*Arghhhhhhhhhh*
I have postponed writing this post for so long hoping I get back on my reading track and have a substantial post to write. The past 3 months have been hectic with work taking over my entire life. Whatever free time I do get – I spend binge watching mindless shows – as an easy break from my hectic work life. Also, I abandoned a few books since I just couldn’t get myself to go past a point and that also slowed down my reading speed. I completed reading 3 books in 3 months which is quite embarrassing and makes me feel sad. Here is hoping I do better this month.
I have been very into mythological and historical fiction this year and keeping in line with that, my three reads were all historical fictions (and all set in Britain by coincidence).
Read 1: Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Story: This is a historical romance story between fiercely independent and feminist Annabelle and the cold Duke of Montgomery, Sebastian. They meet while she is a student in Oxford trying to recruit men for the women’s suffrage movement. Annabelle is given the task of breaking and recruiting Sebastian since he is of political importance. What follows is the tale of their love-hate relationship.
Review: While I don’t think this is a fresh or new story line but I still had fun reading the novel till its very dramatic ending. The typical poor girl – rich man love story line has been covered in many a stories though the setting of this storyline makes it different. I also liked the author’s writing style – which kept me hooked to the story despite my already guessing how it would end.
Verdict: It is a fun one time read. 7.5/10
PS: someone recommended this author to me – I don’t remember who – if you are reading this – leave a comment.
Read 2: The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Story: Set in the 1940s, post the second world war in the English village of Chawton where Jane Austen lived a considerable part of her life. A group of broken, like minded people living in the village get together to protect Jane Austen’s diminishing legacy by forming a society. Together they work not only to celebrate Jane Austen’s life and work but also to help each other get through their own dark pasts.
Review: My only complaint with this book is its slow pace. I love the story line and how cute this book is but boy did it take forever to build up to the formation of the society. I almost gave up on this book a couple of times but I’m glad I stuck it out. It is an easy read, feel good novel. If you are a Jane Austen fan like me -I think it would be a nice read for you.
Verdict: 7/10
Read 3: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Story: Set during the World War 2 in England, this novel follows the lives of 3 girls from very different walks life who are recruited into a top secret project that breaks German codes for Britain. Osla – a rich socialite looking for something challenging, Mab – from an impoverished household looking to change her future and Beth – the village spinster, living at home and following her mothers each instruction. The story follows what goes on at this top secret location and how it changes their lives forever.
Review: The story line of this book interested me and the really good ratings on Goodreads had me intrigued. But I think this review I found by Anna on Goodreads puts my thoughts into words – “This book should have been at least 200 pages shorter. Slow buildup and not as much suspense as I had hoped for. Lost my attention several times and by the time I got to the crux of the matter (more than halfway through) I wasn’t that invested in the story anymore.”
It took forever for the real story to start and develop – there was so much unnecessary drama and glitz in the story. The details about breaking the code could have been fully skipped – because they went on for pages and didn’t really add to the progress of the story. If you told me in two lines that the codes were difficult to break – I’d still buy it. Some love angles were also so unnecessary and seemed to be forced onto the story to make the story line controversial. Over all it was a very meh read which had the potential to be so much more – but I’d still recommend it as a one time read.
Verdict: 6/10
Books I DNF-ed for the time being:
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
These books both are super interesting but I just wasn’t in the right mood to enjoy them. I will definitely get back to them soon.
What are you reading currently? Leave me some good book recommendations – some easy reads please.
Check out my other recent posts –
Happy Panda 
200 is a lot of superfluous pages!!
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It is! Till over half way through the book – the real story hadn’t even begun. 🙈
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Oh dear! Well done for staying with it that long! 😉
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These sound like great stories. I’ll definitely check them out. Have you read the Shopaholic series? You can check out the Jane Austen Dating Agency, the Bridgerton series, The Hating Game
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Read the first two shopaholic series in school. But I’m not a fan of that genre anymore. 🙈 I’ll check out the other recommendations. Is Bridgerton the series based on the books?
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Oh. So you’re not looking for rom-com books? Yes, that is the novel series based on which Netflix released the show
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I hope you decide to pick up the book thief one day. I had dnfed it too cuz it was too slow paced for my taste 😅 but it’s pretty worth it!
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I am sure, I’ve heard such great things. I think I was in this funk and the seriousness of the book wasn’t letting me enjoy it. But I’m definitely going to give it a try again.
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The Graveyard Book is one of my favorites! A really good read for fall – especially around Halloween.
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It has such a fun premise – I just couldn’t get into it and enjoy it. I’ll definitely pick it up again soon
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I have been postponing “the book thief” for a while now –I have heard so much about it like you will pick it up soon. Few interesting reads, currently taking a break from historical fiction and diving more into contemporary fiction –let’s see how that plan out…
I hope this month becomes a successful reading month for you –just take it easy xx
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I’m planning to do that too – since I’m in the mood to read something light and fun.
I hope so too. *Fingers crossed*
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Stillll trying to get back on the reading band-wagon…
just been so tired and busy latey and I end up reading blogs instead when I do have time! lol not a bad thing I guess….
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Definitely not a bad thing. I haven’t had time to read either and I feel so guilty. I don’t want it to become a chore but it feels like it now. 😭
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Since I’m trying to write for MG, that’s where my head is at. I read books much differently these days. It always used to be purely for enjoyment, but I pay more attention to the craft now. I think we all go through reading slumps. It’s become part of my before-bed routine.
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I’m currently on Book 5 of the Ash Park series. I’m about 75% of the way through. I’m a bit behind on my reviews for books 3 and 4.
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Do read The Book Thief. It is slow but trust me it gets so so sooooo goood along the way!
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Busy girl with lots of great reviews Rue!👏👏👏
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All 3 books sound lovely! Glad you’re able to find time to relax and rewind amidst your busy schedule with work. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to read the book thief since forever but hey, I already have a pile of new books here 😅
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PS: I’m reading the alchemist right now. Have you read it? I’m guessing yes… 🙂
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Yes, I have read it. I think I read it when I was your age too. Paulo was HUGE then – read most of his books from back then. Really beautiful book – motivated me a lot. 😊
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He’s still pretty much a big deal. I guess, late teens would be the best time to read it ☺️
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I have been reading t lately, and I’m still trying to find a way to review them. I admire your consistency
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Reblogged this on Jwls Mac Ray and commented:
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