What I've Been Reading - January 2017

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my (quick and personal) thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. For specifics (plot summary, etc.) about each book, click on the provided links.

The Earl's Betrothal (Regency Romance)by Karen Tuft (4 stars)

A simple Regency Romance. I fall for them almost every time. This one was no different.

The Hundred Dressesby Eleanor Estes (4 stars)

The Hundred Dresses won a Newbery Honor in 1945 and I absolutely can see why. The story is timeless and beautiful, as are the illustrations. A must read for children and adults. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Growth - a Newbery Award Winner or Honor book)

Secrets of a Charmed Lifeby Susan Meissner (4 stars)

I can't help myself. I am drawn to beautiful covers. Thankfully, the book was as good as its cover. A Historical Fiction, it was a page-turner for me. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Fun - a book you chose for the cover)

Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton (Historical Proper Romance)by Josi S Kilpack (4 stars)

Another beautiful cover. I knew nothing of the courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton. Well researched, this Historical Fiction made me fall in love with the two of them.

Lady Helen Finds Her Songby Jennifer Moore (3 stars)

Another simple Regency Romance. I enjoyed this one, but not quite as much as others I have read.

84, Charing Cross Roadby Helene Hanff (4 stars)

So many beautiful covers this month! This book is a book for book-lovers. A collection of letters spanning thirty years sent between an American author and an English bookstore owner. I didn't realize until the very end that the letters were real! That fact made me want to start over from the beginning and re-read every letter. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Fun - a book about books or reading)

Evangeline; A Tale of Acadie (Classic Edition)by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (4 stars)

After reading of Longfellow and Appleton's courtship, I had to read one of his poems. This one, clocking in at around eighty pages, did not disappoint, which surprised me, as I am not a huge fan of poetry. I was outright crying by the end. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Growth - a book of poetry, a play or an essay collection)

Winter Gardenby Kristin Hannah (4 stars)

After devouring Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, I knew I needed to check out her back catalog. Though not as good as The Nightingale, this was very, very good. When thinking of this Historical Fiction, the words "hauntingly beautiful" come to mind. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Fun - a book in the backlist of a new favorite author)

News of the World: A Novelby Paulette Jiles (5 stars)

My first 5 star book of the year and one I will be recommending over and over. I loved this little Western. Though it is physically little, it is big on heart. I truly loved it! (MMD Book Club pick)

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belongingby Sebastian Junger (4 stars)

A fascinating read and a great companion to News of the World. Probes themes of community, trials and comfort. (MMD Book Club flight pick)