The Book Pusher: November Gratefulness: K. Callihan, D. Chamberlain, D. Gabldon, C. Kline

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FOREVERMORE Kristen Callihan: Paranormal Historical Romance

Forevermore is a satisfying and thrilling conclusion to Callihan's Darkest London series. Remember, these are on the spicy side.

NECESSARY LIES Diane Chamberlain: Women's Fiction

True stories create the most fascinating fiction as exemplified by Diane Chamberlain's harrowing and, in the end, hopeful story of the sad history of North Carolina's history. Social worker Jane Forrester uncovers a travesty based on a little known part of history. In her capable hands, there's hope for healing at the end.

VOYAGER Diana Gabaldon: Historical Fiction with a touch of SF

Trust me--you want to read all of Diana Gabaldon's books. This is the third in her OUTLANDER series. It encompasses the end and aftermath of the Rising of 1745 in the Scottish Highlands, Claire Fraser's need to find her husband, Jamie, and so much more. This is a must read in a series of must reads. Start at the first with OUTLANDER. You won't be disappointed by Gabaldon's lyrical prose, gripping stories, and deeply drawn characters.

ORPHAN TRAIN Christina Baker Kline: Women's Historcial Fiction

How I've neglected to read this one before now is a mystery, but I'm thrilled I read it. At its heart, Orphan Train is a story of two foster children whose travels and journey mirror each others even though eighty-two years apart. A must read.

Next Week: Links!

Want A Little Romance?

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I take it the answer is "Yes!" ;-) I'll admit that I don't read Romance as a genre much, but I do read romances by authors I know. When someone so kindly shared the NPR's Happily Ever After: 100 Swoon-Worthy Romances, I was thrilled to find two of my favorites on it--Joanna Bourne and Diana Gabaldon. Without further ado, I'll introduce you to those two worthy writers and three others whose books are more than worth a look. Enjoy!

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Joanna Bourne: Joanna's Spymaster's Series is fabulous and full of well-researched historical details. Be sure to check them all out.

This is another great Joanna Bourne historical romance! You can't go wrong with Jo as the author. Her spymasters series is the best! 

Diana Gabaldon: How many times can I tell you to read these books! Though technically none of Diana's books are romances by the genre definition, that hasn't stopped people from classing them as such. I'll just say they're oh, so much more! 

 WRITTEN IN MY HEART'S OWN BLOOD Diana Gabaldon is a historical, adventure, military, SF/fantasy, and indescribably good

Diana Gabaldon has again crafted an amazing story, a masterpiece that ties up the threads from its predecessor, AN ECHO IN THE BONE, with a roller coaster of a ride. She writes every single one of her POV characters' hearts, minds, and souls with humanity. WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD is my second favorite of all the Gabaldon books. But be forewarned: There's more coming in this story. If you haven't read Diana Gabaldon's books before, start at the beginning with OUTLANDER. You won't be sorry. 

Darlene Marshall: I'll just say: Pirates, Oh My! ;-)

 Darlene Marshall has another smasher for you! I loved it. I figured out Robert's secret, but Lydia's caught me by surprise. All of the clues were there. Well done!

Elle Druskin: Elle's books are for those of you who like their romances contemporary and on the comedic side. Maybe, make that screwball. ;-) 

The fourth installment in Elle Druskin's Liberty Heights series lives up to the zany humor and romance of the first three. This time there's fire involved. Be sure and check out Druskin's books for a fun, light read. 

 

 

 

 

Kristin Callihan: Warning: Kristin Callihan's historical, paranormal, steampunk, romances are on the Hot! side. ;-) 

  Callihan's Darkest London series continues with her usual genre bending. The romance is on the side of steamy and the plot is as baroque as her readers have come to expect. Evernight takes two unlikely lovers and builds a tale of love, torment, sacrifice, and resilience. 

 

Happy Reading!

Next Week: September's Mini Book Reviews!

April Mini Book Reviews: 4 Books to Consider...K. Callihan, J. Clavell, D. Ducharme, C. O'Flynn

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 SOULBOUND Kristen Callihan: Historical-Paranormal-Steampunk Romance

Really! I know you were blown away by the genre designation on Callihan's latest, but if you've read her Darkest London series, you know that's what it is. ;-) Her deep characters and whiplash plot will pull you in and keep you reading. Warning: This is on the erotic side of romance. Reader beware.  

SHOGUN James Clavell: Historical

Clavell's Asian Saga is a periodic reread for me. Here's the book that caused such a stir with it's debut in 1975 and it became a hit mini series as well. The book tells the story of old Japan, replete with samurai, ninja, geisha, and characters who will live forever--Toda Mariko, Yoshi Toranaga, and the English pilot who turns their live upside down-John Blackthorne.

THE OUTER BANKS HOUSE Diann Ducharme: Historical Romance

Ducharme's hypnotic historical will pull into a world you've never visited before--the North Carolina Outer Banks in 1868. And immerse you in an unlikely romance between a planter's daughter and a "banker" fisherman. I dare you to forget this one once you've read it. ;-)

THE EXPATRIATES: SONG OF THE SENDING Corinne O'Flynn: YA Fantasy

This is a richly detailed coming of age and quest story that draws you into a world of wonder and surprising revelations. I will be looking for part two of this new series. 

Next Week: Author Interview with Alice Wisler

October Mini Book Reviews--K. Callihan, C. Holmberg, S. Meissner, L. Saville

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Just when you've run out of books...

I have a few for you to consider. There's something for every taste in this list. Enjoy!

THE PAPER MAGICIAN Charlie Holmberg: Older Middle Grades fantasy

 The Paper Magician is the story of a young magician apprentice and her journey through the heart as she learns the magic of folding. While I'd peg it as Upper Middle Grades, I think lovers of Harry Potter would enjoy it at any age.

EVERNIGHT Kristen Callihan: Historical Paranormal Steam Punk Romance

Kallihan's Darkest London series continues with her usual genre bending. The romance is on the side of steamy and the plot is a baroque as her readers have come to expect. Evernight takes two unlikely lovers and builds a tale of love, torment, sacrifice, and resilience.

A FALL OF MARIGOLDS Susan Meissner: Women's Fiction

If you haven't read any of Meissner's books, A Fall of Marigolds is a good place to start. Meissner is a master of stories with two setting--in this one we have a 9-11 widow and a nurse working at Ellis Island in 1911. A Fall of Marigolds is a beautiful story of two young women--Taryn and Clare--who must discover the freedom to love and be loved will never be found if we are stuck in between choices. This is a must read! I'd give it ten stars if I could.

HENRY AND RACHEL Laurel Saville: Literary Fiction

Henry and Rachel is an intensive character study told in eight POVs. The language is rich, detailed, and hypnotic. From the jungles of Jamaica to the cold apartments of New York, Henry and Rachel traces the story of Rachel and shines a light into a deeply repressed character.

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Next Week: Author Interview with Kathryn Craft!