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Surrounded by Books
I read historical fiction, mystery, foodie memoir, and well-crafted YA (sometimes other genres).
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
I knew I shouldn't have made any "Best of the Year" lists until the year had actually ended.This book. Wow. On so many levels.
Shades of London (2) - Ripper 2
Make sure you have read the first one, as this one picks up where the first ends.And zooms really fast along, without catching you up much.All the things I really loved about The Name of the Star are still in place- in terms of the characters, and the really interesting way ghosts and spookiness work.And then... I was reading and reading and turning pages and there weren't any more pages to turn! But I have maddening questions, lots and lots of them.So, possibly a good idea to wait until you have the third book in hand, or you will read the last page, and say WHAAAAAAAAAAT???? really loudly in a subway car full of people who will be confused.
The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer Trilogy)
Things to know:This is a sequel. It will not make one bit of sense unless you have read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.I liked this better than The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, because the suspense was less supernatural, and more nastily psychological.This is not only a sequel, but a story that will continue into the next volume. I turned the last page and screeched "WHAAAAAT???"The fact that I was on the subway at the time was somewhat awkward.
The Death of an Irish Lover: A Peter McGarr Mystery (Peter McGarr Mysteries)
A good, solid mystery, set in a small Irish town. Gruff cop, plenty of eccentric village characters, really detailed setting.
The Diviners
Of course I loved this. Knew I would, it's YA historical fiction, with nicely spooky elements, an atmosphere that made me forget the 21st century in favor of the 1920s, and nasty, gory murders.I didn't realize until after I had finished that it's part of a series. The story felt complete to me as itself, I like it ending on an ominous-something-looming note. But I'll be curious how it continues.
Island Practice: Cobblestone Rash, Underground Tom, and Other Adventures of a Nantucket Doctor
I do love a small town doctor memoir.
Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir That Inspired "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abbey"
I enjoyed this, both for her insights and descriptions of what being in domestic service meant, and for the fact that she never took to it blindly and subserviently-- the memoir emphasizes her having her own independent thoughts, and seeking out situations where she could be treated fairly. Also, several touches of wry humor. A great read!
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://ewillse.booklikes.com/post/65874/below-stairs-the-classic-kitchen-maid-s-memoir-that-inspired-upstairs-downstairs-and-downton-abbey&media=http://booklikes.com/upload/books/3/a/azure_3ae79eba8c394cf5aaf61b7d4daf9d69.jpg&description=Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir That Inspired "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abbey" - Leigh Crutchley, Margaret Powell)
The Cranes Dance
I was more interested in the ballet aspects than the relationship between the sisters.
 - Meg Howrey)
The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story
Requested this as a review copy, ages ago, because I was familiar with Ree Drummond's story from her blog. I like her recipes, and her photographs of a prairie life. Looks kind of alien to this city girl. So I was curious.But reading about her going gaga with love at first sight and melting for the Marlboro Man, was a bit much for me. It felt smug and simpering to read.I like reading recipes and seeing her photography better than being inside her head about her relationship.I think this wasn't a bad book, just not a good fit for me.
Envy: A Luxe Novel (The Luxe)
This entire series was, indeed, Gossip Girl for the 19th century set. Or a soap opera. Godbersen's positively a sadist regarding her characters though, one tragedy after another! Definitely a good guilty pleasure.
Here Lies Arthur
I loved this retelling of Arthur as kind of a brute, Merlin as his storyteller/ public relations huckster. the language of the writing itself was exquisite.
Rumors: A Luxe Novel
An addictive historical fiction series. After wolfing down two books, I conclude that the author's a sadist- to her characters AND to her readers. There was a plot twist where I just looked at the words on the page and exclaimed "WHAT?"Still, I'll read the next!
The Luxe
If I had read a novel with this much social manipulation set in the present day, I would have been annoyed and disgusted, or at least bored.Set it in 19th century New York, and I am really happy, and anxious to read the rest!
