Book Beginnings: Knot of This World

Knot of This World
by Mary Marks

Kensington Publishing, July 2020

Opening Lines

"Birdie!" I rushed forward to embrace my friend.
My seventy-something friend had dyed a turquoise streak in her long, white hair, which undulated through the weave of the braid hanging over her shoulder.

About the Book

Number 8 in the Quilting Mystery series. Quilter Martha Rose must patch together the clues to solve the murder of a cult leader in the California mountains.

Initial Thoughts

Here I am, once again jumping into a long-running series without having read a single one of the earlier books. I keep promising myself I won't do that, and I keep right on doing it.

But this series has been pretty easy to pick up on. Not too much detail about prior "cases" and the characters have (for the most part) been fun to get to know. So I'm having a good time reading this one.

One of the nicest things about the book (and actually one of the main reasons I chose it) is that most of the characters are older — what used to be called senior citizens before 2020 when they just started calling us "the elderly." It's gratifying to find a book with a few characters over 70 who aren't at death's door or lost in a fog of dementia. Very refreshing.

Have a good weekend, everyone.
Stay safe. Stay calm. And happy reading!

Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday.  As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc.  It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.

Book Beginnings: Nothing to Report

Nothing to Report

by Carola Oman

(first published 1940)

Opening Lines

The moment that Miss Morrison woke up she felt that something pleasant was going to happen today. 

About the Book

Unmarried and nicknamed “Button” by her friends, Mary Morrison is a (very mildly) distressed gentlewoman. She no longer lives in her family home, but remains at the very centre of village life, surrounded by friends including carefree, irresponsible Catha, Lady Rollo, just back from India and setting up lavish housekeeping nearby with her husband and children—socialist Tony, perfect Crispin, and Elizabeth who’s preparing to be presented at Court. Then there’s Marcelle, Mary’s widowed sister-in-law, and her challenging daughter Rosemary, who may soon be planting themselves with her to escape London bombs, Miss Rosanna Masquerier, a historical novelist who might just be a wry self-portrait of the author, and an array of other Sirs and Ladies who rely on Mary’s sympathy and practicality. And perhaps there’s just a hint of romance as well.

Initial Thoughts

Wouldn't it be wonderful to wake up that way? Usually the first thing I think when I wake up in the morning is — which part of my body is going to fall apart today?

I've been looking for something diverting to read, something that I'll actually stick with and finish. Lately, I've been having a LOT of trouble with that. Just can't seem to stay with any one book for very long. I've never read anything by Carola Oman before, but she's been recommended as a "Barbara Pym-ish" author, so I'm hoping this one will keep me reading.

Have a good weekend, everyone.
Stay safe. Stay calm. And happy reading!

Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday.  As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc.  It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.

Book Beginnings: The Jane Austen Society

The Jane Austen Society
by Natalie Jenner
St. Martin's Press, May 2020

Opening Lines

Clawton, Hampshire

June 1932

He lay back on the low stone wall, knees pulled up, and stretched out his spine against the rock. The birdsong pierced the early-morning air in little shrieks that hammered at his very skull. Lying there, still, face turned flat upwards to the sky, he could feel death all around him in the small church graveyard. 

About the Book

A heartbreaking and uplifting novel of hope, loss and love.

It’s only a few months since the war ended but the little village of Chawton is about to be hit by another devastating blow. The heart of the community and site of Jane Austen’s cherished former home, Chawton estate is in danger of being sold to the highest bidder.

Eight villagers are brought together by their love for the famous author’s novels, to create The Jane Austen Society. As new friendships form and the pain of the past begins to heal, surely they can find a way to preserve Austen’s legacy before it is too late?

Initial Thoughts

I guess my first thought is that we've got a really depressing opening there. But the book is supposed to be "uplifting," so I'm assuming (and hoping) it gets some uplift pretty quick.

I received an advance copy of Natalie Jenner's debut novel several months ago, but had to put it on hold in order to finish up a few other books. So I'm getting to it a little late. (Yeah, like that never happens around here!)

This one's a little out of my comfort zone — lately, I've been reading mysteries and suspense novels almost exclusively. But variety is a good thing, right? Not sure how long I'll stick with it, but I'm eager to make a start.

Have a good weekend, everyone.
Stay safe. Stay calm. And happy reading!

Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday.  As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc.  It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.