Apologies if I’ve already asked you this but - if you like the English ladies of WWII genre (and frankly who doesn’t), have you tried Kate Quinn’s historical fiction from that period?? She’s got a couple on spies/code breakers, a Russian fighter pilot and a female sniper. I’ve loved all of them - and then I read a memoir of a woman who was at Bletchley on whom she based one of her characters and turns out they’re pretty true to life! The memoir was The Road to Station X by Sarah Baring - also a strong recommend!
Thanks Elizabeth! I haven't read Kate Quinn and only because of a ridiculous feeling of she's too popular for me. But I'm glad to hear that you recommend her because that makes me take her seriously!
I had the same concern - also her taste in books based on her Goodreads profile is…….dubious. But her wwii writing is always a treat! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!!
Re: Flora Lee: yes, I'm that girl. I always appreciate the level of detail Patti Callahan Henry puts in her books, so I enjoyed being carried off to London and Oxfordshire. I will admit that the end fell flat for me.
I'm about to start Tom Lake ...with measured expectations. I've got a lok of Patchett on my TBR but only read and didn't love The Dutch House. I'm glad to hear the setting is nice because it's a big draw for me; I've worked with Michigan cherry farmers and so want to see how she paints that world.
It's a solid genre of comforting, yet a bit mysterious, yet atmospheric, historical fiction that takes place in England around WWII! Obviously, marketing needs to come up with a catchier name, but it is real! I mean, it's hard to sell Ann Patchett if you're not a fan, which makes it sound as if she's not a good writer, but you really sorta either love her or not? If you've never read Bel Canto you must. That's her masterpiece, and if you don't like THAT book then you will never like Ann Patchett.
I always appreciate your reviews! And your honest take on the latest Ann Patchet. I still want to read it, but giving it less priority on my TBR.
I was disappointed by Flora and Lee bc it just seemed too predictable and flat, didn’t finish it though. I agree with you that this kind of book has become it’s on genre, and for me at least, it’s a genre that sounds appealing on the teaser, but isn’t able to keep me going!
Yes, let me know your thoughts if you get to Tom Lake! I like hearing if I'm totally wrong!
It was predictable, but is that genre where we go for shocking thrills? To me, part of what makes that genre which isn't a genre yet successful is that it's comforting and predictable? I think I don't love these books because they're so predictable, but they also just sorta fit when I need a light book that's not insulting to my intelligence, you know?
I always find your reviews helpful! I haven’t was the WWII book you mentioned and sounds like a perfect read for the upcoming cozy days/nights. Anything objectionable?
Apologies if I’ve already asked you this but - if you like the English ladies of WWII genre (and frankly who doesn’t), have you tried Kate Quinn’s historical fiction from that period?? She’s got a couple on spies/code breakers, a Russian fighter pilot and a female sniper. I’ve loved all of them - and then I read a memoir of a woman who was at Bletchley on whom she based one of her characters and turns out they’re pretty true to life! The memoir was The Road to Station X by Sarah Baring - also a strong recommend!
Thanks Elizabeth! I haven't read Kate Quinn and only because of a ridiculous feeling of she's too popular for me. But I'm glad to hear that you recommend her because that makes me take her seriously!
I had the same concern - also her taste in books based on her Goodreads profile is…….dubious. But her wwii writing is always a treat! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!!
The modern temptation of judging people on their Goodreads profile!
Re: Flora Lee: yes, I'm that girl. I always appreciate the level of detail Patti Callahan Henry puts in her books, so I enjoyed being carried off to London and Oxfordshire. I will admit that the end fell flat for me.
I'm about to start Tom Lake ...with measured expectations. I've got a lok of Patchett on my TBR but only read and didn't love The Dutch House. I'm glad to hear the setting is nice because it's a big draw for me; I've worked with Michigan cherry farmers and so want to see how she paints that world.
It's a solid genre of comforting, yet a bit mysterious, yet atmospheric, historical fiction that takes place in England around WWII! Obviously, marketing needs to come up with a catchier name, but it is real! I mean, it's hard to sell Ann Patchett if you're not a fan, which makes it sound as if she's not a good writer, but you really sorta either love her or not? If you've never read Bel Canto you must. That's her masterpiece, and if you don't like THAT book then you will never like Ann Patchett.
Girrrrrl, I finished Tom Lake and like you, I was reading along, fairly amused and then...NOPE.
Omg Jennie, RIGHT?!?! Let's go out for pint and talk about it!
You're welcome to come thaw out in FL anytime 😊
100% agree about Tom Lake.
I'm glad I'm not the lone curmudgeon.
I always appreciate your reviews! And your honest take on the latest Ann Patchet. I still want to read it, but giving it less priority on my TBR.
I was disappointed by Flora and Lee bc it just seemed too predictable and flat, didn’t finish it though. I agree with you that this kind of book has become it’s on genre, and for me at least, it’s a genre that sounds appealing on the teaser, but isn’t able to keep me going!
Yes, let me know your thoughts if you get to Tom Lake! I like hearing if I'm totally wrong!
It was predictable, but is that genre where we go for shocking thrills? To me, part of what makes that genre which isn't a genre yet successful is that it's comforting and predictable? I think I don't love these books because they're so predictable, but they also just sorta fit when I need a light book that's not insulting to my intelligence, you know?
Ugh for my typos... sorry!
I always find your reviews helpful! I haven’t was the WWII book you mentioned and sounds like a perfect read for the upcoming cozy days/nights. Anything objectionable?
Thanks Antonia! Let me know what you think! Nothing crazy objectionable other than she's having lots of unmarried sex and likes to tell you.