Friday, December 4, 2015

December 4th's Book Beginnings and Friday 56

I know, I know, I missed last week.  Actually, I didn't even have my computer on at all on Thursday or Friday.  It was kind of nice, to be honest.  But I'm back in the swing of things this week, so here is this week's Book Beginnings and Friday 56.

This week's book is one of my Christmas mysteries for the year, Away in a Manger by Rhys Bowen.




This is the latest in her Molly Murphy series, and we join Molly for Christmas 1905.  Of course, it's not quite the peaceful Christmas she'd hoped for because that would be boring for us.  I just finished the book this evening, and I can tell you this book is great.  Full review will be coming in a week and a half or so.

For now, here's how the book begins:

"'Tis the season to be jolly," sang the carolers outside Grace Church, while across Broadway the brass band of the Salvation Army thumped out "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," in competition.

To set the scene just a bit for this excerpt from page 56, Liam is Molly's 15 month old son.  And the balls in question are of fudge.  Having said that, let's jump into it:

She put a pale coffee-colored ball in front of Liam, who took it cautiously and then almost stuffed the whole thing into his mouth.
"Careful."  I stopped him just in time.  "Take a tiny bite," I warned.
He did so and an expression of wonder came over his face.  Wonder and pure delight.

I realize both of these are more about the Christmas season than the plot of the book.  Just the way it turned out, but the book does balance the two very nicely.

And with that said, have a great weekend.  I intend to do some decorating and Christmas shopping this weekend myself.

10 comments:

  1. What a fun cover and fun writing. I just want to stock up on holiday books for the cold snowy days.

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  2. This sounds like a fun book, I hope you enjoyed this one. :-)

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  3. Ah! Another series I have been wanting to read. I am spotlighting both and alternate history book - The Inquisitor's Apprentice by Chris Moriarty - and a thriller - She Can Kill by Melinda Leigh - today. Happy reading!

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  4. I need to finish up some Christmas shopping myself this weekend! I like the sound of this but have not started this series yet - I have her other series on my kindle - at least a couple of the books. I seriously need more reading time! Here's my Friday Meme post

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  5. That cover alone makes me want to read it. Always happy when I find another holiday read:)

    My 56 - http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/12/04/the-friday-56-87-shadows/

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  6. This book is tempting me! I've read several books in her Royal Spyness series but have yet to try this one out. I love the blurb and the teasers.

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  7. Sounds like he loves his first bite of pure sugar. LOL I love fudge and tis the season for it. :-)
    sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes

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  8. Welcome back!
    Nice to see the holiday books making their rounds. This one looks really good, plus I have heard great things about this author.
    Happy weekend!

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  9. seems like a great holiday read ;)

    Our BB

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  10. A friend of mine has just been reading this series - she's a big fan. I may have to start it up. :)

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