Rachel (aktakukac) Reads in 2016 (Part 2)

Welcome to my 2016 thread! My name is Rachel, and this will be my sixth year participating in this group. I tend to lurk a lot and am not always as active on threads as I would like to be, but I’m hoping that won’t be the case this year.

I am in my early 30s, grew up on a farm in Michigan, and now work in Youth Services in a library in a small town in Ohio. I got married earlier this year to my favorite farmer. We grow corn, soybeans, and wheat, so spring and fall are the busiest times of the year for us.

Over the last few years, I have been reading more children’s and YA fiction, and newer releases. While I enjoy those books, there are a lot of older novels, classics, non-fiction, and mysteries that I’d love to have more time to read. Reading a variety of genres does help keep things interesting. I am particularly fond of historical fiction.

Books Read January-March

January
1. Servants' Hall by Margaret Powell
2. The Tale of Rescue by Michael J. Rosen
3. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
4. In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward
5. Carrie's War by Nina Bawden
6. Blue Voyage by Diana Renn
7. Heart-Shaped Hack by Tracey Garvis Graves
8. The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels

February
9. Love by the Morning Star by Laura L. Sullivan
10. The Secret Sister by Brenda Novak
11. The Runaway's Gold by Emilie Christie Burack
12. The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright

March
13. The Last Midwife by Sandra Dallas
14. Out of the Woods: A True Story of an Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond
15. He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker
16. The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins
17. Secrets of Selkie Bay by Shelley Moore Thomas

Books Read April-June

April
18. In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park
19. The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector's Story by Hyeonseo Lee
20. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
21. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

May
22. Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
23. Racing the Sun by Karina Halle
24. Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott
25. Fiona by Meredith Moore
26. Book: My Autobiography by John Agard
27. Finding Fraser by KC Dyer
28. Love Will Always Find You by Claire Matthews
29. Come Back to Me by Mila Gray

June
30. Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War by Various Authors
31. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
32. After You by Jojo Moyes
33. Veil of Time by Claire R. McDougall
34. A Walk in the Sun by Michelle Zink
35. A Bride's Story, Volume 4 by Kaoru Mori
36. Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban
37. Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase
38. The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks
39. The Last Execution by Jesper Wung-Sung
40. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
41. Paperweight by Meg Haston
42. The Oxford Inheritance by Ann A. McDonald
43. Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins

Books Read July-September

July
44. Tom's Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce
45. The Edge of Nowhere by Lucy Johnston Sypher
46. Romancing the Dark in the City of Light by Ann Jacobus
47. A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen
48. Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
49. My Last Continent by Midge Raymond
50. Must Be Love by Cathy Woodman
51. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
52. Longbow Girl by Linda Davies
53. The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
54. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

August
55. The Cat Who Came in Off the Roof by Annie M.G. Schmidt
56. A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
57. The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson
58. Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James
59. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
60. Jackaby by William Ritter
61. The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell
62. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
63. The Wolf Princess by Cathryn Constable
64. The Farmette Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures from My Life on an Irish Farm by Imen McDonnell
65. Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman
66. That Part Was True by Deborah McKinlay
67. This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
68. Happy Again by Jennifer E. Smith
69. Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

September
70. Trials of the Earth: The True Story of a Pioneer Woman by Mary Mann Hamilton
71. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
72. Lizzie and the Lost Baby by Cheryl Blackford
73. The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox
74. Swear on This Life by Renee Carlino
75. The Eye of Midnight by Andrew Brumbach
76. The Enchanted Files: Diary of a Mad Brownie by Bruce Coville
77. Ross Poldark by Winston Graham
78. Something New: Tales from a Makeshift Bride by Lucy Knisley
79. Kissing in America by Margo Rabb

Books Read October-December

October
80. One Silver Summer by Rachel Hickman
81. Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner
82. The Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh
83. Now and Then Friends by Kate Hewitt
84. Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg
85. The Cellar by Natasha Preston
86. Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton
87. Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
88. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R.A. Dick
89. The Stand-In by Steve Bloom
90. At the Edge of Summer by Jessica Brockmole
91. Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
92. How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron
93. City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong
94. The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

November
95. The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall
96. Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody
97. Crow Mountain by Lucy Inglis
98. Map of Fates by Maggie Hall
99. O Pioneers! by Willa Cather
100. A Deadly Thaw by Sarah Ward
101. The Tortoise and the Soldier: A Story of Courage and Friendship in World War I by Michael Foreman
102. The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
103. Girl on a Plane by Miriam Moss

December
104. From a Distance by Tamera Alexander
105. The Lake House by Kate Morton
106. Wandmaker by Ed Masessa
107. The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian
108. Yes, My Accent is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You by Kunal Nayyar
109. The Memory of Us by Camille DiMaio
110. Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan
111. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
112. Beautiful Blue World by Suzanne LaFleur
113. On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
114. Man of the Family by Ralph Moody
115. With Malice by Eileen Cook
116. Mister Cleghorn's Seal by Judith Kerr
117. The Winter Pony by Iain Lawrence

I've read several books so far in October, so I'll post some reviews soon!

Happy new thread!

>6 aktakukac: Thanks! I think this is the first time I've ever had a second thread :)

Book # 80: One Silver Summer by Rachel Hickman

Sass has recently lost her mother in an accident, and she moves to Cornwall to live with her mother’s brother. She sees a horse in a meadow and becomes friends with Alex, who owns the horse. Alex is staying with his grandmother while he deals with some issues of his own…oh, and he just happens to be the Prince of Wales.

This lovely story touches on several topics, including grief, privacy/paparazzi, family dynamics, and self-identity. It has a charming fairy tale quality that will appeal to a lot of teenage readers. While I thought it was a satisfying read, I did find it to be a bit slow-paced at times.

Book # 81: Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner

I’ll admit, the main reason I picked up this novel was because of the names of the main characters. It covers Rachel and Andrew’s relationship over three decades, from the time they met in a hospital, through college, and into their adult years. The chapters themselves were good, but the connections to make them flow weren’t always there. There were a lot of elements including economic, religious, medical, racial, and family components that sometimes helped and at other times hindered the overall story. I kept reading to see how the story would end, but I am not planning on reading more by the author.

Book # 82: The Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh

Mary is an orphan who tries to escape from the horrible orphanage where she lives. She doesn’t escape, but is adopted the next day by an old woman named Madame Z, who is from Eastern Europe. Madame Z’s house is near an unusual town that is full of people doing magic. With more than enough food to eat, warm and clean clothing, and a comfortable place to live, Mary shouldn’t have any worries. However, she begins to notice some things seem off, especially in the town and concerning Madame Z. As she begins to investigate, she realizes she is in danger and has important decisions to make.

I’m not very familiar with Russian folklore or Baba Yaga, but I enjoyed this adaptation. The audio version was very well done, as well.

Book # 83: Now and Then Friends by Kate Hewitt

I read the first book in this series last year, and loved it. The setting is the same and there are a few encounters with some returning characters, but this novel could be read as a standalone.

In the small village of Hartley-by-the Sea, on the Cumbrian coast, Rachel works as a house cleaner while taking care of her invalid mother, nephew, and two sisters. Life has not been easy for her since her mother’s accident and her father walked out. She had to give up her dream of attending university to care for her family, and she is determined her youngest sister will have the opportunity she never had.

Wealthy Claire has returned to the town where she grew up, after a leaving a lackluster job in Portugal and a falling out with her fiancée. The relationship ended in part when Claire was checked into a rehab facility for a problem she may or may not have. She isn’t sure what to do with her life, but the idea of staying in Hartley-by-the-Sea grows on her, and she takes a job at a shop/post office.

Rachel and Claire were best friends in elementary school, but that friendship suddenly ended when they were teenagers. Now Rachel cleans Claire’s home, and Claire’s brother Andrew has asked Rachel to look after his sister, which is not something Rachel wants to do.

Will Rachel and Claire be able to put their past behind them? Can they be friends again? Each woman has to figure out which direction their lives are heading and what they want to happen. They each have romantic relationships develop as well. I thought Claire’s could have been more developed, but I’m probably being picky about that. The characters are very real and easy to relate to, and the setting is absolutely perfect. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Happy new thread, Rachel!

>9 aktakukac: Ooh, pretty cover!

>13 FAMeulstee: Thank you!

>14 foggidawn: Yes, I agree! It's an excellent cover for that story!

I feel like I blinked my eyes and the entire month of October was over! I got quite a bit of reading done, somehow, so I have a ton of reviews to catch up on. Hmm, what all happened last month...I won a Kindle that was a door prize, which was amazing simply because I NEVER win anything. My sister and I drove to Wisconsin for a long weekend to spend time with family at our new nephew's baptism. We've been getting a lot done on the farm...soybeans are harvested, wheat is planted, and the corn is almost done. Thankfully the weather has cooperated for the most part and we haven't had any major breakdowns or problems with equipment. I haven't seen much of my husband, unless I am riding with him in the semi, combine, driving him to a field, or taking him and my FIL some food.

I have also met my new boss, as my old director is finally retiring and a new one was just hired over the weekend. I'm not sure how much will change at work or regarding my job, but I'll be finding out soon. November is going to be absolutely crazy with several workshops, conferences, training, programs, etc. I just keep telling myself that the busy days keep things interesting!

I'll post a few comments about what I've read lately soon!

Book # 84: Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg

Juvenile fiction that is perfect for anyone who loves books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Alaska, pioneers, historical fiction, family, and/or adventure.

In the 1930s, times are hard for Terpsichore’s family, so they decide to pack up and move from Wisconsin to Alaska, where FDR has created a New Deal colony in Palmer. After the family arrives, they face many challenges. Terpsichore’s mother has agreed to stay for a certain amount of time, and so Terpsichore decides to find a way to change her mother’s mind. She is also unhappy with the lack of library books in Palmer, and along with her new friends, organizes a library. But will it be enough, or will they have to go back to Wisconsin?

I enjoyed this story very much, especially because I was not at all familiar with the Palmer Colony. The author did a lot of research when writing this novel, and it shows. Terpsichore is a likeable, gutsy heroine, and the other characters add depth to the story. I also loved the LIW and Farmer Boy references.

Book # 85: The Cellar by Natasha Preston

This book is constantly circulating at my library…in fact, I ordered a second copy because the first has gone out so much it looks gross. My curiosity finally got the better of me, and I decided I had to read it to see what all the buzz is about. After I finished it, I realized I will never get those hours of my life back. Basically, this sums up the book:

Story = ok
Writing = appalling

If you are REALLY into fiction about men who kidnap teenage girls and force them to live in their basements, go ahead and read it. But first, find something else, because pretty much anything in that vein (fiction or non-fiction) will be better than this!

Book # 86: Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

Entertaining, quick read about Riley, a recent Harvard graduate turned junior analyst, and Emerson, an eccentric billionaire and how they team up to solve a mystery. There were some laugh-out-loud moments, and the story held my attention enough, but it could have been funnier and the mystery could have been more developed.

Book # 87: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Hazel and Jack are best friends, but things are beginning to change. Hazel’s mom wants her find some female friends, and Jack starts hanging out with his male classmates more often. They are both dealing with some issues at home as well. Then something happens to Jack, and Hazel has to find the courage to rescue him.

This modern day retelling of “The Snow Queen” is lovely, an emotional coming-of-age fairy tale adventure that is beautifully written.

Book # 88: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R.A. Dick

I saw this mentioned on Anne’s thread, and some others, earlier this year. Mrs. Muir, a widow, moves to the sea and rents a house, which happens to be haunted by the ghost of a dead sea captain. Captain Gregg helps her lead the life she wants and overcome the difficulties that stand in her way. It was sweet, romantic, old fashioned, and a delight to read.

Book # 89: The Stand-In by Steve Bloom

Brooks is a high school senior who is studying and working hard to get into Columbia. He agrees to be a date for an acquaintance’s relative at the last minute, and is unexpectedly given a large tip for his gesture. Suddenly, his services are required and his bank account is growing. But how much will his new job change him? Will the money he makes even matter if he can’t get into the school of his dreams?

I thought Brooks was a mostly likeable, authentic teenager. He was kind of a jerk at times, but only occasionally. The supporting characters helped the story, which did get a little bogged down at times. I wish some of the dates he went on could have been a bit more unusual or exciting, but that’s not a major criticism. The story was generally fast-paced, and I had to know what was going to happen at the end.

>16 aktakukac: This sounds great. I'll look to see if it's available over here too.

(And I'll avoid the kidnapped girl book - I think there should be a moratorium on this plot line. I seem to pick up crime books so often with this theme in the library.)

An obviously great reading month Rachel. I struggled a bit to be honest and we both finished the month on 94 books done.

Have a lovely weekend.

>16 aktakukac: I've been eyeing that one -- I'll have to bump it up the list.

>22 charl08: Charlotte: It may well be one of my favorite children's fiction books of the year. I hope you can track down a copy. I'm not often a fan of books about kidnapped children or teens, but I wanted to read that one to see what the fuss was about. I'll try to avoid them for a while now!

>23 PaulCranswick: Paul, October was a much better reading month than I had anticipated. For a long time this year, I wondered if I would get to 100, and I hope to do that later this month.

>24 foggidawn: Yes, you should! It's exactly the type of book I would have loved when I was a kid. It also reminded me I need to get back on track with rereading the Little House books...I kind of stalled on that earlier this year...

Book # 90: At the Edge of Summer by Jessica Brockmole

After her father dies, Clare is sent to France, to stay with some family friends until her grandfather can be notified. Clare and Luc, the son of her mother’s friends, connect and bond over art and the castle they live in. When her grandfather suddenly arrives and WWI begins, the two lose touch. Years later, they are brought together when Clare, now an artist, takes a job creating masks for injured soldiers.

The story is told from alternating points of view. There are also a lot of letters, just as there were in Brockmole’s debut, Letters From Skye. Some parts of the story dragged for me, and there were some storylines that I thought were not necessary and somewhat unfinished when the story ended.

This was still a good WWI historical fiction novel, and readers interested in art should enjoy it.

Book # 91: Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Although I have seen the movie a zillion times, I had never read this classic. I had no idea that Mary Poppins was portrayed so differently. I liked it for the most part, but not as much I as had hoped/expected.

Book # 92: How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron

A predictable, lackluster romance involving a sheep rancher and a knitter who inherits a building on his land. Very predictable and average. Did I mention it was predictable??

Book # 93: City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

Amrstrong is a new-to-me author, and I was intrigued by the premise of this one. I did not realize the novel is actually a compilation of a six-part e-serial, which explains some of the pacing and length issues in the book. It’s also the start of a series, but I don’t know if I will continue with it.

Casey and her best friend Diana both need to get out of town. Casey is running from her past, and Diana’s abusive ex has found her again. There happens to be a secret town where people can go when they are in trouble. It is in the remote Yukon wilderness, and since Casey has skills that are useful in the town, they are able to secure positions there. But is the town, Rockton, really any safer for them? Will their pasts catch up with them? Will Casey be able to uncover the truth about things that are happening in Rockton before it’s too late?

I liked a lot of things about this novel, and it has a lot of twists and turns that keep things moving. Some of the twists really threw me, while I had anticipated some of the others. It was hard to keep some of the characters, their pasts, and roles in Rockton straight. I struggled to get through to the end, but I think that was more me and being busy than the actual story itself. For the most part, I enjoyed Armstrong’s writing style, and can see how this type of fast-paced thriller/mystery will appeal to certain readers.

Book # 94: The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

This was a nice, light, and easy read from a new-to-me author. Nina is a librarian who hoards books at home and would rather read than do anything else. When her job is cut and she is unable to get another library job in her town, she decides to purchase a van and turn it into a mobile bookshop. She moves up to Scotland, where things are very different from her old life in England.

I thought the ending was rushed, and read the story mostly for the Scottish setting and all the books. I also liked the bits of Scottish culture that were added, and the farmer Nina rents a house from was fun too. Recommended if you like books about books, bookstores, or village life.

>30 aktakukac: I'm glad to see a review on this one. It's been on my wish list for a bit.

>31 thornton37814: Hi Lori! It's not a perfect book by any means, but it was a nice read and exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up. I really felt like I was there in Scotland along with Nina, so that has to count for something :)

Book # 95: The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall

I’d seen this one promoted as a “DaVinci Code for Teens,” and as it promised adventure, and international travel, family secrets, and searching for an ancient prophecy/treasure, I decided to give it a go. It wasn’t bad, but I expected more from it. Some parts were incredibly fast-paced and full of adrenaline, while other times it seemed to slog on. The “love triangle” wasn’t developed too much in this first book in a trilogy, but I have a feeling it will come into play later on. The ending fit the definition of “cliffhanger” perfectly.

I will read the second book in the trilogy soon, as that is already out, and then decide from there if I will feel inclined to read the final book next year.

>32 aktakukac: I suspected it might be one of those "mood" books. I'm sure I'll pick it at the moment I need that kind of read.

Book # 96: Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody

When the author was eight years old, in 1906, his family moved from New England to Colorado. His father needed a different climate due to his health, and the family decided to try their hand at ranching. This memoir tells accounts of the adventures, hardships, and incredible encounters they had over the course of two years. The reader is treated to everything from dangerous, often life-threatening events to school days and regular work and chores that had to be done. This is the first book in a series, and the ending has left me curious about what will happen in the rest of the books. It should definitely appeal to boys and fans of Little House on the Prairie, as well as those interested in ranching and life in Colorado in the early 20th Century. I am glad I discovered this series and look forward to reading more!

Book # 97: Crow Mountain by Lucy Inglis

This will be one of my top five reads of the year! I’m pretty sure the author imagined exactly the type of book I would love and wrote it just for me! It has dual timelines, but they both take place in the same part of Montana. Emily, who is British, is traveling to San Francisco in the 1860s to meet the man she is to marry for the first time. However, an accident prevents this from happening. She is rescued by Nate, and is able to take part in events that have lasting consequences.

In the present day, Hope, also a British teenager, stays at a ranch in Montana while her mother does research. Hope and Cal, son of the ranch owner, are caught up in an adventure of their own. Hope discovers Emily’s diary, and things that happened in Emily’s time may finally come to light and impact Cal’s family.

I’m not explaining the story that well, but I don’t want to give too much away. The setting of the story was perfect, and made me want to move to Montana right NOW. The amount of research the author did was clearly evident and greatly added to the story. I liked all the characters, although there were a couple of times I wanted to shake some sense into Nate.

As the story went on, I was able to put some things together, but some parts of the ending caught me off guard. I don’t often reread books, but this is one I know I will pick up again. I laughed, I cried, I want to move to Montana, and if this sounds like a story you would enjoy, go get a copy right this second!

Book # 98: Map of Fates by Maggie Hall

While I thought The Conspiracy of Us was decent but not great, I enjoyed this, the second book in the trilogy, much more. Perhaps it’s because more things are unfolding, or the action was more continuous, or the love triangle became more apparent. I don’t always appreciate a love triangle (believe me, they get old quickly!) but in this case I’m truly curious about what will happen.

There was something towards the end that happened that I did NOT see coming, and in cases like this, I wonder why and how the author can decide to do that to his/her characters and us readers.

A case of the second book being a major improvement on the first, and making me glad I am sticking with the trilogy. Now to wait until next year to see how things end…

Book # 99: O Pioneers! by Willa Cather

I’ve been looking over my 2016 reads, and I realized I have severely been lacking in the classics department. I’d like to read more classics and higher quality books next year. I decided to listen to this one, as I have never read anything by Cather before, and I have been on a bit of a West/Midwest setting kick lately.

I liked this novel, although I have a feeling I missed something. Cather’s writing style, the descriptions of the Nebraska landscape, and the joys and struggles of the immigrants who farmed there all stand out in this book.

>38 aktakukac: I love that book!

>39 thornton37814: I'm glad you love it! I can see where it is appealing to many readers, and while I didn't love it, it was still a very good read for me.

Book # 100: A Deadly Thaw by Sarah Ward

I really enjoyed Ward’s In Bitter Chill when I read it earlier this year, enough that I wanted to read the second book in the series soon after its release.

A man’s body has been found in an abandoned morgue in rural Derbyshire. There is no question as to what killed him, but there is a bigger problem – the man, Andrew Fisher, was already murdered by his wife years earlier, and she served time in prison for the crime. So who was killed in the past, what had Andrew been doing since his first “death,” and why did his wife got to prison when she didn’t kill her husband after all?

The same characters at the police department are back in this installment, and things are happening both with the investigation and in their personal lives that kept me wondering what would happen next. I did feel parts of the book dragged towards the end. I am curious as to what will happen in the future, as things were set up well for future books. Recommended if you like police procedurals, engaging characters, or mysteries set in rural England.

Book # 101: The Tortoise and the Soldier: A Story of Courage and Friendship in World War I by Michael Foreman

Every year, village residents knew spring had finally arrived when Ali Pasha, Henry Friston’s pet tortoise woke from hibernation. One year, Trevor Roberts, a young boy who is an aspiring news reporter, is sent to check on the status on the tortoise. Trevor and Henry strike up a friendship, and over the following weekends, Henry tells Trevor about his childhood, love of travel, how he joined the British Navy, his experiences in Galipoli and Egypt and other places during WWI, and how he found Ali Pasha and snuck him aboard his ship, and eventually brought him back home to England.

Henry’s diary entries and photographs are interspersed with illustrations that help young readers understand Henry’s encounters and duties in the War. The story doesn’t get bogged down with too much background information. It does sometimes show some of the horrors of war, but it is well balanced and done in a compassionate way.

If you are or know a reader who loves military history, tortoises, or a different type of WWI story, this is a perfect book to read.

Book # 102: The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

YA fantasy novel involving time travel, Hawaii, history, mythology, and MAPS. Nix’s mother died when she was born, and her father, who is a Navigator can sail to any place and any time if he has an original, correct map of the location. He is determined to find a way back to Hawaii in 1868, the year Nix was born. But if they are able to get back there, what will happen to Nix’s existence?

I loved the premise and maps. For the most part, the plot moved quite slowly, as there were some explanations that needed to happen to make things make sense later on in the novel.

I have seen a lot of mixed reviews about this book, and I understand that. The time travel aspect is unique and it works for the most part. Kashmir is the best character, and my favorite parts of the story involved him. While there were some plot holes and the story dragged on at times, it was not a bad read and will appeal to a variety of readers.

Book # 103: Girl on a Plane by Miriam Moss

Fictional YA novel based on the author’s own experiences in the 1970s. Anna, age 15, is flying from the Middle East back to boarding school in England when the airplane is hijacked. The terrorists divert the plane to the desert in Jordan, where they spend three days without much food or water, air conditioning, proper toilets, etc. while also experiencing the heat, cold, and storms of the desert. If the terrorist’s demands are not met within a specified time period, the plane will be blown up.

It was a slow-paced read, which I was not expecting. The story was good, but it could have been better.

>30 aktakukac: Sounds like my kind of thing. I like Jenny Colgan's sense of humour too.

>45 charl08: It was a nice, easy read, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I'll read more by Jenny Colgan in the future!

Book # 104: From a Distance by Tamera Alexander

In 1875, Elizabeth heads west to the Colorado Territory, where she hopes to take photographs that will earn her a coveted job back in Washington. However, exploring the wilderness and life in the frontier town, and a lung ailment that causes her problems give Elizabeth plenty of challenges to work through. She is able to convince Daniel, a hunter and tracker, to guide her to some locations for taking pictures. Daniel has his own issues to overcome, which date back to the Civil War.

The story was well-written and had a nice plot. There were some good twists, and a variety of characters to help move things along. It included a lot of history and topics that were appropriate for life in the Rocky Mountains in the 1870s. That being said, it took me a long time to get interested in the story, and it could have been shorter.

Book # 105: The Lake House by Kate Morton

Kate Morton is one of my favorite writers, and I always know what to expect from her novels. They are long, multi-layered historical fiction stories with dual timelines. There is a mystery or problem that happened in the past that needs to be solved by the characters in the more recent time. Morton’s stories usually draw me in and leave me thinking about them long after I’ve finished reading.

The Lake House takes place in the 1930s and early 2000s. The title structure is located in Cornwall, and home to a wealthy family whose father was in WWI. Years after the war ended, his family is enjoying their annual Midsummer party when the baby, Theo, disappears. The family abandons the estate and the case goes cold. Sadie, a police officer in London in the 2000s, has taken some time off to let an unrelated matter cool down when she goes to visit her grandfather at his new home, which is located near the deserted buildings.

One of Theo’s sisters, Alice, is a famous author. Sadie is able to do some research on the family, and works to solve the mystery surrounding Theo’s disappearance. The more she uncovers, the more family secrets that are revealed, including a huge twist at the end.

There’s much more to the story, but I don’t want to give away too much. The novel was good, but there were times it felt very disjointed. I don’t recall feeling from Morton’s other novels. I was also disappointed in the setting, because it did not feel like it was actually taking place in Cornwall.

If you are a Kate Morton fan, it is still worth a read, but if you are haven’t read any of her novels and are interested in doing so, I suggest picking any of her others.

Book # 106: Wandmaker by Ed Masessa

Ooh, this one is a bit tricky. I listened to the audiobook, and while I enjoyed the narrator’s voice, the pacing was soooo slow it drove me up the wall. I think I should have given up on the audio and just read it at my own pace.

Henry Leach (actually, he is Henry Leach VIII) discovers he comes from a lineage of Wandmakers, and he practices creating and using wants and studies magic and research from books. Things go badly when he turns in sister into a hedgehog and their parents go missing. Suddenly, Henry has to learn magic very quickly, in order to try and save the world from an evil Wand Master. Coralis, a grumpy, old Wand Master, Henry, and his sister travel to Arizona (by train!) and attempt to put things right.

I liked the story, but there were too many cases of missing explanations, and the reader did not always get important information that would have made the story flow. There were plenty of exciting parts, but they were scattered, and at times I even let my mind wander during what should have been thrilling moments. I loved the parts that took place at the castle, but those were just a few times.

This is a good stand-alone middle grade novel, but it could also be a series. If there are more books in the future, I hope they will be a bit clearer and more complex.

Book # 107: The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobahn Vivian

YA novel that had a promising premise, yet failed to deliver. Keely’s hometown is in danger of being flooded. She has to come to terms with friends moving away, friendships ending, her parents, and more importantly for her, her crush on Jesse. The rain and flood did not receive as much attention as I was expecting, I did not like Keely at all, and the story was waaaaaaaay too long. This will be a good read for some people, but I’m not one of them.

Book # 108: Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You by Kunal Nayyar

A collection of stories and accounts from Nayyar’s life. Best known for playing Raj on “The Big Bang Theory,” this book recalls his life in India, moving to the USA to attend college, how he got started in acting, and eventually how he met and married is wife. I enjoyed listening to the audio version, which is read by the author. I also appreciated his explanations of some cultural and religious festivals and traditions in India.

Book # 109: The Memory of Us by Camile Di Maio

This debut novel was an emotional and aggravating read. Julianne, a wealthy Protestant girl living in Liverpool in the late 1930s, has recently discovered she has a twin brother, Charles. He is blind and mute, and has been living in an institution since he was born. Julianne visits him whenever she can, and on one of her visits, meet Kyle, the son of a gardener. Kyle is studying to become a Priest, but he and Julianne fall in love.

I’m torn on how much I want to give away, so I’ll try to be vague. When WWII and the Blitz happen, things change for Julianne. The novel is set up in a way that the reader knows some things that have happened in the years since the war, but it’s not until the end that everything is made clear.

Partway through the novel, Julianne makes a decision that was incredibly infuriating and frustrating. Kyle was a wonderful character, and one of the best things about the book. Sometimes, it seemed as if Charles was written more as a convenience that helped move the plot along than anything else. I also think there could have been more with Julianne’s parents toward the end of the story.

Life in England before and during WWII was depicted well. It was a good debut, but I wish things had been a lot different with Julianne’s character and decisions throughout the novel.

Book # 110: Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan

I put a hold on this book months ago. When it finally arrived, I thought I remembered what it was about and why I had requested it. I knew the main characters were an athlete who needed to get away from things for a while, and a mysterious girl. For some reason, I thought this would have some paranormal or ghost elements to it, but I was wrong.

It has been a long time since I have read a book that had such a gigantic twist in the middle of it. Wow, that changed things! A large focus of both of the main characters was mental illness, which I had not been expecting. There is plenty of mystery as well.

In my opinion, this is a case where the less you know about the book before you read it, the better. It is New Adult, pretty well-written, and an unconventional love story that deals with some serious topics.

Book # 111: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Whew, was this a fast-paced read! A married couple are next door at a dinner party. They take turns going back home to check on their six-month-old daughter. When they arrive back home for the night, the front door is ajar, and their daughter is missing.

In the following days, family secrets will be revealed, and what happened to their daughter may or may not be figured out.

And then there’s the ending.

Lots of suspense will keep you reading.

Book # 112: Beautiful Blue World by Suzanne LaFleur

In a fictional world, Sofarende is at war. Dangerous bombings are taking place, food is being rationed, and now the Army is asking for some children to take a test, which if they pass, will allow them to become soldiers. Mathilde is 12 years old, and she and her parents decide that she will take the test. What will happen to those who pass is unknown, although their families will be generously compensated. When she is selected to join the army, Mathilde is sent away, and she is not allowed communication with her family.

When she arrives at her destination, she wonders why she was selected. Then she is given a special assignment that will require her talents, even though she isn’t sure what she is supposed to do or how to do it.

This is a short book, but it contains a lot of different topics. Some of these could have been more developed, but since Mathilde’s story will continue in at least one more book, perhaps they will be explored more in the future.

Just found my TBR list for the beginning of the new year in your thread! You have a lot that look good. Any favorites or recommendations from the last couple months? Nice job on 112! I slacked off in the fall so I'm scrambling to fit in my last four for 75. Oops :-) Hope everything is going well!

>56 jennyifer24: Hi! I've been looking back at the books I read this year, and am realizing what a mediocre reading year it was. There are a few really good ones that I absolutely loved, but I am hoping that 2017 will bring me better reading overall! I think you should definitely read Sweet Home Alaska...you'll especially love the Laura Ingalls Wilder connections, but even without those, it is a great children's historical fiction. And I want to tell everyone to read Crow Mountain, which was so, so, so good!

112 is much lower than I've read in previous years, but January-May were taken up with wedding stuff this year, so I knew I wouldn't read much during those months. I am going to northern Wisconsin for Christmas, but I don't know if I will be able to read during the drive there and back. Depending on when my husband gets out of work tomorrow, we might be driving through the night, or at least part of the night/early morning hours to avoid Chicago traffic if possible. I'll take several books with me, of course :) I am about halfway through On the Banks of Plum Creek and would like to finish that tonight or tomorrow before we leave. For a while, I didn't think I would make 75, so I know how you feel ;)

We got a new director at work, so the last month or so has been fun with my old director leaving (but she's not officially done until the 31st, so she's still been around, which has made things interesting). Other than that, things are the same. I bet you're ready for Winter Break, if it hasn't already started!

Hi Rachel

Congratulations on reading so many books in 2016. I've added The Couple Next Door and Beautiful Blue World to the tbr list.

I note you live in small town Ohio. I am staying with my family throughout the holiday. They live in Beavercreek, Ohio, which is near Dayton. Are you near any of those towns?

Wouldn't it be nice if 2017 was a year of peace and goodwill.
A year where people set aside their religious and racial differences.
A year where intolerance is given short shrift.
A year where hatred is replaced by, at the very least, respect.
A year where those in need are not looked upon as a burden but as a blessing.
A year where the commonality of man and woman rises up against those who would seek to subvert and divide.
A year without bombs, or shootings, or beheadings, or rape, or abuse, or spite.

2017.

Festive Greetings and a few wishes from Malaysia!

>58 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I hope those two books will be good reads for you! I'll send you a pm...

>59 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul!

I did not get much reading done over the Christmas weekend, but I did get to read some books with my 2 1/2 year old nephew. He was so excited when he unwrapped some books, he wanted to read them immediately.

One of my siblings gave me a mug that has famous last lines from literature. I recognized some of them, but there are several works that I haven't read. I love it because it's bigger than the mug I was using at work, and there's a line that includes my name. It looks like this:



I did finish up a few books before I left for Wisconsin, and late last night. I'll post some comments about them and set up my 2017 thread soon.

Book # 113: On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I read all of the Little House books over and over when I was a child, but this is the first time I have read through the series as an adult. I was struck by how hard the times were for Pa and Ma after the grasshoppers destroyed the wheat crop. When I was younger I didn’t think as much about Pa walking hundreds of miles with holes in his boots to earn money back East, and Ma taking care of the girls, house, and livestock by herself while he was away.

I smiled when Laura and Mary brought the entire woodpile into the house before the blizzard, because that is something I would have done at their age.

I enjoyed this reread, and hope to finish up the series sometime in 2017.

Book # 114: Man of the Family by Ralph Moody

The second book in Moody’s series picks up right where Little Britches left off. There’s more about his experiences as a “cowboy” in Colorado in the early 1910s. The family came up with some interesting ways to support themselves, and the ending leaves you wondering what will happen next.

Book # 115: With Malice by Eileen Cook

Jill is a high school student who wakes up in the hospital. She was in a car accident in Italy, but she can’t remember even leaving the USA. She was driving the car, and the accident killed Simone, her best friend. But the Italian police find a knife in the car, and Simone had been stabbed…so did Jill murder her? Will she ever remember what happened?

The story is told from Jill’s perspective, but also includes police transcripts, blog and Facebook posts and comments, eyewitness reports, and other accounts that slowly help the story unfold.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, but since Jill can’t remember her time in Italy, it was hard to get an image of the events taking place there. I also thought the whole Nico romance needed to be deeper and explained more.

Book # 116: Mister Cleghorn’s Seal by Judith Kerr

A lovely, charming little story about a retired shopkeeper who rescues a seal pup from certain death and takes it home with him. He intends to take it to a local zoo, but the zoo is having its own problems, so Mr. Cleghorn and his new friend Miss Craig must come up with a plan to save the seal.

Kerr’s illustrations are a delight, and the story has a wonderful old-fashioned feel. It is the perfect book for children who are growing out of early readers, but are not quite ready for chapter books.

The Author’s Note at the end tells the story behind the story.

Book # 117: The Winter Pony by Iain Lawrence

A pony is captured in the Siberian forest and is selected to join the group of horses that Captain Robert Falcon Scott is taking with him on his journey to reach the South Pole. Scott is in a race with another explorer, Roald Amundsen, and only one of them can win. It’s a dangerous journey to Antarctica and across the continent, and not everyone, human or horse, will survive.

One positive note about this book is it made me interested in the history behind the exploration of the South Pole.

On the other hand, the story is very sad and depressing, and sometimes moved too slowly.

I would recommend it to some children, but it is definitely not going to appeal to a lot of young readers.

I probably won't finish any more books this year, so my five favorite reads of 2016 are:



In alphabetical order:

The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle
Crow Mountain
Longbow Girl
Trials of the Earth: The True Story of a Pioneer Woman
Vengeance Road

Some of my answers worked well, but I had to fill in some of the others with whatever was available.

Describe yourself: The Madwoman Upstairs

Describe how you feel: This Is What Happy Looks Like

Describe where you currently live: Little House in the Big Woods

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Edge of Nowhere OR My Last Continent

Your favorite form of transportation: A Walk in the Sun OR Girl on a Plane

Your best friend is: Farmer Boy

You and your friends are: Curious Minds

What’s the weather like: In Bitter Chill

You fear: The Cellar

What is the best advice you have to give: That Part Was True

Thought for the day: Must Be Love

How you would like to die: The Last Execution OR Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook

Your soul’s present condition: Happy Again

My 2017 thread is up! http://www.librarything.com/topic/244887

Looking forward to your continued company in 2017.
Happy New Year, Rachel.

>67 aktakukac: Nice meme answers.

>69 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! Happy New Year to you, too!

>70 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori! I thought few of the titles worked well for the answers!