Reading Roundup #37: Bickering Ever After

Hello! I am back! It’s been a strange couple of weeks but with lots of reading – so much, in fact, that I’m cutting out a few titles I don’t have much to say about and just focusing on the good stuff. Because, much as I love dragging a book that deserves to be dragged, sometimes I just want to praise the things that made me happy. And there was plenty to please this week!

Murder Must Advertise (Lord Peter Wimsey #8) by Dorothy L. Sayers: I’ve enjoyed every book in the series so far, but Murder Must Advertise is easily my favorite yet! Lord Peter goes undercover in an ad agency this time, and spending time with his colorful coworkers there was such fun. Sayers really brought out the energy of a bustling agency and the little quirks and office politics that you encounter in the workplace. My only regret is that there’s no Harriet Vane in this one (only a light allusion), but honestly, there wasn’t room for yet another larger than life character. Overall, an excellent entry in the Wimsey series, as well as a delightful novel in its own right.

Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Cecelia and Kate #1) by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer: I’d never heard of this one until a book club friend picked it, and I was utterly charmed! Kate and Cecelia are two clever, practical young women who suddenly find themselves in the middle of a magical mystery and set out to untangle everything with good sense and, okay, occasional over-enthusiasm. (Don’t ask why I’m so alliterative today! I don’t know!) The novels combines many of my favorite things – humor, romance, mystery, Regency England, an epistolary format, etc. – and I couldn’t get enough. I’m already looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

Battle Royal (Palace Insiders #1) by Lucy Parker: This book is so adorable and cute, but it also has a lot of heart and depth. All of these characters have experienced some form of deep loss, and their grief and love brought tears to my eyes. Aaaaaand then someone would get covered in exploding glitter, and I’d be laughing again. The royals themselves weren’t my favorite element, but there’s a lot to love here, and I can’t wait for Pet’s story in the upcoming sequel.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown (The Brown Sisters #3) by Talia Hibbert: In a week of good books, this was an extra good book! I’ve enjoyed all of the Brown Sisters books, but Act Your Age, Eve Brown is easily my new favorite. It still deals with some heavy topics, but Hibbert has a firmer control over the tone here, and it never veers too far into melodrama. Instead, it’s light and bubbly with the occasional lull for quiet contemplation. And the leads are both equally endearing in this one – Evie, who was always my least favorite Brown sister, is now my precious darling who can do no wrong. Let there be no doubt: this is a keeper!

Highland Guard #6+9 by Monica McCarty: I think the reason I enjoy this series so much, in spite of the fact that some of these characters and relationships scream for therapy (and maybe even a few restraining orders, lol) is because the characters mess up really badly… but then, they really suffer for it. I will put up with quite a bit if the wrongdoer has a harsh reckoning and has to do some major groveling to make up for it. And boyyyyy, do these fools suffer! Muahahahaha!

So, that’s my latest literary adventures. What have you been up to while I was away? Do you have any good books you just need to rave about? Or do you have thoughts on the ones reviewed above? Let me know, and let’s get bookish!

–b