To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock (AustenProse PR Book Tour)

 

What are you planning to read this weekend?  It’s a holiday weekend in the United States (Memorial Day) and I am going camping with family and friends. I am loading up my bag with lots of different types of books to read from nonfiction to historical romance.

Vivienne Poppy is a young woman and orphan who writes novels using the nom de plume of Lady Larkby.  Her evil stepbrother is trying to force her to marry a man that she finds contemptable.  She runs away to live in the home that is her only inheritance and to support herself through her writing.  She is kidnapped by a handsome highwayman along the way only to find out once she reaches Bath that there is actually a Sir Larby who everyone assumes is her husband.  Sir Sebastian Larby’s dying grandmother has found out about Vivienne’s existence and is thrilled.  Will pretending to be married to Sebastian solve her problems while keeping his grandmother happy?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This novel starts off with great exciting with Vivienne being kidnapped by a dashing highwayman.  Things about him don’t add up and he rescues her in her time of need.  They also share a passionate kiss before he leaves her at her home in Bath. 

·       This novel engaged me from the first page until the last.  It was a quick read and a real page turner!  Adventure sure seemed to follow Vivienne and Sebastion.

·       I liked how Vivienne was an independent woman trying to support herself as an author.  I loved her independence!

·       This was a lovely historical romance.  I felt the romance throughout the novel and was routing for the two main characters to get together.

·       I like the trope of fake marriage and I really like stories with honorable men who work as highwaymen.  Sebastion is a Yeoman of the Guard for the Prince Regent and uses his disguise as a highwaymen to take care of delicate matters for the Prince Regent.

·       This is a regency historical romance and takes place in 1813 primarily in Bath.

·       Vivienne has a tendance to get herself into scrapes that made me laugh out loud a few times.  I liked the humor in this novel.

·       I liked the Author’s Note at the end about the real locations and history in the novel.

·       This is the second book in the “A Novel of Best Laid Plans” series.  I read it fine as a standalone novel, but I definitely need to go back and read the first book in the series.

Overall, if you are looking for a light, romantic Regency historical fiction novel full of adventure, look no further than To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock.  I need to read more novels by this author!

Book Source: Thank-you to  @gracehitchcockbooks @kregelbooks @austenprose for the review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Tour

GIVEAWAY- For a chance to win a copy of this novel, please enter the giveaway on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/laurasreviews_1/p/DJ4LTfHuQRX/

Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

Title:  Persuasion

Author:  Jane Austen

Narrated by:  Terah Tucker, Catherine Bilson, Graham Scott, Linda Barrans, Denis Daly

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Length: Approximately 8 hours and 23 minutes

Source: Checked out with Hoopla through the Kewaunee Public Library.  Thank-you!

What is your favorite book that has an amazing friendship portrayal?  I love Anne and Mrs. Smith’s friendship in Persuasion by Jane Austen.

Anne Elliot is the middle-overlooked daughter of a baronet that has fallen on financial hard times.  They rent out their estate and travel to Bath.  Captain Wentworth, a man that Anne had broken an engagement with eight years before, has returned. How has time changed them and their relationship?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       I started Persuasion in April and finished it in May for the What the Dickens Book Club.  I also read it to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250^th birthday.  I am trying to reread all six of her novels this year.

·       I loved the full cast audiobook!  It was so fun to listen to and brings an extra depth to the story.

·       As I started this book again, I immediately thought, poor Anne.  Her family does not value her at all.

·       I love when she visits her sister Mary, and everyone finds her a comforting person to talk to and lays out their woes.  They all have conflicting stories about each other.  It was so funny!

·       I like when Captain Wentworth notices other men, like Mr. Eliot, admiring Anne.

·       I love that Anne maintains her friendship with Mrs.  Smith against her family’s wishes.  Mrs. Smith is in poor position with her husband dying, no wealth, and poor health.

·       Mr. Elliot seems like a nice man until Mrs. Smith shares his real personality.  He did not like Sir Walter nor Elizabeth as a youth and openly mocked them amongst his friends.  Now that he is an older wealthy widower (although not old!), he sees the importance of titles and connections.  He tries to win the affections of the Elliots.  He is afraid Sir Walter will marry Mrs. Clay and disinherit him.  Anne is very conflicted as Mr. Elliot is attractive, interesting, and pleasing, but it disguised a “user’s” personality.  It’s a surprise when he runs off with Mrs. Clay in the end.

·       I can excuse Mr. Elliot as Captain Wentworth explains that jealousy of him is what finally prompted his  wonderful letter as well as Anne’s thoughts on the constancy of women.

·       Where do you think Anne and Captain Wentworth ended up?  Sailing the high seas?  Kellynch?  Other?

Overall, Persuasion by Jane Austen is still one of my favorite Austen novels.  I get something new out of it every time I read it.  I really liked reading it as a full cast audiobook this time around.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

 

Are you reading any books this month for a book club?  If so, what book?  Do you like it or dislike it?

In a retirement community in England, four friends (Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron) have a weekly meeting whether they work on solving cold cases from the past.  When a murder takes place in their community, will they be able to catch the killer before they strike again?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The Thursday Murder Club was my pick for the Rogue Book Club in May.  Only one person had finished the book, so we unfortunately were not able to have a good discussion about it.  There were great questions at the end of my copy of the book which would be good to use at a future book club.  Some book club members found it too slow with too many characters.  The book club member who had finished it had read it on audiobook and greatly recommended it.  I usually always finish my book club books but didn’t quite made it this time.  I finished it two days after book club!

·       This book was more about character building than even the mystery itself.  I loved the quirky and likeable characters.  I loved all the different characters in the senior community.  They felt like friends, and I can’t wait to read the next book.

·       The characters do face the realities of aging in both positive ways (experiences, contacts, etc.) and negative ways (dementia, health, etc.)

·       Joyce has recently moved to the community and is the newest member of the club.

·       PC Donna has recently moved to the area from London and is happy to be working on the murder case.

·       This novel has short chapters that keep the story moving.  I also enjoyed the humor.

·       The book is told through many point of views.  Joyce is the only first-person point of view.

·        I really enjoyed the ending of this mystery.  A lot of loose ends were tied up.

·       The next book in this series is The Man Who Died Twice and I can’t wait to read it!

Overall, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a great cozy character driven mystery.  I look forward to the movie later this year.  I’m glad I finally read this and can’t wait to continue with the series.

Book Source:  This was a gift from a dear friend.

Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang

 

Title:  Julie Chan is Dead

Author:  Liann Zhang

Narrated by:  Yu-Li Alice Shen

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Length: Approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes

Source: Review Copy from Simon & Schuster Audio.  Thank-you!

Who is your favorite book villain and why?

Julie Chan’s parents died in an accident when she was a child.  A wealthy couple adopts her twin, Chloe, while their cruel aunt raises Julie.  Julie is struggling to make ends meet while her twin, Chloe, is a wealthy influencer.  They live estranged lives until Julie receives a mysterious call one day from Chloe.  She investigates and discovers Chloe dead in her apartment.  Instead of reporting Chloe’s death, she reports her own and takes over Chloe’s fabulous life.  Will the truth be discovered?  What is going on with the mysterious group of premier influencers that have invited her for a week long getaway on an island?

My thoughts on this audiobook:

·       This was a very unique story and audiobook, and it definitely caught my attention on a long drive for work.  Yu-Li Alice Shen was a great narrator and storyline was riveting.

·       I was surprised to learn that this was Liann Zhang’s debut novel.  It was a great debut!

·       The story grew very surreal when they were on the island.  The story was weird at times, but also enjoyable.

·       It was an interesting look into how seductive social media likes and validation are and how that can take over your life.

·       Roughly half of the book was a look into Julie taking over Chloe’s life and the other half was going to the island with the other premier influencers.

·       This was both a dark comedy and a thriller.

·       I came into this book knowing nothing about it and it took me by surprise.  The twists and turns in the story made for a wild ride.

·       I didn’t really like the character of Julie Chan at all, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to read about her and see where all the craziness went.  She was a good anti-hero.

·       The ending was open and intriguing. I’m still thinking about it.

·       This was on NPR Book of the Day this week with a nice interview with author Liann Zhang.  She was an Instagrammer and influencer herself in her teens.  It was interesting!

Overall, Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang was a unique enthralling dark comedy and thriller.  I recommend for someone who is looking for something new and different to read.

Heartwood by Amity Gaige

 

Title:  Heartwood

Author:  Amity Gaige

Narrated by:  Justine Lupe, Alma Cuervo, Rebecca Lowman, Ali Andre Ali, Cary Hite, Helen Laser

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Length: Approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes

Source: Review Copy from Simon & Schuster Audio.  Thank-you!

What is a goal that you hope to accomplish in the next ten years?  I hope to get back to the Grand Canyon so that my kids can see it for the first time.

Valerie Gillis is forty-two years old and close to finishing her goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail when she goes missing in Maine.  Alone and lost, she writes her thoughts down for her mother.  Maine State Game Warden, Beverly, is leading the task force looking for her.  Lena is a seventy-six-year-old retired woman in Connecticut that is fascinated by the disappearance.  Will her armchair sleuthing help to find Valerie?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       I love, love, loved the full cast audiobook recording.  There were three main points of view:  Valerie, Beverly, and Lena.  I also loved the interviews/conversations that popped up throughout book with her hiking buddy, Santo.  The voice actor really brought Santo to life!  I loved his story of being a black, “fat” hiker on the Appalachian Trail.  I want a book just on Santo’s adventures.

·       I enjoyed the hiking aspects of the Appalachian Trail as well as the relationships between hikers on the trail. 

·       Valerie’s husband, Gregory, also follows along and meets Valerie at stops along the way to keep her supplied.  She decides during the hike that she no longer loves Gregory and lets him know. Did Gregory have anything to do with her disappearance?

·       Valerie’s trail nickname was Sparrow.  I thought the trail nicknames were interesting.

·       Valerie decided to go on this hike after being burned out as a nurse during the pandemic.

·       I enjoyed the guitar music at the end of the audiobook.

·       Over the course of the book, I grew to love Valerie, Beverly, and Lena as well-rounded characters.   I like how the book looked to the future to where their lives went after this mystery.

·       The pacing of this book was slow at times, it’s not a fast-running thriller, but I was intrigued and wanted to know why Valerie was lost and whether she would be found.

·       This is a Read with Jenna Book.

Heartwood by Amity Gaige was an intriguing contemporary suspense audiobook set in nature with well rounded characters.  The audiobook with the full cast was a great experience.

Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

What book would you like to reread?  I remember loving Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen ten years ago and I loved it just as much reading it again.  I read the new 10^th anniversary edition in one day!

Hannah Rogers was formerly the companion of Lady Mayfield.  She has returned to ask for her job back after mysteriously disappearing months before.  Lady Marianna Mayfield rehires her to go on a trip with her and her husband Sir John Mayfield.  Sir John is trying to remove Marianna from being near her lover.  Along the way, the carriage is involved in a terrible accident.  Hannah wakes up confused and is being called Lady Mayfield.  She realizes being Lady Mayfield could solve many of her problems.  How will Hannah get out of this predicament?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       There were great characters, twists, and turns in this story.  I loved the twists and turns, and I don’t want to ruin it for other readers.

·       I also enjoyed the faith element and how Hannah tried to do the right thing by everyone and God.

·       This novel was set in Regency England and has shades of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte mixed with Jane Austen’s Lady Susan.  I love author Julie Klassen and how her novels are a perfect blend of Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen.

·       This is clean read, but there are some more sensual scenes that involve feelings of longing and kissing.  Adultery is on the main stage in this novel.

·       I liked how the characters, especially Hannah are conflicted and have a lot to work through.

·       There were also great well rounded side characters such as Dr. Parrish, Becky, and Mrs. Turrell.  I enjoyed them and their relationships with Hannah.

·       There is a love triangle as part of this story, and I always love a good love triangle.

What has changed in this edition?  From Julie Klassen, “I toned down the sensuality in a few scenes, expanded Mrs. Turrill’s wise mentor role a bit, improved and streamlined the writing in several places, and corrected many small historical inaccuracies throughout. The characters and story itself are the same, but I am very grateful for this opportunity to improve the first edition—I’ve learned a lot in the last ten years!”

Overall, Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen is romantic historical suspense at its best.  I highly recommend it.

Thank-you to @julie.k.klassen @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for the review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Tour.

Sweet Nothings by Sarah Perry

 

What is your favorite kind of candy?  I have so many, but one of my favorite kinds of candy is definitely bubble gum.

Author Sarah Perry has written hundreds of “micro essays” on just about every type of candy imaginable.  They are organized by color of the candy.  Perry philosophizes on the candy and its enjoyment, relates it to her life, and/or tells some of the fascinating history of the candy.  Will your favorite candy be included?

My thoughts on this book:

·       I loved the great drawings of the different types of candy that was included throughout the book.

·       I didn’t realize there are SO MANY different types of candy . . . and that I have eaten most of them.  I think I am a secret candy lover, although now as a middle-aged woman, I don’t each much candy at all besides gum.  I may still dream of it.

·       This book was funny, but informational.  I loved the history on things such as bubble gum as well as exactly what defines chocolate.

·       Candy as it is felt through all senses such as taste, flavor, feel, smell, and structure is discussed.

·       The author also tells the story of her life through candy.  She lost her mother at a young age, which deeply impacts her.  Her mother was murdered, which is slightly alluded to in this book.  I need to read her memoir, After the Eclipse.

·       This is definitely a book for adults as the author does bring in her adult relationships and sex life.

·       As this was a book of essays, I did notice a few things repeated at the end of the book.  Each essay could be its own stand-alone story.

·       The length of the essays really varied.  Some were a paragraph long while others went on for several pages.

Overall, Sweet Nothings by Sarah Perry was a funny and heartful book filled with great essays on candy and life.  It was entertaining and a unique read.

Favorite Quote: “What ever possessed the candymakers of the late twentieth century?  It was an era when strange textures and intense physical sensations predominated, a sort of arms race to see who could devise the weirdest way to mainline sugar.  By the 1990s we have Pixy Stix and Ring Pops and nerds and Fun Dip.  Fun Dip!  Just a bag of finely ground sugar, really, pastel cocaine.”

Book Source:  Review Copy from @marinerbooks # morrowpartner.  Thank-you!

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

 

Title:  Sense and Sensibility

Author:  Jane Austen

Narrated by:  Rosamund Pike

Publisher: Audible Studios

Length: Approximately 11 hours and 25 minutes

Source: Included with my Audible membership

What is your favorite book featuring sisters?  I feel like Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and the Little House series are my favorite books featuring sisters.

In Regency England, the Dashwood sisters; Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret have just lost their faither.  Their half brother inherited the entire family estate and now the sisters and their mother must start a new and reduced life.  Luckily, Mrs. Dashwood’s cousin, Sir John Middleton, has a cottage for them to live in.  With their reduced circumstances, will they be able to find love?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       Rosamund Pike was a lovely narrator.  I enjoyed this audiobook so much!  Rosamund Pike played Jane in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice which made it extra fun to have her as a narrator.

·       I read Sense and Sensibility in April for the @dees.reads Classic Buddy Read.  There was good discussion in the Instagram buddy read group that focused on how the novel was very much Elinor’s story and that Marianne was underdeveloped and very emotional.

·       I am also trying to reread all of Austen’s novels this year to celebrate her 250^th birthday I am running a bit behind!

·       John and Fanny Dashwood are so detestable.  I love how Austen masterfully wrote this scene with Fanny talking John down to giving his sisters nothing.

·       It was interesting look into who you can count on in life.  Sir John is a distance relation, but he is very helpful to the family.  John Dashwood is their half-brother, but he does nothing.  Mrs. Ferrars cuts Edward out of her will, but not her other son, Robert, for the same “sin.”

·       I thought it was interesting how Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne share many of the same qualities.

·       I always feel like Elinor is my spirit heroine as the oldest sister trying to keep it all together to help her family.

·       Willoughby is such an intriguing villain.  I always find myself loving him although he is a terrible person.  His last visit to explain himself to Elinor is very self-serving, but it also makes me understand his love for money is more than his love for anything else.  It makes me feel sorry for his wife!

Overall, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen is a beautifully written classic novel with unforgettable characters.  The audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pike was an excellent edition to listen to.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

 

What book would you like to see a prequel for?

It’s the fiftieth annual Hunger games and Haymitch Abernathy has been selected from District 12.  As part of the 50^th anniversary celebration, they are selecting twice as many children from each section, so District 12 is sending four tributes this year.  Haymitch wants to get back to his beloved girlfriend, mom, and brother, but he also wants to take down the Capital and the Hunger Games.  Will he succeed?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       Sunrise on the Reaping was an entertaining action novel reminiscent of the first two books at the Hunger Games series.  It was very readable!

·       I do wish there would have been more differences to make this book more unique like the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

·       I liked the cameos of characters from the original novels that popped up such as Plutarch, Mags, Wiress, and Effie.

·       Haymitch loves Lenore Dove, a descendant of Lucy Grey (not explained how), but their romantic relationship isn’t fully developed.

·       This story explains why Haymitch breaks down and is the way he is.  It would have been interesting to tell the story of his life between the games and mentoring Katniss. 

·       I liked the new character of Masilee.  She is a wealthy mean girl from District 12 who shows her humanity and spunk during the games.

·       This story will make an entertaining movie.

Overall, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is an enjoyable story very similar to the first two Hunger Game novels.

Book Source:  Preordered from Amazon.com

The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie

 

Title:  The Seven Dials Mystery

Author:  Agatha Christie

Narrated by:  Emilia Fox

Publisher: Blackstone Audio

Length: Approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes

Source: Checked out with Hoopla through the Kewaunee Public Library.  Thank-you!

What book are you excited about seeing as a movie or TV series this year?  The Seven Dials Mystery is going to be a new Netflix movie this year which should be interesting.

I am participating in the #ReadChristie2025 Challenge.  The challenge this year is exploring Agatha Christie’s works through her characters and their careers.  The theme for April was butlers and I read The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie for the first time.  Tredwell the butler at The Chimneys keeps our main characters updated on the investigation. This book was published in 1929 and is the second book to feature Superintendent Battle, although he is more of a side character.

A practical joke goes wrong at a house a party at the Chimneys estate, which is being rented by Sir Oswald and Lady Coote.  Gerry Wade has a hard time getting up in the morning.  His friends set up eight alarm clocks to wake him up on morning . . . only he doesn’t wake up.  He has been poisoned! Why is one clock missing?  Will the killer be found before the next victim is murdered? 

My thoughts on this novel:

·       Eilleen “Bundle” Brent is the main investigator and a very independent and spirited young women.  She is an amateur sleuth.

·       This novel was different than typical Christie mysteries and was more of an espionage thriller focusing on secret societies.  I do like how Christie was always trying out something new with her writing.

·       I usually love when Emilia Fox narrates novels, but this narration was just okay to me.   I think it was more the storyline which didn’t capture my attention as much as other Christie novels.

·       This novel can be read as a standalone or together with The Chimneys.

·       I loved Lord Caterham and his daughter Bundles’ conversations.  They were very funny.

·       I felt claustrophobic when Bundle hid in a cabinet in the Seven Dials club to observe the secret society.  It was especially creepy that the Secret Society members wore hoods with clocks faces on them.

·       The ending was very surprising.

Overall, The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie was an interesting read, but not my favorite Christie read.