Nov 27, 2015

Yikes! Only 27 sleeps!

Well wow, it's my turn to blog today and I'm sorry to say I'm a little late getting to it.

There was me thinking I was organised and up to date...apologies!

It seems as if there's no escape- everyone I meet is asking if I'm ready for Christmas...er, no.
I drove past a hairdresser's today and the sign proudly told me we only had 27 sleeps. I'm completely and utterly unprepared. Like...nothing.

Idling away an hour today (I had to be out of the house because we were having it sprayed for insects) in a book shop I saw some interesting books that I wanted to buy and that got me to thinking about some of the good books I've read recently...

Books are always very handy for Christmas presents so I hoped we could share some good ones-not necessarily romance- that we've read this year? Series are always good--get hooked on one book and you're sorted for your next few books too!

For anyone: I'm currently reading Career Of Evil by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling) which is the 3rd in the Cormoran Strike detective series. I love the way Galbraith writes so fluidly and with a lot of description. These detective books are like old fashioned cosy, mysteries. They all feature an enigmatic detective (Cormoran) ands woman sidekick, Robin. Their relationship develops slowly through the three books as they work together to solve murder cases. the first one was about a famous actress who had been found, allegedly having fallen from a balcony. The second was about a crazed author and his publishing company/agent..and this third one taxes the intrepid two as they try to work out who has sent them a severed leg through the mail (ugh)...why, who it belongs to and who did the chopping!





For men: My husband is reading Book Four in the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series.  The Girl In The Spiders Web was 'ghost' written, as Stieg Larsson died having only completed half of it. The Doc reckons it's a little slow to star with (I seem to remember all the books from the series were like that)...but a quarter of the way through he's thoroughly enjoying it. All four of these books set out to solve murders with the girl with the dragon tattoo, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomqvist.





For romance lovers: I've just finished reading Sarah Morgan's Puffin Island series which I absolutely adored... 3 best friends find love on an island in Maine. *Le sigh*... As always Morgan writes with heart and emotion and her stories are always fun. First Time In Forever is the first book in the series and features Emily who is hiding from the media as she takes her newly acquired charge, niece to Puffin Island so she can learn how to be a parent...falling in love with local Ryan is not part of the plan. 2nd book, Some Kind of Wonderful features a second chance romance between pilot Zach and archaeologist Brittany. 3rd book, Christmas Ever After features jewellery designer Skylar and TV documentary heart throb Alec--who hate each other on first sight.


For Writers: Word Menu is a fabulous book for any writer where word reference is organised by subject matter. This means if you're writing about a soldier- just look up the word soldier and every word associated with a soldier is all under one section. makes life a LOT easier.







May I also be so bold as to recommend two cheeky stocking fillers??  Both out on Dec 1st we have the Hot Christmas Nights boxset...7 amazing stories by your very own Love Cat authors...

Plus, Her Doctor's Secret Proposal which is part of the Midwives-On-Call at Christmas series... both by yours truly.









Any suggestions for Christmas gifts / books?


14 comments:

  1. Hi Louisa

    Firstly may I congratulate you all on The Boxed set wow Ladies they are all wonderful stories that I loved and highly recommend :) and I am very much looking forward to you next medical :)

    I have heard the Galbraith books are good and I have also read First Time Forever which I loved and I have the other 2 waiting for me :) but seeing as how I only read romance or woman's fiction can I suggest Barbara Hannay's The Secret Years fabulous story and also Rachael John's The Patterson Girls such a great story

    Woohoo Ladies

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Oh, Helen, thank you so much. I'm so glad you enjoyed the boxset and I really hope you enjoy the medical!! I haven't read any of Rachael John's books- I know, I know...I WILL. Thank you for the recommendations, they are on my TBB pile (to be bought)!!

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  2. Louisa, I'm so looking forward to the LoveCats BoxSet arriving! Only 4 sleeps to go now!

    Thanks for the recommendations! Some to add to my to-get list. And especially tempting for me is the Random House Word Menu - the idea of this is just so completely seductive! MUST have one on my book shelf SOON!

    Anna Campbell has introduced me to a few fabulous not-strictly romance books/series recently. One of them is the Aunt Dimity Mysteries by Nancy Atherton. There's something so comforting about reading one when the world is going slightly crazy and I want a little escape. And there's Julie Spencer Fleming's books which are awesome too - though not as comfortable! And Nevada Barr - brilliant but sometimes very uncomfortable!

    So many fabulous books, so little reading time! LOL

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    1. So many fabulous books indeed!! I have written down your recommendations and am collating a list for for my family...hint hint and all that....

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  3. Books, books and more books would be my pick. But I'm married to a non reader and the same goes for my daughter's partner. We have bought tickets to a UB40 concert for each other and the kids. The grandies are getting books, and toys, and treats, and ... We spoil them. It's grandparents' prerogative.

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    1. I love the idea of a concert as a gift, Sue! UB40 will be brilliant- what a fabulous treat!
      It absolutely is a grandparent's prerogative to spoil the kiddies-what fun you'll have at Christmas!!!! xxx

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  4. I like the look of that Word Menu book, Louisa!

    I haven't turned my attention to Xmas shopping yet as still have a to do list a mile long before I get to shopping but I did go to a jewellery party the other day and picked up a couple of nice things for the in-laws, so I have started!

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    1. You're clearly one step ahead of me with the jewellery, Jen. I must start my list!!! The word menu book is fab! You know when you want to add a couple of thematic references to your story...? Such a great help!

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  5. I love that Word Menu, Louisa.

    I've just finished Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I'd definitely recommend that one for the writers among us. The Jackson Brodie books by Kate Atkinson are sure to please anyone who likes brilliantly written mystery. And just for a bit of quirk -- the Village Vets Australia is a marvelous insider look into the world of being a vet.

    One of the best things about Christmas is new books, don't you think? :-)

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    1. I saw the Big Magic book in the store today and remembered you'd mentioned it, Michelle. Elizabeth Gilbert is coming to NZ in Feb and giving a talk at my local theatre...and I'm AWAY!!! AAArrghh!! I'd love to see her!
      I read some Kate Atkinson a few years ago and enjoyed them...I must get my hands on her mysteries!! Thanks for the recommendation!

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  6. Hi Louisa, I love the Robert Galbraith books, have read all three. Have The Girl in the Spider's Web but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Everyone I recommend I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes to loves it. My husband loved it too. I haven't even thought about Christmas shopping yet, though!

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    1. oooh, I haven't heard of I Am Pilgrim, Kandy- thanks for the info, I'll take a look at that- always looking for interesting things for hubby to read.

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  7. I have the first book by Robert Galbraith on my shelf, thinking it might be a good holiday read!

    Hmm suggestions. I read Dark Places by Gillian Flynn last month and thoroughly enjoyed it! Great for fans of twisty, turn-y mysteries and thrillers.

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    1. Yes, jump in to the Robert Galbraith mysteries, they're good.
      I read Gone Girl and have Dark Places on my book club TBR shelf, but haven't managed to get to it yet- I'll move it up on your recommendation!

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