter, but I recall reading his North and South many moons ago and thinking it a bit pulpish.

124suslyn
Jun. 6, 2012, 2:41 pm

Paul, that was my problem with book 4. That tendency became slightly more remarked in book 2, but not in so much force that it would characterize the book as pulpish, imo. So, I'd recommend book 1 and to a less extent perhaps book 2. The ideas discussed in both were rivteing for me. So, if you read book 1 and it reminds you of N&S, don't proceed!! LOL

And my thanks for the words on N&S. I have 2 of those from the same shipment. Think I'll just give them a pass. :)

125suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 6, 2012, 2:52 pm

Oh Roni! I didn't even see your message. LOL My first response to your questions was a heavy sigh. too ufnny. I admit at the moment I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that needs to be done -- beyond the ability of my resources and those available to me. In a similar moment a few weeks (months?) ago, Steph said we were doing a good thing, but a hard thing. And that for the moment, my function is to endure. That may seem strange but I and another gal on the board were greatly encouraged by that.

So, the website's up (did I say that?). www.onestepawayintl.org If you visit and like what you see enough to hit the FB "like" button, we'd appreciate that.

I'm behind on all of my goals. (if I'm reading more than my goal, which was to read less, does that make me ahead?) But I'm pressing on.

Steph's made significant progress in the kitchen. We have walls and a ceiling. And, fun fact, when he took down the tile on one wall he found a window! It's a dark room so we're thrilled. Too bad it's currently below the dirt level outside! LOL One thing at a time...

And scrapping? Our digital scrapbook kit for OSA has only sold 2 copies. That's disappointing at best. I want to design kits like it for sale (I know one can make good money at it). To develop my skills I signed up for a course which runs 8 May through 8 June. I've done the first assignment, but not posted it! The good thing is it's the basic course and is just stuff I know. The bad thing is I need to get it done so I can move on. So that's my project for the next 2 days.

As for my own scrapping? laughable, except it's not funny.

Bless you for asking. My thanks, love.

126suslyn
Jun. 8, 2012, 3:02 pm

My desk is awash in books. Found some I hadn't logged in, so here goes.

149 Presumed Innocent by Turow, fiction (421 pp). A good read. I'm surprised that I was surprised by the ending :)

150 Tigana* by Kay, fantasy (673 pp). Oh Tigana. I just love this book. It is so fabulous. I often use this tome to introduce folks to the genre. My poor copy is falling apart. Wonder which would be cheaper... rebinding or buying a new one? (This is the book I finished most recently.)

151 Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador by Modesitt, fantasy (444 and 541 pp respectively). It's nice to see that the annoying characteristics in the early Recluse books are gone from these later contributions to the series. These two books are hardback. I really must replace them with paperbacks some day -- they're so much easier to store.

152 The Wastrel* by Moore, romance (294 pp). Reads like a regency but is set in 1862.

Recycling Judith Kelman's The Session. It was good; that's why I kept it. But it was also pretty grim. Now that I'm no longer in Romania and have my own library with me again, I think I can let this one go. Did the same with the two volumes of Jake's North and South which I had. Thanks Paul! hmmm... my inventory shows I have 3 from this series. The third must be in another box. *sigh*

Currently reading Mountain Rain by Crossman (most excellent), The Last Cold-War Cowboy by Sloan (love his sense of humor!!) and A Highlander for Christmas for fluff relief. My vertigo is strong atm. I'm buried under things (I feel like my desk looks). Made good progress on the photoshop course and have reached the point in it where I'm learning new things. I've been using it for several years but decided to take the beginners class just in case. When the first lesson was "make a blank page" I wondered.... LOL

Re-reading (very slowly) Trobisch's Love Yourself is helping me affect my outlook, if doing very little to impact my productivity!! I'd really like both :) Selah.

127suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 8, 2012, 3:09 pm

Here's a taste of The Last Cold-War Cowboy as what's humorous for one may not resound with another:

"I slept about ten minutes. The garage door was banging at an irregular interval. The neighbor's cat was enjoying the latter stages of a successful seduction. I got up and walked past the room which had been Jeremy's, and which will be his still if I don't sell the house before summer. I flicked the light on and off and walked on down to my study.

"It's easy for people like Sorel to say you should just get up and work. The walls of my study are lined with books, half of which Jeremy had thoughtfully alphabetized. Have you ever tried to find an anthology by three obscure editors among two thousand half-alphabetized books a four o'clock in the morning?

"I decided to go through my files instead. My files consist of about fifteen large cardboard boxes. The system is stricly LIFO. Whatever I kept from yesterday's mail is on top. ..." (pg 30-31).

This had me in stitches. So even if there wasn't a story (and there appears to be), I'd read it just for these droll descriptions.

128suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 10, 2012, 8:59 am

153 The Last Cold-War Cowboy by Sloan, fiction (276 pp). I'd like to know how much of this is fact. The story involves attempted coups in Indonesia in the 1960s. Interesting -- and I enjoyed his descriptions a ton.

154 and 155 A Highlander for Christmas and A Time-travel Christmas by Blair and various :), fluff (350 and 443 pp respectively).

156 The Knocker on Death's Door by Peters, mystery (222 pp). Pulled this off my very large stack of stalled books. I'd like to get rid of them (that is, put them where they belong). This lovely book is not one of the Brother Cadfael books. I enjoyed this book very much and would love to read more of Peters' "contemporary" mysteries.

Vertigo's been pretty bad the past few days. Makes it hard to do the things I need to do, want to do and read the things I want to read. Someone rang the bell earlier and my head spun. bother. c'est la vie.

129ronincats
Jun. 10, 2012, 12:16 pm

Vertigo is the pits! Hope you can find something to calm it down soon, Susan.

130suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 15, 2012, 5:48 am

Still spinning around ... There are some exercises I'm supposed to do three times a day -- dad (who also suffers from vertigo) swears they help. Keep forgetting!!

157 The Image by Charlotte Paul, mystery/thriller (301 pp). This was, for me, an engaging story. I'd read more by her. (no touchstone matched. ISBN 0-446-96145-5

158 King of the Grey* by Knaak, fantasy (282 pp). I've decided that I don't like this genre, whatever it is. It's in the same category with Beagle's A Fine and Private Place and Gaiman's take on The Jungle Book (the name escapes me atm. I have another book by Knaak, The Janus Mask, which I liked so well that I bought 2 more of his books including th. (255 pp). Fluff for consumption during vertigo...

159 Northworld Trilogy* by Drake, sf (789 pp). Read this a while ago, but it got into my "stalled books" pile (bookmarked deceptively!). So yesterday I tried to finish it only to find I already had. Kind of a nice cross between SF/fantasy. Interesting enough.

160 The Eternity Artifact* by Modesitt, SF (464 pp). This is probably one of my fav Modesitt SFs. Why? It doesn't follow his usual formula. And, it's an interesting story. If you remember my reading at all, you may recall I read his SF anyway even when it is formulaic :) But, still, this was a nice change from the fellow with super-hero type abilities, who doesn't like coffee and wears green a lot. And, unlike most of his other stories, the problems aren't resolved by killing off the bad guys. That's a good thing IMO. :) (the still die... just not at the hand of main character)

Through a Glass Darkly by Koen, hist fiction (stopped at page 546). This book reminded me of Piyush's comments about regencies. Strange that "The Notorious Miss" so & so would be innocuous while this book with its scripture reference in the title and plenty more full quotes within is if not just written to be titillating then pornographic, depending on one's definition. I think this was the second time through... And while I'm interested to see how it ends, I'm not willing to pay the price of wading through their morass to get there. --> recycled

I cancelled a dental appt today because I am leary of driving when I get dizzy doing nothing... so you may expect more xmas regencies.

I'm pleased I got 4 books off my "stalled book" pile, even if I had already read one completely :)

131richardderus
Jun. 14, 2012, 10:52 am

*smooch* from your devoted lurker

132ronincats
Jun. 14, 2012, 11:29 am

I'm glad you are making progress on one front, at least! ;-)

133suslyn
Jun. 16, 2012, 1:03 am

Just finished listening to a free audio book (Thanks Laura for pointing me their way) @ Christianaudio.com. I figured audiobooks might work while I was organizing my digital scrapbook supplies. It did :)

161 Why I am a Christian by Stott, nonfiction (133 pp). Stott is one of my favorite writers. This book did not disappoint. I was very interested in how he broke down his reasons and impressed with his presentation. Not surprising though, if you know Stott. Other favorite works of mine by Stott are: Basic Christianity - short, sweet and good, and The Cross of Christ - an impressive and compelling investigation into the symbol of the cross.

I've broken away from the stalled books. I was stalled in my reading of them for a reason... LOL

I also have others to post but they aren't right at hand atm, so I'll do that later.

134suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 18, 2012, 6:11 am

Found The Seekers as I was putting books on my improved bookshelf -- yay Steph!! --> Recycled (and I didn't even crack the cover!!) (L - I took it out of my library already.)

162 The Cat who Sang for the Birds by Braun, mystery (260 pp). I liked this one better than others in the series as Qwill seems to have gotten over his belief in his irresistibility to women.

163 A Christmas Courtship by Dunn et al, regency (348 pp). fluff

164 Betrothals by James, romance (269 pp). Only read the first of two novellas in this volume -- more fluff.

165 Octagonal Raven by Modesitt, SF (398 pp). One of Modesitts less formulaic SF and perhaps one of my favorite.

Listening to the monthly free audio download from christianaudio.com -- most excellent, but more on that later.

135suslyn
Jun. 18, 2012, 7:15 am

Well I was trying to do a list like Heather's... Thought I'd go through the alpha just a bit at a time. So as I was finishing "D", my self-imposed cut-off I realized that I only have half my library catalogued... the part I had in Romania. The stuff I've had for years and the stuff I bought since moving to Europe aren't in LT yet! So, here is a most-incomplete list of books I really liked which are in my library AND LT :) Again, copying Heather, I only chose one per author (per decade :)

1700s
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

1800s
Persuasion by Austen

1900
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Baum
A Little Princess by Burnett

1950
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Dragon and the George by Dickson

1960
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

1970
Don't Waste Your Sorrows by Paul E. Billheimer

1980
Westmark by Lloyd Alexander
Painted Lives by Charlotte Vale Allen
Magic Kingdom: For Sale Sold by Terry Brooks
Cuckoo's Egg by Cherryh
Mirror of her Dreams by Stephen Donaldson
Six of Swords by Carole Nelson Douglas

1990
Cordelia's Honor by Bujold (comprised of 2 books, 1 published in the 80s and the other in the 90s
Nibbled to death by Ducks by Campbell
Pastwatch by Orson Scott Card
The Bookman's Wake by Dunning

2000
The Hidden Queen by Alma Alexander
Daughter of the Blood Anne Bishop
Year of Wonders by Brooks
Sundays at the Moosewood by the Moosewood Collective (which LT puts in the Cs
The Principessa by Dickason

2010
Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Chapman

136PaulCranswick
Jun. 19, 2012, 5:44 am

Susan - One per author per decade - nice idea - I tried to go back and see how far back my unbroken reading goes - i.e. from 2011 backwards - at least a book per year - I surprised myself by getting all the way back to 1813 (and I was only a nipper in those days!)

137avatiakh
Jun. 19, 2012, 6:25 am

Oh Susan, I loved Mirror of her dreams and I have Sundays at the Moosewood. I need to read Anne Bishop...I need more hours in the day!
I'm going to have to do some sort of list eventually, everyone is putting one together.

138suslyn
Jun. 19, 2012, 6:36 am

Kerry -- MohD is good, isn't it? I found the Thomas books too dreary... so depressing, but the Mordant Needs books work for me :)

Do try the African Groundnut Stew if you haven't already. I prefer it without the nuts actually LOL. And if you're serving it to someone who "needs" meat, I found that a bit of keilbasa (usually sliced thin and then halved) makes them feel they've had a meat stew. I've used anything green (green beans, peas) when I didn't have okra, and because the husband has decided he doesn't care for okra. Also we find it's best served at least one day after making. And, finally, pumpkin or other squash is an acceptable substitute for the sweet potato, and I've used both in the same pot.

Paul -- I had no idea you'd been around so long! :) I got the list idea from Heather...

139PiyushC
Jun. 20, 2012, 9:00 am

#130 Glad to see you finally conform to my views on the genre! Better late than never I say!

140suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:24 pm

>139 PiyushC: Piyush, there's only one small problem... The book in question isn't a regency! ;->

166 Imager by Modesitt, fantasy (499). When I finished the book, as I was closing it, I said to myself, "Oh, that was good." So, I guess I'll have to report that this was a pretty good book! :)

If I had Heather's energy and had my list of series done, you'd see that I intend to get the rest of the series asap.

141suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:25 pm

167 The Death Ship of Dartmouth by Jecks, mystery (497 pp). I so enjoyed the other Jecks book of this series that I really looked forward to this one. Well... it took me many months to get through it. The story's good. But somehow the pace left me just wanting to pick something else up and read it instead. And, I did that repeatedly. Well it's done, and it's gone --> recycled. Caveat: he apparently goes to quite a bit of effort to be as true to history as possible and lets the reader know what doesn't match. I appreciate that and learned a bit more about a period of which I had no recollection of studying or reading about -- ever.

142suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:26 pm

168 Sing the Four Quarters* and 169 Fifth Quarter* by Huff, fantasy (410 & 416 pp respectively). Decided I prefer sequels to books marked "Return to the world of Sing the Four Quarters" -- it was a good story, but I wanted more about the chars I met in StFQ. Oh well :)

ETA the 3rd book is a sequel to the 2nd. Hope it's good as well!

143suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:26 pm

170 No Quarter* and 171 The Quartered Sea* by Huff (413 and 406 pp respectively). These books both have characters from the first two volumes. And so, if I were making a list on series, this would go in the "completed" category :)

144ronincats
Jun. 24, 2012, 3:19 pm

I have had the first of that series forever, read it ages ago, and never managed to pick up the rest of the books. Did you like the series as a whole? Should I make the effort?

145PiyushC
Jun. 24, 2012, 4:54 pm

#140 Historical Fiction / Regency - Tomato / Tomato

146suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:27 pm

Roni, I did appreciate it. It was my 2nd time through. Still trying to decide if I'll ever want to read it again... I always want more shelf space!

>145 PiyushC: LOL Potato / Potato

172 The Janus Mask* by Knaak, fantasy (337 pp). This is the Knaak book which inspired the purchase of more by the author. Full of twists that make it a good read but still fit in the world (believeable in the context), I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, this time around.

173 Evil at Whispering Hills* by Cameron, hist romance/suspense (253 pp). Good for folks who like the genre. Set in 1817 in Indiana. Twice was enough for me --> recycled.

147ronincats
Jun. 25, 2012, 10:10 pm

Happy Birthday, Susan! I hope you are having a great one.

148suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:27 pm

It actually isn't my bday, but I'm grateful all the same. Somebody was poking around my FB page at old pics and commented on a scrap I made for my 49th. So everybody thinks it's now.

174 The Sands of Kalaven* by Heller, fantasy (276 pp). For some reason, this time when I read it the style bugged me. But my annoyance with it disappeared about half-way through. The nice thing about *this* book 2 of a series is that 1) you don't miss book 1, and 2) while the end could be viewed as a cliffhanger by some it really is a very satisfactory ending. I was left wanting more but not needing it for closure. That's the way it should be imo.

149suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:27 pm

175 Midnight Magic by Krahn, regency (447 pp). This one lives up to Piyush's expectations -- but does it count if they're married?

Twice was enough --> recycled.

150suslyn
Jun. 27, 2012, 9:16 am

Updated for additions to my library -- not new books, but newly entered. These lived in France while we were in Romania. Also went through "f"

1700s
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

1800s
Persuasion by Austen

1900
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Baum
A Little Princess by Burnett

1950
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Dragon and the George by Dickson

1960
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

1970
Don't Waste Your Sorrows by Paul E. Billheimer

1980
Westmark by Lloyd Alexander
Painted Lives by Charlotte Vale Allen
Magic Kingdom: For Sale Sold by Terry Brooks
Cuckoo's Egg by Cherryh
Mirror of her Dreams by Stephen Donaldson
Six of Swords by Carole Nelson Douglas
To the Haunted Mountains by Emerson
The sweetheart of the silent majority by Felsenthal

1990
Cordelia's Honor by Bujold (comprised of 2 books, 1 published in the 80s and the other in the 90s
Nibbled to death by Ducks by Campbell
Pastwatch by Orson Scott Card
Foreigner by Cherryh
The Wind-Witch by Dexter
The Bookman's Wake by Dunning
Black Sun Rising by Friedman

2000
The Hidden Queen by Alma Alexander
Daughter of the Blood Anne Bishop
Year of Wonders by Brooks
Sundays at the Moosewood by the Moosewood Collective (which LT puts in the Cs
The Principessa by Dickason
Hornet Flight by Follett

2010
Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Chapman

151suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jun. 28, 2012, 6:33 am

From Paul's thread who got it from Morphy's thread:

Hardback or paperback?
Paperback - if it's a keeper, it's easier to fit on the shelves. I re-read a lot (it's cheaper, if less fun, than buying all the time).

Amazon or bricks and mortar?
? Guess I'm out of the loop! I don't buy via Amazon if I can help it. Recently using bookdepository.com

Barnes & Noble or Borders?
Don't care.

Bookmark or dogear?
Bookmark. And woe to those who dogear the pages of my books!

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?
author, separated by genre to some extent: sf/fantasy, regencies (never had these til I moved to Europe ... in fact I'd only read Heyer before moving to Europe!), biography, teaching aids, a few texts from college/grad school, mystery, kids, and the rest of my fiction all lumped together.

Keep, throw away, or sell?
Um... keep, donate to a charity or give it to a friend.

Keep dust jacket or toss it?
keep

Read with dust jacket or remove it?
Never thought of taking it off to read (thanks Paul) -- LOL. Now you know the state of my dust jackets!

Short story or novel?
novel pls

Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)?
I've read both types and have no preference.

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?
Who's Lemony Snicket?

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?
Prefer a natural break, but i just stop sometimes, especially if the tension in the scene is high! LOL

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
both are good!

Buy or Borrow?
Oh how I miss a library...

New or used?
Used if possible.

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse?
What's available.

Tidy ending or cliffhanger?
No cliffhangers please!

Morning reading, afternoon reading or nighttime reading?
Paul said it correctly: Yes.

Stand-alone or series?
Love both. Regardless I like it to feel done when it's done (same goes for books within a series -- all too often that's not the case).

Favorite series?
Boy howdy! How in the world can I answer that? Fav series of recent reads: Empress by Karen Miller. Loathed the main character throughout -- loved the trilogy!

Favorite children's book?
Tag-along

Favorite book of which "nobody" else has heard?
Doubt I'm the only one -- hope not as it's fabulous! Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose

Favorite books read last year?
There's a list at the top of this thread

Favorite books of all time?
Couldn't say... really. The Bible? Yup that would have to take the top slot.

Least favorite book you finished last year?
Who knows? I forget them as fast as possible.

What are you reading right now?
Ghatti's Tale
Mountain Rain
Love Yourself
Ten Things I wish I'd Known

What are you reading next?
? Some of my stalled books? Books that I'm waiting for from Book Depository? Born Again in memory of the author who died this year?

152suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:27 pm

176 Finders Seekers* by Greeno, fantasy (506 pp). I'd put this book just above McCaffrey's on the scale of easy to read/fluff. That is to say, it was a bit more complex but still not too heavy. It was fun enough. As it was a re-read and I can't remember my reactions from the first time, I couldn't tell if the twists caught me off guard or not.

Started to read the sequel, but, tah-dah, my books arrived! So, I'm enjoy the sequel to Modesitt's pretty darn good fantasy yarn, Imager.

153PaulCranswick
Jun. 29, 2012, 9:51 pm

Susan - just flying past to wish you a lovely weekend. Hope you have no cliff-hangers this weekend!

154suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:28 pm

Thank you -- and I didn't.

I've also decided "tidy endings" aren't really what I want. An ending can leave a lot of things unresolved and still not be a cliffhanger. Those work for me well -- and provide food for thought :)

177 and 178 Imager's Challenge and Imager's Intrigue by Modesitt, fantasy (558 and 657 pp). Very good. I was worried because I don't have the other books in the series, and one isn't yet out in paperback. So glad the last book included a synopsis of the 4th Imager Portfolio book, Scholar. Turns out it's set a few hundred years before this series.

I'm off the hook -- I'd be on pins and needles for another about these characters. Earlier history of the land can wait. :)

155suslyn
Jul. 2, 2012, 9:52 pm

In honor of Indepence Day I read the Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr. What a passionate man. What a patriot. May we all stand as firm in our convictions and not sit idly or silently by as wrongs are done in our midst.

156lauranav
Jul. 8, 2012, 3:56 pm

I lost your thread and was wandering around LT today and found it again.

I hate the vertigo is still giving you fits. Bah, go away vertigo!

I love how many books you read by authors I've never even heard of. In genres I am somewhat familiar with. It always makes for fun reading of your thread.

157suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:36 pm

179 Seer King by Bunch, fantasy (542 pp). For most of the first 200 pages I was bored. Those pages took me over a year to read! But the rest was gripping. The story is told as a memoir but still is a story. The foreshadowing for the following book made sure I didn't want to read it. I prefer this ending. LOL There was something unsettling about the sex scenes. I can't define it exactly... not as explicit or drawn out as many, but somehow I found them very disturbing. They are not a prominent feature of the book. As I don't want to be disturbed by them again --> recycled.

And some light fluff after that book while I battled with asthma and vertigo, regencies and re-reads all.
180 True Lady by Smith* (220 pp)
181 Anne's Perfect Husband* by Wilson (299 pp)
182 The Storybook Hero* by Pickens (214 pp)
183 The Traitor's Daughter* by Powell (211 pp)
184 Friends and Relations* by Stables (222 pp)
185 The Notorious Lord Havergal* by Smith (216 pp)

Had to have at least one title to support Piyush's beliefs :)

Could't deal with more fluff! LOL So I'm now reading a pavé by Erickson.

158LizzieD
Jul. 9, 2012, 3:35 pm

Ah, Susan --- you may remember me? I can't believe how long it's been since I visited here. My loss!
Catching up, sort of, I am smiling that we both love Tigana so! I was able to replace my tatty pb with a real hc in the past year or so. I was also a fan of the Jimmie Flannery mysteries a long time ago, AND for some reason Attewater (I think) in The Knocker on Death's Door gave me the genuine creeps!
Glad to see you still reading, and I hope that your charity is picking up. Take care!!!

159cameling
Bearbeitet: Jul. 9, 2012, 3:49 pm

Hi Susan - Decided to de-lurk to wave hello and wish you a good week with no vertigo!

160suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:35 pm

Thanks ladies for the visits! The vertigo comes and goes... I can deal with the little waves of it -- it's the inundation that's hard!

Erickson's good... grim, but good. :)

186 Deadhouse Gates (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 2) by Erickson*, fantasy (864 pp). Currently reading the next installment in the series.

161PiyushC
Jul. 16, 2012, 6:11 am

#157 One? Which number system are you using?
I probably will read Book 1 of the Malazan Series sometime this year, caught up with GRRM's Song of Ice and Fire, now I wait like everyone else for maybe another 5 years before he blesses us with another installment!

162suslyn
Bearbeitet: Jul. 16, 2012, 1:34 pm

Piyush, a friend updates my list. she said I was off on my count, so I'm just waiting for her to get them in order. :) Lazy me

I'm almost done with book 3 of Malazan... are they done? Hope so!!

-----------

We just got bad news. Seems one of our cats has a lethal and contagious virus. It's Greenwich, the new maine coon. That's bad enough, but it sounds like the doc expects them all to go. Prayers welcome. He has another appt tomorrow for more poking and prodding.

163ronincats
Jul. 16, 2012, 9:25 am

That is terrible news, Susan. I pray that the doctor's expectations are mistaken.

164PaulCranswick
Jul. 16, 2012, 10:55 am

Susan - so sorry to hear about your cat. Will have you in our prayers - what do you mean "expects the all to go"? Has the virus infected the others?

165lauranav
Jul. 16, 2012, 3:43 pm

Oh no, not good news about the cat(s).
Prayers going up for you and them and the vet.

166suslyn
Jul. 21, 2012, 7:40 am

THanks Roni, Paul, Laura. We still don't know if the other cats are infected. We're to wait a couple of weeks before having them tested. Greenwich is responding well to some of the meds. He's eating now and was grooming a bit, both signs he's feeling better.

With the bad news I read a rash of regencies.
187 The Royal Scamp* by Smith, regency (216 pp). Twice was too much. To resolve unaddressed issues, she had the main char ask a ton of questions to round out the book. Most unsatisfactory... They must have been desperate for another in the series to publish this. Maybe that's harsh, but... --> recycled.
188 By Way of a Wager* by Solomon, regency (224 pp). I'd like to read more by her.
189 Miss Seldon's Suitors* by Savery, regency (250 pp).
190 Country Flirt* by Smith, regency ?! (214 pp). I'm getting rig of this one too. She bases the whole story around an idea which wasn't possible in the regency period: marriage of a man to his sister-in-law. Maybe in the 80s the editor's weren't as stringent? --> recycled.

191 Memories of Ice by Erikson, fantasy (920 pp). I'm really loving this series. I've been thinking about how it compares/contrasts with the Game of Thrones. Favorably, I'd say. There is death, destruction, loss of fav characters all over the place, but there is also hope, nobility, sacrifice and growth on the part of the characters.

I picked up the "next" volume and started reading. Actually, I'd picked up the first book, but didn't realize (I read it well over a year ago). I disagree with a statement the author makes in his preface. He says this is a love it or hate it series. Okay no argument there. He goes on to say 'give it half the first book' to see. I disagree. At the end of the first volume I was still unconvinced. But into book 2 I was sucked in. So ... I'd say give it a bit more than he suggests.

Given all that I have to do in the next few weeks, I'd say it's a good thing I have no more volumes in the series at present!!

167suslyn
Jul. 21, 2012, 7:48 am

So, with the cat's treatment that is pretty darn expensive, we've cancelled our week in Alsace. A friend who is a digital scrapbook designer was coming from Holland to housesit. They were spending their vacation just at the house and were thrilled for a cheap alternative. well she and her son are still coming. We had room for them if we weren't here, but don't now. So I'm unpacking and trying to create a welcoming room (or at least room for them to be welcome in!) in the guest room which was just storage of yet to be unpacked boxes. Since we're renovating (by necessity) each room of the house, most of our stuff is staying in boxes...

Yesterday, we took a break from those renovations and my unpacking mode to go see Steph's mom who is in the hospital in Caen. We kept getting conflicting messages from the nurses and docs, and the phone to her room would not let us through. After heart valve replacement (2), her stitches got infected. Then the treatments for that appeared to affect her renal function. She's now in the renal/dialysis section of the hospital. Happily there is a little movement now so she is not looking immediately at being hooked up to yet another machine. She doesn't look good at all. Her eyes are bulging, she's extremely weak, has trouble breathing and can't find the words for her sentences. In 10 years I've known her, I've never seen any of those things.

I was able to tell her a bit of news that pleased her. April 2002 when we were wed, Maman gave us a stephanotis. In the time since, it's never bloomed. Yesterday as we were leaving for the hospital I saw buds, so soon we'll have flowers :)

168suslyn
Jul. 21, 2012, 7:54 am

In other news, Lily, the gal we're currently helping through One Step Away (www.onestepawayintl.org) was just diagnosed with diabetes.

Her budget was formed with her regular diet in mind, mostly comprised of fruits and carbs. Well, those are out now, at least for the time being. So we're going to have to up the level we send. But, the amount coming in right now equals the current amount going out (covers nothing else).

So if you pray, please pray for funds to come in and for us, the board and directors, to know what to do to help that happen. She needs an increased grocery budget, funds for medicines/supplements (she's also anemic), and for the dental surgery she needs (all her bottom teeth and the bridge she had have fallen out). Unsurprisingly she's pretty depressed.

I sent her a mess of cold soups (it's very hot in Romania right now) that looked yummy. Lily enjoys cooking, and I'm hoping to help her see this as an adventure rather than a huge inconvenience. Of course, it is still that!

169PaulCranswick
Jul. 22, 2012, 6:06 am

Susan - send me a PM with details a little on how to help and I will speak to my fellow directors to make a small donation to help. It is the time of Ramadhan over here which is meant to be one of reflection, affirmation and charity so let's start this season with a little something for Lily.

170souloftherose
Jul. 22, 2012, 6:37 am

Oh Susan, what a lot you're dealing with at the moment. Praying.

171dk_phoenix
Jul. 22, 2012, 9:51 am

*big virtual hugs*

172suslyn
Jul. 23, 2012, 6:48 am

Thanks for the prayers, hugs and help -- I sure do love the LT family! xoxo

173suslyn
Jul. 25, 2012, 11:26 pm

Regencies read in between bits of book 4 of the Malazan books (I'm reluctant to finish it as I don't have the sequel yet!!)

192 Miss Harcourt's Dilemma* by Ashley (297 pp)
193 A Dangerous Courtship* by Randall (223 pp)
194 An Unreasonable Match* by Andrew (296 pp)
195 Willowswood Match* by Buck (224 pp)
196 Lady Knightley's Secret* by Ahsley (251 pp)
197 The Willful Miss Winthrop* by Counts (254 pp) I really like this one set mostly in the Spain during Wellington's campaign there.
198 The Marriage Mart* by Clark (239 pp). This remains a fav and is too serious, I think, in it's subject matter to fit the typical regency genre. It's more akin to Heyer's A Civil Contract in style. Quite good.
199 The Harem Bride* by Bancroft (211)
200 Lady of Quality by Heyer (247 pp), one of my fav Heyers.

174suslyn
Jul. 27, 2012, 6:56 am

Maman is much better and being returned to the after-heart valve surgery rehab center. Greenwich didn't fare so well and was put down today. We have company coming this weekend and I've almost unpacked the guestroom although there's still a ton to do.

We have two prospective clients and could use wisdom about whether or not we should aceept them. Neither fits our profile, but the profile is a guide rather than rule. Of course, we have no funds atm to help them anyway! But still...

Hope you're having a better start of the weekend. xox

175Whisper1
Jul. 27, 2012, 8:07 am

It has been such a long time since I've posted.

I send love!

176suslyn
Jul. 27, 2012, 8:14 am

Thank you Linda, I haven't been able to do much thread reading. Bless you.

177suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 2, 2012, 3:47 am

More regencies:

201 An Offer to Love* by Whitiker (297 pp). I got sick of the plot (he lied once -- how can I ever trust him again?) and almost quit @ p 244. But being that near to the end, I didn't want to just chuck it. It's really not a bad story, I think it was my mood. However, if it happens again when next I read it, I'll move it out of the house.

202 Fortune's Smile* and 203 My Lady's Mask* by Roby (352 and 286). I really like Roby's style.

Even so, I couldn't bear to pick up yet another regency so am back to the 4th book in Erikson's series. hmmm... I still wouldn't mind light. Maybe McCaffrey?

178PaulCranswick
Jul. 27, 2012, 6:44 pm

Congratulations on passing 200 books already.
What a difficult position to be trying your utmost to give aid, succour and comfort to those in need and to be so pressed for the necessary funds. Hugs from here and I hope things go smoothly to allow you to fulfil your lofty objectives.

179suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 2, 2012, 3:49 am

TY Paul. Your words are such an encouragement, really.

204 The Time of the Dark by Hambly, fantasy (263 pp). I nixed the McCaffrey idea and picked up Hambly instead. Not as light, but a more interesting read. Seems I wasn't in the mood for fluff in any genre :)

We're expecting company for a bit more than a week to arrive tomorrow. Almost got the guest room done. It was full of boxes, still unpacked. Got two new pieces of storage which made all the difference. As a result, I also have 3 boxes full of stuff for Emmaus, the local version of Salvation Army or Goodwill, except that it provides housing and employment for homeless men off the proceeds.

180souloftherose
Jul. 29, 2012, 4:07 am

#174 Good news about Maman but sorry to hear about Greenwich and the difficulties you're facing with the charity.

181SandDune
Jul. 29, 2012, 5:14 am

Just delurking to say that I'm sorry to hear about your cat and your charity problems.

182suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 2, 2012, 3:51 am

Welcome SandDune! :) Thanks you two for your kind thoughts and words.

205 The Walls of Air by Hambly, fantasy. Really liked this volume of the trilogy although at the beginning I thought I was going to hate it! Redeems itself in the second half -- of course my reaction to the first half could be just me .. or the day... or the weather... :)

Got the guest room ready! That's a miracle on the order of the parting of the Red Sea :) THe room was waist high in boxes with about 3 square feet of floor space in narrow trails throughout the boxes. Didn't get them all emptied. But since I got some more storage, I was able to empty and put away about 9 boxes. That's a good feeling.

Appreciate you guys.

183lauranav
Jul. 31, 2012, 9:13 pm

Congrats on getting the guest room ready. Quite a feat.

Sorry to hear about Greenwich.

Praying for wisdom with the charity and decisions to be made.

184tigerlyly
Aug. 4, 2012, 5:52 am

hey, it took me few years but I am finally taking you example :P
started the list (inspired by your tags), made a solid resolution to read more...

I got inspired by your guest-room-cleaning so all week I worked to finish unpacking and sorting out ... last night I stayed until 1am to finish unpacking all the books, and guess what I found : The first part of Northworld by David Drake - the sci-fi trilogy that I actually read second volume first ;P and liked it a lot - so I am thrilled about it and is on my nightstand already.

hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your guests...
kisses and hugs to both of you

185suslyn
Aug. 10, 2012, 5:09 pm

>184 tigerlyly: T-lyly -- Thx for the note!! :) Good for you -- I, *i*, inspired someone to clean?! LOL!! So glad you have book 1 -- how fun is that? You have book 2? And don't have book 3? Let me know. I remember I got rid of some because I had the omnibus, but can't remember if it was all of them.

They're gone and we had a good time. Great news is that Jeanine (the digiscrap designer who visited) has decided to make some stuff solely for donating the proceeds to OSA. I've been thinking, "If we can just get someone to start"... and here she is :)

@ Laura -- thank you. Some big conversations have gone on, and gone well. A few more to go that are pretty much impt too. We, I, so appreciate your undergirding!! Bless you.

The first two I read on our mini-vacation ( a weekend) in the Loire Valley.
206 Privateer* by Brown, sf (294 pp). I really like his work, both sf and fantasy.
207 A Place among the Fallen* by Cole, fantasy (374 pp). When I first picked up Erickson's books again, I misremembered this book by Cole as the first in the series. I enjoyed Cole's book again, so I guess now that I'm back in France I'll see about getting the others in the series.

Regencies and romances read before and after the previous two.
208 The Rake's Rainbow* by Lane, regency (220 pp). I really enjoy her work and hope to find more.
209 The Disgraced Marchioness* by O'Brien, regency (296 pp). Well done imo.
210 The Guardian's Dilemma* by Whitaker, regency (299 pp). Pretty good.
211 A Most Exceptional Quest* by Westleigh, regency (299 pp). Delightful.
212 Bewitching Hearts* by King, regency with mythology thrown in (320 pp). Silly, exceptionally silly, but a fun, light read.
213 A Wreath of Orchids* by Shoebridge, victorian romance (207 pp).
214 A Change of Heart* by Hern, regency (223 pp). I liked it (again).
215 Lady Velvet by Williams, regency (287 pp). Interesting because of the setting: Paris on the cusp of Napoleon's war with England.

186alcottacre
Aug. 11, 2012, 10:51 am

*waving* at Susan

187thornton37814
Aug. 11, 2012, 10:15 pm

You are really plugging along. You might end up doing a quadruple 75 this year! I'm hoping for a triple, but if I don't get out of this "book funk" I've experienced this week, I won't make it.

188PiyushC
Aug. 13, 2012, 3:08 am

Yay! More porn!

189suslyn
Aug. 14, 2012, 2:34 pm

bother. just lost a huge post -- and this time it was my fault and not the cats. grrr.

216 Lion's Legacy* by Barclay hist romance (296 pp)
217 To Fall Like Stars by Asire, fantasy (368). SImplistic beginning develops quickly into a good (imo) plot. great ending which caught me by surprise.
218 Wages of Sin* by Coonts, thriller (359) -- touchstone not appearing
219 The Armies of Daylight by Hambly, fantasy 309 pp -- good conclusion to the trilogy
220On mystic Lake* by Hannah, fiction/romance 404 pp
221 A Place of Hiding* by George, mystery (632). part of a series but functions well as a standalone imo.
222 Komarr* and 223 A Civil Campaign* by Bujold, sf (313 and 405) inspired by Piyush.

190suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 16, 2012, 2:54 am

224 Outlanders by Axler, sf (346 pp). This is the second, I believe, in a series. It was extremely difficult to care about any of the characters. --> recycled.

191tigerlyly
Aug. 16, 2012, 2:47 am

Hi Susan... Hate when that happens. You get this zest for sharing and the moment your post disappears puff! is gone... you don't even want to look at the monitor, forget about writing it again ...

Yupee for the recycled ones :)... for those of you who don't know, I am Susan recycle bin :P... And very glad to be one, since she is my source of English books for years now.
It's not that much porn, I can vouch for it... Some are very chaste :).

I just read an article on yahoo about freebies, and loved the portion about free e-books, this are the some of the sites: gutenberg.org, openlibrary.org and manybooks.net...

Susan, what does "imo" means in your descriptions?

192PiyushC
Aug. 16, 2012, 4:50 am

#189 Ah, I need to read more of Vorkosigan Series too.

#191 *that much* being the key phrase!

"imo" stands for "in my opinion", many people use "imho" which stands for "in my humble opinion", but Susan is anything but humble, isn't she?

193tigerlyly
Aug. 16, 2012, 5:02 am

she doesn't need to be... she is fabulous just the way she is ;))

Yes, the Vorkosigan serie is a very good one. Bujold at her best :)

194suslyn
Aug. 18, 2012, 11:27 am

Hey guys -- glad you're making yourselves right at home here :)

Piyush, bad news my friend. You're going to have to get your "porn" fix elsewhere for a while. I'm mostly working through my sf/fantasy shelves to see if there are books I can get rid of. But don't despair I might be able to work in a regency. And TLyly -- the mostly chaste and not-so-chaste ones went to you LOL I kept the chaste ones here :) And, P, she doesn't like them but reads them anyway just to have stuff in ENglish to read, poor thing!!

Okay first the non sf/fantasy:

225 Edisto by Powell, fiction (182 pp). This book is supposed to be wonderful. "Like Catcher in the Rye but better" ... well. Hmmm... Guess I probably wouldn't like CinR either :) --> recycled.

Cider House Rules by Irving, fiction (164 out of 567 pp). I liked the movie. I wasn't enjoying the book, so I'm stopping --> recycled.

226 Cube Route by Anthony, fantasy (361 pp). My first Xanth novel. Not the first I tried, but the first I've read. I enjoyed it and have pulled the other one (Crewel Lye: A Caustic Yarn out of the recycling pile to give it another go some time (but not now). If you don't like puns don't go here.

227 Out of Phaze by Anthony, fantasy (309 pp). He wrote a trilogy. Fans sent mail and this novel was a result of one of those ideas. While I feel no draw to go back and read the trilogy, I do want the sequel :)

Bearing An Hourglass by Anthony -- I really didn't enjoy this one either --> recycled.

228 Kilobyte by Anthony, sf/fantasy (312 pp). I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Unlike the others this one is a stand-alone.

195PiyushC
Aug. 18, 2012, 4:21 pm

What? No porn? Are you kidding me!

I just checked Ms. T's profile to find that she lives in Bucharest where from what I remember you telling me is a serious dearth of books in English. I find it so unfair for people to not have access to books that I decided to put my superior surfing skills (and a net friend from Romania) to use, here are the bookstores I found who apparently deal in English and French books:-

1. Anthony Frost English Bookshop
Address: 45 Calea Victoriei
Bucharest
Website: http://www.librariaengleza.ro
Phone and Email:
vlad@librariaengleza.ro
+40 21 311 51 38
Working Hours:
Mon-Sat 10-19
Sun 10-14

2. Carturesti
Address: Str. Arthur Verona nr. 13
(Next to Patria Cinema)
Bucharest
Website: http://www.carturesti.ro/
Phone and Email:
(+4021) 317-3459
info@carturesti.ro

3. Libraria Noi
Address
B-dul Nicolae Balcescu 18 Piaţa Revoluţiei Area
Phone
tel, info: 21 311 0700
Hours
09:30-20:30 Mon-Sat, 11:00-19:00 Sun

4. Salingers
Address
Calea 13 Septembrie 90 West Bucarest Marriott Grand Hotel
Website
www.salingers.ro
Phone
tel, info: 21 403 3534
Hours
10:00-21:00

5. NAUTILUS - English Books

Str. Architect Ion Mincu, no. 17
Sector 1, 011356
Bucharest
Romania

nautilus@nautilus.ro
021 2225030, 021 2233256
021 2230037

http://www.nautilus.ro/

6. Oxford University Press
www.oxford.ro
Biserica Amzei Street,
near the Piata Romana metro station,
Bucharest

7. SC ASTRO IMPEX SRL
Str. lacob Negruzzi,
nr 37A,
sector 1,
Bucuresti
Tel: 021-222 71 62
Fax: 021-223 04 51
Mobile: 0723 331 106 / 0764 237 703
Email: astro.impex@yahoo.com / office@cartea-mea.ro
Web: www.cartea-mea.ro

8. Centrul de Carte Straina Sitka

Bucharest

Centrul de Carte Straina Sitka SRL
23, Dacia Boulevard
Bucharest, Sector 1
Romania
70139
Tel: 0040 21 210 3030
Fax: 0040 21 210 4010
Mobile: 0040 722 375 477
Email: office@cartestraina.ro
http://www.cartestraina.ro/cumparaturi/

9. FISCHER INTERNATIONAL
BD. LASCAR CATARGIU NR 14
AP. 1 PARTER
COD 010661 SECTOR 1
BUCURESTI ROMANIA
Tel: +4(0) 021 310 88 89/91
Fax: +4(0) 021 310 88 81
Email: fedu@fedu.ro
Web: www.fedu.ro

10. Books Express
Str. Ing Zablovschi no. 11A
Bucharest, sect. 1 011311
Phone:
021 569 72 76
0735 531 939 (Vodafone)
325 215 0744 (Orange)
Phone / Fax:
031 105 78 00 (UPC)
http://www.books-express.ro/

And my apologies for spamming your thread, well not really :D

196suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 18, 2012, 6:04 pm

Just finished 229 The Wooden Sword by Abbey, fantasy (247 pp). And even more recently found out that is book one of a duology. That means I can say I liked it even though it ended with a semi-cliffhanger. :)

And missed these somehow as they are before the books in #194
230 The Ring* by Anthony, SF (250 pp). This is my only re-read in the whole bunch of Anthony books and read just as well the second time around :)

The Shame of Man by Anthony --> recycled. Think Clan of the Cave Bear meets Michener. Not my cup of Tea.

Continuing on my A shelf, I picked up Douglas Adams. Wasn't sure I could read him. Turns out I can, but I don't want to right now, so they're reshelved. Now I'm trying Aldiss. I've put this one off a while too. As a kid I was pretty traumatized by an Aldiss book... I think after 35+ years it should be okay to try him again :)

197PiyushC
Aug. 18, 2012, 7:26 pm

You don't like Douglas Adams?!
Brian Aldiss? Well, I haven't read anything by him, but if it is trauma worthy, I am getting interested :)

198suslyn
Aug. 18, 2012, 8:03 pm

Thanks Piyush! We've actually moved back to France. Seemed that the stores I found in Bucharest, except one, which sold English books had the same English books for most of my 4 years there. -- Not really helpful!!

During my last year there, I found the first store you listed. That's where I bought the Malazan books that I have.

199tigerlyly
Bearbeitet: Aug. 20, 2012, 5:49 pm

hi guys :)

Piyush, you are histerical, you made me laugh out loud when I read your post. And sweet too, to go to all this trouble... Actually, the best store for english books is not even on the list, is "Diverta"... some of the others never heard of them (shame on me:P)
Unfortunately most stores import very few good/new books and mostly fluff (that's what I call the romance novels ;)... That is due to the very high prices they put on English books, or French/German and many other languages.

Not all romance novels are porn - soft or otherwise :)
I do enjoy a good romance novel, I am woman and - let's face it - women like romance. And why shouldn't we?!? Most of these books are funny, light, promote love and understanding between a man and a woman, happy endings and some of them have less than 10 pages of sex.

I am reading now "His Forbidden Liaison" by Joanna Maitland, 297pg, I am on page 218 and so far there was only one kiss and about three hand holdings. Not bad for a romance novel :P

Susan, glad to see all those recycled books (said the recycle bin ;))... Tomorrow I am taking care of them... Hope you are great, and just busy...

How did the book traumatized you? I have a weird memory of the first "Jane Eyre" movie I saw, but books I have to say never scared me that much :)

200suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 21, 2012, 11:26 am

T-lyly it was Greybeard. It's about post nuclear holocaust earth. There's a bit of hope at the end, but so much misery before. It was like I was compelled to read it -- and did. over and over and over. I was, what? 12? 13? (and stupid) :)

Piyush -- It's not that I don't like Douglas Adams. I just think one has to be in a certain kind of mood to read him. As I'd just finished a mess of off-kilter books (Xanth...) I wanted and want something a little more stable :)

231 Hades' Daughter by Douglass, fantasy (635 pp). I loved the first series I read by Douglass, so when I saw this I snatched it up. Then I saw it was about Troy. I have no idea why, but books about Troy and/or the Olympic gods have ended up mostly in the 'don't read' category along with all the Arthur/round table stories. However, as I'm deciding what to keep and what to throw, I gave it a whirl.

This book is a lot more than a simple retelling of the story of Troy. It's complex and intriguing, spanning continents and centuries. That said, I didn't love it enough to buy the next books in the series. If there were a library about, I'd certainly hie off to one and get them. --> recycled.

201suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 22, 2012, 12:45 pm

232 Rogue Powers by Allen, SF (401 pp). There is a prequel -- didn't need it. There is no sequel. You don't need it. BUT -- I want it! LOL He creates a great triangle of character groups. I want to know what happens next. The book's not a cliffhanger. He's just set me up to want more. But since the book advertises his next book, and it's not in this series, I think that's just because he's a good writer :) I'll be looking for his stuff.

Explorations by Anderson -- I just can't do short stories very easily... --> recycled.

202PiyushC
Aug. 22, 2012, 2:14 pm

#199 How do you know "Diverta" is the best when you clearly haven't even heard of a few of the ones posted by me? I absolutely refuse to believe it!

A kiss and a bit of handholding is exactly the kind of liaison that would be forbidden, right? Right? :P
And look what you did, you made me realise I STILL haven't read Dangerous Liaisons!

#200 Is Greybeard more depressing than Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep??

In my experience, books about Troy or the Olympian gods are a lot more entertaining than the Arthurian tales, I am sure many believe otherwise.

203tigerlyly
Aug. 23, 2012, 2:55 am

Ah, the non-believer male ego :P... You are right , I should've say "one of the best" :P ... but a vast experience looking for books tells me I might be right even if I don't put foot in some of the others:)
Now, depending on what one is looking for in a good bookstore. If all you are concerned with is how many new titles they have, than you might be right and an over-expensive, niche bookstore might be better than Diverta :), if you are like me and can read a new book in a day but don't have the budget for buying them at this speed and these prices, than they are not that good :)

Do you really think that in the past a man and a woman would hold a long engagement without stealing a few hand holdings, kisses and groping? Let's be realistic, human emotions did not got invented in the 20th century. Same dramas, same love stories, same passion, same fights existed 300-500yrs ago. Maybe for other material things than today, maybe at other frequencies than today but the core of the human emotions is the same.
That is why the classics are still relevant today- Shakespeare, Tolstoi, Austen and many others. They write about characters and not about a story.
But I am sure passion existed then too, men and women were doing forbidden things somehow even then ;))

if you read fiction you are bound to have a love story- no matter the levels at which is described - it is there. Without it, without the hint of a romance there will be no fiction. I love sci-fi, thrillers, but show me one single book of another genre besides romance novels, where there is no romance brewing, at least the hint of a relationship between the main character and a woman or a man of interest :)
(one that we both read ;)

Love the argument :), I always thought that romance novels get a bad rap undeserved ... Hope you don't get mad :P

204suslyn
Aug. 23, 2012, 7:27 am

LOL I can't imagine Piyush getting mad about this! LOL He's a feisty one. *blows a kiss at Piyush*

I'm back to reading the last book of the Malazan which I have. And it's a good thing I didn't wait any longer. There are so many characters that it took a while for me to remember who was who!

New books arrived today in the mail -- yippee. Actually they're used books, 5 of them. :)

I'd say Diverta isn't the best, but it the most accessible...

P - I haven't read the book in question so I can't say if it's more depressing. From the title I'd never have guessed that DADoES was depressing...

205swynn
Aug. 23, 2012, 9:15 am

>201 suslyn:: Ooh, I like that one! Torch of Honor is also worth seeking out.

206suslyn
Aug. 23, 2012, 10:09 am

Thx for the heads up Swynn!

207suslyn
Aug. 24, 2012, 4:03 pm

233 House of Chains by Erikson, fantasy (1015 pp). Now I just need to get Midnight Tides, the sequel. This series is really well done. And, I'm hoping by the time I get to book 10 that it's done! Unless, that is, he's finished and there are a few more tomes in the series LOL

208PiyushC
Aug. 27, 2012, 12:06 pm

#203 Ego? What Ego? I only talk from the experience of being ALWAYS right, there is no Ego involved, none at all I tell you!

Well, if one has to buy AND read one book a day, then even I will probably be able to ill-afford it.

Tolstoy didn't have people "groping" each other, they did have females wearing low cut dresses, but well...
Austen on the other hand condoned pedo behaviour (remember Knightley telling Emma how he loved her ever since she was 13, when he himself would have been 29 then), so she can't be a reference point either.

And I have nothing against love stories per say, I have read and enjoyed Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, Love in the TIme of Cholera, etc.

Yet, since you asked me for an example, classics like Animal Farm, Alice in Wonderland, The Mocking Bird, Lord of the Flies, etc., so there you go :P

“That’s my secret, Captain. I’m always mad.”

209suslyn
Aug. 27, 2012, 4:01 pm

234-236 Throne of Fools, The King of Light and Shadows and The Gods in Anger by Cole, fantasy (406, 388, and 386). The rest of the Omaran Saga. More on it later.

210tigerlyly
Aug. 28, 2012, 2:44 pm

#208... right, that's exactly what I say about myself; "what ego??" ;))))

Tolstoi had men buying and harassing women, the dresses were the least of their problem, and I hate to burst your "bubble" but that was the fashion...

And I do not think age is relevant in love... men prove this everyday of the week and twice on Sundays, claiming to fell in love with much younger - or, lately is a fad, much older - women :P
You forget that in Austen time being 19 and not married, or at least engaged, was considered being a spinster ... and engagements some times were for few years. So what time do you think a man should've start liking a woman, or even loving her if fate was such???
Knightley- as his name implies ;P- was a gentleman, he might have had a crush on our Emma early but he never acted or gave any inkling... So no, I have to protest on the term "perv" :))

Hmm... breaking down your examples:
Animal Farm- I read it a long time ago (and don't have it so I can't make sure) - I will give you the point.
Alice in Wonderland - big crush on Red Queen from Mad Hatter and many other characters. And really you did not miss the fact that Alice is made to grow up whenever the writer has the wimsey... Not talking about the fact that she looses her clothes in every chapter ;))
To kill a mocking Bird - You are kidding... The whole story is based on a forbidden love story and the assumption of a rape...
Lord of the Flies- well, this is debatable. extremely... So I will give you the point here too.

But Mr. P, what do you think is worse?? A thriller/mystery/other genre novel full of crimes, murder, violence, rape and any other "lovely" tidbits of human misery... or a romance novel with few pages of sex but with stories that show loyalty, respect, admiration, and love between two people??

any man who is quoting The Hulk gets a free "get out of jail"card from me :P...

211suslyn
Bearbeitet: Aug. 31, 2012, 10:58 am

Well it seems to me that a regency might be compared to lemon sorbet. You know those fancy dinners where after the course one has a small bit of sorbet to cleanse the palate. I wish I'd had one between the Malazan and the Cole books (msg 209). It would have made making comparisons less easy to do, and that would have been a good thing in this case. One thing to say in favor of the the Omaran Saga is that he built an interesting world. At the beginning of book two I had the feeling he just kept introducing new types of creatures in a haphazard manner. Kind of like, "Gee, this might be interesting." But by the end one sees the scheme of things and reason behind his choices.

And back to sorbet, no matter how good the course before the palate cleanser was nor how good the next promises to be, I must admit that sometimes I just want more sorbet! :)

237 Love for Lucinda* by Buck, regency (223).
238 Cupid's Choice* by Buck, regency (235). I quite like this one.
239 The Bluestocking's Beau* by Bell, regency (224).
240 The Meddlesome Heiress* by Cameron, regency (224)
241 Francesca's Rake* by Kersten, regency (217). fun :)
242 The Affair at Greengage Manor* by Gedney, regency (222). A fav.
243 A Comfortable Wife* by Laurens, regency (297).

While I've begun and am enjoying Angela's Ashes, I'm not sure I'll be able to resist another helping of sorbet :)

212tigerlyly
Aug. 31, 2012, 6:47 am

:))
true words... but not lemon, make it watermelon sorbet ;)

ok, I am jealous... how can you manage to read so many books in such short time????
And I know for sure you are doing tons of other stuff too...

213PiyushC
Aug. 31, 2012, 8:52 am

#210 Anne Elliot from Persuasion was 27 and unmarried (she does get married later in the book) while Lily Bart from House of Mirth was 29 at the start of the book and she could have married, without any difficulty, if she so desired.

I will not concede the point when it comes to To Kill a Mockingbird, the "forbidden love story and the assumption of a rape" as you put it, was a side relationship between side characters, and doesn't fall within your definition of "hint of a relationship between the main character and a woman or a man of interest".

Mad Hatter had a crush on the Queenie? Err...weren't they at loggerheads with each other? If anything, I would have believed that Hatter had a crush on Alice!

Well, as to which stories are better, definitely the former. If and when I want to escape reality while reading, I prefer Fantasy :)

Hulk was kickass in Avengers, wasn't he? Almost as awesome as Thor was useless :P

#211 Any reason why all the regencies numbered the same? Can it be that you have realised that read one, and you have read them all :P

214tigerlyly
Aug. 31, 2012, 10:52 am

ok Susan, is definite... Mr. P is the funniest of your followers :))... Ironic and funny :P

yes, Hulk was great... They managed to make him terrible and funny, which is a great combination for a fantastic character.... Love action movies, specially this kind :P... But can not agree with you about Thor being useless, they put him to fight with his brother all the time, which made him weaker and at the disadvantage of brotherly emotions :)

Hmm, so your fluff (lemon sorbet) is fantasy... That means that as tough as you want to be on romance novels, you actually like it ... just don't want to see "romance" on the cover :P

215suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 24, 2012, 1:22 pm

LOL Piyush, my sorbet, the regencies, could indeed be numbered the same! Ha!

Tlyly -- Steph noted that I'm "emptying the house" and is very pleased. So, yes, I'm keeping pretty busy! :)
Here are more:

244 The Reckless Barrister* by Kihlstrom (215)
245 Mutual Consent* by Buck (221)
246 Dangerous Lord, Innocent Governess* by Merrill (297) (better than one might surmise from the title)
247 The Errant Earl* by Suson (218)
248 Lord Carlton's Courtship* by Raleigh aka Alexandra Ivy (249)
249 Keeper of the Swans* by Butler (223)
250 A Convenient Marriage* by Raleigh (221)
251 The Notorious Widow* by Lane (232)
252 A Choice of Cousins* by Kihlstrom (215)
253 A Kiss for Lucy* by Prevel (254)
254 Daring Alliance* by Hocker (286)

216PiyushC
Sept. 6, 2012, 12:10 pm

#214 & #215 It is 9:40 p.m. here and am still at work and obviously my brain is fried. But come weekend, and I will get back to this, just you wait!

better than one might surmise from the title
So, the governess wasn't THAT innocent, was she? I am guessing this book is a porno version of Jane Eyre.

217tigerlyly
Sept. 6, 2012, 1:38 pm

:))
Mr. P, I think Susan is going to kick our buts soon from here ;) ... We are taking over her post :P
And I am so sorry you are still at work, that is terrible ...

Susan, poor you, hate unpacking... But so happy you are happy :), and reading.

I am still reading that short stories sci-fi, which I left few months back after the first 2... but I persevered and is getting better after the first 3-4 stories. Much better.
I am cherishing it a little.
I want a good book, something to make me want to never stop reading it ... Have'nt one in a very long time :(

218suslyn
Sept. 7, 2012, 6:53 pm

>217 tigerlyly: O great -- so glad the book is good!!

P -- porno Jane Eyre? it was dark enough already! LOL

xox my friends

219alcottacre
Sept. 7, 2012, 7:05 pm

*waving* at Susan

220ronincats
Sept. 7, 2012, 11:32 pm

*also waving*

221PaulCranswick
Sept. 8, 2012, 1:44 am

Well done for whizzing past the 250 in a Regency blaze. My secretary is back at work after a two absence on Monday and she will do the necessary as previously discussed.
Have a lovely weekend.

222suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 24, 2012, 1:22 pm

TY Paul :)

Hey Roni, Hey Stasia!!

Back to the SF shelves, this time the C's, specifically Chalker

255 The Web of the Chozen by Chalker, SF (212 pp).
256 Spirits of Flux and Anchor by Chalker, SF (320). First of a trilogy. I'd like to get the other two. Turns out when he was done he went on to write a 4th, the beginnings of..., and then saw he had enough to write a 5th to occur some time after the trilogy. I have the 5th. None of the charm or interest of the 1st book IMO --> recycled. (whole new set of characters)

And some regencies I missed when adding them before:
257 Least Likely Lovers* by Hinshaw (222)
258 Roses for Harriet* by Oliver (220)
259 The Undaunted Bride* by Cameron (222)
260 A Grand Design* by Jensen (210)

223suslyn
Sept. 12, 2012, 5:38 pm

Currently reading a book by John Marco (fantasy trilogy). When I first read it, I started with book 2 as I didn't have book one at the time.

Reading it this time, from book one, it really seems to be a reworked Arthurian theme. King, his best friend who's guarding his betrothed, that chick developing a thing for best friend. Meanwhile back in the kingdom King imposes stiff, stiff, stiff penalties on adultery... the stage is set. Joy. :(

224suslyn
Sept. 12, 2012, 7:54 pm

So after the king discovers the inevitable adultery, the story departs from the Arthurian tale. Our knight has to go on a quest to get an amulet to save the dying Queen. They go south to the desert peoples. The women are all veiled, the left hand is unclean and their God's name is "Vala" -- sound familiar? At least the beasties are truly fantasy :)

225tigerlyly
Sept. 13, 2012, 3:03 pm

:))
persevere, who knows how it may surprise in the end.
Although, for some reason I do not know, I also find Arthur's tale - or any Arthurian-like tales- not that entertaining.
Give me Egyptians, Greeks and Romans any day before medieval lore :P

By the way, i finally finished my short stories sci-fi, - "The Earth Book of Stormgate" by Anderson - the one I told you that it disappointed me and got left by the side for two months... In the end I am glad I stuck to finishing it, if you muddle to the first 3-4 stories the good stuff starts and you find some characters you can actually care for and want to know more about.. So all in all was ok :).

I found another sci-fi yesterday so am thrilled :P

226Whisper1
Sept. 13, 2012, 3:14 pm

Hello Dear One

Wow! You read quite a few books already this year. Congratulations.

227suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 24, 2012, 1:21 pm

Hey Linda xoxoxo

TLyly -- you were right. It got much better once he got done pirating :) Hope the next SF is a joy!!

Steph got me a next book, Cueillir et Cuisiner des plantes sauvages, about cooking with wild plants (like dandelions and nettles). Pretty cool. Lots of pics and recipes. We'll see... :)

261 The Eyes of God* by Marco, fantasy (779 pp). Except for the aforementioned irritations, a pretty good book. Real closure -- an unexpected treat in a trilogy.

262 Powers That Be* and 263 Power Play* by McCaffrey and Scarborough, SF (374 and 342). Books 1 and 3 of a trilogy, no need for book 2. Fun and light.

264 Pirates of Thunder and 265 Warriors of the Storm by Chalker, SF (307 and 338). Books 2 and 3 of a longer series. I don't need book 1, but I really want the rest of them. Interesting world building. Intriguing ideas.

And some regencies that somehow escaped getting logged but which were probably read in August: 266 Honor Besieged by Buck (223) and 267 Ruled by Passion by Menzel (231)

228tigerlyly
Sept. 15, 2012, 3:05 am

Ah, I have a recipe for nettles. My grandmother used to do it and is great with polenta (i know Steph does not like it but goes well with bread too). Dandelions I don't like, they are quite bitter, but maybe they found a way to take that away :)

I meant to ask you, what happened to "Angela Ashes", you said you started it but did not put it in your list so far.

229suslyn
Sept. 15, 2012, 12:21 pm

AA's stalled with a number of other books...

230suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 24, 2012, 1:20 pm

268 A Civil Contract* by Heyer, hist fic (414). This remains my favorite Heyer and a source of comfort/inspiration for me in my marriage. Good book.

231suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 24, 2012, 1:20 pm

269 Devil's Armor* by Marco, fantasy (742). This one has closure, but it is definitely "to be continued" which makes sense as it's part of a trilogy. :)

270 The Burden of Proof by Turow, crime fic (564). He writes a good yarn. Once, however, was enough --> recycled.

PS I'm very pleased to be winnowing through my books! Soon, maybe, they'll fit on my shelves! :) I wasn't really happy to get rid of my music ed books, but reality states that I'm not going to be needing them!

232suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 24, 2012, 1:20 pm

271 The Sword of Angels* by Marco, fantasy (980). Very satisfying and often surprising end to the trilogy. Despite the problems I had with the first book, I'd recommend the series.

I've got the next Erikson, Midnight Tides, waiting, but I'm a bit tired of series and pavés. So instead I'm reading a standalone by Bujold. :)

233ronincats
Sept. 23, 2012, 1:11 pm

Which Bujold? Not many standalones there.

I can't think that you haven't cleared out most of your boxes of books with all the reading you've been doing this year!

234suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 24, 2012, 1:20 pm

272 The Spirit Ring* by Bujold, fantasy (369). This one, Roni :) Highly recommended. Based on a folk tale researched by her grandfather (how cool is that?!), this tale has a bit of everything. Nicely contained, satisfying ending and done in one volume :)

Yes, the boxes I've found are empty. Seems to me I'm still missing some books, so likely there's a box somewhere (hopefully not mildewing in the garage).

235ronincats
Sept. 23, 2012, 2:33 pm

Well, congratulations on accomplishing that task! How is your kitchen coming along?

I thought that must be it--it's really the only one with no connection to anything else, although Falling Free could be considered as one--the quaddie connection came in late to the Vorkosigan books. It's an early one of hers and some don't care for it, but I like it too.

236souloftherose
Sept. 23, 2012, 2:56 pm

Hi Susan. I went to add A Civil Contract to my wishlist and realised it was already there based on your recommendation!

237suslyn
Sept. 24, 2012, 1:19 pm

Heather -- that's a hoot! Maybe you should just read it :) *teeheehee*

Roni... the kitchen? we're making progress. about to move in the real cabinets (which are still filling the dining room) to make sure everything fits. There have been some surprises and inches lost. We're also installing a bit of wood floor and need to verify the measurements for it. So once we're satisfied with the arrangement, it will all go out again and the flooring will go down. We have a really fun big white tile that has swirls that look raised but the tile, in fact, has a level surface. there will be some cabachons (not at every corner) in a shimmer grey/silver granite. The oak flooring has a silver stain as well. I'm behind on painting the brick chimney which is in one corner. It wasn't attached to anything when we moved in, but I have a suspicion that it's what's holding the cieling/floor in place as the kitchen ceiling support beams were NOT resting on the wall...

So, hopefully by Thanksgiving...

273 Sacred Ground* by Wood, fiction (379 pp). A nice blend of michner-esque following a family through the centuries and a modern day archaeological discovery in LA. A few predictable things, but not enough imo to ruin the story.

238suslyn
Bearbeitet: Sept. 25, 2012, 3:25 pm

found 4 dups yesterday when finally shelving the regencies in alpha order yesterday, including two Heyers. Emmaus (think "Salvation Army" or "Goodwill") is going to be happy :) Got my mysteries alphabetized and shelved properly as well. No dups there, but I think I'll get rid of Perry's Pitt books. I prefer the Monk series.

274 The Black Moth by Heyer, hist fic (410 pp). Read in celebration of having finished those shelves. This book is purposely misshelved there with the regencies.

239suslyn
Okt. 2, 2012, 4:49 am

Okay I'm going to have to recant. I decided to re-read the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books I have once more before getting rid of them. Theywere written over a span of twenty-some years. The earliest I have still annoys me and will be leaving my shelves. As Perry grew as an author the books became better. No big surprise. So the others are staying, at least for now :)

275 Rutland Place* by Perry, mystery (217) --> recycled.
276 Highgate Rise* by Perry, mystery (342).
277 Farriers' Lane* by Perry, mystery (421).
278 Long Spoon Lane by Perry, mystery (329).

And the jury's still out on Pentecost Alley -- it's the subject matter which puts me off (sexual sadism with murder thrown in).

I also read a few other things while working my way through the Pitt books I have.
279 Squire* by Telep, hist fic (351). Set in Arthurian England, this is not the delightful light book I remembered. But it is still intriguing and I'm considering getting the rest of the trilogy.

Dediced to evoke the 50 page rule with Varley's Millenium. It's a SF time travel book between modern day and the very distant future. I like the current day portions very much. The future portions are interesting with cohesive world-building but there is too much focus on sex for me to be comfortable. --> recycled.

*sigh* I figured it would happen, but it is clear that I'm going to surpass my previous high for the number of books read (I would prefer to see it go down). Previous high since 2008 whe I started keeping track was 283...

240PaulCranswick
Okt. 2, 2012, 5:30 am

Susan rollickings all round in my office this morning when my financial reconciliation was presented and the package promised to Eastern Europe was not effected. It will be with you tomorrow and I apologise unreservedly for being so remiss in not following up on it with more expedition.

241suslyn
Okt. 3, 2012, 3:11 am

No apologies necessary. Really. So I may say unreservedly you're forgiven, even though for my part there is and was nothing to forgive. I'm elated that the package is coming. You've become one of my heroes -- bless you!

242PiyushChourasia
Okt. 5, 2012, 7:00 am

Wish you a very Happy Birthday Susan!

243suslyn
Bearbeitet: Okt. 5, 2012, 12:30 pm

Thanks Piyush! It was good :)

From the husband:
Cuisine le Monde
The Pruning Book
The Bountiful Container
and two more on weaving coming in the mail.

I think he's trying to beef up my NF shelves :) Of course, I'm helping too. Just bought Time to Weave and 200 braids to loop, knot, weave & twist last month. :)

A few days ago I finished these books, 1 & 3 of a fantasy trilogy, by Anne Bishop: 280 The Pillars of the World* (420) and 281 The House of Gaian* (420). Enjoyed them, again :) Funny that they have the same # of pages -- checked twice! LOL

244ronincats
Okt. 5, 2012, 12:32 pm

Birthday? Birthday? Happy Birthday!

245avatiakh
Okt. 5, 2012, 2:56 pm

Belated Happy Birthday to you, Susan. Sounds like you'll soon have a lovely kitchen.

246PiyushChourasia
Okt. 6, 2012, 12:01 pm

#243 Glad to hear that! Maybe your husband is simply trying to knock off the porn from your shelves.

247suslyn
Bearbeitet: Okt. 10, 2012, 10:25 am

Thanks Roni :) Kerry, the guy who's supposed to install the tile floor comes today to check out the space.

Two of the cabinets were damaged getting them into the house and so Steph's been repairing them. Turned out to be a lot more difficult and complicated than foreseen, but he persevered. The current challenge is trying to find a radiator which will fit in the space and go with the decor and not cost a fortune. We found several that would be wonderful, but $3K seems a bit much!! LOL That's about what we paid for our cabinets! Kitchen cabinets... we didn't get what we wanted. The store was selling off their floor samples and 3K sounded pretty good since we need a new roof, a heating system, and the list goes on... So 20K for a kitchen (and it would have been at least that for what something I love) is out! I just hope the ideas come together for a cohesive whole. It's going to be unusual, to say the least!

Here, Piyush. You don't need to be worried about the purity of my soul :)

282 Western by Yerby, hist fic (460). The touchstone list didn't include this title. Interesting story about life in Kansas after the civil war. But once was enough --> recycled.

283 The Secrets of Harry Bright by Wambaugh, mystery (302). They call this fction, and it is. But I'm going to shelve it with my mysteries since it's that too. Lots of great sentences and some good laughs. My only beef is that I have no clue what happened at the end in the very last little paragraph. LOL It's true. Oh well.

And sad to announce that contrary to all my goals, I have just met my previous total books per year. So it's clear that this year I will exceed that number. And, the crazy thing is I've been busier than ever. Selah.

248richardderus
Okt. 10, 2012, 12:07 am

It's a good problem to have!

249souloftherose
Okt. 12, 2012, 2:32 pm

Belated happy birthday Susan!

250suslyn
Okt. 15, 2012, 11:17 am

Thanks Heather. Richard, I'm not sure, but I get what you're saying :)

284 Mystery by Peter Straub, fiction (545 pp). This was my nod to Piyush and BDB's Halloween lists. Somehow when I got the big shipment in Romania, I had sooo many copies of this book. Glad I kept one! Very good reading.

285 The Halo Effect by Rose, mystery (379 pp). My first Dr Morgan Snow novel. If I were looking for a new series, I might consider this one. I enjoyed the internal dialogue and relationships quite a bit. --> recycled

286 Inside, Outside by Wouk, fiction (612 pp). Definitely recommended. One of my top reads for the year.

287 Days of Drums* by Shelby, thriller (310 pp). Once again thought I'd found the series set in VA with ex-secret service folks, mais non. Second read wasn't as good as the first time --> recycled. Good twists.

288 Windmills of the Gods* by Sheldon, fiction (384). This re-read was as good as last time for me, but several times is enough. --> recycled.

289 Chill Factor by Rogers, mystery (403 pp). Another new-to-me series. The contrast between this and The Halo Effect is pretty wide. Sleek and sophisticated versus good ole boy, one bad guy versus a whole slew of them... But both were well done and I'd be hard-pressed to know which to recommend over the other to someone hunting a new series. --> recycled (I'm cleaning out my shelves -- can you tell?)

251drneutron
Okt. 15, 2012, 11:03 pm

oooo, Mystery's a good choice!

252PiyushChourasia
Okt. 17, 2012, 2:35 am

#250 Like Doc said, Mystery is a good choice, but I am sure books on, whether the bride will remain innocent or the lord/duke/earl will devour her, would have done too!

Oh wait, you already read a Sheldon this week, so never mind.

253suslyn
Bearbeitet: Okt. 18, 2012, 11:20 am

THe thing I like about the Sheldon book in #250 is that it is about a US ambassador to Romania, the Romania still under communism. Very interesting to me. I suppose if I hadn't lived there, I might not like it as much.

290 The Toll Gate by Heyer, regency (345). Light and fun.

291 Grave Consequences by Cameron, mystery (357). Good. Does anyone know if the rest of the series is worth reading?

292 The Last Jihad by Rosenberg, thriller (335). Interesting with a few really big surprises. Written in 2003 about 2011 - Hussein is alive and Bin Laden dead. I might be interested in reading the next one.

254richardderus
Okt. 18, 2012, 11:46 pm

>253 suslyn: I though the Emma Fieldings were ~meh~ but pleasant.

255suslyn
Okt. 19, 2012, 6:14 pm

Just finished an excellent book! But I'll list these in order read (instead of the usual 'order found on my desk').

293 Hunting Badger by Hillerman, mystery (334 including the preview of his memoir at the end). I enjoyed this one. Fun to see the characters growing up. The memoir excerpt was fabulous -- I've wishlisted it.

294 The Quilter's Apprentice by Chiaverini (271 pp). My second Chiaverini, this book is a lot fluffier than the last I read. Actually made me wonder if this one was an earlier novel as the style felt so different to me. I liked it fine, a lazy beach read when you don't want anything serious. The char's can be a bit annoying at times and only two are really developed. This and the previous books are new to my shelves from my bookswapping friend Andrea.

295 Picture Perfect by Picoult (369). This book goes in my "read but not owned" category. It is Andrea's and she wants it back. I don't blame her! Fabulous, couldn't put it down. Reading the blurbs inside on her other books, it looks like this one is quite different from her standard MO. Anyone read anything else by her? I really wanted another chapter. And if I can't have that, then I'd really like a sequel :)

256thornton37814
Okt. 20, 2012, 8:56 am

I've enjoyed books 1 and 5 in Cameron's books featuring Emma Fielding. I think I started with 5 and went back to 1. If I can get the e-book from the library or find a copy at a used bookstore, I'll be reading Grave Consequences this month.

The Quilter's Apprentice was the first book in Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilts series.

257suslyn
Okt. 20, 2012, 3:23 pm

Thanks Lori... as I was drifting somewhere between asleep and awake it occurred to me the other volume I read must have been later with TQA setting up the series. Sometimes I'm a bit slow...

258suslyn
Okt. 21, 2012, 8:54 pm

296 The Ambassador by West, fiction (269). Published in 1965, the book is about the newly appointed US ambassador to Vietnam and is written in the style of a memoir. I'm glad I read it even almost 50 years later.

297 The Story of a Marriage by Greer, fiction (195). I really can't think of anything to say that wouldn't be a spoiler. So I'll just say I'm glad I finished the book. Another "Read but not owned" book from Andrea.

259suslyn
Okt. 24, 2012, 6:27 am

First off, I read 256 of 450 pp of Irving's The Hotel New Hampshire. This is really hilarious and often heart-warming. It's also chock-full of sex talk and bad language. Happily it is not also explicit. If a discreet description of gang banging and repeated references to rape are going to ruin a book for you, this is one to avoid. --> recycled.

298 Paying the Virgin's Price by Merrill, regency (360 pp). This one doesn't meet my decency standard, alas. Except for the scene I had to skim it was pretty entertaining. It's also one of 8 in a series and therefore doesn't have a complete conclusion although it has closure which is sufficiently satisfactory --> recycled.

260suslyn
Okt. 29, 2012, 4:28 am

299 Blood Sport by Francis, mystery (240). He can write. Great ending.

300 Roots of Evil by Mitchell, mystery (251). Read this ages ago, but didn't ever get it logged. Good mystery.

301 The Invincible Viscount* by Saunders, regency (223). Another book found on my desk read long ago.

302 Out of the Dark and into God's Light, biography (150). Too bad it wasn't better written --> recycled.

303 The Clothes They Stood Up In by Bennett, fiction (112). I disliked this as much as I liked The Uncommon Reader.

304 Devil's Cub by Heyer, hist fic (310). So delightful. She has such a dry sense of humor. I chuckled my way through. For pure enjoyment, this is probably my favorite Heyer. Piyush, give Heyer a try!

305 Cordelia's Honor* by Bujold, SF (596). Wanted light but not stupid. This omnibus of the chronologically first Vorkosigan stories was a great choice to fit my need. So good. (Now that I've read the end books and the beginning ones, I wonder if the Miles books are next...)

306 A Stroke of Luck* by Pickens, regency (214 pp). Another book which I found on my desk waiting to be input into LT.

And now there are only 7 books left on my desk (that I can see...). A couple of stalled books, one that was found in a box during the week, a few that inspired scraps which are still waiting to be created all these months later. I think I'll just put them all back where they should be. Then I can start covering my desk in books again :)

261ronincats
Okt. 29, 2012, 4:51 pm

A couple of my very favorites, #s 304 and 305 there!

262souloftherose
Okt. 30, 2012, 10:24 am

"Wanted light but not stupid." They can be difficult to find can't they? Glad the Bujold hit the spot

263suslyn
Nov. 2, 2012, 7:24 am

Very kind of you ladies to drop by!

307 The Ladies of Mandrigyn* by Hambly, fantasy (311). While the first in a series, this book reads like a stand-alone. So, if you haven't tried Hambly this might be a good one. I really enjoy this book.

308 The Mirror of Her Dreams by Donaldson, fantasy (627 pp) and 309 A Man Rides Through, the sequel (657). Love this series, really one book, Mordan'ts Need, which is published in two sections. If you don't have access to the second, I wouldn't recommend reading the first.

264suslyn
Nov. 2, 2012, 6:40 pm

Angela's Ashes by McCourt, memoir. I read 121 of 362 pp. That's enough. What a miserable life. What miserable lives. I'm so glad they found joy and humor despit it all, but I just can't keep reading. --> recycled.

265ronincats
Nov. 2, 2012, 6:43 pm

I love The Ladies of Mandrigyn! And I have the two Donaldsons here on my tbr pile--have heard such good things about them.

266suslyn
Nov. 3, 2012, 1:08 pm

move 'em up Roni! :)

267avatiakh
Nov. 3, 2012, 2:53 pm

Hi Susan, I also loved those two Donaldson books, I read them when they first came out. If I come across them again I might have to have a reread.
I've never picked up Angela's Ashes for that 'miserable life' reason. Will have to read some Hambly, just not enough time in my day for all these books.

268suslyn
Bearbeitet: Nov. 7, 2012, 2:34 pm

Kerry, I got A'sA free in that big shipment. I just couldn't do it. Aren't you the one with the recipe challenge? I passed the idea on to a friend (tigerlyly) as we were discussing all the untried recipes we have. That's a great idea. My kitchen should be ready soon, so I'm ready to start! LOL

310The Amber Enchantress by Denning, fantasy (342 pp). Okay this book took me over 6 months to finish. That alone says something about it, or at least what is suggests is true in this case. I read another Denning in this series. Loved it. Wanted more. Was thrilled to find I had another volume. Well this one just didn't work for me. It felt to me like it needed an editor. --> recycled.

269avatiakh
Nov. 5, 2012, 3:18 pm

Susan, I gave up on the recipe challenge as two of my sons started following a paleo type diet and so I'm more limited in what I can cook nowadays. I also need to get a new element for my oven which will make a difference to how things turn out.
I use pinterest quite a lot for pinning recipes, as I like to read around an idea when trying something new and I find food blogs really good for discussing what works and what doesn't. I do want to try my hand at making canelés, have been reading up on them.

270suslyn
Nov. 5, 2012, 7:26 pm

Sounds challenging! -- I just hope I have my oven in time for Thanksgiving. There was no hope last year. I don't really want to miss two in a row :)

271tigerlyly
Nov. 6, 2012, 5:10 am

i have to read about the paleo diet :P... but all of us are limited, I am living in Romania and not all ingredients are available, also have to be carefull of my diet... and so is Susan with the kitchen...

maybe we can do some recipes that all of us can ... would be fun to choose 3 ingredients each of us, have a common list of 9 afterwards and each make a recipe that we want/like/can out of it... this way we can each experiment afterwards the other one 's choice :)

272tigerlyly
Nov. 6, 2012, 5:17 am

i just read about the paleo diet... actually will work great for all of us to cook dishes accordingly, it eliminates processed foods and grains a lot - which is good for me ... and uses a lot of vegetables, nuts and fruits also- which is good for Susann :)

273suslyn
Bearbeitet: Nov. 7, 2012, 2:35 pm

Lovely idea Tlyly but I don't see it happening for me right now.
Pretty sure we aren't going to have a big Thxgiving. We'll have a functional kitchen. But we don't have heat. I can't invite guests to come freeze for dinner and for their kids to have cold feet overnight. Don't know why this didn't occur to me before.

311 Topaz by Uris, fiction (405 pp). This was PDG - pretty darn good. I was exhausted at 2 a.m. last night. THat's natrual enough. But I couldn't put the book down til I was done. So that's mostly a good thing. The ending, just the last page, left me a bit befuddled again. I'm beginning to think the problem is me rather than all these authors. --> recommended esp if you like 20th century war history, esp WWII. But don't pick up the book expecting a book on WWII. No the info is expertly woven into the story. This is a good read.

274suslyn
Bearbeitet: Nov. 15, 2012, 6:11 am

312 Tailchaser's Song by Williams, fantasy (364 pp). This left me underwhelmed. Had some great moments, but all the same I feel once was more than enough --> recycled.

313 Dust Devil by Brandewyne, fiction (471 pp). Nice surprise ending. Bothered me that she couldn't settle on one locale. Used "somewhere in the Midwest" and combined elements from several regions in a way I found jarring. Still, I enjoyed the story, once. --> recycled.

314 Ten Things I Wish I'd Known -- before I went out into the Real World, by Shriver, nf (125 pp). This isn't a read it in a sitting book. I've read it over several months. The book form of an address she gave to college graduates, it's a wonderful and warm collection of wisdom. I love her transparency.

She writes, "I once even told a newspaper interviewer who asked about having a family on one coast and job on another, 'I'm a firm beliver, a religious person. ... I believe that God is watching over this and that I'd be able to do both.' Writing that now, I can't believe how ignorant I was. Or 'arrogant' might be the better word -- being quite sure that what I wanted was what God wanted for me" (emphasis in the original, pp72-73). She's hilarious and shares what she's learned with humor and grace. Highly recommended.

This book is going on my guest room shelf along with some other small books in unusual formats.

(My sweet Papanas is kneading my arm as I write. Glad one of us is happy with this siutation!)

275tigerlyly
Nov. 9, 2012, 3:40 pm

:))
I hope she was also purring, at least you get the sound effects too :P

276suslyn
Bearbeitet: Nov. 15, 2012, 6:11 am

315 White Hot* by Brown, fiction (579pp). Good twists. --> recycled. twice was enough

316 Starfire( by Bretton, fiction (248pp). Good again even though I remembered who dunnit.

Recycling: Tin Man about meth labs. On page 3 I experienced cravings I haven't had since 1978 (I was a druggie in my youth). Decided to stop there. And, Lady Rogue a futuristic romance. Well all I can say is that what worked for a 2nd read in Romania doesn't necessarily hold here.

277suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 5, 2012, 4:08 pm

Haven't posted in a while... no wonder my desk looks like a library book return bin!

317 The Broken Crown by West, fantasy (764 pp). Didn't gel for me until well into the book. And now, I'm hooked.
318 Into the Wilderness by Donati, hist fic (862 pp). I want the sequels.
319 Leopard Lord by Morland, fantasy that reads almost like hist fic (260). I'd like to read more my her.

And since we couldn't do thxgiving as hoped, I skipped straight to Christmas. So I'm almost done with my xmas stories. Thx again to Roni for the idea. Love it.

320 A Christmas to Cherish* by Georgina Devonh (350)
321 Mistletoe and Folly* by Marian Devon (186)
322 Regency Christmas Wishes* by Edith Layton (344)
323 Gwen's Christmas Ghost* by Kerstan (301) -- I quite like this one.
324 Christmas Keepsakes* by Mary Balogh (410)
325 A Touch of Merry* by Irene Loyd Black (300)
326 Mistletoe Marriages* by Elaine Barbieri (376)
327 Christmas Stories 1992* by Maura Seger (378)
328 Christmas Betrothals* by James Sofia (276 read). I read the 1st half only as I recall the second story.


278richardderus
Nov. 23, 2012, 10:44 am

Christmas is the staple of romantic novels. No writer is allowed to skip it!

Hugs and smooches for a happy St. Nick! (We always kicked the season off on 6 Dec with St. Nick. Loved it!)

279ronincats
Nov. 23, 2012, 12:38 pm

Susan, you are so far ahead of me! I do need to plan my Christmas reading, though, although I won't start until December. I have a new book I've been saving that I got thru PaperBackSwap that was recommended by someone here on LT, The Christmas Mystery, as well as my Regency rereads.

280suslyn
Nov. 30, 2012, 5:11 pm

Roni, I jumped the gun and skipped Thanksgivng (but not being thankful). Now, after reading a few other books I'm back to the last of my Xmas shorties. Who'd a thunk there was actual any kind of short story I'd enjoy?!

281PiyushC
Dez. 1, 2012, 9:02 am

Yo!

282suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 5, 2012, 4:05 pm

Yo self! :)

329 Set Free by Aston, nf (106).
330 With This Ring by Donnelyy, Mailn and Simpson, regency (256). Moved on after I finished my xmas stories to other collections.
331-3 The Cycle of Fire by Wurts, fantasy. Stormwarden* (325 pp),Keeper of the Keys* (316), and Shadowfane* (258 pp). Interesting premise.
334 Sad Cypress by Christie, mystery (235). Poirot :)
335 Reluctant Bridegrooms by Marshall & Andrew, regency (443).
336 A Primrose Wedding* by Ferguson, regency (255).
337 Historical Christmas Stories 1990* by Roberts, Potter and Langan, hist fic (378)
338 Ozarks Cookery: A collection of Pioneer Recipes by Stratton, cookbook with a bit of history thrown in (78 pp).

283dk_phoenix
Dez. 5, 2012, 9:34 am

I think my eyes bug out every time I see your total # of books read this year... ;)

284suslyn
Dez. 5, 2012, 4:04 pm

Mine too... Do you remember Sten? He didn't comment on other folks' threads. I asked him why and he said, "Then I have less time to read." Maybe that's the difference. It's not that I made a conscious choice, but I have picked up a book when I had a moment rather than commenting on friends' threads. And not even feeling badly about it (not saying 'hello' or keeping up) has made a difference. Maybe I just needed more reading time this year? dunno.

339 Furies of Calderon* by Butcher, fantasy (502). If you want non-stop action and a non-quest story, this is the read for you. Besides that, it's just a darn good book!

285tigerlyly
Dez. 7, 2012, 5:46 am

gee, you inspire me... i read more this year... hopefully next year I can be more on track with the books i want to read :P

I am hoping for a white Christmas, so I can enjoy a hot chocolate setting up my reads for 2013 ;)

286suslyn
Dez. 7, 2012, 7:45 pm

>285 tigerlyly: where's the "like" button?

287thornton37814
Bearbeitet: Dez. 7, 2012, 11:00 pm

There are definitely times that I wish LibraryThing had a "like" button!

ETA - I realize we can "thumbs up" reviews, but I want the "like" on discussion threads!

288tigerlyly
Dez. 8, 2012, 5:17 pm

Susan, I started Stardoc by S.H.Viehl.

May I say again how asolutely thrilled I am with this series? And how thankful that you have given them to me... I am waiting a long time for a good book, something I have not read over and over again :P

289suslyn
Dez. 8, 2012, 9:50 pm

@287 -- exactly!!

@288 I hope you continue to be thrilled :) Glad you're happy so far.

I'm continuing to be thrilled with my re-read of the Codex Alera!

340 Academ's Fury, 529 pp
341 Cursor's Fury, 521 pp

290suslyn
Dez. 9, 2012, 7:06 pm

342 Captain's Fury by Butcher, 512 pp. Funny, I just picked up the sequel. Looks to be about the same number of pages, but it's taller... I'm guessing that means more text :)

291ronincats
Dez. 11, 2012, 10:03 pm

You are reading a book a day, just about! Amazing!

292suslyn
Dez. 15, 2012, 2:00 am

Crazy is more like it Roni, just nuts!!

343 The Warrior Returns by Cole, fantasy (440). Good stuff. Starts out like a sequel, but then Cole does his magic and weaves the backstory into the current story. No prequel. And, no sequel. I'm going to keep my eye out for Cole and hope it wasn't a fluke. :)

344 My Only Valentine by Hinshaw, Parks and Simpson, regency (251).

345 Princeps' Fury, 622
346 First Lord's Fury, 764. And that's it. This is one series, perhaps the only I've read, where I'd like a visit back to the world in a hundred years or so...

Currently reading an old SF mystery by Baen and Cohen and Chuck Colson's autobiography, Born Again, something I promised myself I'd do earlier this year when he went to his final reward.

293suslyn
Dez. 17, 2012, 2:51 am

347 The Taking of Satcon Station by Cohen and Baen, SF (287). The cover blurb sums it up, "Cohen and Baen have loosed the Sam Spade of Space."

348 Krondor the Betrayal* by Feist, fantasy (418). meh.

294suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 17, 2012, 8:44 am

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!



If I could I'd print these and hand them to you :) The back side would have the credit info! I used Glamfairy's kit, A Whimsical History, and for the fonts, Bickham Script and Segoe Script. It's all copyrighted. And I would have added a personal message... With as behind as I am in holiday prep, maybe I'm just as glad I need to let you download it as you choose. :)

Bless you my friends. Enjoy a safe and wonderful holiday season.

295tigerlyly
Dez. 17, 2012, 3:20 am

Very pretty, perfect for a Christmas bookmark... maybe I'll try my hand at craft (even as I am all thumbs and craft challenged :P)... Meanwhile I did put as a wallpaper your" Winterlicious ", love the Rockwell feeling of the card :)

Thank you for your wishes and hope when I grow up to read as much as you ;))

296alcottacre
Dez. 17, 2012, 3:24 am

Beautiful work, Susan!

297avatiakh
Dez. 17, 2012, 4:30 am

Thanks so much for the thoughtful message especially as I've spent all evening struggling to locate one particualr book in amongst all the others!

298dk_phoenix
Dez. 17, 2012, 7:48 am

Oh, I love it!!! It's lovely to look at and also the sentiment is spot on... ;) Thank you for taking the time to make this for us!

299suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 17, 2012, 8:45 am

Your welcome Lili, Stasia, Kerry, Faith! Kerry, I hope you find that book!! Hate that. oh pooh! There's a typo! LOL Going to fix that now!!

Done. Sorry if you've had to snag it twice :)

300richardderus
Dez. 17, 2012, 10:10 am

>294 suslyn: Beautiful! Thank you, Suse!

301tututhefirst
Dez. 17, 2012, 1:37 pm

Suse.....what a beautiful present to open on my first real snowy day here in Maine. The quiet elegance and beauty are even more special knowing you took the time to make it especially for us.

302suslyn
Dez. 17, 2012, 1:48 pm

YW Dear Richard! Tina, it was my pleasure -- you guys feel like family :)

Now if I could just get another present finished and delivered! Ha!

303ronincats
Dez. 17, 2012, 1:52 pm

Lovely, lovely! Thank you so much!

304suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 23, 2012, 3:31 pm

349 -351 Rise of a Merchant Prince (479), Rage of a Demon King (642), and Shards of a Broken Crown (498). Fantasy by Feist. okay.
352-354 Damiano* (243), Damiano's Lute* (254), and Raphael* (230). Fantasy by MacAvoy. Not sure what happened here. Read it twice before and loved it. Both times. This time... well. three's enough --> recycled.

305ronincats
Dez. 24, 2012, 5:32 pm


Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics


I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Susan!

306suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 26, 2012, 12:48 pm

Thank you Roni!!

Here's our Xmas letter:

307alcottacre
Dez. 25, 2012, 5:56 pm

Thanks for sharing your Christmas letter with us, Susan!

308richardderus
Dez. 25, 2012, 8:10 pm

As always, the graphic pleasure of your creations takes me a moment to absorb before I can read them properly. Much happiness and love to you both!

309drneutron
Dez. 26, 2012, 9:17 am

What a sweet letter! I love to see your work. Merry Christmas!

310souloftherose
Dez. 27, 2012, 2:42 pm

Merry Christmas Susan - thank you for sharing the Christmas letter. No heating until Spring? I hope it's not a cold winter for you too!

311suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 31, 2012, 5:03 pm

Heather, we found out he can start installaion in February... So far while most of my friends have snow, we have had above freezing. I'm grateful for that!

355 & 356 Rules of Engagement* (512) and Change of Command* 436) by Moon, SF. Books 4 & 5 of Familias Regnant.

357-361 Vatta's War: Trading in Danger* (357), Marque and Reprisal* (378), Engaging the Enemy* (455), Command Decision* (453) and Victory Conditions* (416). I like the series very well. I don't like the very last chapter very much, but out of 5 books, that's not too bad.

362 Starswarm* by Pournelle, SF (352 pp). Great preface by the author. The guy's got heart. This is one of my fav re-reads.

363 Born Again* by Chuck Colson, biography. Centered on the Nixon years and Watergate scandal, this story of Colson's life and conversion is worth a read. If you're a Christian, you might find yourself challenged to do some self-evaluation. I was. Written as a young believer, he's honest about his faults and struggles. The lessons for a new Christian are worth revisiting, and that's what this one volumen did for me. Read because Colson died this year. Recommended.

I expect this will be my last book of the year as I've begun a not-small read by Sean Russell.

My thread for 2013 is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/147034#t

Happy New Year!

312PaulCranswick
Dez. 31, 2012, 8:02 am

Susan - Happy New Year and congrats on a brilliant if reluctant reading year!

313ronincats
Dez. 31, 2012, 6:33 pm



Here's to a great new year ahead, Susan!

314avatiakh
Dez. 31, 2012, 7:48 pm

Happy New year, Susan. I loved your Christmas letter, so creative!

315suslyn
Feb. 26, 2013, 9:09 am

Well turns out there was one book from last year (2013) on my desk waiting to be recorded here.

Liliana told me that my numbers got messed up along the way, so here's my real 363rd book of 2012:
Lord Dragoner's Wife by Kerstan, regency (215pp).