Retro Reads discussion

Susan in NC wrote: "Well, sorting through the pool, I realized I’ve read several of the pool books within the last couple years, and can’t find several of the others - but some of them I’d like to read are available o..."

You won't renew your subscription, Susan?

Lesley wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Well, sorting through the pool, I realized I’ve read several of the pool books within the last couple years, and can’t find several of the others - but some of them I’d like to ..."

I don’t think so, I have had tech problems, and a customer support person told me they no longer support iPad which is what I use (or something, it was over a year ago and I’m a Luddite, don’t remember exactly what she said, but got the impression the tech issues would continue!) it’s been pretty good since it changed names to Everand (no tech problems), so I’ll decide in march whether to keep it monthly or use Kindle unlimited (I’m currently using a free trial)

#6 with book 7 The Mystery of the Kneeling Woman by Moray Dalton.

Finished yesterday, February 14, 4 stars for this melodramatic GA mystery - mystery is my favorite genre, preferably historical or GA, and it’s what I read most often. This was packed full of every cheesy plot device I can think of, but also a reflection of the very real and horrific toll the First World War took on Britain, leading to four murders almost 20 years after the Armistice. Also fears of the brewing second war to come.

Here’s a link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

#5

I've finished the 4th book from my selections: Near Neighbours by Molly Clavering. I join the chorus of voices who sing this book's praises. I fell in love with the characters and was delighted by the celebration of kindness and faith in each other. A new fave.

Susan in NC wrote: "#6 with book 7 The Mystery of the Kneeling Woman by Moray Dalton.

Finished yesterday, February 14, 4 stars ..."

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Susan, it was one of my picks and I'm really looking forward to reading it!

I love GA mysteries, I’ve read a few of Dalton’s, and another of my groups was reading this one in April, so win-win for me! Thanks for your choice. Plus, so many of the pool books this year are unavailable, or I’ve already read, so I was grateful for one I could get hold of and wanted to read! ;o)

Added for you Susan & Sharon.

Can everyone check I have their totals right? I've been offline a few days. :)

Thanks Carol, my numbers look right, glad you’re back online!

Hi, I'm just now joining the book pool, so I don't have a number yet. My first book finished is Near Neighbours, which I enjoyed very much. Thanks! Joanne

Oh, that’s a favorite here, Joanne, glad you enjoyed it too!

Joanne wrote: "Hi, I'm just now joining the book pool, so I don't have a number yet. My first book finished is Near Neighbours, which I enjoyed very much. Thanks! Joanne"

Hi there Joanne

I've added your name to the list - you are number 20. & if you wouldn't mind adding the date finished when you finish a read - it does help me keep track.

#7: book 1 - finished 17/2/24
Fraulein Schmidt and Mr Anstruther 4*s

Elizabeth von Arnim is one of my favourite authors I did really like this one, but it's not right up there with her best. I loved watching Rose-Marie grow as a person, and there are some really lovely descriptions of the landscape around her.

Oh, good to know, one of the few books I could get that I haven’t already read!

Thanks Carol! #20 finished Near Neighbors, my first book, on Feb. 18th. Besides enjoying all the characters, especially the great variety of sisters, I feel like I know Miss Balfour's house interior enough to sketch it, ha ha.

Tania wrote: "#7: book 1 - finished 17/2/24
Fraulein Schmidt and Mr Anstruther 4*s

Elizabeth von Arnim is one of my favourite authors I did really like this one, but it's not right..."

I read Vera by the author and whilst a darker novel I really enjoyed it.

Surprised it doesn't get more acclaim

No 19

Book 10

Portrait of Jennie - lovely little book.

Wouldn't have come across it if not for the group.

#7 book 2: finished 23/2/24
Sugar Candy Cottage - 3*s

I did quite enjoy this when I was actually reading it, but I found it a bit more 'romancy' than I would have liked - and those bits a bit too saccharine. I liked the slight mystery aspect, which kept me reading, but I think it's pretty forgettable ultimately. Entertaining whilst reading though.

Tania wrote: "#7 book 2: finished 23/2/24
Sugar Candy Cottage - 3*s

I did quite enjoy this when I was actually reading it, but I found it a bit more 'romancy' than I would have liked - and those..."

Cadell's romances are usually not resolved this early in the book. I was surprised a bit, as I expected the heroine to take longer to make her decision.

Ah. I read some of hers where the romance wasn't at the forefront. I liked it, and it was great for right now, but I think there is a time and place for her for me.

Added both your books Tania (& congrats on getting on board!) Added your latest book Cphe. :)

#14

Book #4 - The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol

No 19

Book 11

Sugar Candy Cottage felt a tad let down with this - perhaps not the book to start with.

Cphe wrote: "No 19

Book 11

Sugar Candy Cottage felt a tad let down with this - perhaps not the book to start with."

This is definitely an atypical Cadell . My first, that got me hooked on her books, was I Love a Lass, also known as Bridal Array.

Carol, do you still want us to give you dates read and ratings, or is it better to just give the book name? Thanks, don’t want to add to the clutter!

Carol She's So Novel ꧁꧂ wrote: "Added both your books Tania (& congrats on getting on board!) Added your latest book Cphe. :)"

Thank you.

Susan in NC wrote: "Carol, do you still want us to give you dates read and ratings, or is it better to just give the book name? Thanks, don’t want to add to the clutter!"

I would prefer the date at least - it really helped last year when I got off track. If people don't want to give a star rating that is up to them.

Ok, thanks for clarifying

Cphe book added.

Mela have I gone off track? I only show you as having read 2 books?

Edit; Yes I had gone off track. Corrected now to show you as having read 4 books.

#14

Book #5 - The Innocents by Margery Sharp

What did you think, Mela? I have found Sharp’s books hit or Miss for me!

Mela wrote: "#14

Book #5 - The Innocents by Margery Sharp"

Added this book to your total, Mela.

#10 reporting: I finished book #2, “Lucy Gayheart” by Willa Cather today. A 5-star read for me!

I didn’t know much more than it was about a small-town girl from Nebraska who goes to Chicago before I started reading it. But it was the perfect time to pick it up! Much of the book is set during the winter with descriptions of biting winds, crunching snow, dove-colored lakes, etc., it took me right back to many winters lived in the Midwest. But as in other books, Cather shines describing the ways of youth, from their ignorance to their pride and therein lies the difficulty of a happy ending.

Even so, a very satisfying read.

Lovely, Kate! I grew up in Chicago with those winters, but they seem to be growing rare…you’ve made this sound intriguing, thanks!

#5

Newbie question: do we report on books we read from the pool or just those we agreed to read in our own list?

I read The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and loved it! A beautiful inter-generational character study with nature writing that reminded me of the years I lived on The Outer Banks in Kitty Hawk.

Sharon wrote: "#5

Newbie question: do we report on books we read from the pool or just those we agreed to read in our own list?"

Sharon --one reports on every book one reads from the whole pool!One reason for the pool is to bring a lot of books to the attention of the group's readers, in hope that each of us can find books we will enjoy. And if several of us end up enjoying the same book, all the better for discussions.

Barb in Maryland wrote: "Sharon wrote: "#5

Newbie question: do we report on books we read from the pool or just those we agreed to read in our own list?"

Sharon --one reports on every book one reads from the whole pool!O..."

Thank you, Barb! This is what I thought, and I've certainly been collecting titles from the pool, but it is so nice to have certainty.

Sharon wrote: "#5

Newbie question: do we report on books we read from the pool or just those we agreed to read in our own list?

I read The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and loved it! A beautiful inter-generation..."
Oh, Outer Banks, lucky duck! Well, except for hurricane and tourist season (luckily they somewhat overlap, you could flee to avoid them!)

Sounds like a beautiful read, thanks for sharing.

Sharon wrote: "#5

Newbie question: do we report on books we read from the pool or just those we agreed to read in our own list?

I read The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and loved it! A beautiful inter-generation..."

So is this read #3 for you Tania?

I might get a second pair of eyes to look at the rules of this challenge next year (if everyone is still keen!) - just to make sure they are completely clear. :)

I probably won't be around much for the next few days as I have two different lots of guests coming, so I will catch up when I get back. :)

Carol She's So Novel ꧁꧂ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "#5

Newbie question: do we report on books we read from the pool or just those we agreed to read in our own list?

I read The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and loved it! A beautiful i..."

Hi Carol,

Sharon #5 here.

Not sure about Tania, but I posted about having read The Summer Book. It was the fifth book (5) for me.

I hope you have a lovely time with your company.

Oh sorry (& sorry Tania) All go here!

#3
Book #3 The 39 Steps finished Feb 29,2024.
And a happy Leap Day to one and all.
Very much a Boys Own Adventure in its prose, but the underlying story is riveting and quite serious. 3 or 4 stars--I haven't quite decided yet.

That one was fun, wasn’t it? Escapist, I know, but fun!

Carol She's So Novel ꧁꧂ wrote: "Oh sorry (& sorry Tania) All go here!"

No worries, I'm still on 2 books. 😊

Added your books Sharon & Barb.

I may not be around much for the next couple of days, but note down here if I've missed anyone!

#6 with book 8, the hefty but engrossing The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton. 4.5 stars, finished March 2.

Really enjoyed this, my first Seton novel, won’t be my last, here’s my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Susan in NC wrote: "#6 with book 8, the hefty but engrossing The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton. 4.5 stars, finished March 2.

Really enjoyed this, m..."

My favorite Seton is Dragonwyck.

Thank you, I’ve heard Katherine from a few people, good to hear other titles are worth a look! I just reread the summary page, sounds very intriguing.

#20 here finished my second book, Fog of Doubt on March 3rd. I could see some strong points but it was not my cuppa, so two stars.

Peggy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "#6 with book 8, the hefty but engrossing The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton. 4.5 stars, finished March 2.

Re..."

Katharine is the one I read in high school/college and which inspired me to put Seton in this year's pool. Glad to hear that you liked it (and that Dragonwyck is a good option as well!).

Added your books Susan & Joanne.

& I loved Katherine! We had it as a group read in 2017.

If anyone wants to use those threads for their own read, feel free!