Booknutt
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Before "Time's Legacy" my favourite Erskine was usually the one last published. I did enjoy "River of Desiny" but T.L. is still safe in top spot for me!
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Good Grief - you people make me feel quite humble ... is it nice living in mansions, then?
I have to admit to a mere 250-ish altogether - but I do live in a small flat, so have to pare it down to my dearly-loved friends.
Don't think too harshly of me ...
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Great idea, Kidsmum -
I might be a few weeks or so in getting back to you,- they're whoppin' big novels, as we know - but I won't forget.
Anyone else interested in joining our mini online bookgroup? Newcomers to the series or old friends?
It's much more fun to
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It's high time there was a bit more chat on this topic, fellow historical-bookworms
This fantastic series is now 7 strong, and no sign of stopping!Personally, I'm glad it's called "Cross Stitch" in Britain, for if it hadn't been, I'd never have picked the first novel up. I was obsessed with cross stitch emboidery in those days, and historicals are my first-love in novels, so I was hooked twice over.
I read the first 3 in the series when each was newly published, then forget to keep up with the rest, so when I spotted dear-old Cross Stitch on the shelves the other day I couldn't resist starting my own journey back into the past.
I'd forgotten how good this author is.
Her lead character,Claire has a very practical streak, and a wonderful wry wit, which will have helped her through the grim experience of (Second World war) wartime nursing. Not to mention the experience of arriving back in the year of 1743, fighting off a disrespectful stranger (who thinks her cotton dress is underclothes!) , and then dealing with the rough-and-ready Scotsmen she finds herself among having been rescued.
I loved their shock at the range of her swearing vocabularly
. Claire is used to being adaptable though - and finds her feet pretty quickly, not least as there's lots of nursing duties for her among the people she finds herself with.I'm only about a third of the way through yet, but I've already got the next 2 of the series on the way, and have 4 more to date to look forward to.
What lovely project for our incoming Winter - anyone fancy joining me in a bit of time travelling?
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Hi Bree - Welcome to the Club
There's quite a range of characters to choose from in P & P isn't there? Who caught your attention most - either to like, or even to dislike?
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My vote for a new presenter (nobody would really "replace" Sir Bruce, it isn't possible!) would be Anton Du Beke.
He's already shown he's got the talent of quick repartee and adaptability through his work on other shows, and he certainly knows the business of dancing.
Also - he could still dance occasionally in the professional slots of the show - and let the gals take the strain with the presenting at those times. It'd be a shame to lose Anton completely, but in the cut-and-thrust of the professional dancing world - his days have to be numbered. Dancing has become an interesting option for loads of young blokes nowadays, and Anton is "senior" dancer (in experience and age) among the Strictly gang. But for this year again ... I'll keep enjoying his talents.
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One little nit-to-pick with the fashions of the series. Once a character disappears beneath those awful (cloche?) hats they are completely unrecognisable! I'm, glad Sybil returned for the wedding, too, but for the first few minutes I thought another actress was playing her part - she didn't look like "herself" at all.
Noticed it with "House of Eliott" characters too, another favourite of mine. Love the dresses - hate the hats!
Still - I'll forgive 'em, and keep enjoying the series.
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Shadow. What sort of stories do you write? You'll find loads to interest you around here. Have fun.
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Almost had a panic attack yesterday - I couldn't find my copy of the Series 2! All was well eventully, though.
I do love settling down to a whole day of Downton occasionally.It's a wonderful way to cope with a gloomy Winter day, or maybe a day when you don't feel well. Just disappear into another world ... Bless the person who invented DVD's
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Thanks Chelsi - that great razzle-dazzle overexcited me
By the way ... isn't it great to have "our" Sir Bruce back again? It wouldn't be the same without him. May he be with "Strictly" for years to come, yet.
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Know what you mean, Robin. The first book tends to get swept aside in the tide of the others, but I think it's best, too.
It introduces us to the magic of Hogwarts, and the new life awaiting Harry, and us. I was mesmerised by the Hogwarts of the film - what a spectacular job they did of bringing it to life - and never tire of seeing it again.
Keep enjoying both books and films - us adults deserve a bit of magic in our lives, too.
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Countdown is nearly over, folks - less than two hours to go before we're all snuggled down with a nice little-something (personal choices on that!) to watch this years' first episode of our favourite show.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the "Dames" of the Abbey (Shirley MacLaine and Maggie Smith) have-at each other - enjoy it, everyone.
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Well I'll be brave and state that I'll be rootin' for Richard Arnold - one way or another he's sure to keep us entertained
Good Luck to Anton and Brendan my own favourites among the professionals, Mr. Smooth and Mr. Volcano.
Actually, I'd love Anton (and his partner of course) to win ... he's the oldest "pro" among the group, and has earned it.
Yes - the season is definitely "on the turn" for Winter, folks, the decent weekend telly is back with loads of music, glamour and sparkle.
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Is anyone currently reading/has read "The Women of the Cousin's War" by Philippa Gregory?
It's non-fiction, and the histories (as far as they're known) of the three leads of her "Cousins War" series. Jacquetta, mother of Elizabeth Woodville the White Queen, then of Elizabeth herself, and also Margaret, the Red Queen.
I'm loving the novels of the series, but there's a l-o-n-g Q for the non-fic book at my Library, and pretty mixed reviews have come my way too so far.
Any thoughts, anybody?
P.S. - Welcome to our chats, Bonzoi
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I wonder should I read this author? Because I heard a lot of very controvesial things about him...
Go on Bobby - be a devil!
Ceri is a great author, and after all that's all any "bookworm" cares about.You might find you like her novels, regardless of what you've heard about her.
Come back and let us know what you think, won't you?
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Was a bit doubtful about "Winter Ghosts" initially - but as it's not too scary will look out for it, too.
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I'm getting into a real "mystery" mood these days as I'm halfway through the final book of the Kathleen McGowan "The Expected One" trilogy.
I spotted brand new copies of both "Labyrinth" and "Sepulcure" yesterday in a charity shop for £2.50 each - and snaffled them! I listened to them both on audio book a few years ago, so I'll enjoy reading them for myself, now.
One of the things I like about these books is the mystery without the buckets of blood! I can accept a murder in the course of a story as a means of increasing tension, but the habit of some authors of soaking the pages of their "mysterys" in gore puts me off - big time.
A nice mysterious mystery is what I look for.
Anyone else planning to read any Kate Mosse books this summer?
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Thanks, Vodkafan - I'll have a look when I'm next at my local Library. Always a handy thing to be a member of when starting something which turns into a whole series of
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It's always difficult to chose a "favourite" Austen for me - it tends to be the one I've just read, or am reading. I never tire though of retreating to "Sense and Sensibility" (or maybe "Emma") if I feel in need of an Austen retreat from the bustle and stress of our modern world.
Sense and Sensibility character I love to be annoyed with? - Mrs Jennings, for sure! She's a kind hearted woman - but such a nosy gossip too, and her harping-on about seeing romances among her younger friends is to such a degree that they'd probably avoid her like the plague, if they could!.
Hope you're enjoying it, Argon.
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How did you get on with "Croc" Ali?
I'm currently reading Kathleen McGowans' "The Expected One" trilogy, and already feel the urge to move on to other novels this "mystery" kind, preferably set in exotic locations - "Croc" sounds like a contender
Might take me a while to come to terms with Ms Peabodys' name, though ...
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I'm with you, Agon9, there's nothing like cuddling up with a nice chunky hunky ... book!
I'd buy more of the "heayweight" ones myself, but with a cat determined to snooze on my knee every time I sit down at home, it's easier to keep to the lightweight ones.
Seems like you're a lover of "proper" books, like me. E-readers are handy of course, and one day I'll get one - but my favourite books will always be in old-fashioned paper style. My home wouldn't be my home without a bookcase full of memories of pleasant hours, for me to pick up and re-visit, anytime.
Maybe everybody thought you were expecting a very bumpy-looking baby when you were hugging your coat-full of books?
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Welcome here, Argon9 - we're pleased to have you join us.
Pop by for a chat whenever you like - there's nothing like a nice natter on our favourite novels, to make them even better.
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Oooh the Biographical Dictionary sounds really good, I'm going to look that one up.
Hm I think I'd be more interested in non-fiction books on the Victorians. I love a good historical fiction but I really don't enjoy the girly romance or the horror that seems to be most of what I come accross set in that era (or written in that era!).
You might like the fiction trilogy of Rose Melikan, Cory ... ?
It starts with "The Blackstone Key" set in 1795 - a little early for "Victorian" but only by 30 years or so!
I've only read the first one myself (you've reminded me that there's now 2 others for me to
over the Summer) It dealt with establishing heroine Mary in an independent lifestyle - narrowly escaped from a life of drudgery teaching in a school - and includes a decent mystery, too. The male lead becomes her sidekick in detective work .- but it was unsoppy, and I enjoyed it.It seemed to be a love-it or hate-it kinda book - but her following two novels indicate that there's fans "out there" who appreiciate her work.
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I love all these suggestions
I think the Jubilee, and the upcoming Olympics have stimulated my own interest in the history of these islesI recently bought "British History for Dummies" which covers informational snippits from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and is a very interesting and easily-read dip-into book. Perfect for short breaks from the daily stress.
Usually I just stick to fiction reading for my historical enjoyment, nowadays it's almost as good as factual books for accuracy. Can't think of any fiction specifically Victorian off-hand, Cory, but I'm sure your local Library could help with suggstions?
Hmm ... Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle) just squeaked out of the Victorian age, didn't he?
It's close, at least.!
Do you sometimes refuse to read sequels?
in General Book Discussions
Posted
I've actually got a copy of "Scarlett" on my bookshelves - snaffled at a bargin price in a sale - but I keep delaying actually getting into it. "Gone with the Wind" is such a terrific read, and it's Scarlett such a strong character. I'd hate it if reading "Scarlett" spoiled my image of Ms O'Hara, problems ... problems