Title: Wine on the Desert Author: Max Brand In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis) Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Westerns Dates read: 3rd June 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: In the middle of the rainless season the well ran dry but, long before that, Tony had every drop of the water pumped up into a score of tanks made of cheap corrugated iron.
What happens when your flask is filled with wine instead of water? And you’re in the middle of the desert.
I’m a little vague on the storyline of this short story. But I seem to be finding that the case with all the westerns I’m reading in the Mammoth Book of Westerns collection. There is just something about it that doesn’t stick in my swiss cheese brain after I’ve turned the last page.
Yet, I still found enjoyment while reading this. Although, after sitting down to write this review, I’ve realised I should jot down notes for the remainder of the short stories in this collection… I’m enjoying the act of reading them. But then have not much to say when it comes down to it.
The aspect of this short story that I did love was the idea of accidentally having wine in the desert. Instead of water. I like the stories in which people are kind of moronic and do moronic things. Things which could lead to death, but when they don’t are funny…
Title: Corpsemouth Author: John Langan In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Horror Dates read: 3rd June 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: I didn’t know what to say.
Take a journey into the not-so-pleasant world of Corpsemouth.
Writing this review, I struggle a little to remember exactly what this short story is about. I remember that I enjoyed this while I read it. That I thought it was fun, dark and enjoyable. But what it was actually about – that I can’t really remember. It’s a bit of a blur there.
One thing that I also remember about this story is that it was a brilliant style of writing. Disjointed and hard to follow. Which is probably why I don’t hugely remember what I actually read. But, it’s also why I still gave this a four out of five stars… it might be disjointed and difficult to remember the storyline. But it was also something that I remember really enjoying at the time.
This is one of those stories that, although I can’t write much about it in a review… I will definitely read it again. Not just because I enjoyed it the first time, so figure I’ll enjoy it the second time. But also because I think that this is one of those stories that I will gain more out of the more and more times I read it.
Title: Waiting Author: Jen Wilde In: Kindred (Michael Earp) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Australian authors, Contemporary, LGBTQI Dates read: 2nd June 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Walker Books Year: 2019 5th sentence, 74th page: I feel myself sinking into my shell, like I always do around him.
Waiting in line at a comi-con with her best friend, a young, bisexual girl starts to discover the true meaning of friendship and who she wants to be.
This was a bit of a first in the Kindred collection – it wasn’t a romance. The lead character was Neurodiverse and LGBTQI. But there was no romance. It wasn’t about finding a romantic connection at all for that matter. Rather, it was all about finding a friendship that works for you. And honestly, it seriously made me think about the friendships we find ourselves in. And what makes them healthy and good. And what makes them toxic.
Although this is an LGBTQI story, there isn’t a focus on that. Or, really, a Neurodiverse identity. Rather, it is about that moment when you find a new friend. A person that you can get along with and has similar interests. I love that there is a Brooklyn Nine-Nine reference and this whole story takes place in the line for comi-con.
All throughout this story, I absolutely hated the “best friend”. So I was super glad when the girl FINALLY decided to stand up for herself. It made me realise that maybe sometimes I should do the same…
Title: Devil Bones Author: Kathy Reichs Series: Temperance Brennan #11 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Anthropology, Crime, Science, Strong women Dates read: 26th May – 2nd June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Arrow Year: 2008 5th sentence, 74th page: “She is one proud young lady.”
An underground chamber is exposed in a seedy, dilapidated house. In the dark cellar, a ritualistic display is revealed: a human skull rests on a cauldron, surrounded by slain chickens and bizarre figurines.
Called to the scene is forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan. She determines that the skull is that of a young, black female. But how and when did she die? Just as Tempe is closing in on answers, another body is discovered: a headless corpse carved with Satanic symbols.
As local vigilantes begin a witch-hunt, Tempe struggles to contain her emotions. But the eventual truth proves more shocking than even she could have imagined.
This is probably the least spine-tingling Temperance Brennan book that I’ve read in a while. Which isn’t a bad thing. It’s nice to have a change of pace and not finish one of these novels with goose bumps up my arms and the need to check in every nook and cranny for a predator… it’s refreshing and definitely something I somewhat appreciate. It was nice to finish a crime novel in which you had to find out who the culprit was, and had a few moments of heart-racing action, but not as much as the other stories.
One of the aspects of Reichs’writing that I always enjoy is the way in which she is able to take an honest and open approach to a number of different belief systems and lifestyles. In the case of this story, it was one near and dear to my heart – that of Wicca and some other beliefs which aren’t really considered main stream. It was nice to read such an open view, one that neither encouraged nor discouraged the belief. It was informative and open, a great way to explain some belief systems which are often demonised.
My one big issue with this novel – there were SO many questions left unanswered. Not about the crime… that was all tied up neatly as they so often are. But there were so many unanswered questions about some of the personal aspects of Tempe’s life throughout the story. Mysteries that I’m pretty sure I didn’t get the answers too. Although, it maybe just be the fact that I didn’t notice the hints and such…. I’m going to just have to read the next book to see if I missed something, or the questions are answered then. And, annoyingly, since I don’t like giving away spoilers in reviews, I can’t bitch and moan anymore than that (my partner DID get an earful though).
Tempe’s alcoholic history really comes to life in this story too. Which I think may be a bit of the cause of this not being such a spine-tingling story – it is intense and great. But, most of the really heart-pumping action (for me) came from dealing with those emotional issues that are rife throughout. Not the criminal.
Normally I can see the villain coming in a crime novel like this. But I really didn’t pick up on who it was AT ALL. I love when I’m surprised. And I’d be interested to see if years down the track on a reread I can pick up the hints that I’m sure are peppered throughout or not…
In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says “I do.”
So I desperately want to read this series now. There is just something about this gorgeous short story that makes me smile and feel the need to sink into yet another new contemporary adult series. especially if the lead in this novella is younger and cheekier than she is as an adult.
MacKenzie is a great adolescent character. She’s full of gumption and cheekiness (which I think would also be in other stories). She is funny and quirky. And she’s damn well driven by her belief that what she is doing is right. I remember being a teenager and being convinced that I was smarter than everyone else. That I knew everything. So any character that reflects that smart-arsery as a teenager in such a pure way… they’re good with me.
The cast of this apartment and this story is brilliant. They are crazy and zany. Incredibly different, but all completely loving. And accepting. Which created a great, sweet and cute novella. One that left me with a huge smile plastered across my face.
Title: The Ranger Author: Zane Grey In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis) Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Westerns Dates read: 2nd June 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: It was fight.
The Ranger is beginning to think about settling down and finding his own happily ever after. But that might just not be possible.
I’ve always imagined a ranger / cowboys life as being something dangerous and risky. Particularly when you think of the old-style westerns. And I always imagine it as something that you would want to escape… which this story kind of backs up. It’s a short story that is all about getting out of the life and finding your own happily ever after.
I did really like this whole vibe about gaining your own happily ever after. About finding your own ending that you an live with and treasure. One that is kind, tame and involves a long, well lived life. That’s not to say that he does or does not get that in this story. But I like that it is the desire.
All in all, I enjoyed this short story. It was easy, accessible and kind of hopeful. There was a fight, a love interest and a journey. Just what you need in a little departure from the pressures of reality.
Title: Piano Man Author: Christopher Fowler In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Horror Dates read: 2nd June 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: Then I heard it again, closer this time, a sound like a harpsichord being dropped on its side, discordant high notes and bass echoes that underscored the movement of something shifting hesitantly outside the walls.
A renovation involving an antique piano takes a sinister turn. One that will shock and surprise you.
This is a really disjointed short story. It wasn’t even remotely what I expected. But it was also really good. However, the disjointed nature did mean that it took me a little while to catch up with what was going on… maybe what the author had in mind when he wrote this?
There was / is something about Piano Man that I can’t quite seem to get out of my head. Something powerful that lingers and haunts. And just in general captivates. There’s the setting and the characters and the mystery. There’s the supernatural and the mundane. It all works together to create this great, kind of unforgettable story that left me with, well, not a smile, because it was a dark story, but left me happy that I had read this story.
I don’t fully understand the supernatural element in this story. I think that I would have to reread it to find the hints about this element that I had kind of missed. But, overall, I did really enjoy reading this tale. And experiencing such a great, intense, impossible to forget tale. Seriously enjoyable.
Title: Paradise Valley Author: Robyn Carr Series: Virgin River #7 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 9th June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Mira Year: 2009 5th sentence, 74th page: He picked Jack up and got him to safety.
A moving story about survival, forgiveness – and the power of love to heal a wounded spirit
Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraw – his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?
As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town’s famous welcoming spirit. Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he’s looking for a place to start over. He’d like it to be Virgin River… if he can find a way in. But he never expects to find it in the arms of a woman who was as much an outcast as himself.
For a favorite son returned from war and an outsider looking for a home, Virgin River offers them a chance to make peace with the men they once were… and to find the dreams they thought they’d lost.
From the blurb on the back cover of this book, and a few of the comments from reviews that I saw. I was honestly expecting this novel to be kind of tragic. At a time when I really wasn’t all that in the mood for tragic. Luckily, however, I was completely wrong. This isn’t tragic. It wasn’t horrible to read. And yes, there are bad moments throughout (which in my opinion makes it a good book), but in the end, there was that same sense of peace, hope and realism that I always seem to get from the Virgin River books.
I’ve been waiting and waiting for more of a movement in Rick and Liz’s relationship. They start off so young and there are so many tragic moments. And, although, even at the conclusion of this story they haven’t quite figured everything out, it was nice to have a whole novel focused on them. Even the secondary character, Brady has a lot to do with Rick and Liz’s story that I seriously didn’t expect. I also loved the final reveal of how his story is so intertwined with Rick’s towards the end. It was an entertaining scene and a thoroughly enjoyable moment.
All throughout this story, and the greater series, I have loved the whole set up of this storyline. It starts off with one couple. And, instead of focusing on the next couple as the story evolves, there is this journey in which each story builds upon the past couples and stories, whilst also adding in a new couple to get hopelessly intertwined with. It’s such a great way to tell a story. And a unique way to share a romance. And, as the series develops, I’m finding that even though Paradise Valley is mostly about Rick and Liz, with Brady’s story built in… it is also about all of the others that I’ve fallen in love with. With hints of more beautiful little stories to come!
I enjoyed this so much and already felt so attached to Rick and Liz that I managed to read this whole book in just one sitting. I don’t even remember pausing to eat dinner. Even though I’m sure that I must have… it seemed to completely speak to me at a time that I needed a story like this. Wonderfully powerful and enjoyable, whilst reminding me of all of the good things in life. A great, surprisingly positive contemporary romance that left me with all the happy feelings I’m getting used to with Robyn Carr’s writing.
Title: Temptation Ridge Author: Robyn Carr Series: Virgin River #6 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 2nd June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Mira Year: 2009 5th sentence, 74th page: A man walked past them, glanced at them, smiled slightly and moved on.
Welcome back to VIRGIN RIVER with the books that started it all…
Shelby McIntyre has big plans – plans that include finding Mr. Right. Her dream man will have a clean-shaven jaw, creases in his pants and hopefully an advanced degree. What she gets is rugged Luke Riordan.
At twnety-five, after five years as her mother’s caregiver, it’s time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly not whom she has in mind.
A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he’s tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.
Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you wants and what you need are two different things… two very good things.
Shelby and her somewhat tragic circumstances are first introduced in Second Chance Pass. So when I found out that Temptation Ridge is all about Shelby and her happily ever after… I was really happy. Particularly when she had just recently lost a mother to ALS. THAT hit quite close to home… so I needed there to be a happy, the world doesn’t suck story for Shelby. And, thank goodness… I got it!!!
Luke is that typical trope of bad boy with commitment issues. The one that when the right girl comes along, changes his stripes and they get their happily ever after. It’s not exactly realistic and it’s kind of cliché. But it does work. Particularly when you have a storyline in which the woman is a virgin and he’s about ten years older than her. Yet, it works. And I didn’t find it painful like I do with some cliché tropes… even then, when he’s making mistakes and stupid decisions because he’s decided what is best for Shelby without talking with her… it made me scream moron. Just a little bit.
Having said that, I did love the ending. I loved how Shelby’s strength and power are shown. And that even though her virginity is kind of a big thing to some in the story – it wasn’t really an issue with her. It’s one of the few stories that has an older virgin in which the tale isn’t tedious. She isn’t saving herself, she isn’t treasuring something that really has no meaning. She’s just not had the opportunity. And she doesn’t feel that she needs to “experience the world” before she falls in love. Like I said, seriously not tedious.
This story also has a great romance begin for another of Shelby’s family members. Walt gets to start moving on with his life. I love that this is a series that features a romance, and a sexual relationship between a couple that is in their 50’s and 60’s. It’s a reminder that relationships are constantly evolving. No matter how old a person is. And it helps to build on the ensemble cast of this series – an ensemble which features people of all ages, sizes and walks of life. Which just melted my happy little heart.
It’s time to catch up on your series. You have three months to read 4 to 6 books from series you need to catch up on. You can read them all from a single series or mix it up
Rules ‣ Books must be part of a series. ‣ You do not need to start at the beginning of a series. ‣ The aim is to complete series, not read a whole series in one go so whichever book is next for you is your starting point. ‣ Novellas and short stories count as well though you do not need to read them to consider a series completed. ‣ The series does not need to be finished for you to complete it here. Just read as far as the last published book. ‣ You can read a series from start to finish if you want to e.g. read the three books of a trilogy. ‣ All genres welcome
Duration July 1st – September 30th 2020
You can use these images to arrange your series. If you’re unsure how to add images, visit this folder.
