tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.comments2024-03-18T18:32:07.541-05:00The Reading RoomKathy Reelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-59265243449799677602023-10-19T00:54:33.631-05:002023-10-19T00:54:33.631-05:00Wonderful review of a series I adore, too. Lesley ...Wonderful review of a series I adore, too. Lesley us a consummate wordsmith! I came across this review while reading Thompson’s new release, The Mystery of Yew Tree House. Stella from the Detective’s Daughter series meets Toni Kemp! You will love it~Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-5376713206924092332023-09-26T15:42:47.654-05:002023-09-26T15:42:47.654-05:00I loved this book! I really enjoyed your thoughts ...I loved this book! I really enjoyed your thoughts on it. Here are a few of mine: <br /><br />I understood Elizabeth resenting the cooking show (she had a burning desire for real science), but it still kinda bugged me because she was doing so much good with it, and it allowed her to be independent. <br />3. I really liked what her kitchen/chemistry lab said. Women had (and have) burning passions and having children is such a full time job, you can’t pursue them except on the periphery. <br />4. Loved learning how many words the dog could learn! <br />5. I loved how she used TV and the cooking show to empower women. When women weren’t allowed an education in our own country, the way they sometimes “got around” the prohibition of learning to read from family members was by saying they could read recipe (receipt) books so they would be able to prepare better meals for the men 🙄 I felt a similarity to the Oprah show. I changed so much from that show. I actually felt like Oprah’s guests were selfish at first for putting their own happiness at the fore of their lives, but I came to see how each of our lives is equally important and we all have an equal right to happiness. and I was even a woman who was shocked to see stay at home moms in my mom’s neighborhood while I was in college (I basically became one, albeit a writing and traveling one). <br />6. I thought it was interesting that the receptionist was her enemy at the company, and it paralleled my shock at visiting tribes and learning it was often the females of the tribe insisting upon and performing the female genital mutilation. I even thought her abrupt turnaround was believable. When her eyes cleared of the brainwashing she’d been victim of since birth she changed. <br />7. Turned down by over 100 publishers. Her first published novel at 65. <br />8. I hated that Calvin died and their love was lost. I can’t remember if they hinted at Elizabeth finding love again, but I hope they didn’t leave it that she was content alone. Not that you can’t have a wonderful life single, but to have such a deep love and then nothing again is sad. <br />9. Loved that Harriet Stone got out of her bad marriage and ended up with a better man. I wish the author would tell Harriet’s story next. It’s one of my favorite themes: people who are in a bad luck, and through their own actions, extricate themselves and make a better life (shipping news, Natalie Portman movie)<br />10. Walter Line was such a heroic guy. He also put me in mind of Oprah’s early boss who championed her although she was black and a (somewhat unattractive) woman. <br />11. The child, Mad’s, character didn’t do much for me. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-40069892313306369802023-08-23T13:25:45.026-05:002023-08-23T13:25:45.026-05:00I love your summary. It is as enjoyable as most no...I love your summary. It is as enjoyable as most novels out there. When are you writing a book?<br />I have read RBC and enjoyed it for all the reasons you state in your summary. I go to book club today and your words have helped me define what I need to say. Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-14298515558648689232023-07-29T12:04:44.141-05:002023-07-29T12:04:44.141-05:00This was my most favorite mystery/crime series eve...This was my most favorite mystery/crime series ever!!!!! I am so sad to see the Ruth Galloway series end but I was satisfied with the ending. I look forward to reading other Elly Griffith mystery novels.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-9644780919618109422023-06-18T23:06:47.715-05:002023-06-18T23:06:47.715-05:00I am listening the the audio book and am totally s...I am listening the the audio book and am totally stressed out!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-5323909232354832342023-05-21T12:45:39.876-05:002023-05-21T12:45:39.876-05:00Don't let the "Chemistry" scare you ...Don't let the "Chemistry" scare you off. This is a fabulous read. You'll love the character of Elizabeth Zott. Bonnie Garmus tackles many serious issues in the book but does so with a light touch and lots of humour. Christine Marchnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-28532539550913410562023-05-08T15:37:40.110-05:002023-05-08T15:37:40.110-05:00I so agree with everything you say. She was like ...I so agree with everything you say. She was like a Master Puppeteer coordinated it all. And, I'd advise anyone starting Helpless to make sure they had time to read it straight through.Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-8109531052041758322023-05-08T15:36:04.000-05:002023-05-08T15:36:04.000-05:00Annette, thank you for writing such an amazing boo...Annette, thank you for writing such an amazing book! It was a pleasure to review.<br />Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-22077321356345272162023-05-08T06:25:20.249-05:002023-05-08T06:25:20.249-05:00It amazes me how she coordinated so much within su...It amazes me how she coordinated so much within such a short period. I have a hard time taking a break from any of her books but Helpless was the hardest to pause, even for a few minutes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-33906432152232400002023-05-08T05:18:21.783-05:002023-05-08T05:18:21.783-05:00Thank you so much, Kathy!Thank you so much, Kathy!Annettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02755947919433555176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-4133827840659011222023-04-21T07:39:29.749-05:002023-04-21T07:39:29.749-05:00I agree. This book was a little confusing with all...I agree. This book was a little confusing with all the switching back and forth bt the past and present at the beginning. And the very disrespectful comments of Jean guy when he was a novice to Armand didn’t seem realistic. And why didn’t Armand recognize Fleming as the minister? How could he pose as a minister in the church? How did he establish an authentic biography - how could it have passed with the bishop? Don’t they meticulously research the lives of people accepted for the priesthood? And the character of Fiona was murkily drawn. I have been looking online for what readers thought she said when Reine Marie (sp) visited her in prison at the end. Reine Marie only said, when asked by Armand, I think you know. Well, I don’t! I wish Ms. Penny would tell us…<br /> But of course the book is full, as always, with the lovely insights and compassion actions of dear noble Armand! This is why I read her books… Thanks Louise. You are a great person too!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-56083964021350715242023-04-02T21:07:08.884-05:002023-04-02T21:07:08.884-05:00I loved the book! I loved the book! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-68899947916288243042023-03-19T23:40:24.537-05:002023-03-19T23:40:24.537-05:00Lynn, I agree that the characters from this book w...Lynn, I agree that the characters from this book were special. Even though I've already read the print copy, I may have to listen to it through my Audible account, too. Thanks for stopping by my blog, Lynn.Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-23769070049223556892023-03-19T23:38:35.313-05:002023-03-19T23:38:35.313-05:00I'm so happy that I convinced you to read Less...I'm so happy that I convinced you to read Lessons in Chemistry. I agree that the word chemistry could make someone shy away from it. Thanks for stopping by my blog.Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-48080718364399609252023-03-18T08:14:40.127-05:002023-03-18T08:14:40.127-05:00The book was a best read for me. When I finished t...The book was a best read for me. When I finished the book I thought that I was going to miss the characters. I like characters from other books too but this was different. Lynn T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08920789124947857728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-63798816062476700522023-03-18T07:20:07.992-05:002023-03-18T07:20:07.992-05:00 I could not get pass the word “chemistry” and so ... I could not get pass the word “chemistry” and so have not read “Lessons in Chemistry” but will definitely read it now. Kathy, your review opened my eyes to all the reasons why I am missing a great read….thank you !!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-10071925410100014762023-02-23T09:37:45.942-06:002023-02-23T09:37:45.942-06:00NoNoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-14299493702325009342023-02-20T16:26:30.626-06:002023-02-20T16:26:30.626-06:00I just finished it! Crombie has a way to transport...I just finished it! Crombie has a way to transporting us to her London world that is just amazing. And there is love and kindness and enduring, real relationships in her stories. Just love her books!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-1082269086349524572023-02-20T13:33:08.103-06:002023-02-20T13:33:08.103-06:00I have just been thinking about re-reading the ser...I have just been thinking about re-reading the series. Love those characters!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-62236407495572847352023-02-20T09:17:38.206-06:002023-02-20T09:17:38.206-06:00“Both couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to e...“Both couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end” was my dilemma also. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-28386561576175332082023-02-19T22:16:55.935-06:002023-02-19T22:16:55.935-06:00Susan, thanks for commenting. I am really wanting...Susan, thanks for commenting. I am really wanting to read the first ones again soon and then maybe do some audio. I bet it's fun knowing more than Gemma and Duncan. I think you've found the perfect sentence to describe Debs' writing in "Deborah Crombie has never put a foot wrong."Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-83010234200858997392023-02-19T19:52:51.678-06:002023-02-19T19:52:51.678-06:00I've just ret-read the first four and it's...I've just ret-read the first four and it's so much fun to look over their shoulders as Duncan and Gemma move toward their shared future - I know more than they do! The major thing is, Deborah Crombie has never put a foot wrong. The characters then are the same characters, depended by experience. Susan C Sheanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-24600314095609516392023-01-30T15:58:27.782-06:002023-01-30T15:58:27.782-06:00As I recall it was there from the ceiling below.As I recall it was there from the ceiling below.Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-49885059787311767962023-01-30T15:57:34.339-06:002023-01-30T15:57:34.339-06:00Sorry I didn't reply to your comment earlier. ...Sorry I didn't reply to your comment earlier. I think I'd have to reread some parts, but I didn't get any real clues that those who were possibly John Fleming in disguise were him. Now, I had my suspicions just because of the circumstances, and I really wondered about the caretaker most. But, I think any overt clues weren't there.Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-776102070606169847.post-64935019922968257392023-01-30T13:03:20.222-06:002023-01-30T13:03:20.222-06:00I loved this book; I couldn’t stop reading it! I w...I loved this book; I couldn’t stop reading it! I was turning those pages quickly, right up to the end!!❤️🌹Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com