Share your “reads” with me
Two of my favorite past-times: Looking through magazines or reading a good book. It’s what I do every evening to unwind from the day. I’m getting desperate for more books to read so if you’ve read a good book share it! Mysteries are my favorite but I’m open to any good book. I love a series so I can read on when I’m done with one book. I’m reading Lisa Gardener’s book called Catch Me. I’ve read almost all of James Paterson and the whole Stephanie Plum series from Janet Evanovich. I know there must be book lovers out there reading away and enjoy books I haven’t read. Help! (Yes, I read The Help LOL.)
One of my favorite magazines, Jeanne d’ Arc Living just arrived at our door! It’s such an expensive magazine that I normally only order special issues, but this month Jeanne d’ Arc surprised us all and reduced the cost of the magazine in the US to $13.95 per issue. This is about half of what it’s sold for in the past so I’ve added a few copies to our website . Jeanne d’ Arc is published in Norway and it’s a treat to find it in the US. Enjoy the photos (taken by the Jeanne d’Arc photographer…not me) as a sampling of what’s inside this beautiful magazine.
I can’t wait to hear about what you’re reading…I’ll keep a list so email me or leave a comment. Have a great day everyone!
Follow up: Here’s a PDF file of books you suggested: Books to read from my blog readers
You May Also Like
151 Comments
janan
Go to Sewn with Grace.com on her blog she mentions 2 good books. She is a woman of faith and I think you would enjoy her webblog.
Karen
I love the Anne Perry novels – great historical mysteries. Also Lee Child writes a series around a character named Jack Reacher – very good! J.D.Robb is also a favorite. Love your blog!
Donna
I’d like to recommend Louise Penny’s mysteries also. They are great reads. Although some of my other favorites include Elizabeth George (her Inspector Lynley is a wonderful character) and the British author P.D.James. Hope you get to enjoy them as much as I do.
Siobhan
I’m back with another suggestion… Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian. L-O-V-E-D it. Also Brunonia Barry’s The Lace Reader. And Brigid Pasulka’s A Long, Long Time Ago & Essentially True. And anything Karen White (The Beach Trees, etc.).
Becca
I’d like to second Louise Penney’s mysteries. They are wonderful!! You will become very fond of Armande Gamache, as he is a dear, dear person. Loved all of them. Thomas Perry’s Jane Whitefield series is great also! It begins with Vanishing Act.
Quilt nana
If you love quilting mysteries have you read: Arlene Sachitano, Clare O’Donohue, Marie Bostwick all have quilting mysteries. Just reading quilting stories Jennifer Chiaverini Elm Creek series are great, Also Marie Bostwick and Vannetta Chapman. I have enjoyed all of these quilting stories. Take a look
Omajean
Louise Penny is one of the best mystery writers that I have read in a long time and I read a tremendous amount. My sister had recommended her to me and it just so happens that several ladies in my knitting group was reading or had recently read the first book, Still Life. You will not be disappointed.
Kathryn
One of the ladies from Blackbird Designs mentioned a book called Blackout by Connie Willis. It’s about time-travelling historians and it is fabulous. It is a 2 book set though – the second is All Clear.. Another great series is the Amelia Peabody series – a victorian lady who is an archaeologist in Egypt and all her mysterious escapades. But the highlight will be the entertaining narration of the main character and the witty dialogue between characters.
Kathy
I’m so glad you described Amelia Peabody. I was reading that series many years ago and lost track of the author’s name and the main character’s so I could track these books down. I had forgotten all about her until this post. Thank you so much for posting this and thank you so much Anne for asking your blog-reading girlfriends for their recommendations.
Kathy
P.S. My formal name is spelled just like yours, Kathryn. I used it in business until I retired.
Sandra
I love the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) series of books starting with Naked in Death. They are a series of books about 10 following a Detective called Eve Dallas and are set in year 2050. They are fast moving and interesting that they are set in near future.
Els Helleman
Dear Ann,
I can recommand the following book. I just finished it and it was amazing.
The title is: The tenderness of wolves
Written by Stef Penney.
This is her debut novel, and she also wrote: The Invisable Ones.
You will see what I mean, when I say : I could not stopreading.
Good luck.
Els from the Netherlands
Dorothy Crutchfield
We wore Forgotten Garden out at the library, I’ll have to order another, Carol O’Connell is good. M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth series is great.
Diane R.
I’m about halfway through Forgotten Garden — one of the best books I’ve read in a long time — and I read a lot!
Bobbie Whittington
Wow!! What a great list of books, I wrote some down that I haven’t read yet. One I did not see mentioned
is the Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. It is a mystery within a mystery and I like you would love it. I also like
anything from David Baldacci , Eugenia Price, Steve Berry and James Rollins.
Happy reading. Bobbie
Robin Gold
Oh my, what wonderful suggestions! I’m looking forward to checking all of these out. I also love the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. Just plain fun! Another author I’m surprised hasn’t been mentioned is Marcia Muller. Her Sharon McCone series is mostly set in San Francisco. They’re very suspenseful, but great. A couple more great books, though not series: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, The Georgrapher’s Library by Jon Fasman. One that’s not a mystery, but just a fun read is The Tall Pine Polka by Lorna Landvik. And one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read is One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus — it’s about what might have happened if President Grant had agreed to the Indian’s request for white women to marry the Indians.
Denise Vinson
One the best thriller series that I have read is by author Catherine Coulter! !!!!!! You should try to start with her first book “The Cove” and then read your way till the most current. (10 plus books)
I cannot put these books down.
Another Great author is Eugenia Price !!!!!! She writes both fiction and non-fiction in a trilogy series.
One of the best things I enjoy is I’m learning history while enjoying the books. These series have
history – suspense – romance – makes you feel like your in the middle of everything. Love-Love-Love Eugenia Price! Start with Book One of the Georgia Trilogy “Bright Captivity” .
Oh thanks to all the posts I now a list of new authors to looking for. Have a Blessed Day!
Jean DeFrances
Of course I had to read through all the comments, as did many others. I agree with one commenter’s suggestion of all of Emilie Richards’ books. – I started with the Shenandoah Album series, but am now reading some of her older books. She researches the settings thoroughly and pulls you in with her characterizations. Another author that I thoroughly enjoy is Marie Bostwick and her Cobbled Court series. She has a new book in that series coming out in April, “Ties That Bind.”
Gillian Dempster
I have recently read “Year of Wonders” by Geraldine Brooks, “The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith and “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman (this one I could not put down). All great reads. I am hoping to read all “The Hunger Games” books over the Easter break.
Sue
You may already have had these but I suggest The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (now a movie), The Girl who Played With Fire and The girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. I have just finished the trilogy by Stieg Larsson and I couldn’t put them down. I found the first one hard going in parts but they are full of twists and I throughly enjoyed them.
I also loved the Outlander series and am hanging out for the next book which I don’t think is out till next year.
Richy Lainson Jr
Terry goodkinds sword of truth is amazing and so far there are twelve books.
Yvonne in California
May I offer -“A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. This is the first book of a trilogy. The second book is due out this summer.
It’s a paranormal love story with all the usual suspects – witches, vampires, demons, etc. There is mystery, intrigue, education, and humor throughout the story. It’s written in a very intelligent manner.
The author is a history professor at University of Southern California. She brings her knowledge of history, magic, wines, etc. into her story. It’s a wonderful read and one that I could not put down until the very last page. Then I got the audio book and listened to the story all over. I can hardly wait until July when the next book come out.
I also agree with the suggestions for “Rebecca” and the Louise Penny series.
Sorcha girl
Inspector Lynley and Sergent Havers of New Scotland Yard mysteries as written by Elizabeth George. This author lives in the Pacific Northwest. “Believing the Lie” is the latest and it is full of twists!
Would not recommend this book for late night reading, however. It is hard to put down her novels. Enjoy!
Marcella in Seattle
Louise Penny is a Canadian author who writes mysteries with wonderful characters and plots. The stories are contemporary, largely set in Three Pines, a small village in Quebec, and her main character is Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Animals are treated well in these books, and you can rely on the author’s gentle humor.
I love every one of her books. (The eighth in the series is coming out in August of this year.) There is just so much to enjoy in every book and a great cast of recurring characters. I think it is a series you can share with your husband. I also recommend the audio books, so you can “read” when your hands are busy.
Her beautiful website is http://www.louisepenny.com/ Her books have been winning prizes and appearing on bestseller lists for years. You won’t regret time spent in Three Pines. And you’ll always come back refreshed!
Shannyn
I love Historical Fiction – Jean Plaidy is my ABSOLUTE Fav…start with the Anne Boleyn “The Lady In The Tower” and then the Elizabethe one.. “Queen of this Realm” and go from there. Phillipa Gregory is a good read too. And my guilty pleasure; the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charmaine Harris.
MeganGK
I read “Before You Go to Sleep” earlier this year and really enjoyed it. It’s a great psychological thriller. Happy Reading!
Claire
Maisie dobb’s , aunt dimity series , penny vincenzi’s Lytton trilogy. Just finished the flight of Gemma hardy which was good ( riff on Jane eyre)
So many books, not enough time!
Stephani in TX
Hi Anne, I recently retired so guess what I am doing after a lifetime of work: Quilting and reading. If I am looking for a book to read, I always think of movies that started out as books. The Help and Water for Elephants were two of the best books I read this year and were also great movies. Another favorite book for me, I am saving to re-read, East of the Mountains. I have just finished two 1000 page epics on Medieval days , Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. Loved the medieval history as well as the connected storylines. Better than TV (with the exception of Downton Abbey) anyday. Lots of comments so I am sure you have plenty of ideas now. Loved the magazine pages you showed, beautiful photography. Stephani in TX (Tomazec@aol.com
Kim
Wow lots of great suggestions…..of course I had to read all the comments and make notes :0). I love listening to a book on CD while I sew and a good reader is a must. I just love the Diane Gabaldon series, the reader is divine. I agree with the John Sandford series with all the mysteries having the word “Prey” in them and the reader is terrific too.., read those in order for great character development. Loved the Guernsey Literary and potato Peel Pie Society”….you’ll be sad when its done. Right now I am reading “the 19th wife” by David Ebershoff, about Mormons from the 19th wife of Brigham Young’s point of view.
Also I don’t know if you use your library but we have a system in place and I bet you do to, where library books and movies can be ordered on-line, then the library sends an email when your order arrives…….all for free :0).
Happy sewing and reading…I have to go order some books now……
Dianne Huling
Here are some of my favorites – all of Emilie Richards books, presently listening to the Shenandoah Album series with the first book being “Wedding Ring”, then “Endless Chain”, “Lover’s Knot”, and more. All of Beverly Lewis’s books are great stories about the Amish communities in PA and Ohio. I also love mysteries. Laura Childs has three different series – The Tea Shop Mysteries, The Scrapbooking Mysteries, and The Cackleberry Mysteries. Another author, M.C. Beaton, has a series of the Agatha Raisin Mysteries. These take place in the Cotswolds in England. I really liked this series and am waiting for the next book to come out. Christy Award finalist, Julie Klassen has written three great books that have good stories with surprising twists and turns in the story lines. I have always been fascinated with ancient Egypt. The Amelia Peabody series written by Elizabeth Peters takes place at the beginning of the 20th century. Amelia and her husband, Emerson, are archaeologists in Egypt and the stories are about their many adventures and discoveries. Last, but not least, is another mystery writter, Les Roberts. I just love his stories. There is an author I recently discovered named Brenda Rickman Vantrease. Her books are “The Illuminator”, “The Mercy Seller”, and “The Heretic’s Wife”. I could not put these books down. The stories are excellent. I think you would enjoy reading any of the books I”ve listed. If you do read any of them, I would love to know what you thought about them. Dianne
Karen CA
I would add John Lescroat to the list. He lives in Davis and his books are set in SF. Someone mentioned Karin Slaughter and I agree with that, have read several of hers. Also, Philip Margolin, Lisa Jackson, Lisa Scottoline or Iris Johansen. I too have read all of Lisa Gardner’s books and always enjoy them. I really enjoy magazines too and it is getting hard to find good ones or they are becoming too expensive. I shop the used book store at my library quite a bit … some great books for 50 cents to a buck. Good luck finding a new author or two.
Tami
This is great I had to get out a pad of paper and write down some of these book titles. I have a magazine to add to the mix if you don’t already know about it. It is Vignette Collectible Inspiration. I did a little write up on my blog and added some photos.
I popped into your shop to buy the Jeanne d Arc Living magazine and could not help myself and added the Madison Table Runner & Dolley’s Garden Quilt patterns to my cart. Thanks for showing a new to me magazine. I love beautiful magazines, a perfect way to relax and enjoy a hot cup of tea.
Sally Williams
I think you would love the Robyn Carr Virgin River series. book 19 is coming out and they are all wonderful. You feel like you live in the town and know the people. And do you read Nora Roberts. They are all good.
Pat
Lately I can’t get enough of Elin Hilderbrand. My love of this author started as a good summer beach read and has gone on from there. If not quilting then reading is the best.
michelle
As I’m new to reading I don’t have a long list but I will read anything by Sandra Dallas and you have got to read the Maise Dobbs mysteries. Love Love to you – got to go and cut out Baby Girl “Tate Michael” ‘s baby quilt out of Ooh La La.
Kay Mc
I just read a good mystery for my book club that is The Last Child by John Hart. It is one of those books that you can hardly put down. Another author that I really like is Lesley Kagan. Her first book Whistling in the Dark was so good. It is a mystery but the main charchter is so funny. I am reading the follow up to that book right now.
Laura
I listen to audio tapes as I walk and also as I sew and quilt. I love series by the same author so when I find one I like I gobble up all the books in a series. By the way these are free in NH through our state library systerm.
My favorites are 3 detective series. Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt, much like Janet Evanovich but a humorous male hero. Barbara Holloway Series by Kate Wilhelm , a savvy lawyer. Masie Dobbs series by Jacquelin Winspear, a series starting in WW1 England with an intriguing female investigator. All are page turners or should I say MP3 rechargers!
Patti O'Donnell
I too love to read and a good mystery is always a way to stay up late turning pages!
Have you read Deborah Crombie’s series Duncan Kincade and Gemma James, excellent! Also another one I can’t not pick up the next installment is Julia Spencer-Flemming, I love this series!!!
To find which one is first you can use this website: http://stopyourekillingme.com/
Of course quilt related the Beni Harper books by Earlene Fowler are light and fun! The one called Seven Sisters was very interesting. I have read some of the Elm Creek series and find I like the historical ones the most.
I also enjoy Karen White’s books. If you have a chance to listen to books you can even work on project and read at the same time. Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver is very good and a great listen at this time of year. I also like to listen each December Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher. Her Shell Seekers is also great, well all that I read by Rosamund has been good. Oh and if you haven’t read The Mists of Avalon it is a must.
Just a few, PattiO
Mandy
I second the Diana Gabaldon Outlander suggestion. And in that same historical fiction/romance genre is Sara Donati’s series beginning with Into the Wilderness ( which is complete now so you don’t have to wait for follow ups to be published).
MeganGK
Both these series are two of my favorites too!!
Nancy in IN
Be sure and read The Help. Excellent
Nancy in IN
I just finished listening to The Women of Ivy Manor by Lyn Cote. Loved. There are four books about the family. Great.
Josie McRazie
I am a very slow reader and I LOVE Allison Brennan books! She normally writes trilogies, but each book can stand alone if you read them out of order! I like The Hunt, The Prey, and The Kill! I am also a HUGE John Saul fan! Have you read the Hunger Games books yet?? I got through each of those in two days! And then reread the first one with my 10 year old son! Currently reading The Penal Colony (it was free for Kindle) but I tell you it is kind of, ummm, not for the light of heart!! There is an awful lot of violence and cruelty in it! But it was free and I am working my way through it!
Ronda
I love to read too! Many of my suggestions are already out there. I dont think I see Mary Kay Andews: Savanah Blues, Little LIes, Deep Dish, Hissy Fit, she has several (all good summer reads) and I love nicolas Sparksl, I am also a sucker for romance and Love Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown Her books usually have suspence sprinkled with a little romance ( the best of both worlds) Now I think I am going to look at the many suggestions for books in your comments (this is fun)
Sunnybec
I like Harlan Coben, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, Karin Slaughter to name but a few. I am getting like you I have read all their books and in need of other authors.
Jenny's Craft Place
I often mention books I have read on my blog. Look for the ‘Reading Material’ image on the left side bar, and you can see what I have enjoyed… or not enjoyed reading :) Happy reading, Jenny
Sally
The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern – is a fantastic read, I also love the Time travellers Wife Audrey Niffeneger, Pillars of the Earth and World without End both by Ken Follett, Phillipa Gregory’s historicl novels and Mark Billingham Thrillers.
I have just finished reading Me BeforeYou which was hard to put down and a good tear jerker.
Happy Reading x
Delcia
I agree with the recommendation of “Rebecca” by Daphne duMaurier. Great story (and I also like the movie–but the book is always better). My all time favorites are “Mrs. Mike” by Benedict and Nancy Freedman and “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas (be sure to get the unabridged version–my old leatherbound copy is 1,200 some pages–Penguin Classics has a 1276 page unabridged paperback for around $10.00 on Amazon). Can you tell I love the book–it’s been that way for over 40 years.
When your little granddaughter gets older, introduce her to the Little Tim books by Edward Ardizzone–even though Tim is a boy, girls love his adventures. That’s my one plug for children’s books.
Marie
Erica spindler will keep you on the edge of your seat…hang on. Also like Stephen White, Catherine Coulter, and Sanra Brown, all great mystery writers weaving “can’t put them down” books. I wasn’t sure about the Hunger Games, but you get caught up in the tale quickly and HAVE to read all three. Enjoy.
Nancy
I love mysteries! Some of the series I love are the Aunt Dimity stories, by Nancy Atherton; the mysteries by Donna Andrews (hilariously funny); and the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries by Carola Dunn. Carola has also begun another series set in Cornwall. I have had the good fortune to meet Carola, and her mysteries are very well researched, and just delightful to read.
Joanne Moore
Oh Gosh do I now have an awesome list!! Forgot to mention…here is a plug for my cousins newest book..The Saint of Florenville by Alfred Garrotto…Thank you everyone for my new book list!
Sue Roberts
Hi Anne,
If you’re looking for a great series, my recommendation would be the “Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon. I think there are seven books to date, with each book around 1000 pages long, so they are a good substantial read. I couldn’t put them down, once I started reading them. Take heed though, they are thoroughly addictive (almost as bad as my fabric addiction, lol !) I’ve reread them four times now, and I’m sure the fifth is in the near future. If you decide to venture into this series, do try to read them in order (listing can be easily obtained on internet)…makes it so much easier if one starts at the beginning of this wonderful story.
Joanne Moore
All books by Dorthea Benton Frank are marvelous! Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese is a different genre but a cant put down book. Quite a read! I am a John Jakes fan if you like Historical fiction. I listened to almost all of Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series while quilting. I need to catch up on the last two. have you seen the movie? Hope it will be on Netflix soon! looking forward to reading everyones responses to add to my book list as well!
Ellie
Sue Grafton and Debbie Maccomber are favorites of mine too. But my very favorite of all time is the mystery by Daphne duMauria called “Rebecca”. It is an OLD classic and a bit hard to find but worth the hunt. It was done in an old black and white classic movie….but read the book first. And then the book September by Rosamonde Pilcher is a wonderful story that you will not want to put down…not mystery but a wonderful read.