I know books won’t be on most of your minds tonight but thought I’d get December mini-reviews in before I hit the champagne. Plus, both of these books are light enough that if you start them this morning you’ll have finished them well before midnight.
Published by St. Martin's Press
Publication date: December 17th 2013
The New Countess: As the writer of the pilot for Upstairs Downstairs Fay Weldon knows about the aristocratic life. This is the third book in a trilogy but stands easily on its own. Breezy, thoroughly enjoyable reading about the Dilberne’s, a titled British family in 1905. The story takes place in the months leading up to a hunting weekend being held on their estate for the King, Edward VII and his mistress, Mrs. Keppel. Gossipy intrigue in the midst of all the change happening at the beginning of the century makes this perfect reading for the lazy days in between the winter holidays.
Published by The Dial Press
Publication date: October 21st 2014
Shopaholic to the Stars: I have been a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series since the very first book. By and large, Becky Bloomwood has made me laugh from the first screwy letter she wrote to the bank about being overdrawn on her checking account. Throughout the series Kinsella has managed to entwine Becky’s utter hopelessness with money and shopping with an unerring sense of how to get out of trouble. In this latest novel that tricksy combination falters, making the novel wobble towards the absurd. This is not helped by the fact that Shopaholic to the Stars weighs in at a substantial 472 pages. For this icon of chick lit and light reading “substantial” is not a word you want to use. The tone needed to stay in the fluff zone can’t be maintained at this length and so this episode of Shopaholic doesn’t work as well as the others. Becky goes from being charmingly ditzy to annoying and worryingly stupid. Oh, and did I mention this book ends with a lead-in to the next one which will take place in Las Vegas? Even for this inveterate reader and Shopaholic fan this may be one shopping trip too many.
It’s been a long year of reading but here’s to a year of more great books than bad, books you don’t want to end, books that take you to happier places, make you think, make you cry, and books that bring you together with other book lovers. Thank you so much everyone for continuing to support my little corner of the reading world!
Jennine G. says
December 31, 2014 at 12:16 amLove being part of your little corner of the reading world!
Catherine says
December 31, 2014 at 1:34 pmI am so appreciative of your support, Jennine! It means a lot!
Harriet Tetley says
December 31, 2014 at 4:23 amI love your reviews and have read many of the books. One of the bookclubs I belong to is at our library and we Skype with the authors. This is amazing and I believe in April we will Skype with the author of Everything I Never Told You. Thanks for your hard work
Catherine says
December 31, 2014 at 1:34 pmThank you so much for the support!
I was lucky enough to go to Celeste Ng’s book event here in Seattle. She is a delight and hearing her thoughts on writing the book makes it that much more meaningful.
Leah @ Books Speak Volumes says
December 31, 2014 at 6:10 amOoh, I might have to read The New Countess in a few months, once Downton Abbey ends for the season and I’m craving a English period piece 🙂
Annette says
December 31, 2014 at 10:52 amLove reading your reviews Cathy!!