This book is so far my favorite in the series. I like how the author has developed the characters of Gage and Lady Darby. I also loved how she took usThis book is so far my favorite in the series. I like how the author has developed the characters of Gage and Lady Darby. I also loved how she took us to Ireland in this story, and we learned about the England/Ireland, Anglican/Catholic tithes uprisings....more
The way Alexander brought the entire story to a conclusion in this final installment was brilliant, and touching, and so moving. I really loved it. AnThe way Alexander brought the entire story to a conclusion in this final installment was brilliant, and touching, and so moving. I really loved it. And considering it was published in 1968 I would say it really stands the test of time. It’s a true childhood classic. I highly recommend for young readers....more
Emma and her circle continue to delight. I really love how the author is building these friendships and creating all the crazy quirky bits of St CrispEmma and her circle continue to delight. I really love how the author is building these friendships and creating all the crazy quirky bits of St Crispian’s in such a way that it not only feels completely believable, but it’s a place I desperately want to visit.
I just wanted to save this description of what, to me, seems a perfect description of peace.
“I was sitting at a table near a window, two or three books at my elbow. I’d a stack of letters ready to post. A cat was curled up on the chair across the room.… No one was with me. I was alone, and happy to be so. But there was a sense of company having been often in the place. I didn’t seem to be living in extravagance. I didn’t seem to be living with worry. I was happy, and home. There were daffodils in a vase.…” ...more
Emma‘s journals continue to delight. I have become so attached to the characters- I love their relationships with each other and how the author is devEmma‘s journals continue to delight. I have become so attached to the characters- I love their relationships with each other and how the author is developing their friendships. The books are full of oddities, but this book (in particular) is also wise.(There are also moments in these books when the writing is simply beautiful. I love when a turn of phrase can make one stop and catch her breath.)...more
I think this is currently my favorite book in the series. Without giving anything away, Taran Is searching for something, he knows not quite what, thrI think this is currently my favorite book in the series. Without giving anything away, Taran Is searching for something, he knows not quite what, throughout the book. His journey and his growth are very satisfying. The characters in Prydain have become quite dear to me, and I know I will miss them when I finally finish the series, since I have been reading through the books so slowly....more
**spoiler alert** Although I continue to love this series, this particular installment spent so much time on a red herring that I felt slightly irrita**spoiler alert** Although I continue to love this series, this particular installment spent so much time on a red herring that I felt slightly irritated by it. Also, Cleo‘s continuing stubborn insistence that she “never plans to marry” isn’t ringing entirely true. Presumably, she wants her independence, but she doesn’t have independence now and it doesn’t seem entirely realistic that she’ll find a way to be independent. ...more
Having read a few books from Anna Lee Huber‘s other series, I dove into this post-WWI English mystery expecting to like it. I listened on audio, and tHaving read a few books from Anna Lee Huber‘s other series, I dove into this post-WWI English mystery expecting to like it. I listened on audio, and the first 2 1/2 hours was laying backstory, which I found really tedious and boring. I struggled to connect with the characters. The plot was pretty convoluted and so the whole book ended up being “just okay” for me. I’m not sure - I might give Verity Kent a second try, but will have to give myself a break for a bit....more
This book runs a bit slow in the middle, but the climax more than makes up for it. I also really appreciated the character development in this particuThis book runs a bit slow in the middle, but the climax more than makes up for it. I also really appreciated the character development in this particular installment.
This quote sums up what seems to be the main theme in the book:
“Perhaps,” Taran said quietly, watching the moon-white riverbank slip past them, “perhaps you have the truth of it. At first I felt as you did. Then I remember thinking of Eilonwy, only of her; and the bauble showed its light. Prince Rhun was ready to lay down his life; his thoughts were for our safety, not at all for his own. And because he offered the greatest sacrifice, the bauble glowed brightest for him. Can that be its secret? To think more for others than ourselves?”
“That would seem to be one of its secrets, at least,” replied Fflewddur. “Once you’ve discovered that, you’ve discovered a great secret indeed—with or without the bauble.”
This is my favorite book of the series so far. It was a cut above the first three, in my opinion, as we got to know some of the backstory and personalThis is my favorite book of the series so far. It was a cut above the first three, in my opinion, as we got to know some of the backstory and personalities of the characters better. I also really enjoyed the mystery and the way they went about solving it....more
I feel that the first book was a set up for me to read the second book and finally truly connect with the series. I love these young characters. I lovI feel that the first book was a set up for me to read the second book and finally truly connect with the series. I love these young characters. I love the tough choices they have to make, and the always appropriate theme of good versus evil. I’m excited to read book three....more
The seventh installment of the Lincoln Lawyer series is extremely well done. I really like the direction Connelly is taking the characters - I liked tThe seventh installment of the Lincoln Lawyer series is extremely well done. I really like the direction Connelly is taking the characters - I liked that the motivation here was seeing justice served. It was a very satisfying read....more
I continue to be delighted, and especially liked the quirkiness of “the Janes” in this volume, plus the journaling Duke, and the continued mystery of I continue to be delighted, and especially liked the quirkiness of “the Janes” in this volume, plus the journaling Duke, and the continued mystery of the Tenant. Looking forward to Vol. 3....more
I continue to enjoy this cozy series on audio. The setting of New Zealand is enjoyable, as is the historical era. The author is doing a fairly good joI continue to enjoy this cozy series on audio. The setting of New Zealand is enjoyable, as is the historical era. The author is doing a fairly good job with character development. I am really liking Detective Archer and look forward to learning more about him. The supernatural aspect, which is not normally my cup of tea, actually adds a bit of interest to the way the story is done here....more
A blurb compares Riordan to Jane Austen, which is a bit of a stretch; however, this series has become a favorite of mine. Not a lot happens on WashingA blurb compares Riordan to Jane Austen, which is a bit of a stretch; however, this series has become a favorite of mine. Not a lot happens on Washington Island, Wisconsin, but that “not much” happens so beautifully. Riordan is a great writer. I love the story, the quirky, unique characters, Lake Michigan, and the island itself....more
This continues to be a solid cozy. Nothing spectacular but I like the setting (1920s New Zealand), and the fact that she’s a seamstress and gives descThis continues to be a solid cozy. Nothing spectacular but I like the setting (1920s New Zealand), and the fact that she’s a seamstress and gives descriptions of fashions of the time. ...more
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