Sunday Summary: 3 May 2015

Where I've been reading

After the respite from travel last week, this week saw a return to business trips. I spent the majority of this week in Chicago. The weather has been pleasant, though it cooled off a bit toward the end of the week. (Must have been the NFL draft going on!) I was quite busy all week and had to squeeze in reading time in the evenings. Even so, I managed to finish three books, two of which were fairly short.

 

What I've been reading: Completed this week

Format: eBook
Source: borrowed from Amazon's Kindle Lending Library
Completed: 27 April

★★★★☆

A Reckless Witch is the third volume in Debora Geary's Modern Witch series. The story line returns to the west coast of the USA. Nell's family embraces a young orphan, Sierra, hoping to help heal the deep wounds she experienced during her years in foster care. While Sierra is a strong weather witch, she's undisciplined and could be a danger to everyone at Witch Central.

I have been so surprised at my reaction to the books in this series. There are very few books that really touch me. I read, occasionally chuckling or even laughing out loud when something funny happens, but otherwise, I'm rarely affected by the books I'm reading. The Modern Witch books are different. I find myself so touched that tears spring into my eyes. I'm so glad that May is here, I'm going to borrow the next book in the series through the Kindle Lending Library.

Format: eBook
Source: borrowed from the library via Freading.com
Completed: 28 April

★★★☆☆

While operating an exclusive hotel in London, the poor relations are also in the matchmaking line. Not that they seem to intend to be, but it just works out that way. In Colonel Sandhurst to the Rescue, we find Frederica Grey, daughter of Sir Ranldoph, running away from home just as Colonel Sandhurst arrives at her home to demand that her father pay the arrears on his account at the hotel. The colonel offers to provider her with a safe place to stay in return for working at the hotel, but he's really planning on holding her for ransom.

Thus begins another zany episode with the down-on-their-luck aristocrats who have banded together to run the Poor Relations hotel. Sir Philip is at his nastiest now that Miss Tonks seems to have transferred her affections to Mr. Davy. And even Lady Fortescue is a bit cranky now that her plans to sell off the hotel and retire have had to be postponed. It's quite a frolic with some laugh-out-loud moments. Highly recommended.

Format: eBook
Source: borrowed from the library via Freading.com
Completed: 29 April

★★★☆☆

The Poor Relations Hotel is making money. A rich prince has leased the entire hotel for himself and his retinue. And, he insists on paying weekly in cash. The days of poverty seem to be behind the owners, Lady Fortescue, Colonel Sandhurst, Miss Tonks, Sir Philip Sommerville, and Mr. Davy. They have, however, gotten involved with another young runaway. This time it is Lady Jane Fremney, daughter of the Earl of Durby.

Fleeing an intolerable situation at home and a forced marriage to an aged friend of her father, Lady Jane determined to spend a week in London enjoying herself and then commit suicide. Foiled in the attempt by Miss Tonks, the hoteliers contact their friend Harriet (now Duchess of Rowcester) to sponsor a season and coming out for Jane. From here it's a grand romp with balls, suitors making calls, excursions in the park, and murder attempts. Yes, even a little bit of Napoleonic politics creeps in.

I'm sad to see the series end, but everything works out for all the characters, even the cantankerous Sir Philip.

What I've been reading: In progress

Beyond Reach is book #2 in Siobhan Davis' True Calling series. It's a science fiction romance for young adults, but enjoyable by us old & crusty grandmas as well. As the story begins, Ari has been taken from Novo, the artificial planet, back to Earth. She's reunited with a former boyfriend, Zane, but she has no memories of Zane from before her move to Novo. With her are her younger brother and her fiance's sister. Left behind were her mother, sister, and fiance, Cal.

Ari is hiding a message her father sent just before his death. Hiding out with the rebels who rescued her from Novo, Ari knows that the authorities on Earth and Novo are desperate to get the information she has hidden. The rebels want it, too, but she is sure that she'll never see her family and Cal again if she gives the info up before they can be rescued.

This Week on the Blog

1. Dewey Wrap-Up
2. It's Back! Bout of Books 13 is coming soon
3. Review: True Calling
4. Stacking the Shelves (30)

 

As usual, I'm linking up with The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things received. Share news about what is coming up on the blog for the week ahead.

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