I've been procrastinating getting things done around the house by reading too much (is there such a thing as reading too much?), but I've got to start getting ready for my parents to visit. Here is my list of recent reads: 78. Never Wager Against Love, by Maureen Driscoll (Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire) 79. Never Deny Your Heart, by Maureen Driscoll (Leicestershire, London, West Midlands) 80. Never Run From Love, by Maureen Driscoll (London) 81. Never Turn Away, by Maureen Driscoll (London, Oxfordshire) 82. When Gods Die, by C.S. Harris (London, Sussex) 5 stars - I am really enjoying this series 83. Mortal Arts, by Anna Lee Huber - I love the Lady Darby series! 5 stars 84. Tennyson's Gift, by Lynne Truss (Isle of Wight) - I only stuck with this one because I didn't have any other Isle of Wight books. "Absurd" is the only word that I can find to describe it, and I don't mean that in a good way. 85. A Grave Matter, by Anna Lee Huber (Northumberland, Scotland) - 5 stars 86. A Crimson Warning, by Tasha Alexander (London) - I like Lady Emily better now that she's gotten over some of her insecurities, and I also appreciate that she and Colin have developed a good working relationship *cough*Julia and Brisbane*cough* 87. The Lost Duke of Wyndham, by Julia Quinn (Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Ireland) - this book and the following one are the same story told from two different perspectives. 88. Mr. Cavendish, I Presume, by Julia Quinn (Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Ireland) 89. The Dark Enquiry, by Deanna Raybourn (London) - finished up this series, as well as the novellas, which are short and silly. 90. Why Mermaids Sing, by C.S. Harris (Hertfordshire, Kent, London) - this was a fantastic story and was going to be 5 stars until I got to the daytime soap opera type drama at the end. 91. Only Beloved, by Mary Balogh (Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, London) - finished this series, which I generally liked. 92. The Autumn Bride, by Anne Gracie (Devonshire, London) 93. Love and Other Scandals, by Caroline Linden (London) 94. Where Serpents Sleep, by C.S. Harris (London) - 5 stars, but I caught a continuity error towards the end. Sebastian is identifying victims of the killer in this book, and names some characters from the previous book. One of the characters mentioned was actually killed by Sebastian in a fight toward the end of Why Mermaids Sing. I am definitely not on Team Kat. 95. A Study in Death, by Anna Lee Huber (Scotland) - 5 stars 96. One Night in London, by Caroline Linden (London)

Another Northumberland book - The Heiress of Linn Hagh is only $1.99 on Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Heiress-Linn-Detective-Lavender-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00QKUW8WM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1524762999&sr=1-1 Sorry for the big link. It's the only way I could make it work on my phone.

Spike!!! We have the audio book of The Importance of Being Earnest starring him.

For Northumbria I read Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare, and A Night Like This by Julia Quinn. For Isle of Wight I am currently reading Tennyson's Gift by Lynne Truss, which I am having to read slowly because I find it to be so absurd. I think that this will be the first time that I have been on the bus at the correct place and time! I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning today reading the first Lady Darby book - I couldn't put it down, definitely a 5! Although I've only read the first book, I already like her so much better than Lady Emily and Lady Julia Grey. I like that she has an individual identity/passion other than bland Victorian society widow who decides to be an inquiry agent because she's bored. I also started the Sebastian St. Cyr series, and really like that as well. I've got #2 for both series sitting here waiting for me. In last week's thread, someone (I think aggieamy) asked me if I have one particular audio book to listen to when dealing with middle of the night wakefulness. I don't, but in the past I did use North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell for this purpose, and may try that again. I also often listen to a podcast of daily liturgical readings, because the voice is so soothing. Recent reading: 65. A Night Like This, by Julia Quinn (Berkshire, London, Northumberland) 66. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, by Jennifer Ashley (London, Scotland) Hero has Asperger's - interesting read. 67. A Plague on Both Your Houses, by Susanna Gregory (Cambridgeshire) Good medieval mystery. I probably won't read any more because my libraries don't have this series, and I don't want to keep buying them as I won't re-read. 68. The Soldier, by Grace Burrowes (Yorkshire) 69. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage, by Jennifer Ashley (Kent, London, Scotland, S. Yorkshire) 70. Secrets of a Summer Night, by Lisa Kleypas (Hampshire, London) I did a lot of skimming - didn't really care for this one, although it was well-written. 71. What Angels Fear, by C.S. Harris (London) I am looking forward to reading more of this series. 72. Red Adam's Lady, by Grace Ingram (?) The location is described as being 40 miles from York, it is on the coast, and the characters watch the sun rise over the water in one scene. Based on that it could be either N. Yorkshire or Humberside. I'm leaning toward Humberside so that I can use it as a wild card ;) A good medieval historical fiction. It seems to more accurately depict male and female roles and interactions than other medieval romance-type books. For that reason it could be unsettling for some, as the hero and heroine meet when he is drunk and thinks she is a peasant girl, and intends to treat her as such (she doesn't get the option to refuse, until she knocks him unconscious). 73. The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn (London, Sussex) 74. Lady Fortescue Steps Out, by Marion Chesney (London) meh 75. A Counterfeit Betrothal, by Mary Balogh (Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, London) 76. The Notorious Rake, by Mary Balogh (London) 77. The Anatomist's Wife, by Anna Lee Huber (Scotland) Loved this!

Sure, here's my current sip list (* denotes audiobook): *Doomsday Book, by Connie Willis *The History of Ancient Rome, Great Courses *Living History: Experiencing Great Events of the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, Great Courses *The Two Towers, by JRR Tolkien (car read-aloud with kids) Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset (Nunnally translation) Theology of the Body in Simple Language, Pope John Paul II How To Read Literature Like a Professor, by Thomas C. Foster Audio books are usually listened to on the treadmill, and occasionally while making dinner. I would make more progress if I exercised more often...

Ah, middle-of-the-night-wakefulness...I keep my earbuds next to the bed so that I can sneak some audiobook time in that situation, as DH will wake up if I try to read my Kindle. Christopher Eccleston is my First Doctor as well. (picture hearts or a swooning emoticon here) A warning about his role in 28 Days Later - it is very disturbing, possibly a trigger for some. I much prefer him with Rose and the Tardis.

I ended up purchasing a used copy A Plague on Both Your Houses because I couldn't find it in a library or Kindle, and I was (am!) very keen to read it. I found mine at Better World Books, which has a UK branch. I left off county info for The Escape (Durham, Wales) and The Heir (London, Yorkshire?).

Checking in - I've had trouble concentrating on anything more difficult than fluff romances lately, and I hope that my brain returns soon. 46. One Night for Love, Mary Balogh (Dorset, London) 47. Silent in the Grave, Deanna Raybourn (London) - great opening sentences! "To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor." 48. Romancing the Duke, Tessa Dare (Northumberland) - a very silly, quick read 49. When a Scot Ties the Knot, Tessa Dare (Sussex, Scotland) - same series as Romancing the Duke, less silly, but still a quick read 50. Silent in the Sanctuary, Deanna Raybourn (Sussex) - I thought that this was the best of the series, but they are all very good 51. The Proposal, Mary Balogh (Cornwall, Dorset, London) - a reversal of the non-noble woman swept away by noble man, plus this series (Survivors) explores the lasting damage of the Napoleonic wars. 52. The Arrangement, Mary Balogh (Gloucestershire, London, Somerset) 53. A Summer to Remember, Mary Balogh (Hampshire, London) 54. The Escape, Mary Balogh 55. The Heir, Grace Burrowes 56. Dangerous to Know, Tasha Alexander 57. Silent on the Moor, Deanna Raybourn (London, Yorkshire) 58. Only Enchanting, Mary Balogh (Gloucestershire, London, Sussex) 59. Someone to Hold, Mary Balogh (Somerset) - the author took an unlikable secondary character from the first book, showed her journey of self-reflection and growth, and made her lovable 60. Face Down in the Marrow-Bone Pie, by Kathy Lynn Emerson (Kent, Lancashire, Manchester) 61. Only a Promise, Mary Balogh (London, Sussex) 62. Dark Road to Darjeeling, Deanna Raybourn 63. Only a Kiss, Mary Balogh (Cornwall, London) 64. Just Like Heaven, Julia Quinn (Cambridgeshire, London) *Red Shoe on Cover Challenge* - a fun, light-hearted book. I intend to read more in this series. I am enjoying the Survivors series by Mary Balogh, and thought that Imogen's story in "Only a Kiss" was pretty powerful. Conversely, I am wearying of young, beautiful, and widowed Victorian Lady sleuths, and especially of Lady Julia and Brisbane's relationship, so I will be taking a break from the Lady Emily and Lady Julia Grey series. I picked up Murder at Mansfield Park yesterday and read the first chapter. I decided to put it up for now, as I was having trouble tracking all of the known Mansfield Park characters being in new roles. Maybe I'll try it again another time, so I'm not listing it as Abandoned yet. Currently Reading or On Deck: A Plague on Both Your Houses, by Susanna Gregory - I am really enjoying this one so far, about 1/4 through the book. A Night Like This, by Julia Quinn - second book in the Smythe-Smith quartet. Lady Fortescue Steps Out, by M.C. Beaton What Angels Fear, by C.S. Harris - I'll start this one after I finish the Susanna Gregory book, as I can't keep track of two mysteries at once. I've been looking forward to trying this one. Plus many of what a previous poster called sip reads - thank you for introducing that phrase, it fits my reading perfectly!

Is this happening via the web interface or on a mobile app?

I read Rose Cottage by Mary Stewart last month, which takes place in Durham county. On multiple occasions when the main character was inquiring as to the whereabouts of a secondary character, she was told that so-and-so was in Sunderland, and would be returning shortly. It finally got to the point where I found myself instructing the main character to visit Sunderland to look for them herself so that I could check off Tyne and Wear, but she never did. I should have enough fictional England books to use for my T and W requirement.

For someone who doesn't post very often, I sure missed y'all! I read a lot during the Blackout, and today we went to the neighboring county to sign up for library cards in order to access books from Overdrive (our county library only has kids books via Overdrive). Luckily they allow residents of our county to sign up for free. I have no idea which Brit Trip bus I am on - I seem to be hopping from one to the other, rushing ahead, and taking meandering side trips. Here are my recently read books: 36. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, Alan Bradley (fictional England) 37. A Poisoned Season, Tasha Alexander (London) 38. A Fatal Waltz, Tasha Alexander (London, Yorkshire) 39. Third Son's a Charm, Shana Galen (London) 40. How the Heather Looks, Joan Bodger (see below for *21 county list*) 41. Tears of Pearl, Tasha Alexander 42. Rogue in Red Velvet, Lynne Connolly (Leicestershire, London) 43. Temptation Has Green Eyes, Lynne Connolly (London) 44. The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times, Jean-Charles Nault 45. Someone to Love, Mary Balogh (London, Somerset) How the Heather Looks - Wow, this family had quite an adventure traveling through England and Scotland with two small children. The author was very knowledgeable about children's stories, and I ended up buying a few books that she mentions in the text to make sure than my children don't miss out on them before they are too old. I have listed all of the counties for places that are specifically mentioned in the text, but I did not attempt to figure out which counties they drove through that weren't mentioned. Bedfordshire Berkshire Buckinghamshire Cheshire Cornwall Cumbria Devon Durham Gloucestershire Hampshire Kent Northamptonshire Northumberland Nottinghamshire Oxfordshire Scotland (Dunbar, Edinburgh) Shropshire Somerset Surrey Sussex Wales (Monmouthshire) Yorkshire (N) Yorkshire (W)

I just finished The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, so I'll be able to tackle my library pile this weekend. The forecast looks dismal, so other than attending DS's first Pinewood Derby I should have plenty of time to read. Wishing everyone a pleasant and productive Blackout! ;)

Doing a quick check-in before the Great Forum Shutdown commences... For Robin's air challenge, I am reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (bird on the cover) and How the Heather Looks (clouds on the cover). The latter is about an American family's road trip in Britain to visit sites associated with great children's literature. So far this has been a Brit Trip bonanza! In the first two chapters they visit Cheshire, Shropshire, Wales (Monmouthshire), Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Cornwall. I think the counties-visited pace will slow down in subsequent chapters, as they were traveling from the place that their ship arrived (Liverpool) to a planned camping excursion in Cornwall. Next up in my library pile is A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander, and Murder at Honeychurch Hall by Hannah Dennison. Kareni - thanks for posting the link to the free L. M. Montgomery books yesterday. I need to fill up DD's Kindle for a long trip next month, and those are a fantastic and economical addition. I also snagged a couple for myself that I hadn't yet read. :thumbup:

I finished The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch. This was the third in the Charles Lenox series, and it seems like a good place to stop, at least for a while. Several story arcs, both major and minor, seem to be completed, and I feel like the characters are left in a good place. I'm a few weeks ahead of the Brit Trip buses, so I'm not sure where I will meander to next. I also finished The Little Book of Hygge. I gave it 3 stars on GR, but that should really be 3.5. It did explain the concept quite well, but by the last third of the book I was skimming because I felt like "I've GOT this already, I don't need any more examples!" I probably will try to implement some of the suggestions, as well as showing DH the section on lighting for discussion.

DD and I had fun at the library book sale this weekend. I found two five-book collections of Agatha Christie novels and a Complete Sherlock Holmes in excellent condition, plus some classics, Shakespeare plays, and a couple of fun titles for Brit Trip. I finished The September Society by Charles Finch. I like this series, and plan to read the third. I am able to ignore most of the anachronisms, but I couldn't get past male characters referring to a female character as "pregnant." I'm not an expert on Victorian manners, but that seems like it would have been out of bounds.

I have finished quite a few books lately. Here are some thoughts: Poison and Cursed by Charlot King (Cambridge Murder Mysteries #1 & #2) - I thought that these were OK, but I was frustrated that the author doesn't let the reader in on clues that are necessary to solve the crime. For example, during the denouement the main character cites certain paperwork that she found in the home of one of the characters to support her accusation. The reader sees her in the home looking around, but no mention of this item is made at that time. Another example, she cites a name in the visitor book at a museum as proof, but when we are at the scene where she visits that museum, the visitor book is never mentioned. Withholding vital information puts the reader in the position of passive spectator, which I didn't enjoy as much. Another odd thing about this series is that they are written in present tense. An example of the opening of one of the chapters: "Elizabeth has left the glasshouses in the Botanic Gardens and is cycling across Jesus Green, past the huge lines of tall London Planes, tennis courts and outdoor swimming pool. She crosses Victoria Avenue, heads towards the Fort St. George pub and onto Midsummer Common, backing down as it does to the river, lined with rowing clubs and boathouses. This is Elizabeth's most favorite common, open to the sky, surrounded by trees." The entire book is written like this. I got used to it as I was reading, but it always seemed jarring to me when I began a new chapter for some reason. The Queen's Man by Rory Clements (John Shakespeare #6) - Enjoyable, but I don't know if I would read any more of these. Some uses of historical characters in fictional books can seem weird to me, and this was one of them. Having 18-year old William Shakespeare tagging along to solve crimes with his older brother didn't do it for me. Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness: The Complete Book of Hygge by Britta Olsson - (Yes, there are actually two colons in the title!) A quick and cheap Kindle summary of hygge. I'm currently reading The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking (only one title colon), which is a more thorough explanation, and has pleasing illustrations. A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch (Charles Lenox Mysteries #1) - I agree with some Goodreads reviewers that there are plenty of anachronisms in the book, but I enjoyed it very much. Unlike the Poison/Cursed books, I was able to play Junior Detective as I read, which was much more satisfactory. I got the next two from the library today. On a side note, the library patron who checked out A Beautiful Blue Death and MARKED ALL THE CLUES IN BLUE PEN is now on my poo list. :smash: Currently Reading: Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh The Little Book of Hygge, mentioned above Rose Cottage by Mary Stewart Abandoned: Fire Watch by Connie Willis - As much as I love the Oxford Time Travel Series, I could have done without this book of short stories. The first story was titled "Fire Watch" and tells a story that is referenced in Blackout/All Clear. The next couple of stories were much different, but OK. Then came one that was greatly disturbing to me, so I regret having picked this up. Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs - I saw this on the display table by the circulation desk at the library, and picked it up because it is set in Charleston, SC, where we used to live. I only made it 3-4 pages in before tossing it down. The initial scene/character setting seemed erratic and frantic.

In case anyone needs a Yorkshire suggestion, Sheffield Castle is one of the settings in the book The Queen's Man by Rory Clements, which is only $0.99 on Kindle.

I haven't posted in a while - I've got some Brit Trip questions, and then my reading update. First, thank you so much to MumTo2 and Amy for setting up this Brit Trip challenge. I had lost my reading for pleasure mojo, and this challenge has really gotten me excited about reading again! OK, on to some questions: * Does York (week 13) refer to the city or a county? If it's the city, then I can use Clouds of Witness as Lord Peter does pass through there on one of his trips up to Riddlesdale. * If a book takes place in Leeds, is that in the East/West Riding of Yorkshire category? * What is the definition of "chunkster?" Last week was our break week for school (6 weeks on and 1 week off really saves our sanity!), so I got quite a bit of reading finished. I lingered in Cambridge for a long time, then read some North Yorkshire titles, and am now back in Cambridge. 17. Shoulder the Sky by Anne Perry (Cambridge, Sussex) 18. To Conquer Mr. Darcy by Abigail Reynolds (Hertfordshire, Derbyshire) - total fluff Austen fanfic 19. Angels in the Gloom by Anne Perry (Cambridge) 20. At Some Disputed Barricade by Anne Perry (Cambridge) 21. We Shall Not Sleep by Anne Perry (Cambridge, London) 22. A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie (N. Yorkshire) 23. Clouds of Witness by Dorothy Sayers (N. Yorkshire, York?) Brit Trip update: 14 books, 19 (20?) counties Currently reading: Poison by Charlot King (back to Cambridge!) The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Britta Olsson Plus continuing several slow reads

I have fine, curly hair. I get the best results using a sulfate-free "low poo" shampoo, and silicone-free conditioner. Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle line works well AND is inexpensive. My routine: -wet hair -tip head upside down -use conditioner on all of my hair EXCEPT my roots -use shampoo on roots -rinse out both conditioner and shampoo -flip hair up and back as I stand up -once out of the shower, apply a dime-sized amount of DevaCurl Wavemaker all over my hair (upside down again), then an even smaller amount of DevaCurl gel to the roots and crown, then squeeze hair with a microfiber towel. - flip back upright, arrange hair as desired, then use a blow dryer with diffuser to partially dry hair, especially at the crown. Allow to air dry, then scrunch out the product stiffness. I use DevaCurl hairspray at this point. I use such small amounts of the styling products that it doesn't seem like too much of an extravagance. I'm pretty sure that I get the shampoo and conditioner for under $5 per bottle. I hope this helps. Most curly hair info assumes that one has thick, coarse hair, and I had to do a lot of trial and error to find what works for me. Also, I have fairly short hair, so the amounts that I gave here would probably need to be adjusted for longer hair. My advice is to start with very small amounts and gradually increase as needed. It's very easy to cross the line from just enough to hair that is weighed down and stringy. Good luck!

I finished No Graves As Yet (Cambridgeshire) last night. I liked it pretty well, and have the next one on hold at the library. I thought that the first half of the book was pretty slow, but things really picked up in the last half to third. We had a busy weekend celebrating DD's birthday, so I didn't get much reading done. I'm feeling rather meh today, and can't decide what my next book will be. I should probably read another chapter of Kristin Lavransdatter, as she has been sorely neglected lately, and then just pick up the the sequel to No Graves As Yet at the library this evening. I enjoyed my visit to Cambridge, so I don't mind lingering for a while. My next read on the bus route should be something in the Yorkshire region, but I haven't decided what it will be. 16. No Graves As Yet by Anne Perry Brit Tripping update: 7 books read 15 counties

I have a question about the "Christmas in London" section of Brit Tripping. Does that mean that it needs to be a story that takes place in London at Christmas?

I just finished All Clear this morning, and wanted to comment on this. I think that Blackout/All Clear can stand on their own, but there are two important characters who appear in this pair of books that we have previously met in Doomsday Book, and one might wonder why they are so important when they actually appear pretty briefly here. Also, when the story is wrapped up at the end of All Clear there is a very nice callback to Doomsday Book, and it would be a shame to have missed the significance. Of the four Oxford Time Travelers books, To Say Nothing of the Dog can completely stand on its own. It is also more lighthearted, while the other three are heavier drama. Blackout/All Clear are #14 and #15 for 2018. Brit Tripping update: 6 books read 14 counties

This link is responsible for the flood of "I want to read" entries from me on Goodreads earlier today. You had me at "Tudor"...

I didn't get a chance to respond to Penguin's question last week about how Kristin Lavransdatter is going. I finished The Wreath, and am now a few chapters into The Wife. I am enjoying it, but find that I can only read it in small bits - no more than one chapter per day. I like to let each chapter roll around in my head for a while before beginning a new one. I am reading the Nunnally translation. I haven't made any progress in the last few days because I am obsessed with... Blackout and All Clear by Connie Willis. I listened to the first book on audio, which is narrated by Katherine Kellgren and I can't imagine anyone doing a better job. She was fantastic, and shall be sorely missed. I am reading the second book because a) I can read faster than it can be narrated, and I am so anxious to find out how it all ends, and b) I was neglecting my family by walking around in earbuds all weekend. I first encountered Connie Willis and the Oxford Time Travelers when Doomsday Book was released in the early '90s, and was unaware that she had written more of them until recently. I am finding that all of the books in this series are just hitting a special spot for me as a reader, where they live on in my head for weeks, months, years after I read them. I don't know how to explain it other than to say it feels like she wrote these books especially for me! Unfortunately, I have been "living" in this story of the London Blitz so much that when my alarm went off this morning my first thought was that I needed to get to an air raid shelter :gnorsi: I plan to read No Graves As Yet by Anne Perry for Cambridgeshire. I was going to read Tom's Midnight Garden for that county, but I had just finished Children of the Green Knowe and had found that to be so lovely that I couldn't face reading another of the same type of book just yet. I put them both aside for DD. Finished in 2018: 14. Blackout (settings include London, Oxford, Warwickshire, Kent, and Surrey - I haven't decided which one to use for Brit Tripping) Brit Tripping: London/Scotland Yard: The Man in the Queue Cambridgeshire: No Graves As Yet (starting this week) Huntingdonshire: Children of the Green Knowe Bedfordshire: Lady Susan Northamptonshire: Death on the Nile Nottinghamshire: The Man in the Queue (not sure if I'll put it here or in London)

https://www.sweatybands.com These stay in place, even for fine "cornsilk" hair.