Community Chat

[IamMrsG]

I just found this thread! I'm always looking for a new book, so will definitely be browsing through your posts for recommendations.

I just finished I'll Drink to That: A Life in Style, with a Twist by Betty Halbreich.It was interesting, but ended awkwardly.

Edited to correct a typo.

[Lilysmom]

On 10/7/2014 SAgal said:

On 10/5/2014 Lilysmom said:

RINGER, SAGAL, going to check out THE MAKING OF US. Thanks for the rec. i just started WINTER OF THE WORLD (Ken Follett) and it is close to 1000 pages so it will be awhile though! LM

I haven't read The Making Of Us - the book I read was THE HOUSE WE GREW UP IN - made a big impression on me. But I'm going to check this one out too!

Thanks SAgal!

[Vamp]

Just finished reading Must Love Otters by Eliza Gordon. 99 cents on Kindle through the rest of the month.

It's a romantic comedy set mostly in British Columbia, Canada. At first, I found the 25-year-old protagonist crass and even a little mean, but once the action moves from Portland, OR to Canada, the book gets funnier and the main character became more likable. All in all, it's a fun, quick read and complete fluuff. But fluuff can be nice sometimes.

(Why won't webbie let me use the word "fluuff" spelled correctly?)

[hopeQ1]

Hello readers,

I would like to introduce you to one of my all-time favorite authors in hopes that you will give her a try. I know it's hard to take a recommendation from a stranger whom you don't know, and haven't before tested their reading tastes.

But I can absolutely promise you a great read from this author with every book. All you have to do is select a story, location, and plot line that suits you and delve into a wonderful read !'

Her name is Barbara Wood. She was born in England but eventually transferred to the U.S. with her parents, and attended college at the University of Southern California where she trained to become a surgical technician. After working as one for a while, she decided to answer her passion and tried her hand at writing books, and I am ever so grateful that she did. She was born in 1947 and to date, she has written 22 books. All have been international best- sellers, and have been translated into 30 different languages. Two books have been written under a different name, but I am not aware of those titles.

Her writing style is excellent ! She has a marvelous way with words, and has been truly gifted with her passion ! Each of her books has a unique setting, where she literally transports you to various exotic countries that she methodically researches with rich history and culture relevant to each story. At the heart of every book is the story of a strong, independent woman and her story.

I have not begun to read all of her books, but I have read some of her earliest ones, and I'm partial to them , even though I know the later ones have to be as good if not better

I am passionate about these books ! So much so that I always urge anyone who reads fiction to try her books, because I know you won't be disappointed, and you will cherish her as another great author as I do. Even if these are not the typical read for you, she writes so beautifully that once inside a book, you can't put the story down !

First I will list my favorites, which are from her earliest books, but by no means don't forget to check out her other titles. I think the smartest thing to do is peruse them all and then start with a story or background that interests you and go from there. Also, as with any read of a new author to you, if the first read isn't so amazing to you,please try one more title. Sometimes it's not always a book that is off-putting, but circumstances in your personal life that can flavor your interpretation. Trust me when I tell you her stories are enchanting !

My all-time favorite books to date are: Soul Flame (2003), Green City In The Sun (1988),

Domina (1983), The Blessing Stone (2002), The Prophetess (1996), Vital Signs (1985), Perfect Harmony (1998), Daughter Of The Sun (2007), Virgins of Paradise (1993),

The Magdalene Scrolls (1978), and now for the rest I haven't yet read:

Hounds And Jackals (1994), The Watch Gods (2006), Childsong (1981) Curse This House (1990), Star Of Babylon (2004), The Serpent And the Staff ( 2013), Private Entrance (2005), Night Trains (1995), The Dreaming (1991), Yesterday's Child ( 1979) Sacred Ground (2000), Alias: Papa A Life of Fritz Schumacher (1984), and This Golden Land (2010).

Like I mentioned, I love the very early one's but of course I haven't yet found all of the other's and that's why I haven't completed reading them. But today I found them on Amazon, so if you desire, you can read about them there.

At least google them and see what you might like about them.

I hope you trust me enough to try this author. If you've already read some of these PLEASE do comment here, as I would really appreciate your opinion on these titles.

I've been reading all of my life, and to say those first that I mentioned are my very favorite reads is saying a lot !! I will NEVER forget Soul Flame, Green City In the Sun, and Domina , and I read them back when they came out new !!!!

Happy reading to each of you , so glad I found this thread !!

[SparklesMcGee]

Well, I just reread Gone Girl so that I could go see the movie with my book club and I still didn't love it--again. Now, I am reading The Final Cut by Catherine Coulter and JT Ellison for my thriller fix. I am also reading Kisses After Dark, the 12th book in the Gansett Island romance series by Marie Force and Three Wishes, a genie romance novel by Kristen Ashley. I wouldn't say that I normally read books about genies, so this is one is a little strange for me. I will let you know how it goes.

[Pianomama]

HopeQ1, thanks for the recommendation. Sound like this author is exceptional, and I will look up her books in my library.

[hopeQ1]

Pianomama, I hope you find a story that you like and enjoy Ms. Woods as much as I do !

Thanks for trusting me for a recommendation ! Do let us know what you select and read !!

I hope the very early ones that I liked so much are not out-of-print, or have been reprinted. They are much too good to die !

Blessings.

[lovescats]

On 10/7/2014 SWEET said:

On 10/6/2014 lovescats said:

On 10/3/2014 SWEET said:

Ooops. Put my replay on September's thread but here it is again.

I finished The Arsonist - Sue Miller. I'm on the fence of liking it. It was part family/part arsonist. Liked the small town feel of this book but the ending was abrupt. Better than some of her other books I've read at least.

Starting Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen next.

I just wondered if you read The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller I liked it but at the same time not a book I could recommend.

Unfortunately I did read this and hated it and I think it was the worst book I've ever written. I also didn't like Lake Shore Limited.

The Arsonist was right on the new book shelves at library yesterday so I'm giving it a try.

[sweetdreams331]

SAgal: Let me know your thoughts on The Making of Us which I am enjoying as much as The House We Grew Up In. I doubt I have ever read an author who writes as well as she does and will continue to read more of her books! What a wonderful writer and hope she continues writing her stories!

[blessed10]

Finished "Whistling Past the Graveyard" by Susan Crandall; have to say I thought this book was a bit over-rated; I don't want to throw spoilers in accidentally, so I will just say I found it to be far-fetched, and the main character a bit much given her age. Overall, it was ok, but I was somewhat disappointed. Starting "Criminal" by Karin Slaughter next.