Books 13-24: A Book Review by a Photographic Bookworm
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post about my goal to read 36 books this year, and while I'm really close to accomplishing this goal (I'm reading books 34 and 35 right now), I wanted to update you on my progress. These are books 13-24, and my thoughts on them.
13.) Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery- I read Anne of Green Gables as a much younger person, and always planned to return to the beautiful world that L. M. Montgomery created in her cherished novels of the red-headed orphan girl. Anne of Avonlea follows Ann through her older teens, as she finishes school in Avonlea, attains her teaching certificate, and begins to teach herself.
14.) Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery- This novel picks up right where the last one left off. Anne is set to attend the University for the first time, and makes all sorts of new friends, while maintaining her relationships with her comrades and loved ones back home. Anne and Gilbert FINALLY become engaged at the end of this book.
15.) Drops of Gold: A Regency Romance by Sarah M. Eden- I am a sucker for a good Christian romance novel, and this one certainly makes the cut. This sweet novel follows a young woman who has lost not only her parents but her wealth, forcing her to take a job as a young girl's governess. Of course, she falls in love with her employer, but there are several plot twists along the way!
16.) Surrender the Wind by Rita Gerlach- This is another Christian romance, but it could also be classified as a mystery as well. A young man inherits his grandfather's English estate, but he's a Yankee, through and through. He travels to England to secure the estate on behalf of his sister and discovers a plot that would have stolen the estate out from under their noses- all while falling in love with a very suitable neighbor girl.
17.) Anne of Windy Poplars by L. M. Montgomery- Anne has finally secured her first position as a high school principle at the most elite school on Prince Edward Island. This book was mostly written from Anne's perspective in the form of letters to Gilbert during their engagement while he finishes up medical school.
18.) Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery- Anne and Gilbert are finally married, and have settled down in their first home together- a sweet little cottage on the outskirts of the town where Gilbert has his practice set up. Aside from Anne of Green Gables, this one was my favorite.
19.) Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery- In this novel, we find that Anne has aged considerably and is now the mother of six children- including a set of twins! Her children are young, but delightful, and take up a great deal of Anne's time.
20.) Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare- This is the second novel in the Dark Artifices series, and picks up almost where the first one left off. Julian and Emma are still falling in love- and trying to avoid each other- Kit is still trying to figure out his place, and things are getting ever darker with the Clave. Clare definitely leaves her readers on a cliff hanger with this one, as someone dies at the end for a seemingly stupid reason.
21.) Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery- Anne's children are the subject of this epistle. The sweet hijinks and shenanigans of her brood definitely embody the troubles Anne herself used to find. Knowing her own penchant for trouble as a child, Anne handles their escapades with grace and love and just enough discipline.
22.) Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery- Anne and Gilbert's youngest daughter was named Marilla- after Anne's adoptive mother, of course- and is nicknamed Rilla. In this last novel, Rilla is a young woman with no apparent ambitions in her life, other than to be fashionable and happy. Set during World War 1, Rilla is forced to grow up quicker than she perhaps would have otherwise. But, she rises to the occasion time and time again- surprising even herself at what she is capable of.
23.) An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor- This novel- set in 1964 Ireland- starts off fast and furious, with Dr. O'Reilly chucking a patient out the front door. Soon Doctors O'Reilly and Laverty are up to their elbows not only caring for the town's medical problems, but trying to solve many other conundrums as well.
24.) An Irish Country Village by Patrick Taylor- This novel picks up right where the last one leaves off. Doctors O'Reilly and Laverty are back on the case, keeping tabs on the locals' health problems, as well as trying to prevent a local developer from usurping the lease of the Black Swan- colloquially known as the Mucky Duck.
I'm certain in a week or two (I still have time to finish those last few books!) I'll be posting my final review of the year. I hope that by sharing my reading list with y'all you will be inspired to pick up a book and begin your own reading journey. I also hope that by sharing what I read, you'll have come to know me just a bit better. Until next time!