October Books

A Taste for Nightshade by Martine Bailey -- an intriguing tale about Mary Jebb who swindles her way through life, and her meeting up with Grace Moore who is married to Michael Croxon whom Mary met years prior when she cheated Michael's brother. Whew. I wasn't sure for whom to feel sympathy, and was kept guessing a bit about who would turn out to be the "good" guys and gals in the end.  I liked it!

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler -- Somehow Courtney Stone dreams and wakes up as Jane Mansfield, a contemporary of Jane Austen.  Courtney has Jane's body, face, and abilities to dance and embroider, but still has the 21st century mindset of a "typical" American woman from Los Angeles.  It made for a rather interesting tale, I suppose. Enough to keep me reading anyway!

Between Friends by Kristy Kiernan -- Cora and Ali and Letty are linked in a rather unusual way.  Cora and Ali are lifelong friends, yet Ali, who wants nothing more than to have children is unable to do so.  Bad eggs.   Cora, who never desired to be a mother, volunteers to donate her eggs so Ali and her husband Benny can have a child through IVF.  A pretty good story though the last bit of the book made me shed a few tears.



Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler  -- In the first book Courtney wakes up in Jane's world (see above), while in this story Jane wakes up nearly 200 years later in the world of 2009.  Can you imagine having to learn what electricity is, how these carriages (cars) move, and you wear those tiny pieces of fabric to swim - in mixed company?   I admit, this book bored me after awhile.

Angel Sister by Ann H. Gabhart -- a story during the Depression era; a family of three girls who take in a little girl left on the doorstep of a neighborhood church

Murder at Longbourn by Tracy Kiely -- Elizabeth joins her Aunt Winnie to bring in the New Year with a How to Host a Murder party. Unfortunately, a real murder takes place, and Elizabeth sets out to prove her Aunt Winnie was not involved.  A cute book; I liked it.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton -- When she turns 14, Grace is sent by her mother to the House at Riverton as a servant girl. Her mom had served there prior to Grace's arrival, and Grace interacts with the servants, of course, and later more so with the household. She becomes especially devoted to Hannah. This story is told from 90+ year old Grace's perspective, looking back over her life, and how events unfolded.  Good book! 

The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain -- I'm glad I discovered this author's books a few weeks ago because I mostly enjoy them.  In this book Riley travels to New Bern, NC, to go through her dad's stuff and put her childhood house up for sale after his sudden death (a heart attack at Food Lion.)  Riley discovers a photo of her much-older sister whom she was told killed herself when she was a teenager.  Another good book!

From the Heart of Covington by Joan Medlicott -- another book in the series with the ladies living in Madison County, NC. These books always make me want to live in the mountains!   Apparently there are several other books so I'll probably continue reading them to see how things turn out in their families' lives and in the community.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta -- first in the Price of Privilege trilogy.  After Julia Elliston's mom dies in an apparent suicide, she gets notes from her mysterious guardian about his plans for her. In the meantime, she's allowed to visit lifelong friends, and they all end up at the home of a Mr. Chance Macy who has his own plans for Julia.  A very secretive book at times.

The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain -- a great story about Tess DeMello who grew up among loving friends in Little Italy in Baltimore.  After a life-changing event during a brief visit to Washington, D.C., Tess ends up in Hickory, North Carolina, where much of this story takes place as she lives among the wealthy Kraft family.  Tess, who earned an RN, ends up working at a makeshift hospital set up by the people of Hickory to take care of those who contracted polio.

Caroline: Little House, Revisited by Sarah Miller -- curious about those Little House books from another perspective? Well, this one is not told from the Native American point of view, but it is told from the perspective of Mary and Laura's mother, Caroline, as the family prepares to leave their family in Wisconsin to start a new life in Indian Territory.

Murder on the Bride's Side by Tracy Kiely -- more adventures with Elizabeth Parker. This time as she takes part in her friend Bridget's wedding. Unfortunately, a hated relative-in-law winds up murdered and the detecting is on for whoever did this!




Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta -- second in the Price of Privilege trilogy; I figured I might as well see what happens next.  This book was better since I got through a lot of the secretive stuff in book one. Well, this one had plenty of secrets, but at least SOME THINGS WERE FOUND OUT!  And that made it better.  Julia takes her place as the daughter of Lord Pierson, and, whew, is it ever tough to enter London society after growing up poor!





Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta -- the conclusion of the Price of Privilege trilogy; I came to like this series pretty well after the somewhat secretive and confusing first book. I'm glad I read it, and glad it's over so I can move onto something else.  Whew...I need something where women aren't treated like property!

Catching Genius by Kristy Kiernan -- I read another book by this author which I liked so I found this one as well.  A good book about sisters, Connie and Estella, who come together after many years of separation in order to close down their mom's beach house and deal with issues between them.

Summerlost by Ally Condie -- Bridget mentioned this on her blog so I checked it out from the library.  A sweet, touching book about Cedar a year after her dad and brother were killed in an automobile accident.  Cedar makes a new friend and works at a Shakespearean theatre - only selling concessions, but still.  

Kommandant's Girl by Pam Jenoff -- after reading a prequel last month concerning some characters in this book, I wanted to reread this book since it had been many years since my first reading.  I read much of it yesterday (10/30), and didn't sleep well because I was thinking of Jews and Nazis and Polish people during this time in history.