It's been awhile since I opened monthly reads.  Currently reading The Wind From Hastings by Morgan Llywelyn about Edyth (Aldith), wife of Griffith, prince of Wales and Harold, kind of England.  Quite an interesting read and my first by this author although I have another of his books on my TBR.  I like the story very much.  Imagine being a woman at this period of time.  The Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.  This century held little freedom of choice for women of upper classes who were political pawns.

I've started In a Gilded Cage, yet another Molly Murphy mystery by Rhys Bowen.  This one is excellent!

I just finished listening to A Secret History of Witches which I enjoyed.  I didn't like how the story of the last witch veered but overall a decent read. I think I will start The Tattooist of Auschwitz as my next audio read. 

I was reading Antony and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough but honestly, I was having a hard time paying attention.  A lot of political/military stuff, and I just couldn't keep people straight.  If it stuck more to the personal storylines, I would have better luck.  Most of the problem is not lack of intelligence (hah!) but rather that I usually only read in the evening just before bed when my brain is already shutting down for the day.  I will keep it on my shelf and try again sometime, but for now, I'm bailing on it.  I'm going to try Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George instead.  I just finished watching the 2018 movie, so I'm in the mood for some Mary, Queen of Scots.  LOL! 

Thanks to those of you who posted favorite reads.  These lists help guide my reading for the coming year so I really appreciate your lists.  I've begun Fever Season by Barbara Hambly.  Loved Book 1 in the series.

Shelly

I also bailed on Antony & Cleo.  Just couldn't get into it.  But unlike you, I passed it on to someone else.

Maybe I'll regret that someday...

I am looking forward to seeing the new movie.

ETA: I am currently reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.  I do not usually read these types of books but it was recommened by my Sister in Law.  Just in case she asks me questions about it, I'll have answers.  lol

Wendy:  I also read The Couple Next Door, it was okay but nothing special.

Shelley,

Have you read the previous books in McCullough's Rome series? I read the entire series and loved it, but could understand your opinion  if you haven't followed it.

I enjoy McCullough's Rome series, too, which is why I keep them on my shelves until I've read them.  However, her books are not for everyone.

REK,

Agreed. I recommended them to a cousin who taught history in high school and he couldn't get into them.

CR

I read nearly all of Alison Weir's Anne Boleyn A Kings Obsession but had to bail on it bc it became so depressing! I'd like to read the rest if anyone has a copy.

I am reading a historical Mystery Blood's Game by Angus Donald. Set in 1670 England

I've collected all of McCullogh's Rome books,but haven't started them yet.  I thought this might be 'The Year' but I'm so scattered right now, I need lighter reads.  I've been working on 'Deja Dead' by Kathy Reichs for about three weeks now--ugh.

Just on a side note, I've been so inactive here, and the challenges have gone out the window. I have called in hospice for my husband.  When I get a chance to read, it's really hard to concentrate.  So frustrating, because I would love to escape into a good book....

Love and hugs to you dearest Vicky!

Oh goodness Vicky that is so tough. Big owl hugs

I am reading The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis. It is very engaging.

Starting Shadows and Stongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick. Elizabeth Chadwick is on of my favorite all time authors. Here writing is beautiful

I finished The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer. Her books are always so entertaining and this one is no exception!

Hi, guys!  And {{{{HUGS}}}}, Vicky!!

Thanks for the discussion on McCullough's stuff.  I attempted to read the first book in the Rome series years ago, but I bailed on that too.  Apparently McCullough (at least her stuff set in ancient Rome) is not for me.  I ended up posting Antony & Cleopatra as I knew it would just sit on my shelf for the rest of my life.  I have too many other books on Mt. TBR to have that tome adding to that seeminly insurmountable pile!  LOL! 

I'm still reading Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles.  I haven't been able to read a lot in the evenings lately, so I'm not making very fast progress. I like it, though.  Much easier to follow than Antony & Cleopatra.  I finished listening to The Tattooist of Auschwitz the other day, but I haven't started a new audio book yet.  Trying to catch up on some podcasts before tackling a new book. Anyone have any good audio book recommendations?  I have several un-listened to in my library, but I am always on the lookout for new ones.  Some books, at least for me, are so much better with audio.  Then again, there are many books I'd rather read than listen to. 

I've been reading (and just finished) The Winter Queen by Jane Stevenson, a new to me author.  Now I have started a n/f book, Hero of the Empire:  The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill by Candice Millard.  She writes an excellent biography!

A Family Affair by Caro Peacock  4 stars out of 5. This book is number 3 in the series. Set is 1839 England. Excellent historical mystery series. The characters are strong and of lots of personaility. You can imagine having a conversation with them. Lots of good historical background. Queen Victory is only 2 years into her reign. Love the references to Little Vicky. Strongly recommend the series.

Still reading Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles.  I like it, but as I mentioned above, it's slow going since I haven't spent a whole lot of time reading. I started a new audio book on Monday, My Dear Hamilton.  I needed a book for the "set during the Revolutionary War" category of the HF challenge, and this one obviously fits the bill. 

Right now I'm reading another Molly Murphy mystery by Rhys Bowen, Bless the Bride.  I did just get the newest Maisie Dobbs book by Jacqueline Winspear, The American Agent, yesterday from Amazon, so that will be up next!