7/25/2015: As much as I enjoyed Katherine Reay’s first novel,Dear Mr. Knightley, her second effort is even better. The complex, realistically flawed characters in Lizzy and Jane are richer and their relationships deeper. In particular, the romantic subplot in this book is more well-developed and believable. The best part, though, is the relationship between the title sisters which is complicated and completely realistic as they reconnect when Jane is diagnosed with cancer and Lizzy returns home after many years away to help out. In the case of these sisters, and all families really, the love really is more important than the like, indeed. This novel is a wonderful combination of laughter, tears, and wisdom.
Well, it was another crazy, stressful year but with my books, my crochet, and my music, I made it through. The summer of 2021 was a good time for reading thanks to a long-overdue and just plain long (24 hours on the road each way) trip to see family in upstate New York followed two months later by Hurricane Ida I got to do a lot of car-trip reading.
Juliet Marillier’s Heir to Sevenwaters, the most magical and romantic installment in the Sevenwaters series since the first book, Daughter of the Forest
In the midst of crazy, stressful years, what we need are the things that bring us joy – the uplifting music, the hobby that gets our mind off of everything that is going on, and, of course, the books that transport us to happier times and places. So my book, well books, of the year are The Complete Peanuts which transport me to simpler times in my life and still make me laugh.
To view my complete year in books visit my Goodreads page.
Katherine Reay’s books always touch me. I don’t think that it is necessarily that I always connect with the story. I feel, instead, that it is mainly because her characters – the female characters especially – are drawn with such richness, complexity, and authenticity. They are recognizable as real people we’ve encountered. This love letter to the power of books, friendships, and community brings together in Claire, Madeline, and Janet three very different women who, with the beyond-the-grave assistance from the founder of the bookshop, Madeline’s aunt Maddie, form a friendship that becomes a support group that helps each woman as she comes to term with the curves life has thrown them or to get back onto the right path. There is some romance in this novel but it is the women and their individual personal growth that is central to the heart of the story. The romantic subplots aren’t really necessary to the story and I think Reay meant for it to be that way. It is about self-discovery and growth.
Bonus: I love a book with a list. Many books are mentioned or just alluded to throughout The Printed Letter Bookshop and Reay includes a list of these books at the end. The list included many books I’ve read and even more that are on my TBR list and I few that I’ll have to add.
Readers love a good bookshop story where they can find people like them. If the bookshop setting of The Printed Letter Bookshop appeals to you, How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry has a similar vibe. If you like Katherine Reay’s richly drawn female characters, well I could provide a long list of books with others, but I suggest reading Lizzy & Jane also by Reay about two estranged sisters who reconnect as one goes through cancer treatment. If, like me, you love a good book list, check out 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List. Like the list at the end of The Printed Letter Bookshop it is widely diverse in genre and subject matter and, as a bonus, it has a checklist at the end so you can mark them off as you read. Happy Reading!
The 2010s have been a formative year for me as a reader. I’ve always loved books but I haven’t always been a reader. It wasn’t until I graduated from high school and was able to choose the books I wanted to read that I truly became a voracious reader. Then in 2011, I got a part-time job at my local library. Through that job, I discovered new authors, new series, and even genres I’d never really considered before. I also met many book lovers like myself. One of those booklovers, a fellow librarian, introduced me to Goodreads.com and even though I had to leave the job when life intervened, I continued to make discoveries. In 2015 I started this blog for a couple of reasons but mainly because I missed sharing my passion for good books with the patrons and librarians at work. It has been a joy share the ups and downs of the reader’s life. As the decade comes to a close, I thought I’d take the time to review some of the best and most important books I’ve read over the past 10 years. I’ve tried to narrow it down, but I’ve read a lot of great books during the decade so bear with me.
Romance:  Sometimes you just need the comfort and escape of the modern fairytale quality of a good Rom/Com. I discovered, however, that not all books that can be categorized as Romance fit into the mold of that stereotype.
Historical Fiction: I love learning about history and while I understand that Historical Fiction takes liberties with the facts, it is a gateway to learning the true stories behind the fictionalized versions. And who doesn’t love being transported to another place and time?
Fantasy: Of all of the genres I read, this is the one about which my feelings have changed the most. As a child, while I loved a good fairytale story, I tended to gravitate toward the wit and realism of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby series and then the young adult fiction of Judy Blume where the characters and their situations were recognizable. Then cameHarry Potter. Ever since reading that seminal series, I’ve been searching for more Fantasy fiction that captivates me as Harry’s world did.
Children’s Literature: It’s okay to look back when it comes to reading. Whether it’s revisiting an old favorite or discovering a classic I’d missed when I was younger, there is nothing to warm the soul like reading a good children’s story.
This one, in particular, transports me back to my childhood. The author was a local woman who made yearly visits to my elementary school where she would usually read from one of her Clovis Crawfish books. I loved this sweet telling of the Christmas story as a child but it is difficult to find so a few years ago my friend surprised me with a copy for my birthday ♥.
Western: Since reading Lonesome Dove in college, I’ve been on the lookout for another as transporting as that classic. Plus, when I find a good one, I get to share it with my father and sharing a good book is always fun.
Mystery/Thriller: Mystery is another genre I don’t read too much of though I do enjoy the occasional cozy mystery, particularly one set in Britain. There are a few exceptions though. I am a huge Sherlock Holmes fan.
Chick-Lit: This is another genre that gets a bad rap but it is my favorite genre so it hurts when people put it down based a few crappy wannabe Chick-Lit novels. I know about those; I’ve read more than my fair share of them.
Women’s Fiction:Â Women’s Fiction, to me, is basically the Judy Blume books I loved as a teen all grown up, dealing with issues that all women face from the mundane to the extraordinary.
Classic Literature:Â Â These are the books that have endured in our hearts and minds for generations and make their way onto every must-read list ever compiled.
I’m hoping that 2019 brings new and exciting things to my life as well as yours. We may not know what’s in store for us but one thing I know for sure is that there will be great books to read. Some of my favorite writers have new books coming out this year. While I may not get to them all (because of all of the new and exciting things 2019 has in store for me, of course!), these are the upcoming releases I’m most excited about:
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella – While her popular Shopaholicseries may have gotten stale, Kinsella redeemed herself a couple of years ago with the wonderful My Not So Perfect Life, which is why I’m so looking forward to I Owe You One (expected publication: February 5, 2019)
The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion – Reading The Best of Adam Sharp last year may have been a huge disappointment but Simsion’s return to Don and Rosie has me excited to read him all over again. (expected publication: February 5, 2019)
The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay – I’ve only read two of Reay’s novels but I’ve enjoyed their heart and humor, especially in Lizzy and Jane.  I always look forward to more of her novels to read. (expected publication: May 14, 2019)
The Philosopher’s War by Tom Miller – Tom Miller’s thought-provoking fantasy/historical fiction, The Philosopher’s Flight may not have made my top reads from last year but the story is so unique and timely that I must know what happens next. (expected publication: July 16, 2019)
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal – Stradal’s first novel, Kitchens of the Greater Midwest, is one of those novels that I feel it might take multiple readings to fully appreciate. It is the author’s unique voice and view of the people and their lives in the middle of our country that has me anxious for more of his writing.  (expected publication: July 23, 2019)
Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier – I am only halfway through the Sevenwaters series so I won’t be getting to Harp of Kings any time soon but any new fantasy series by Juliet Marillier is a reason to get excited. (expected publication: September 3, 2019)
Kopp Sisters on the Marchby Amy Stewart – Yes! Another Kopp Sistersnovel is on the way and you can bet that I will be putting in my request at my local library as soon as I can. I am especially anxious for the next chapter thanks to the all the questions at the end of Miss Kopp Just Won’t Quit.  (expected publication: September 17, 2019)
My source for publication dates is Goodreads.com and may be subject to change. Happy reading!
Shelly's Bookshelf 