It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

Thank you to The Book Date for hosting It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

Hi everyone! I’m sorry I haven’t updated in a couple weeks. I’m in Stuttgart, Germany for work. I haven’t had time to do any sightseeing yet, but I’m going to Munich and Dachau on Saturday. Above is Schlossplatz, or Castle Square, in Stuttgart.

WHAT I’M READING NOW

(From Amazon) Set in Manhattan between 1912 and 1965. When idealistic Young Irving Friedman and his beautiful, hard-nosed sister Miriam are forced to leave their brutal father’s home, they must make their way amid the sprawling tenements of the Lower East Side. Trapped in the garment industry’s backbreaking sweatshops, Irving is swept into the dangerous world of union organizing, while Miriam finds unexpected new love. As the years pass and one generation yields to the next, the siblings’ hard-won success is imperiled when an old family secret is unearthed that puts Irv on a collision course with Miriam’s ambitious daughter Shelly. Will secrets from the past destroy their family’s bond, or will they find a way to forgive?

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

(From Amazon) As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another expat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and her Oncle Rafe.

Between tutoring Americans in French, and sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia’s building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim from a party given by Julia’s sister, Dort, the night before. The murder weapon is recognizable too—a knife from Julia’s kitchen.

Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha’s handwriting, was found in the dead woman’s pocket. Now, from the shadows of the Tour Eiffel, to the Childs’ tiny kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates the city, hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse.

WHAT I JUST FINISHED READING

(From Amazon) Licinianus is a reluctant soldier in a very unusual family, one whose ancient gods give special powers to twins. His father, a twin himself, earned the gratitude of an Emperor and gained for Licinianus an honor that he does not want: appointment as a tribune in the army. Against his will, Licianius becomes a Roman officer and watches ineffectually while the army in Britannia, depleted by civil war, collapses before the onslaught of the Northern tribes. Only the arrival of the army of the Emperor Constantius saves the province, as Licinianus, receiving the gift of his family’s gods, becomes an almost legendary fighter.

Meanwhile, a strange new religion, Christianity, is permeating the Romano-British world, plunging Licinianus and his twin sister Severiana into yet more conflict. Christianity denies the very gods that give the family its strength, outraging their beliefs and customs. Nevertheless, it casts its spell on the twins’ brother and Severiana’s husband, threatening to tear the family apart.

I hope everyone is doing well! Now that I’m into my third week in Germany, posting on this blog will commence! I’ve just been so busy. Sunday I’m going to post all the pictures I am sure to take at Dachau and in Munich.

Sunday Post: Last Minute Details

Thanks to The Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting Sunday Post.

My departure for a two-month work trip to Germany is coming up fast. Our cleaning and getting rid of a lot of stuff continues! I’m leaving on April 5th. If anyone has any international travel or packing tips, I’m all ears. There is a very cool page on Instagram called “The Folding Hacks,” and I’m scouring that trying to learn how to get more into my suitcase, but neatly. I’ll still be posting from Germany, and I’ll be continuing my volunteer work as Indies Co-Editor and as a reviewer for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of The Historical Novel Society.

I am still behind on Goodreads and blog visiting, but I’m hoping to catch up this coming week.

WHAT ARE YOU READING

(Partial blurb from publisher Atria Books) 1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild destroyed French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen—children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears.

WHAT HAVE YOU JUST FINISHED

Historical Fiction combining The Blitz in London with a bookish theme. Loved it.

WHAT ARE YOU READING NEXT

A serial arsonist has burned down another house and two children are missing. Detective Jace Franco is on the case.

This is Book Two of the An American in Paris mysteries, in which Julia Child is a supporting character. I absolutely loved Book One.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!