Was it Goodbye For Now? Because I read that after This Is and was floored that it was the same author. I DNFed it so can understand feeling cautious. Two thoughts on why you might love this one: her writing has matured (but still maintains the kind of quirkiness I love!) and this novel is closer to home- she has a transgender child.

So far there have been two Penny books I did not love, but it is her writing that keeps drawing me in. The plots I can ignore to some degree.

You are the second person to not just mention but proselytize about Frankel’s latest. I admit to being cautious because I DNF one of her earlier books to the point where I really lost my interest in her. Perhaps I need to reconsider. I adored Louise Penny’s first four-five books and then she went sideways with her plots. I tried again with the one before her latest in hopes of getting back into her. Sadly, no dice.

I am a huge fan of Charles Todd’s Inspector Rutledge books but not the series about the nurse. (Bess Armstrong?)

I kind of think of it as part of the necessary individual judging of a book. There have been plenty of times something has bothered me so much I DNFed a book and others said it was no big deal because they loved the book. Or, like Sarah and me, regarding Gentleman in Moscow, she felt all the detail ruined the book and I wanted more of it!

She wrote a YA-feeling, women’s cozy historical mystery series called The Pink Carnation. They weren’t my cup of tea. I’m so hesitant to recommend her to you simply because everyone’s idea of a palate cleansing, easy but enjoyable read is different. I’d say give this a shot, but I won’t be offended if you DNF.

I know you read as voraciously as I do so this may be old news, but if I were to recommend a fabulous, quirky, all enveloping book love read it would This Is How It Always Is. I’m evangelical about it. Or, if you like mysteries I have a full on girl crush on Louise Penny. Any of her books. Just saying.

It is exactly that! I had no expectations, but the addition of a sister considered to be a spinster, who won’t let the mystery go, made it great winter reading.