books mystery romance novels: family drama food recipe Susan Wiggs
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Book #35 - The Winter Lodge
The Winter Lodge by Susan Wiggs. Seriously, I’m so far behind on my book reviews, so I’m going to skip the three I owe (from the 48-hour book challenge) and forge ahead. I loved this book - much more so than the first book of the series, Summer at Willow Lake. But, since I did love the characters, I had to continue on with the series. This book had great pacing, great story lines and especially great recipes. I’m glad I purchased this one rather than checked it out from the library.
The story of Jenny Majesky is told here, as well as cameo appearances from well-loved characters from the first book. I was surprised by the twists of intrigue Ms. Wiggs weaves into the story - which is basically one of family with a little romance mixed in. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the Lakeshore Chronicles.
Highly recommended. [rating:5]
ancient Rome books coming of age Enemies of Jupiter Flavia Gemina mystery Roman Mysteries suspense YA: Caroline Lawrence Emperor Titus friends
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Book #28
Roman Mysteries #7, The Enemies of Jupiter by Caroline Lawrence. Man, oh man. This was a page-turner. That crazy Jonathan and his hubris.
As always, I love the calm of Mordecai and Nubia. Flavia shows uncharacteristic restraint in this book, but mainly because she isn’t the focus.
I’m intrigued by the Emperor Titus. I know these books are factually based…I wonder if he really tried, as Ms. Lawrence portrays, to be a better man. An excellent chapter in the Roman Mysteries series. I can’t wait to see what happens in book #8.
(I think this was the first real cliff-hanger…the lack of resolution in this one made it all the better for me.)
ancient Rome books coming of age Flavia Gemina mystery Roman Mysteries suspense YA: Caroline Lawrence
by Blabby
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Book #27 - The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina
Roman Mysteries #6, The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina by Caroline Lawrence. Flavia is truly a girl after my own bossy heart. When her father takes up with a woman, Flavia is sure that the interloper is evil. Following the model of Hercules, Flavia wrangles her friends into helping her complete twelve tasks to get to the bottom things. I loved Nubia in this one, and I was happy to finally learn what a camelopard was.
As always, highly recommended! Now I’m just waiting for #7 from the library. Blurgh.
books coming of age Dolphins of Laurentum mystery suspense YA: Caroline Lawrence
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Book #26 The Dolphins of Laurentum
Roman Mysteries # 5, The Dolphins of Laurentum by Caroline Lawrence. Flavia’s father is shipwrecked, and returns home very ill. All of his wealth is tied to his ship’s cargo, so his creditors attempt to take his house. The kids and Aristo head to the home of Pliny the Elder, now left to Pliny’s nephew while the banking matters in Ostia are fixed. Of course, adventure ensues, and we get to know more of Lupus’ story. I just love Lupus. I also loved the Christian themes in this one. There are always Christian themes in these books, but this one was particularly moving.
ancient Rome Assassins of Rome books coming of age Dolphins of Laurentum mystery Roman Mysteries suspense YA: friends
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Book #25 The Assassins of Rome
Roman Mysteries #4, The Assassins of Rome by Caroline Lawrence. I truly love this series. The characters become richer and more interesting with each installment. This story focuses on Jonathan, whose assassin-uncle shows up and is wanted by Roman authorities. Adventure and intrigue take the four kids plus the handsome Aristo all the way to Rome to the Imperial Palace. More of Jonathan and Miriam’s backgrounds are revealed.
book binge books coming of age mystery Roman Mysteries YA: Caroline Lawrence Pirates of Pompeii
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Book #22
(Book Binge book #12) Roman Mysteries #3, Pirates of Pompeii by Caroline Lawrence. This one was awesome! I read it in about an hour. Lots of focus on Nubia - who I love. Jonathan’s sense of humor and leadership qualities stand out. A little more of Lupus’ history is revealed.
Read these books already.
There’s no shame in my game…these books are probably for fifth or sixth graders, but I’m gobbling them up like I was 10 again. Good stories are good stories - no matter how old you are.
ancient Rome book binge books Camulod Chronicles mystery Roman Mysteries suspense YA: Caroline Lawrence Jack Whyte Skystone Thieves of Ostia
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Book #20
(Book Binge book #10) Roman Mysteries #1: Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence. Chosen on recommendation from Bookwitch. Definitely a must for Harry Potter fans. Book 1 introduces the merry band of four friends who solve mysteries in ancient Rome. The group includes a well-bred Roman girl, a Christian boy, an African slave girl, and a Roman orphan boy with no tongue.
This book moved a little slow because of all the introducing, but I still really liked it. The characters are very unique and very smart. I like their individual strengths and their personalities. I especially love Lupus.
One thing that I noticed is that these books aren’t for the faint of heart. There is quite a bit of violence and bloodshed. Both by animals and people. It’s different from the scary parts in a book like Harry Potter because those books are so magical, you can kind of write off the scary stuff as magic too. But the scary stuff in the Roman Mysteries is pretty real. I’m curious to see what some other parents think about what age would be appropriate for their children to read these books.
Anyway, highly recommended, and on to book #2.
One other thing, I’m kind of an ancient Rome junkie. My most favorite series set in that time frame is The Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte. (I’m not crazy about his website - his books are MUCH more interesting.) Awesome retelling of the Camelot story (an all time favorite of mine) - includes lots of history, some fantasy elements and excellent writing. Excalibur as you’ve never seen it. Book 1 is The Skystone.
