Booknutt

I'll look into that - a bigger/taller bookcase would bring quite a few old pals out of storage boxes again Thanks for the tip, Pontalba

There's a DVD of the Kate Mosse "Labyrinth" t.v. series out! Of course, it might not be very accurate as regards following the novel, a lot of "adaptations" aren't. I'm risking it and getting myself a copy though, as it'll probably be a-g-e-s till it'd come onto Freeview, which is all I watch. In the meantime - what a good excuse to refresh ourselves on the book, again.

Thanks, Chrissy - forward march with the mission to find non-bloodsoaked crime and mystery novels!

Gosh, Peahen, I'm impressed! That's a private lending-library you have going there, not to mention keeping the faith for books in all forms. One thing worries me a bit - you do have those bookcases fixed to the wall, don't you? I used to have a large bookcase, too - but it tipped forward several times, despite the fact that I packed the bottom shelves with really heavy books, (and not counting the occasions my two year old niece, or my cat, tried to clmb up it!) So eventually I exchanged it for a lower one, plus my imagination in finding the surplus books new locations. . Apart from anything else - it saves the chore of picking up and re-stowing time and again. Keep the faith fellow Nutts ....

I'll keep watch for this novel myself - thanks for posting on it, Carm. There's also "The Flower Reader" a historical novel which might interest a few of you. Our heroine in that actually reads the future from the language of flowers. So between both, the next time someone special buys you a bouquet you'll know what he's saying! ..

I think Spring must be affecting me already, for today I bought a few Rebecca Tope novels to try, despite the fact that "crime" novels are generally something I avoid . I do feel the need to stir my brain though, and she seems a safe, not too violent choice. Her murders being set in the lovely surroundings of the British countryside is also a bonus, to my mind. So in the next day or two I'll start "A Cotswold Ordeal" and see how I get on. Do we have any Tope fans out there? I'd like your advice or views on this author, and your own favourites too, for my future Or ... does anyone have a (not too violent) author to suggest in crime, mystery, or general novels? Drop me a line in between cases, folks?

Anyone gone off Shakespeare's Richard III due to recent findings? Of course, a lot can be got away with as the play itself is fiction, but it added to the right royal stitch-up that was inflicted on him.

It does, pontalba, it does.

Hi gang - My new possession is here, newly polished and packed, and in a place where I can admire it and contents, while I post It's also freed-up my old smaller bookcase which now lives in a new home in my bedroom, holding a variety of old friends which I plan to get back to over the next year. I've never had a proper home for my books in the bedroom before, so there's something very pleasing about that. Have a great weekend, All. P. S. Did you buy or borrow at least one book yesterday, World Book Day? I bought two Georgette Heyers in our local Works . There's still time to treat yourself to something new, y'know!

Thanks for your responses fellow booknutts - and keep them coming It's fascinating to find out how we all deal with this "problem" we love having, and I bet this has reminded some of you that there are a few friends stored somewhere that you'd like to again. Getting quite excited about my impending new bookcase, now (due Wednesday) - I've even vac'd the spot it'll fit into(!) and am having fun deciding which of my treasures will go into it. Theres's something so calming about planning the inside of a bookcase, isn't there?

Where and how do you keep your books? Not always a straightforward question or answer to this one. I've already got several spots around home for my favourite friends - one actual packed bookcase, displayed on top of the wardrobe, on top of a cabinet in the living room - and inside the same cabinet too. Also for a while my surplus has been catalogued and stowed in two plastic boxes outside, much to my annoyance. But today - I spotted a good quality oak bookcase of generous proportions in a local charity shop, and plunged! It's being delivered in a few days, and I'm already planning it's home, and looking forward to unpacking my "outside" books again. I hated not having them around me. Small pleasures ... but don't we enjoy them? Where has your imagination prompted you to store your actual book-books, when pressed?

I found it difficult to get into Mansfield Park myself, folks - but because the heroine is called Fanny, a name I detest. (Why on earth she couldn't be Frances, I don't know!) It took a while for me to get over that, but having done so I now rate "Mansfield" as a quality read..

I feel ridiculously pleased for old Richard III - vindicated at last, and freed from the elaborate stitch-up of centuries ago. Maybe I used to be sympathetic to him back then, in a past life? Now what we need is a book to give us a more accurate history of this abused Uncle, and the fate of the two boy Princes he was accused of killing. It's pretty certain it's their bones found buried under the Tower ... but whodunnit, and why, is still an open question It'd be an interesting

Thanks, fans! Some experiences just are better when indulged in with traditional books.

Looked for my hb copy of "River of Destiny" the other day - and then remembered I'd rashly loaned it out - which is as good as "goodbye" with this author So - I'm on order for the pb version, due out on St Valentine's Day, and from now on I'll keep a firmer eye on my Erskines. I always like to go back to re-visit a few of her novels regularly - so I'm looking forward to getting "Destiny" back. Anyone got any thoughts on this particular book, or their own favourite, maybe?

We forgot to mark the 200th anniversary of "Pride and Prejudice" earlier this week! Never mind - we'll continue to love all the books here. So buy your bars of chocolate, fans, choose your novel (I'm revisiting "Emma" currently, in between other "reads") and settle down to enjoy as fans traditionally have, since our great-great-great grandma's days!

Christina Rossetti - time the ladies had a plug. Isn't the new year just the right time to enjoy our favourite poetry?

For anyone who is new to, or interested in, the world of Spirit and it's doings,- I'm deeply into the Derek Acorah books at present. Derek has had his "knockers" over the years, but has survived them. He's gone on from strength to strength to become the best-known Spirit Medium in this country and maybe the world ... because he's genuine in what he does, and that shines through. Any of his books radiate his common sense attitude, and are very informative and reassuring. A good place to start from, or to refresh your beliefs.

Are you out there, Bobby? Had a chance to read Ceri yet? Or has your TBR pile gained loads more books since Christmas? :readingtwo: I'm pleased to say a friend of mine new to C.N. was delighted with "Celtic Maidens" and is going to request her 2nd, "Serpent's Mound" at her local Library. Ceri's lively style is suiting more and more new fans, and is part of what I like about her books. Anyone else had a chance to give her work a try yet? A Happy Year's to All.

Really enjoying "Priestess of the White" and already seeking out the next two of the trilogy.. Feel much more comfortable with this series, which brings in magic in all it's variety, right from the start. .

If you're interested in Brit. History K, you might enjoy her books on the life of William Marshall - who virtually ran the country for a while! That's "The Greatest Knight", "The Scarlet Lion" and "To Defy a King". One of the things I think good about them is they're a great "read" for man or woman .... and it's a rare author who can please both genders. If you just feel like a well-told story try - "The Wild Hunt", "Running Vixen" and "Leopard Unleashed" her first three novels, which are still high on my own favourite list, and nicely romantic. Enjoy! You've found a great author.

As the proud owner of both these treasured trilogies, I just have to protest this five out of ten rating! I find these books vivid and magical, an entrancing world where the characters, human and dragon, "good" or "evil", (or just a more normal mixture of both), made their presences felt throughout the stories - as real people. If you ever feel the need to get-away-from-it-all, head for the Desert Stronghold, ("Dragon Prince") put on the boots of these characters, and enjoy your travels through both trilogies.. .

Eight less than I did - had to make some shelf space ... for the ten I'm awaiting delivery of, for "keepers"

Gonna set the cat among the pigeons now .... Spotted the "Black Magician" trilogy for £6 altogether in a charity shop the other week and snapped them up. Great bargain, and I've meant to get to T.C's books for ages. Unfortunately, I found the story very difficult to settle into. Treason, I know - but a fact. So I left them aside for a bit, and what-da-ya-know - spotted "Priestess of the White" today, and decided to give her a go, instead, approaching from another angle, so to speak. Wish me luck, fans - one way or another I'll get "into" this author.

If there is anyone in your family or friends circle who is showing an interest in Brit history - I'd suggest encouraging them to read the "Downton Abbey" books. Yes, it's a fiction show, but it also flags up a very interesting period of our history. Two world wars, and huge changes for peoples of all classes - in fact the "class divide" virtually evaporated through mutual need over this period. The books themselves are a very interesting mix of the fiction of the characters lives (reflecting of course the reality of that time) and actual historical fact, and stories from "real" people, which back the series up. Not too heavy - just right for a fledgling, or the enthusiast who may be looking for a fun-read. I've enjoyed both of them, and I'm sure will again too. Happy New Year to All