Weekend Reading Round-Up
Since I completely forgot to do a Weekly Reading Round-Up this past Friday… I’m turning it on its head and doing a Weekend Reading Round-Up instead!
Also because Sharlene surprised me with this adorable card:
I finally yielded to pressure and picked up some of the Helen MacInnes novels my college roommate has been sending me. Isn’t it amazing how the right books have a way of coming along at just the right time? These 1940s and 50s spy thrillers were just what I needed right now. The writing is clear and crisp and lovely.
So far, I’ve read Assignment in Brittany
What were you reading over the long weekend?
Oh, I just love Helen MacInnes’ books. Don’t miss the Venetian Affair. She wrote a couple of books that were not tales of espionage, Rest and Be Thankful and Friends and Lovers, which are wonderfully charming. Enjoy them all.
I picked up the new Stephen King, “Finders Keepers”. It’s been a little slower than its predecessor, “Mr. Mercedes,” but still enjoyable. I’m also re-reading Diana Gabaldon’s books. Currently about 2/3 of the way through “Voyager,” though I was somewhat distracted by activities at my B&N this weekend.
Well, it was a long holiday weekend… makes sense to have this on Monday 😉 I finished re-reading Alan Bradley’s first Flavia de Luce book, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, which I love, though not as much as later books in the series. Then in between fireworks, Jaws, and aliens, I also am reading Mad World, about Evelyn Waugh for my blog’s Jazzy July.
I’m trying to read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie as well.
Stick with it! It’s rough around the edges, but the series just gets better and better.
Ooh, I am excited to try Helen MacInnes–I’ve never heard of her before but love spy novels.
I read the Other Daughter this weekend–SO, so good!! I wish it hadn’t ended. And in keeping with the 20s theme just started the Daisy Dalrymple series by Carola Dunn.
My weekend reading consisted of research books only interesting to me. But I’ve read several good books since I last posted here.
The Strangler Vine M.J. Carter – adventure meets mystery in 1837 colonial India. Excellent story.
The Dream Lover Elizabeth Berg – fictional account of the life of George Sand. Fascinating!
Prudence – Gail Carriger – this had a bit of a slow buildup and is my least favorite of her books but my least favorite Carriger is still a good read.
The House of a Thousand Lanterns Victoria Holt – old school gothic and I didn’t guess the whodunit. Love 😀
Cold Cold Heart Tami Hoag – This was my first Hoag. Very good psychological thriller with excellent development of characters with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
My father got me into reading Helen McInnes’ books when I was a teenager; I loved them. They were so much fun. I also got into the Mrs. Polifax series by Dorothy Gilman. Right now, I’ve been reading Seanan McGuire’s short stories through her website that link to her Cryptid and October Daye series. I’ve got a lot of books coming to print soon, so I’m waiting for those.
Oh, yes, by Helen McInnes I recommend:
The Salzburg Affair
Message from Malaga
The Venetian Affair
I’m so glad you’re getting around to these, finally (tee-hee). I recommend “While Still We Live,” then “The Venetian Affair,” then “The Double Image.” They’re all good, but these are a good start. I read and re-read her books, along with Alistair MacLean.