Books I Read in January

Normally, January is a good reading month, but this year has been the exception, mostly because I’ve been busy with various writing projects. I did manage to squeak in a few new books.

New Books I read in January

 

One Among Men-Connie Almony

Genre-Christian Romance, Contemporary

I first heard about One Among Men when the author promoted it in a Facebook group I’m a member of. I thought the plot sounded interesting so I picked it up. While I found the basic plot intriguing, I had a really difficult time getting excited about the main character, who was a little too whiney for my taste. I also felt that the way her RA’s responded to her to be a little unrealistic. However, despite these issues, I did find myself turning the pages to find out what had happened next, and think that the book would be enjoyed by young adults who enjoy romance.

Don’t let the title fool you. One Among Men is a very clean read with strong Christian themes.  

My review of One Among Men can be found here.

 

Her Unconventional Suitor-Ginny Hartman

Genre-Regency Romance

This was another book I found through a Facebook group that intrigued me. It’s the first book in a series called The main character, Benedict St. Claire, accepts a bet that he can attract a wife despite being dressed in clothing that don’t suit a man of his rank. He doesn’t expect to fall in love along the way.

While this book wasn’t quite the humorous romp I was anticipating, I did enjoy it. There was even an unexpected twist at the end which I suspect will be an issue that comes up in future books.

Her Unconventional Suitor is a Regency romance that’s very clean. I imagine it will appeal to readers who enjoy Georgette Heyer style romances.

Absolution-Carolyn Brown

Genre- United States historical romance, Reconstruction Period, Rural Romance

I read Absolution as part of the Year Without a Duke challenge. It’s a story that’s set just after the US civil war and features a young woman of English descent who supported the North and a young Texan of Irish/Mexican descent.

While there were some aspects of the heroine’s personality that drove me nuts, overall I enjoyed the story.  My full review can be found here.

I consider Absolution to be a fairly clean read, though it was a tad steamier than the previous two books I’ve mentioned.

Books I reread in January

 

Come to Grief-Dick Francis

Genre; Mystery, horse racing, disabled characters

While there are aspects of the storyline that make my stomach twist, it’s still a good solid read. It helps that Sid Halley happens to be my second favorite Dick Francis character.

 

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe-C.S. Lewis

I don’t even want to think about how many times I’ve read this book. Still my all time favorite J

 

Takedown Twenty-Janet Evanovich

Genre: Comedy, mystery

Whenever a Stephanie Plum novel pops up on my reading list, it means I was a little stressed. They never fail to make me smile and serve as a kind of mental vacation.

D is for Dick Francis

When Dick Francis passed away, it was a sad day. I found the idea of never reading another Dick Francis novel heartbreaking. 

I don’t know how old I was when I read my first Dick Francis novel, but I do know that it came in the middle of my “I’m going to be a professional jockey” phase. I’m guessing that’s the reason I picked up that first book. Not only did Dick Francis use the world of steeple chasing as a setting for most of his novels (eventually his novels got away from the horse world, but I’ve never thought they were as good) but he’d also been a steeplechase jockey.

Dick Francis wasn’t just any jockey. He was good. Good enough he was often selected to ride the horses owned by the royal family. During his racing career, he won several championships, though he never won a Grand National. A few years ago I purchased a horse racing book and was delighted to find a few pictures of Mr. Francis during his racing days, including a shot of a tumble he took at a Grand National fence.  

After retiring from the racing world, Dick Francis started writing mystery novels. Unlike some people who rely on their name to sell a couple books but lack any real talent, Francis was really good.  The great thing about his books is that I feel comfortable recommending them to everyone. They have a little violence but nothing graphic, there are allusions to sex but by today’s standards those scenes are very g-rated, minimal foul language, and the books are well written, nicely plotted with enough suspense and tension to keep the reader hooked. The books are told in first person by the main male character.  

My favorite Dick Francis novels, all of which I’ve read several times are: Break In, Bolt, Whip Hand, and Francis collection of short stories, Field of Thirteen.