I absolutely love the last week of the year.
I love the lull between Christmas and New Years Day, the slower pace, the weird out-of-sink quality of those days. They almost feel like vacation days, even if they’re not. You may have to go into the office, but you know nothing much is going to get done during that week.
It’s a perfect time for the year-end round-ups of everything from news to fashion to movies. Here's a sample from pop culture...
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Classic is hot again, thanks to Kate Middleton.
And Harry Potter ruled at the box office, according to BoxOffice Mojo.com.
I won't delve into the top news stories of the year...there are too many to choose from and hard news isn't really our forte here.
What is perfectly appropriate is a round-up of some of my favorite reads of 2011.
Most Viewed YouTube Ad:
Classic is hot again, thanks to Kate Middleton.
And Harry Potter ruled at the box office, according to BoxOffice Mojo.com.
I won't delve into the top news stories of the year...there are too many to choose from and hard news isn't really our forte here.
What is perfectly appropriate is a round-up of some of my favorite reads of 2011.
If you like women’s fiction…
Helen of Pasadena by Lian Dolan. Funny and sweet story of a Pasadena socialite finding her way after her husband’s unexpected death.
A Vintage Affair by Isobell Wolff. Vintage clothes with vintage mystery circa WWII.
If you like historicals…
The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig. Love the mix of contemporary romance plotline with the historical one, this one set in Regency Paris where spies and intrigue abound.
Crimson Warning by Tasha Alexander. I always enjoy Lady Emily’s adventures. In England, she acquaints herself with the early women’s rights movement and hunts a vandal.
Naughty in Nice by Rhy Bowen. 1930’s French Riviera intrigue with the delightful Lady Georgina, who is once again on assignment for the Queen.
If you like traditional mysteries…
Death on Tour by Janice Hammrick. A contemporary Death on the Nile.
Murder Most Persuasive by Tracey Kiley. A modern who-dun-it with a Jane Austen twist.
A House to Die For by Vicki Doudera. Great debut about a realtor in Maine.
If you like suspense…
Learning to Swim by Sara J. Henry. Compelling from the first line.
Come and Find Me by Hallie Ephron. Creative take on our digital lives.
If you like thrillers…
Rip Tide by Stella Rimington. Smart spy thriller set in England about a female MI5 agent.
What were your favorite reads of the year? What books are you looking forward to in 2012?
Sara Rosett is the author of the Ellie Avery mystery series, an adult “whodunit” mystery series in the tradition of Agatha Christie. Publishers Weekly has called Sara’s books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.”Library Journal says, “...Rosett’s Ellie Avery titles are among the best, using timely topics to move her plots and good old-fashioned motives to make everything believable.”
Visit http://www.SaraRosett.com for more information or connect with Sara on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.
Great list! I will have to check some of these books out. :)
ReplyDeleteTwo books I just read in the last few weeks (and loved) include Ready, Player One and The End of Everything.
Kindle is dangerous....
Totally understand about the Kindle, Jess. Makes it so easy to shop and buy--it's nice, but can make it dent in my credit card! Thanks for sharing your favorite books. I'll have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of Murder Most Persuasive and really enjoyed it, too! Thanks for your round-up, Sara! I'm looking forward to far too many books to name next year -- as well as finally reading some of the ones still in my TBR pile from 2011 ;).
ReplyDeleteMy favorite adult novel of 2011 was The Old Romantic by Louise Dean. My favorite YA was Divergent by Veronica Roth.
ReplyDeleteMore books to look for--excellent!
ReplyDeleteSara! Thanks for including Helen of Pasadena in your round-up. As the author, I'm honored...
ReplyDeletehere's to 2012! all the best, Lian Dolan
Sara! Thanks for including Helen of Pasadena in your round-up. As the author, I'm honored...
ReplyDeletehere's to 2012! all the best, Lian Dolan
What a great round-up. It just so happens I've been looking for book ideas since I have some Amazon credit:)
ReplyDeleteGlad to include your book, Lian--really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to have credit, Karin. Happy to help!
Sara Rosett all book hit because its stories writing words impressive and his all books for first grade student thanks for share it perfect personal statement .
ReplyDelete