It's Monday, What Are You Reading (95)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


I only managed to finish one book this week because I had a very busy week and not much time for reading. Sadly I did not finish rereading A Thousand Splendid Suns and realized during the book discussion group meeting that I'd forgotten a lot of the story between now and when I read it in 2007. Someday I may pick it up again and reread it but right now I feel that I need to concentrate on getting through my giant pile of books for review.

This week I did post my Downton Abbey Reading Challenge. Participants only have to read one book to be entered in the prize drawing. For those who are Downton Abbey fans, please check it out! You'll at least find links to some books that might interest you. (Please forgive my BSP, just had to mention the reading challenge in case there was any interest)


Can't wait till Tuesday when Season 2  of Downton Abbey is released on DVD! I may not get much reading down this week after all...

Books read:

The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey

This novel is inspired by Jane Eyre. The Flight of Gemma Hardy is set in 1960s Scotland and while it is not completely faithful to the original story, the changes work in this setting.

Books reviewed:

None-but I am in the process of writing reviews for Cinder by Marissa Meyer and The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman hopefully to be posted later this week.

Currently reading:

Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves

I am really enjoying this novel as I learn more about the Jack the Ripper killings and Whitechapel. Abbie reminds me of Amelia from The Vespertine and Mary Quinn from The Agency: A Spy in the House.

The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes

I read a little more of this book over the weekend and learned quite a bit about servants' lives. Poor Daisy (just like the real kitchen maids on whom the character is based) gets up at 4:30 every morning and works till 9:45 at night and she only gets a half day off each week! I also found out why Carson spends so much time pouring wine through a funnel and what O'Brien is supposed to be doing when she is not plotting with Thomas...

What I plan to read next:

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

I am eager to start this book and I've read so many positive reviews (it received several starred reviews from trade publications and a lot of good reviews from the blogosphere) but I'm a little worried it won't live up to my expectations.

The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell

I hope to get to this book soon as it is a Vine request and I really liked The Vespertine. Sadly I can't remember it very well after all the other books I've read since then. Hopefully there will be a recap in The Springsweet...

The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons

Some reviewers have said this is a book that fans of Downton Abbey would like. I think the premise sounds like something Eva Ibbotson would write as the main character is a girl born into wealth and privilege who must leave that life and become a maid (similar to The Countess Below Stairs). 

The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak

I probably won't get to this book yet but I have read a few chapters already and thought it was really good, reminiscent of Michelle Moran or Philippa Gregory.

Have you read any of these books? Which ones should I move up my TBR pile?

What have you been reading lately?