Very long day today…left the house at 6.40am and got back right before 8pm…Luckily, it is Road Trip Wednesday on YA Highway and my fingers have been twitching to get on it.
Road Trip Wednesday is a “Blog Carnival,” where YA Highway’s contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question that begs to be answered. In the comments, you can hop from destination to destination and get everybody’s unique take on the topic.
This week’s topic: What’s the best book you read in November?
Ok, so I am going to cheat a litte and share the best books I have read in November. I commute, I read a lot…It´s already hard to narrow it down and they´re all different genras *makes puppy eyes to ask for forgiveness* (those do work on my husband :-))
1. Juliette Benzoni Trilogy “Secret d´Etat”
A trilogy following Sylvie de Valaine saved in June 1626 by Francois de Vendôme after her entire family was killed by the men of Richelieu. Raised by the Vendôme, Sylvie becomes at 15 years old “girl in waiting” of the Queen who never ceases to scheme against Louis XIII and Richelieu. She is dragged into very dangerous adventures…
Why did I like it?: This trilogy really takes you into the realms of the 17th century of France. Sylvie is a very likable character, she is strong, loving, trustful and trustworthy. The love between Sylvie and Francois blossoms over the years and even though everything separates them (including the fact that Francois does not realize how he feels until it is somewhat too late), they find a way to make their relationship work.
2. Karen Rose – I am watching you
Star prosecutor Kristen Mayhew has a dangerous secret admirer. He seems to know her every thought, her every move. He sends her letters. And he kills the criminals she herself is powerless to stop. This avenger even knows Kristen’s deepest secret–the one that has kept her from surrendering her heart to Abe Reagan, the police detective sworn to protect her. Like Kristen, Reagan is haunted by the loss of something precious that can never be regained. But in the shadow of a calculating serial killer, the two turn to each other and dare to rediscover passion…even as the messages and vicious murders continue. Even as the killer’s thrist for retribution makes Kristen a target for murder.
Why did I like it?: Karen Rose´s book are scary, steamy and sexy…what more can I say? I am a sucker for good romantic thrillers and her books fit the bill! Enough said 🙂
For more on Karen Rose: you can see her website.
3. Beautiful Darkness – Jocelyn Davies
On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites;like fire and ice;Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
Why did I like it?: Well first have you seen the cover? Love it! The story was well paced and I could really jump into the book through some of the scenes. Even though, I sometimes wished for a bit more insight into the characters, I still devoured this book. The ending left me hanging (a bit too much) but the writing was strong and the story line was intriguing (oh and the guys were hot!)…Cannot wait to read the next one and see what happens to Skye…
Here is her website
What would be YOUR pick(s) for November?
Oooo! A French book recommendation (i.e., a recommendation for a novel in French)! That’s useful to remember–not that my French is anywhere close to competent, but one really good way to practice a language is to read literature written in that language. Thanks, commutinggirl! 🙂
You’re quite welcome Colin 🙂 It is indeed very useful to read in the language one wants to learn…and I don’t think those ones are available in English (some of her other novels should be though ;-))
Love a trilogy for Christmas, I can definitely recommend the Jospehine Bonaparte trilogy by Sandra Gulland if you haven’t read it, each one as good as the previous and sad to finish the third – what a remarkable woman she was. You can read my short review here : http://clairemca.wordpress.com
But for November, it’s a tough decision, so I’ll say for non-fiction Jon Ronson’s ‘The Psychopath Test’ and for fiction Isabelle Allende’s ‘Beneath the Sea’.
Thanks for the recommendation Claire. I have not read those books yet, will definitely check them out 🙂 and read your review! I also love Isabel Allende’s books (The House of Spirits, Of love and shadows to name a few :-))
I’ve never even heard of any of these books. Why does the end of each month always make my to-be-read list grow exponencially. Thanks for the recomendations.
I understand what you mean Kate. My list is growing quite fast too! 🙂 So many good books out there!
A BEAUTIFUL DARK definitely appeals to me. In fact, I think it made it on to my Christmas list (the list of suggestions was ridiculously long). Great choices =)
Thanks Jaime! Let me know what you think of it once you read it 🙂
It’s practically impossible to just pick one, isn’t it? That first trilogy sounds good. I wonder if I can find it in translation.
I just received “Beautiful Darkness” in my mailbox! Can’t wait to start it.
Let me know how you like it 🙂
Wish I could read French, because that first book sounds great!
They are quite good. I really enjoy historical fiction and her books are great…I don´t think these one are translated but I know that some of her others might be…