I Read: The Testaments

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

(sequel to The Handmaid's Tale)

I'm not going to say much about this because I don't want to give anything away. But I really loved the way it was set up. Fluid timelines that converge at a central, pivotal point. And characters who aren't exactly who they are and give us insight into so many other characters through their words. 

Atwood truly is a marvelous writer. She waited so many years to complete this sequel and it seems to flow so easily from the writing several decades before. Anyone who has read The Handmaid's Tale should really read The Testaments. It's a fabulous follow up and answers a number of questions that an inquisitive reader might still have. 

#66-2021

I Read: Sleep Like a Baby

Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris

(Aurora Teagarden Mysteries book #10)

And the last book of the series. There's a lot going on in this one, and I'm super glad there hasn't been a comparative movie so far, because I'm sure that it would have missed a lot. I'll be happy to see how they make this into a move later. Though it's completely possible that they've already taken it in pieces and I didn't even notice. 

This actually wraps Aurora's story up neatly and leaves you satisfied that, while her adventures will never be completely over, she may actually be able to live happily ever after.

#65-2021

I Read: All The Little Liars

All The Little Liars by Charlaine Harris

(Aurora Teagarden Mysteries book #9)

I really wondered how this book would play out, considering how the comparative movie went. But I find I actually prefer the book. Half-brother Philip is a welcome presence in the books, and I like that he's a bit younger so it adds a different shape to his story. 

This story is a little more disturbing than previous ones, mostly because the victims here are teenagers, so there's more at stake. But it ends, as usual, with Aurora saving the day after she's bungled her way into the middle of the problem. 

As the penultimate book in the series (currently - I have no idea if there will ever be more.) you can see how this is starting to shape up as a happy ending for Aurora. But you know she'll never stay completely out of trouble. 

And we're on to #10 - the last of the series. 

#64-2021

I Read: Successful Women Speak Differently

Successful Women Speak Differently: 9 Habits that Build Confidence, Courage & Influence by Valorie Burton

This is the third of a pack of Valorie Burton books that I picked up and each book dovetails in and reinforces the others nicely. Much of what is included in each book is repeated in some form or another in the other books. 

Much of what is included is common sense information - but it's the kind of common sense that requires someone else to tell you before you make the realization. Burton is conversational and non-judgemental. Her writing style is easy to read so the information is easier to take in. 

My goal is not to be traditionally "successful" - I just want to lead a happy life.  These books can help with that. 

 

#63-2021

I Read: Poppy Done to Death

Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris

(Aurora Teagarden Mysteries book #8)

Poor Poppy.  She really was done to death!  This one is also a Hallmark movie but in a very modified form.  I enjoyed the relationships that exist to Aurora in this particular book. It's family, but not really. 

There's a lot to unpack in this particular story, and some little trinkets that you didn't really expect, but probably should have.

On to #9.

#62-2021

I Read: Last Scene Alive

Last Scene Alive by Charlaine Harris

(Aurora Teagarden Mysteries book #7) 

I really enjoyed the movie version of this book, so I wasn't sure what I was in for with this book. There are a lot of details that are changed because Aurora is a different character in the books than in the movies and her life is slightly different as well - with some missing characters as noted for book #6. 

But this book didn't really disappoint.  It brought back Robin after the loss of Martin and still kept connected to happenings in past stories even while moving forward. It's interesting that the movies follow the Robin storyline more closely than any other of Aurora's love interests. Still, this book can't be taken as a manual to the movie.  Enough so that there's still suspense, even after having seen the move. 

On to #8.

#61-2021

I Read: A Fool and His Honey

A Fool and His Honey by Charlaine Harris

(Aurora Teagarden Mysteries book #6)

Working my way through the Teagarden mysteries - this one has a "matching" movie, which didn't really do it justice. There are a lot of details in this book that didn't make it into the movie and might have made the movie that much more exciting. Perhaps another movie can be made to cover the alternate story.  

The part I find interesting in the last couple of these mysteries is that the Hallmark movie series never even touched on the courtship and marriage with Martin. In the movie world, it's as if he never existed, which is why this book could never be a complete movie. 

On to #7. 

#60-2021

I Read: The Serpent's Fury

The Serpent's Fury by Kelley Armstrong

(Royal Guide to Monster Slaying book #3)

I love this series because it's so creative. There are "monsters" I've never heard of and that in other situations would be scary but they're written as creatures to be learned about and treated as equals. 

The series title is Royal Guide to Monster Slaying, but it's really more about monster care. It's a lesson that doesn't seem to resonate for people in reality but might make more of an impression on the age group targeted with this series, because of these books.