Before I get to some book reviews let me just say, Yipee!! Why am I so excited? I just found out that I was one of the winners in Literary Feline’s anniversary contest. I’m going to get 14 books from Hatchett Book Group. Isn’t that fantastic? I was in a blah mood today thanks to intense heat (107 degrees) we’ve been having but I’m feeling much better now.
So, moving on to some reviews I’ve been promising…
Apples & Oranges by Marie Brenner is the memoir of a brother and sister and their difficult relationship. I enjoyed reading about the dynamics between the two as told from Marie’s point of view, but the book also had a lot of background on their family history.
The author points out that she felt that if she could figure out about their past maybe that would explain her relationship with her brother Carl. And, I can understand how that would have made sense to her but for a reader I don’t think that really seemed to fit. As the reader I just wanted to know about her and her brother.
To read more about the book, check out my review.
The other book I finished was Mercy Street by Mariah Stewart. I’ve seen her books before but just hadn’t had the chance to check any out so I was happy to read this one, which I believe is the start of a series.
It is billed as a romantic suspense novel and unfortunately I was a bit let down on the suspense issue but I found it very readable. It was just one of those books you can easily get caught up in and breeze through. I wouldn’t mind checking out another of her books or following up on the series later. You can read more about the book by checking out my review.
Those are just two of the books I’ve recently finished. I was looking at my monthly stats and I read 11 books in July! I have no idea how that happened. That’s not my normal amount but I won’t complain. I guess two of my reads were graphic novels but still that’s still more books than I normally read.
This weekend I’ve been reading Murder on Bank Street by Victoria Thompson and Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer. I finished the Thompson book so more on that one soon but for now I’m thoroughly caught up in Heyer’s novel. Aside from a great independent and spirited heroine, the book is filled with a fabulous vocabulary.
Bibble-babble, farradiddles, rake-shame, flummery and gabble-monger just to list a few of the words. Aren’t those fun? I need to find a way to drop one of these in regular conversation. ha.
Hope everyone has a great start of the week.
Congratulations, Iliana! I am glad I could add a little joy to your day. 107 would sure drain all of my energy.
I enjoyed reading your take on Apples and Oranges. I liked the family history portion of the book best, but I do see your point. It took me a while to warm up to both the author and her brother and it seemed like the two of them were always going in circles. I especially liked the last fourth of the book, when the brother and sister come closer together.
I love those terms you discovered! I may have to insert those in my vocabulary. 🙂
Congrats, Iliana! I’m so thrilled for you! 🙂
I bought one book by Georgette Heyer lately but haven’t got around to reading it yet. I’ve yet to read any of her books so I’m hoping I’ll enjoy it. I can’t wait to read your review on Lady of Quality.
Congratulations Iliana! That was sure a great prize!
Hooray for you, Iliana! It most definitely is fantastic! 🙂
I thought Heyer’s vocabulary was a lot of fun too — I’ve heard it’s well-researched.
Literary Feline – I’m still on a high from my big win 🙂 You are right, the last part of the book is better. I almost thought these were two books in one you know – her family history and her & Carl.
Melody – I’m thrilled too! I hope you’ll enjoy the Heyer book. Which one did you get? I’ve only read one other which I quite enjoyed but I think this one is better so that’s great.
Marg – I know… And, I just realized I’ve been receiving quite a windfall of books lately – I am one lucky bookgirl 🙂
Joy – I can’t wait to get ’em and share thoughts on them!
Dorothy W. – Every time I read anything about Heyer it seems that they really praise her research skills. This book is really making me feel like I’m in Bath that’s for sure 🙂
Great on the books. Can you select what you want or do they send you a pack?
Your review of Apples and Oranges sounds a lot like Melissa’s that will run in ER this month (later today…I’m late, as always). It sounds like such a promising book, but the flaws you both point out definitely give me pause.
Congratulations! That’s enough to life any body’s spirits. I’ve been reading about the extreme heat in Texas. It actually hasn’t been all that bad here in North Carolina for a change. It’s supposed to be around 100 tomorrow, but we’ve been spared triple digits pretty much so far this summer.
Congrats on the big win!!
I enjoyed your review of Apples and Oranges. I may have to give that one a try.
I got Arabella, and I’m also looking for a copy of Friday’s Child too. The latter is so hard to find! ;(
Isabel – No, I can’t choose but I have seen the list of books and there are a couple on there that I really want to read so yay! 🙂
Andi – I can’t wait to read Melissa’s review. I really did have a hard time with the book because there were some places where it was wonderful and others that I wanted to skip. Will check out Estella’s of course!
Lisa – I know right! I hope you guys stay below 100. It was another heat advisory day. Ugh. I’m ready for Fall 🙂
Nicole – Thank you! Do try the book out. I may not have loved it but I’d love to hear what you thought.
Melody – Sourcebooks does have Friday’s Child and I think they have a special sale right now on their Heyer books! You know, in case you need some encouragement 🙂
Thanks, Iliana! 🙂
Wow – great about the books and not missing that heat! 😉 Looking forward to seeing what you think about Lady of Quality.
I have to admit Georgette Heyer’s regency stuff, and her other historical stuff, too, are surefire comfort reads for me. Love the vocabulary, too! I’ve had Apples and Oranges on my list for awhile–thanks for the review!
Melody – 🙂
Christine – You don’t miss Dallas summers? 😉 I think you’d love Lady of Quality. I’m only half way but I’m loving it!
Gentle Reader – I can totally see how her books are comfort reads. I have another Heyer book waiting for me after this one and I’m already looking forward to it!
One of these times when I read a Heyer novel I’m going to make a list of those words. Did they really use such slang?!
Congrats! What a haul, 14 books!
Danielle – I know, isn’t it funny to see some of those words? I love them. Still haven’t used one in my daily chit-chat but I must 🙂
Alisia – I’m still so excited about that! I need to do a book giveaway soon because I’ve actually gotten several other books too. I’m spoiled and need to share the goodness 🙂
congratulations – that sure brightened your day/week/month!!
Congratulations on the 14 book prize! What a package that will be to receive.