I’m playing catch-up this week because the past two weeks were so Much that I had no energy for blogging. But my brain seems to be recovering, so while I have its attention, let’s review! It’s a bit of mixed bag this week, but all of these stories have one of my favorite things in common: Longing! If you want to keep me happy, just give me soulful glances and fleeting touches all day, every day. And then give me a spectacularly happy ending to reward my patience!
Lady Sherlock #2-4 by Sherry Thomas: If you could convert longing into energy, charge of emotion and attraction between Charlotte Holmes (even if she doesn’t quite understand the emotional part) and Lord Ingram could easily power a small city. Their awareness is tangible, their affection warm and familiar, with occasional glimpses of playfulness that make me sigh. They are also both incredibly smart and capable individuals, and you know I live for competency porn. All in all, if you like twisty mysteries, complicated slow burn romance, and found family, you really should be reading the Lady Sherlock books.
Inés of My Soul by Isabel Allende: My enjoyment for Allende’s detail and imagery was undercut by my total detachment from the characters. Not surprising, given the decades of complicated history she crams into a few hundred pages, that there isn’t room for satisfying character work, but still. The heroine is constantly impressive, when a little weakness would have helped me sympathize more. All the same, a fascinating look at the Spanish conquest of Chile.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho: Another zippy, entertaining fantasy from Zen Cho! This fantasy novella drops you right in on the action and does some impressive world-building in a brief amount of time. I may not have connected emotionally, but it was a fun, easy read — and it made me laugh, which is always appreciated!
A Room With a View by E.M. Forster: Oh, Forster. How I love you — and never more so than when I’m rereading this masterful portrait of youth and growing pains. After reading A Room With a View for the first time last year, it quickly rose through the ranks of the my favorite books of all time. It is poignant and tender, raw and messy, and filled with timeless wisdom.
What books do you like to reread? What do you turn to for wisdom and comfort? And what are your favorite books filled with romantic longing? I’m always looking for more, so let me know!
—b
Book It With Becca 