Exceedingly Mundane

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Apr
23
Posted by Stace

Finished “Sweetgrass”

Sweetgrass by Mary Alice Monroe I have read several books lately that I have not blogged about. The last one I finished is also a book I included on Annie’s “What’s In a Name Challenge” that I joined in January. This book qualified for a plant in the title, as sweetgrass is a coastal grass that grows in the Lowcountry of the Carolinas. I’ve now read four out of the six books I chose for this challenge.

I liked “Sweetgrass” – it’s what I term good “women’s fiction”. About a family, relationships, the trials and tribulations, along with a secret from the past that is revealed and everyone has to deal with. It was a good read, and reminiscent, for me, to other books I have read by Dorothea Benton Frank. They are all set in the Carolinas, in the Lowcountry, and have that slow, easy Southern feel to them that I really enjoy.

I’ve also completed several other books lately. I’ve been reading almost exclusively from my TBR pile, which is good for me. I did go to the library today, to pick up some new books, but the majority of what I’ve read this year are books from my own, overflowing bookshelves. I finished up the 7th and then 8th (and last) book in the “Southern Sisters Murder Mysteries” by Anne George. I really hated to see the end of these southern cozies. I loved the characters and her writing. I hate that the author has passed away and there are no more of these delightful books for me to look forward to.

I also finished my third Jodi Picoult book, “The Pact“, which I picked up last year at a library sale. I really enjoyed this book, and it was very engrossing, as her other two books that I’ve read have been. I definitely plan to read more of her stuff in the future, but I have to space it out with lighter, fluffy kind of books.

I’ve read the first two books in the Hannah Swenson murder series, “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder” and “Strawberry Shortcake Murder.”. A good cozy series that I’m really enjoying so far and plan to read all of them, eventually. I like the characters, I like the setting and the writing, and I love that the author includes baking recipes in each book! 🙂

In January of this year, I went to the library and got 3 books, a trilogy by Tracie Peterson. I read them all in the first couple of weeks in January and had not been to the library since. I put some newer books on reserve at the library though, and two of them came in. I went today and picked them up, along with one by Deeanne Gist, a new-to-me Christian author that is on my to-read list. So, up next for me is the latest by Barbara Delinsky, “The Secret Between Us“. I’ve enjoyed her books in the past, although I haven’t read many lately. The other book I picked up is the latest in Alexander McCall Smith’s series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I’ve read all of the other ones in this series, and enjoyed them, so I am sure I will like this one, too.

For the record, I’ve read 27 books so far this year, for a total of 9,020 pages. Happy Reading!!!

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  1. Desert Songbird Said,

    I’ll have to check out that Hannah Swenson series. I love a good cozy, and I love when food is involved!

  2. Sandra Said,

    Oh I will have to check this one out, it sounds so good 🙂

  3. deb Said,

    Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors and I loved “The Pact”, too!
    I just bought her book “Nineteen Minutes” at a book sale here at work yesterday. I’ve heard that it’s really good 🙂

    I’m always interested in what you’re reading!

  4. Angela Said,

    I’m really gonna have to check these books out. They all sound great, especially the Hannah Swenson series:-).
    Have a wonderful day!

  5. twiga Said,

    I really enjoyed The Pact by Picoult also. Her books are hit and miss with me, but The Pact was one of the hits. It was quite engrossing. I read a lot of it while on a plane trip to and from CA last year on a business trip.

  6. Barb @ A Chelsea Morning Said,

    Dorothea Benton Frank and Jodi Picoult are two of my very favorite authors. In spite of my limited bookshelf space, I own every book each of them has written, in hardcover, and would never part with those books. Honestly, I should have been born in the low country.

    Nineteen Minutes is one of the most intense books I’ve ever read. But I’d read it again, it’s that good.

  7. Gail Said,

    I’m kinda behind on my reading! And in updating my list too.
    Would you recommend The Pact or Plain Truth by Picoult for me to read next? Still working on a few books for Lynne’s challenge! Gotta finish the Tracie Peterson ones first thoguh.

  8. Debi Said,

    I wish I was doing as good a job as you are at working through my TBR pile! I’ve been in such a slump lately…it’s killing me. Everyone has such good things to say about Picoult’s books that I’ve picked up a few at library sales, but I have yet to read one. Really need to change that. And I *still* want to try those Southern Sisters books, too…they sound fabulous!

  9. Dianne Said,

    I too love when books (other than cookbooks!) include recipes. Be interested to know if you try any and how they turn out.

  10. Maria Said,

    It was fun to catch up on what you’re reading!

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