bucolicbook

[bucolicbook]

No Ordinary Duchess (Greycourt, #3) by Elizabeth Hoyt

US pub date - 12/10/24

*grumpy vs sunshine

*she’s his former best friend’s younger sister (with serious backstory)

*alpha sub 

After being offered an early copy of No Ordinary Duchess I was unaware that it was the third title of an established series. I only realized this after reading a few chapters and then checking goodreads. 

But since I wasn’t having difficulty keeping up with the story, I wanted to see if I enjoyed this enough to grab the first two titles - I did (and this was my first time reading the author) 

There are soooo many books with submissive women (and I’ve never read one I enjoyed) - this isn’t one of those books. We’re instead offered MMC Julian Greycourt, heir to the Windermere dukedom, alpha sub. 

This was super fun and I adored the story so much, I borrowed the first two titles of the Greycourt series from the library as well as The Raven Prince and am looking forward to reading them, plus more of Ms Hoyt’s work! 

I also really loved the fairy tale excerpts at the beginning of each chapter. 

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bucolicbook]

Heartbreak is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music by Rob Sheffield 

US pub date - 11/12/24

“I walk out in a joyful haze. I’ve been a music journalist for a while, gone to a million live gigs, seen all the greats. But I’ve never seen her like - that level of total commitment, total fan fervor, total connection between audience and performer. For me, it’s like my teenage punk all-ages shows where I fell in love with the chaotic slam-dance thrill of live music. But I leave the room even more excited for the future I can already see coming. I can’t stop thinking, I can’t WAIT until all these girls grow up and start bands of their own. So many kids falling in love with music as something they can be a part of. So many young fans hearing Taylor tell them that girls have stories, and these stories deserve telling. They’ll learn to play guitar. They’ll write their novels, paint their paintings, live their lives. I can’t shut up to my friends about it. Ten years from now, my favorite music will be coming from these girls. The ones who saw this show or heard these songs on the radio, heard this voice tell them, “Drop everything now.” They heard her and decided they needed to do it themselves. 

As it turns out, that’s exactly what happened.” - Rob Sheffield 

First, let me get this out of the way, I am not a Swiftie - I appreciate and admire her talent, her donating to food banks where she plays shows, and I know that I love how she terrifies conservative men, but I didn’t know much else about her. What I am, is a Rob Sheffield fan - I’ve read his books, I’ll read anything he writes so when I saw this, I knew I needed to read it. In some ways, I feel like the perfect reader for this, since I’m probably not the intended reader (I hope that makes sense). 

This is where my education about Taylor Swift began. 

Sheffield’s writing has the following effect on me - when I read something particularly meaningful, I feel compelled to read it aloud to my older teens, my husband, or both. Even if no one is overly interested. I do not care as many of his statements must be shared. The writing is pure music appreciation and that is personal - he shares his stories just as much here, and I love how he wrote of Taylor with her young fans in the beginning, and his excitement over the art that these young girls would grow to create. The exuberance of Sheffield’s appreciation of Swift’s music is present in his writing, as well as being contagious - reading this, I listened to more Taylor Swift songs than I ever had before. 

Reading this, and then listening to her music, I realized that Taylor Swift was/is well acquainted with the girl / woman I used to be. 

A highly enjoyable book and one I recommend! 

Thank you to Dey Street Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan

US pub date - 11/12/24

*Kate and Leopold anyone? 

*magical realism - he’s a man cursed and as a statue for hundreds of years, she kisses him and brings him back to fleshly life because…. logic?

*he’s a literal knight in shining armor 

*he falls first 

*super interesting job - MFC is an art conservator-restorer 

Over the top implausible and very very fun; I enjoyed this 🙂

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

The Power and the Glory: Life in the English Country House Before the Great War by Adrian Tinniswood 

US pub date - 11/12/24

As a North American who’s fairly obsessed with history, European history has held my attention in an incomparable way. The “English Country House” wasn’t something I grew up learning about, but has become a topic of much interest to me. Therefore, I was thankful to receive a copy of The Power and the Glory: Life in the English Country House Before the Great War and was very impressed by Mr Tinniswood’s writing talent and ability to make nonfiction read more like fiction, and engaging fiction at that. 

I enjoyed my reading of this and learned a lot - it was my second time reading the author’s work and I will definitely be reading more. 

Recommended to readers of English history, royal history, and/or classics from the time. 

Thank you to Basic Books and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bucolicbook]

Puck and Prejudice by Lia Riley 

US pub date - 11/12/24

Okay, let’s clear some things up - I love reading classics, and Jane Austen is a particular favorite - regarding Pride and Prejudice I despise Lady Catherine, Mrs Bennet, and Lydia, Lizzy infuriates me at times, Wickham is a total cad, Mr Collin’s is a jerk to the nth degree, and I often side eye Darcy and Mrs Bennet as well as her relations. There’s a lot of shitty behavior in P&P, but I digress. However, ah, however, I still absolutely love the story. 

I also really love JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction for the uninitiated), and sports romances. Therefore, I was excited to see Puck and Prejudice and when I had the opportunity to read an early copy, I jumped at it. Okay, so it’s not precisely JAFF, but the premise was so appealing that I read it immediately (finishing it the second day I had it). 

*time travel

*forced proximity 

*marriage of convenience 

Perhaps surprising, perhaps not, I enjoyed this - it was a purely fun and amusing read. 

This was my first time reading Ms Riley’s work, it won’t be the last. 

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

All’s Fair in Love and Treachery (Lady Petra Inquires, #2) by Celeste Connally 

US pub date - 11/12/24

The first title in this series was a fun read and I was happy to have been invited to read an early copy of this second story. 

*character evolution deepens

*dogs

*smart MFC

*two mysteries

*regency London setting 

*charming 

*twisty 

The story pulled me in right away and I was kept guessing til the end. 

Fully enjoyable second book for the series. 

Recommended. 

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bucolicbook]

The Viscount and the Thief by Emma Orchard 

US pub date - 11/11/24

I enjoyed my reading of The Viscount and the Thief a lot 🙂

*strong female lead 

*a highborn son intent on not being like his father 

While I’m generally not a fan of insta-love, Sophie and Drake getting involved more quickly wasn’t disappointing - the banter and chemistry between the two is witty and fun, and the entire story is well written, well paced, and kept me turning the pages. 

Characters are well fleshed out and I especially appreciated Grandmère. 

This was my first time reading Ms Orchard���s work; it definitely won’t be the last. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

Secrets of Longevity, 2nd Edition: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100 - The Bestselling Guide, Revised and Expanded by Dr. Mao Shing Ni 

US pub date - 11/12/24

Excellent suggestions that readers can pick and choose from, dependent on their lifestyles/needs - many seem like easy changes to incorporate into your life as well.

An absolutely worthwhile read for anyone interested in improving their health and striving to achieve centenarian status. 

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the PDF

[bucolicbook]

The Autumn of Ruth Winters: A Novel by Marshall Fine 

US pub date - 11/5/24

Ruth, a 70-something retiree who cares for young children, is set in her life. It’s a bit stagnant with grief, and the adherence to a  strict schedule. But life keeps moving and this showcases Ruth’s evolution. 

Character development is strong but the final quarter of the book didn’t come together in a way that made sense to me, and this affected my overall enjoyment of the story. 

**I also really want to know where on earth a grocery store is priced so that you can purchase Pull-Ups, yogurt cups, and juice boxes for $11.21?!?! 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bucolicbook]

Mindfulness in Reading: Meditations on Words & Wisdom by Ella Berthoud

US pub date - 11/5/24

Reading has long been a meditative experience for me and when I saw this title, I knew I wanted to read it.  I really wanted to love this book but much of it didn’t work for me and I found this to very much be a ‘take what you like and leave the rest’ book.

I hope other readers enjoy this more. 

Thank you to Leaping Hare Press and NetGalley for the temporary PDF 

[bucolicbook]

Witchcraft: A Graphic History : Stories of wise women, healers, and magic by Lindsay Squire 

US pub date - 10/15/24

Men have been terrified of women and their natural strength and power for millennia. 

Imagine just being yourself - you enjoy helping others from the bounty Mother Earth provides, with tinctures and remedies. You have opinions, and express them. Someone whispers to someone else and then men come. Imposing, stern men who accuse you of witchcraft, because you live your life as freely as possible. They take you from your family, your home, from everything. Then you’re put on trial… 

 Witchcraft: A Graphic History has captivating art that showcases the historical figure of Bridget Eileen ‘Biddy’ Early in this fictionalized account of her life and experiences of the time. 

Keep in mind however, that despite the overall aesthetic appeal of this, much of the information presented is not historically accurate. If you’re going to share this, or read it, be sure to have some factual information accessible. 

Thank you to Leaping Hare Press and NetGalley for the temporary PDF

[bucolicbook]

I’ll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong 

US pub date - 10/1/24

Huh. 

First half = awesome 

Second half = not so much 

I really enjoyed the first half of the story but wasn’t able to muster enough suspension of disbelief for the second half. 

I will continue to look forward to Ms Armstrong’s new books, but unfortunately this wasn’t a favorite.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

The Forest Grimm (The Forest Grimm Duology, #1) by Kathryn Purdie 

US pub date - 3/25/25 - original pub date - 9/19/23

3.5 stars, rated up

I’ll admit - when I read the synopsis with the first line in the book I rolled my eyes and decided to not read it. However, I had loved reading my dad’s old hardcover of the Grimm Brothers fairytales as a kid (and beyond) so time softened my stance and when I was invited to read an advance copy for the paperback pub date, I figured I’d give it a try. 

I was up to chapter 13 before I realized how much time I had spent reading. 

The Forest Grimm pulled me right in.

*dark fantasy

*the forest is alive 

*atmospheric 

*fresh take on fairy tale retelling 

*slow burn friends to lovers, but low key

This was my first time reading Ms Purdie’s work - I’m looking forward to the second title so I’ll definitely be reading more 🙂

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

Fall into Temptation (Blue Moon, #2) by Lucy Score 

US pub date - 9/10/24

This story pulled me in right away. It was my first time reading the author, and though this is number two in a series, I didn’t have a difficult time keeping up. 

She’s a single mom yoga instructor who’s just moved to town with her two kids, he’s the mayor. This small town romance was utterly enjoyable and I loved how real the characters came across. 

Blue Moon sounds like a fantastic place that I’d love to visit but since I can’t do that, I’ll definitely be reading the other titles in this series.

**this one is a reprint of the same title, published in 2016

Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

The Baron’s Demons (Shadows of Deringham, #1) by Erin Elle 

US pub date - 10/25/24

*Marriage of convenience 

*age gap 

*miscommunication 

*possessive MMC 

*paranormal beings 

Though much of this fell oddly flat for me, I found it well written and will read more of Ms Elle’s future titles. 

Thank you to Stitching Grey Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

The Secret War of Julia Child: A Novel by Diana R. Chambers

US pub date - 10/22/24

The richly vivid and detailed writing pulled me in right away and I really enjoyed learning more about Julia Child and her younger years (I grew up occasionally watching her PBS show in reruns and not knowing anything about her other than her cooking talent). The descriptions allowed me to visualize what I was reading with ease and I really appreciated that. 

A highly enjoyable historical fiction read and a definite recommendation. 

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

Lazy Witchcraft for Crazy, Sh*tty Days (Easy Spells and Rituals for When You’re Stressed Out, Wiped Out, or Just Have No More Spoons to Give by Andrea Samayoa 

US pub date - 10/15/24

I’m a long time fan of witchcraft books, and ones that are 1) catered to spoonies, 2) on a proverbial shoestring, and 3) lazy? Count me in. 

I loved the spoons per recipe, and the layout was appealing, but this one didn’t really work for me. I don’t know if it was due, in part, to the awkwardly placed swear words, but I found it all a little cringe and wasn’t able to connect with the message (this isn’t anything against the book, it was me). 

Thank you to Fair Winds Press and NetGalley for the PDF