Reading Machine

In the last month, I've read four books. What's more... none of them were from the genre I typically read.
Which is YA fantasy fiction.
Because I like to write YA fantasy fiction.
So it's like homework.
The fun kind.

But this last month I've taken a break from my norm. sudden allusion to the television show cheers. Norm!
Anyway, I've been reading my brains out and have discovered complete GEMS!

The first

source

I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. My sister advised me on that. The movie was a fantastic adaptation but I'm SO glad that I read the book first.
In my limited experience with racial issues and civil rights (I love and have respect for all hard-working people, whatever shade of lovely they wear on the outside, but I'm not much of an activist.) I have to say this book was eye-opening, heart-breaking, and beautifully written. I loved it and I'm so glad it was gifted to me so that I can have it always. It's such a great book to have on my shelf.

The second:

source

A friend let me borrow this book. A little bit of mystery and yumminess mixed in! I love the Josi Kilpack books. They're suspenseful and fun this one especially was a page-turner. I find myself wishing I was the main character, Sadie Hoffmiller's friend or neighbor. She's got spunk. This particular book is the fourth in the Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mysteries. They just keep getting better and better!

The next, naturally:

source

My friend let me borrow this one too. She wasn't finished reading the latest book, Pumpkin Roll, but that one is definitely on my list and hopefully she'll lend that one to me too! (Thanks, Barb!!!)
This next installment in Sadie Hoffmiller's adventures was just as delicious as the previous. A lot of heart, a lot of questions that kept me wondering WHO-DUNNIT, and recipes I am dying to try as soon as I get over this pregnancy-induced nausea over anything that smells too much.
I just love that adorable Sadie!!


And the one I just finished today: (also borrowed from Barb)

source

Oh. My. Goodness!!

At first I had a hard time getting into it. The book is made up completely of correspondence letters between writer Juliet Ashton and the various people in her life. At first I wondered who the main character was, if Sidney was a guy or a girl (he's a guy, Juliet's editor), who Susan and Sophie were, and was this book ever going to go to normal format? Then with an onset of migraine headaches, I was afraid to read for a couple of days. 

But then I got into the rhythm of the letters, got to know who was who and where they were from, and came to love the characters as though I was a member of their society. I was hooked and it became a quick read.

There's a lot of history in this book even though the characters are fictional. I found myself rooting for the good guys, feeling sorrow at their losses, and cheering with them at every triumph. Like the Help, this book gives a new perspective, sometimes a raw and sad one. But it was a beautiful book. Another I would one day like to have on my shelf. 

Want to see what's next on my list??

Of course you do.

I'm way too stinkin excited for these next ones to arrive in the mail to not share it with you.

This one is written by a friend of mine and she has promised to autograph it for me as soon as I can get it to her. Yay!!

source

Aaaaaaand, *squeeeeee!*

source

Sequel to my favorite book of all time, Austenland! Ohhhh I can't WAIT!!!

I ordered these on Amazon a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, they won't send Risen without also sending Midnight in Austenland and the latter won't be released until early February. Ugh. I hate to wait.

In the mean time, I'm also working on reading Book one of the Belgariad Series by David Eddings. (Thanks, Darci!)

Whew!! Hope all this reading reawakens the WRITING bug in me.