With the cold weather or book deadlines, all I’ve wanted to do is curl up with a good book. Thanks to that, I’ve been reading a lot of great books lately. Today I thought I’d bring you a few of my favorite reads form the last few months. I love writing, but I also love sharing books I enjoy with other readers. It’s one of the reasons I started Book Talk. So be sure to check out these books if you haven’t already.
I have long adored Julie Klassen’s books. I’ll never forget reading her first, Lady of Milkweed Manor, and realizing I loved the Jane Austen timeperiod after all. Since then I think I’ve read most of her books, and look forward to diving into the worlds she creates.
While her early books were stand alones that independently told stories of the time, this series is simiar to her most recent Tales from Ivy Hill and On Devonshire Shores. These are sweeping series that focus on one town and family. With A Winter by the Sea, Julie Klassen has created a new set of characters that are rich and will pull you in. The sisters are delightful and the interchange between them is engaging and real. These are cardboard cutout dolls, but people I could imagine in my mind’s eye. Over the course of the rich 429 pages of plot, there are so many lovely forays into characters, history, journeys, and more. It’s so engaging, sweet, and vibrant. I felt swept away each time I opened the pages. If you enjoy historicals, and adore the Jane Austen timeperiod, then I can highly recommend A Winter by the Sea. I loved it and think you will, too. The giveaway at the bottom of this post is for a copy of this novel, so be sure to scroll down and enter.
A Noble Scheme is a romance with twists and turns I didn’t anticipate but that give it such depth and sweetness. Part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, and it’s a book I will think about for a long time. From the first book in the Imposters, I knew there was a deep pain between Gemma and Graham, but the source goes so much deeper than I had anticipated. The author deals with the grief and challenges with such a deft hand that gives such grace and emotion to it without turning the book maudlin. Instead, it’s a story that left me rooting so hard for the romance. At the same time there is a multi-layered mystery that borders on suspense that was so well woven. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this novel. It truly promises a HEA after taking the hero and heroine through a wilderness. Watch for an upcoming episode of Book Talk timed with the release of this novel. You can preorder it at Baker Book House for 40% off here.
I love a regency novel and I especially love one that makes me smile with a fun voice and great characters. The Ladies Rewrite the Rules fits that bill.
What happens when a younger son writes a pamphlet highlighting the widows and heiresses with money? Those women find themselves the target of sudden attention of men in search of a wife of means. But when they find out why, some of those women decide to feature the rules with funny, romantic, and winsome results. Three ladies, who aren’t necessarily looking, discover or rediscover poverty all while navigating the challenges of being an independent woman at that time. I found this to be an enjoyable read I can recommend to those who enjoy regency and other historical novels. Did a
nyone else notice that these first three recommendations were historical? How about a couple of romantic suspense to balance out this post?
One Wrong Move was my first book of the new year and it was a great read. Two couples and two twisty crimes, one cold and in the past, the other a current string of art heists. Both with romance that is quick but feels real. Set in New Mexico, but traveling in pursuit of answers, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel from Dani Pettrey. It had all the twists I love with characters I quickly cared about. Recommended read! Watch for an upcoming episode of Book Talk — coming soon and timed with the release of this novel. You can preorder it at Baker Book House for 40% off here.
I’m just going to give you my endorsement for Double Take:
In this psychological thriller, Lainie and her former crush James are determined to get to the truth. In the process, they have to fight to stay alive. This book is a tightly written corkscrew of a race against a twisted mind that is determined to take Lainie on a twisty ride that ends in one destination: her death. Readers who love romantic suspense will love every page of Lynette’s latest novel. Lynette was my guest on Book Talk at the beginning of January. Be sure to go watch or listen to the episode to learn all about this book and her writing. You can find it here.
Which of these books have you read? Do any of them intrigue you?
And don’t forget! I’m giving away a copy of Julie’s book. I’d purchased a copy and then was sent a copy, so I want to share it with another reader. Just use the form below to enter!