75 Books...More or Less! discussion

This year's challenge will be more of a stretch because I have several long books I want to get to. But I'm all in!

Long books can be so rewarding Karol!

#1 Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden, by Bill O'Reilly

Enjoyed this summary that included a short biography of each president from George Washington to Barack Obama, along with the major events of each presidency, notable successes, and notable failings. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden were also discussed briefly but not in the same way because, as the authors noted, their presidencies are too recent to have a meaningful historical perspective.

Reading this book was a great refresher on the overall sweep of American history as well as each president.

5 stars

Welcome back, Karol!

#2 The White Lady, by Jacqueline Winspear

The White Lady is the first book I've read by Jacqueline Winspear. It was so well-written. It was quite complex, though, and shifted in time from WWI, WWII, and shortly after the wars in 1947. The book is intriguing, and along with being full of espionage it is a very engaging character study. It's at least a 4-star read for me.

This is a stand-alone book, but I also have purchased the first two books in Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series I am very anxious to get to those, now.

#3 Backlands, by Michael McGarrity

I absolutely love this trilogy - or at least the first two books. It is very strongly character based, with action, history, cowboy ways, and a bit of law and order thrown in.

This second of the three books covered the time shortly after World War I and well into World War II. The author wrote so interestingly about the Great Depression, Roosevelt's CCC initiative, WWII's Specialized Training program, and of course the challenges of ranch live in New Mexico.

5 stars

#4 The Last Ranch, by Michael McGarrity

This book continues the saga of the Kearney family, ranchers in New Mexico, where the 2nd book left off: through primarily the third generation (Matt) and the younger years of the fourth generation (Kevin). Once again, the difficulties of ranching are highlighted and historical events are noted - wars in particular.

The entire series is well worth reading. However, in the first two books I was impressed by the author's obvious research; this third book seems based mostly on his own first-hand experiences. The writing is still very good, with intriguing characters and storylines.

However, I found the ending to this last book in the trilogy to be very dissatisfying. (Quite a surprise, because I did not feel that way reading the first two books even though I knew they weren't the end of the story). I don't want to give a spoiler, so I'll just say that I felt the book ended awkwardly and abruptly as if the author just ran out of steam or maybe had to finish writing to meet a deadline. I assume the story is continued in the author's Kevin Kearney mystery/thriller series. But a great ending with this third book would have made this book another 5-star read for me.

4 stars (1-star reduction for the what-the-heck ending)

#5 Death in the English Countryside, by Sara Rosett

This is a well-written mystery that takes place in England. The purpose for the main character being in England was to find locations for filming a version of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. There was a lot of discussion about that specific book as well as the author herself. (And a little bit about Northanger Abbey as well). This book was really a gem of a read. (First book in the Murder on Location series)

4 stars


For me, this was a re-read. I originally read the book in 2023 and loved it - deciding then that I wanted to read more in the series and so I bought the complete series so far. But for 2 years I sorta' got diverted from reading those book. Since #1 was so good (and also relatively short), I read it to get refreshed on the characters. Next up: Book #2.

#6 Death in an English Cottage, by Sara Rosett

Entertaining 2nd book in the Murder on Location series.

3 stars

#7 How I Saved the World, byJesse Watters

This book is mostly a rehash of the work Jesse Watters has done on TV. The very first biographical part of his book and his description of his parents - especially their thoughts on life-shaping opportunities when he was a teen-ager - were both amusing and illuminating.

In reality, Jesse is one tough son-of-a-gun.

I do wish there was more about Jesse on a personal level in this book, but as a recap of some of the funnier aspects of his broadcast experience it was pretty good. Many of the segments described were ones I saw, and it was interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at what Jesse had to do to make them happen.

3 stars

#8 Be Skillful (Proverbs): God's Guidebook to Wise Living, by Warren Wiersbe

#9 Be Satisfied (Ecclesiastes): Looking for the Answer to the Meaning of Life: OT Commentary: Ecclesiastes, by Warren Wiersbe

I just finished Be Satisfied (Ecclesiastes): Looking for the Answer to the Meaning of Life: OT Commentary: Ecclesiastes today . . . and I read Be Skillful (Proverbs): God's Guidebook to Wise Living in January but forgot to record it.

I enjoy Warren Wiersbe's "Be" series, which are commentaries on different books of the Bible. Will probably get to at least one or two more before the end of the year.

Karol wrote: "#1 Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden, by Bill O'Reilly

Enjoyed this summary that included a short biography of each president..."

Sounds good! I just added it to my To Read folder.

"Karol wrote: "#1 Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden, by Bill O'Reilly

Carol wrote: "Sounds good! I just added it to my To Read folder."

I hope you like it, Carol.

#10 The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West, by David McCullough

I enjoyed this book about the settlement of an area I know well and love: the Ohio River, especially around the cities of Marietta and Cincinnatti, Ohio. McCullough is probably my favorite historian. Everything he writes is extremely well-researched and he writes in an entertaining way.

4 stars

#11 Final Witness, by James Scott Bell

Enjoyed this crime/suspense/courtroom novel . . . which is also Christian fiction. It is one of the best - if not THE very best - book of this genre I have read.

The crime/suspense aspect kept me turning the pages and kinda' looking over my shoulder the whole time. The bad guys were creepy, scary, unpredictable.

The spiritual aspect was well done also. A theme I found interesting was the power of speaking Scripture from the vantage point of a faith relationship with God.

To my mind, the depiction of the criminal defense attorney was not entirely believable, but overall this was an engaging and suspenseful tale.

4.5 stars

#12 Under the Tulip Tree, by Michelle Shocklee

Fascinating story about the documentation of the sad, disgraceful existence of slavery in the U.S. on the one hand. On the other hand, how interesting for me to learn that President Franklin Roosevelt commissioned the gathering of the first-hand experience of former slaves while they were still able to tell their stories. The stories these people told have great value in understanding and learning from our nation's history.

I liked this novel a lot; much of the history seemed authentic to me as I read the book, and then I saw in the author's notes that she had read many of those first-hand narratives herself so I guess that would account for it.

4 stars

#13. Death in a Stately Home, by Sara Rosett

Very enjoyable book in the series. An interesting mystery, with a bit of Jane Austin and a "Regency" event thrown in. A new character is skillfully added whom I hope will continue to be part of the story: the boyfriend's younger sister.

4 stars


#14 I Declare War: Four Keys to Winning the Battle with Yourself, by Levi Lusko

Practical and thought-provoking.

4 stars

#15 Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA]

Disturbing to learn about the failures of the CIA its beginning in post-WWII America . . . as well as continuing mismanagements and bad calls through the George W. Bush era.

#16 Death in an Elegant City, by Sara Rosett

A solid installment in this cozy mystery series. References to places where various of Jane Austen's writings continue . . . as do occasional references to Agatha Christie. I find the series a lot of fun to read.

4 stars



#17 Menace at the Christmas Market, by Sara Rosett

Interesting novella that includes the concept of Jane Austin fan literature as well as a mystery.

4 stars

#18 Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline Winspear

I absolutely loved reading this book, despite the straightforward presentation of the harsh realities of WWI. The story was intriguing, and I think the character study of Maisie Dobbs is one of the best I've read.

5 stars

#19 Serenity, by Harry Kraus

I hated this one - the plot seemed completely ridiculous. Finished it only because it met the criteria for a Motley reading challenge.

#20 The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, by C.L. Miller

This book was a delight for me, an antique hunter who was in the business for a while! I've gotta' say I saw some questionable dealings among fellow hunters but the scale in this novel was unreal.

I liked the book quite a lot, including the mystery aspect as well as the the main character and her mother. I don't have anything negative at all to say about the book. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series!

Karol wrote: "#20 The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, by C.L. Miller

This book was a delight for me, an antique hunter who was in the business for a while! I've gotta' say I..."

Sounds fun!

#21 The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea, by C.L. Miller

Solid second installment in the series! I enjoyed the repeat characters from the first book, as well as the new ones - some more shady than others in both cases. I will be watching for book #3 to be published!

4 stars

#22 The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life, by Billy Graham

I found this book to be very helpful.


#23 Death in an English Garden, by Sara Rosett

I am enjoying this series a lot, and I think this book was the best in the series so far.

#24 Death at an English Wedding, by Sara Rosett

A satisfying ending to the series . . . assuming the author really is done with it!

#25 Thanksgiving Prayer, by Debbie Macomber

An OK book - comfort romance I suppose.

#26 A Handful of Heaven, by Jillian Hart

A very sweet, clean romance. Better than many in this genre.

#27 Horse, by Geraldine Brooks

I heard so many good things about this book, and truly I liked it a lot. I didn't love it though. I got annoyed with the going back and forth between different time eras, and I also didn't like the romance between the modern-day characters; it was clear from the beginning that the author had a political/social commentary agenda and the romance solely served the purpose of illustrating that.

#28 A Traitor in Whitehall, by Julia Kelly

The protagonist was interesting, as was the setting: Churchill's War Rooms. The historical aspect of the story was so interesting, and I can't imagine having to live in London during those times. The mystery aspect was ok. Usually when there is an amateur sleuth the authorities handling the investigation naturally tend to shut the sleuth out. In this book, the protagonist gets herself on the inside and actively working with a professional. I suspended my disbelief, rolled with it, and enjoyed this novel a lot!


#29 Tidewater Summer, by Jo Huddleston

I'm thinking this novel might have been a free or very inexpensive book? Never heard of this author before. It took place on a North Carolina island in the 1950's. The writing style bugged me and the plausibility of the story felt weak . . . but I found enough interest to read to the end anyway.

#30 Lending a Paw, by Laurie Cass

I loved this cozy mystery! When the storyline is good, this is my favorite genre. I probably enjoyed this book more than any cozy I have read in a while. I was completely engaged and loved the aspect of a sometimes frustrating and sometimes helpful feline friend who only says "Mrrr".


#31 The Small Woman, by Alan Burgess

I loved this book! The 1958 movie "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was based on it . . . and after watching the movie recently I just had to read the real story. I was surprised how well it was written and how honest it was about the culture in remote Chinese villages in the 1930's, and the horrors of war as the Japanese military came in to conquer and control the area. The small woman herself, Gladys Aylward, was so inspiring to read about as she served as a very loving missionary to the people of these Chinese villages. She even became a naturalized citizen of China.

#32 To the Land of Long Lost Friends, by Alexander McCall Smith

I love this author and series so much! In this particular book I saw a special poignancy around the Mma Ramotswe's family relationships and extending herself to someone in need. There were some laugh-out-loud parts of the book, too, mostly around Charlie and Mma Makutsie. Great stuff!

#33 Thereby Hangs a Tail, by Spencer Quinn

I loved this second book in the Chet and Bernie series - where the PI's dog tells the story.

#34 Of Literature and Lattes, by Katherine Reay

I love this author and enjoyed this story set in a northern suburb of Chicago. It was #2 of 2 in the "Winsome" series. It was published in 2020 so I don't know if the author will be coming out with more. Book 1 (The Printed Letter Bookshop) and this Book 2 were both good, enjoyable chick lit reads.

#35 A Trick of the Light, by Louise Penny

Fabulous writing. It has been about 10 years since I read the previous books in this series. I'm glad I returned for this story.

#36 How to Raise an Elephant, by Alexander McCall Smith

Heartwarming as always, and this one made me laugh out loud a lot!

Karol wrote: "#36 How to Raise an Elephant, by Alexander McCall Smith

Heartwarming as always, and this one made me laugh out loud a lot!"

I've been slowly collecting this series mostly through library book sales, I think I've got about 10 now. Haven't read one yet lol. I've also been doing it with the Cat Who... books by Lilian Jackson Braun. I have about 20 of those!

Well, Elyse, when you need them you'll have them! :-)

#37 The Soulmate, by Sally Hepworth

Complex and suspenseful. I didn't "buy" everything near the end of the book, but I have to say that the author sure can hold my attention! She is one of those authors that makes me interested to read any or all of her books.

I've read most of Hepworth's books and all of her thrillers, she's really hit or miss for me! I gave this one 3 stars.

Elyse wrote: "I've read most of Hepworth's books and all of her thrillers, she's really hit or miss for me! I gave this one 3 stars."

I can see that rating, Elyse. I thought I had read two of her books, but looking at the My Books listing there is only this one. I know I have read another but can't figure out what that was! Well, it will come to me sometime . . . or else I'll pick one up that I think is new to me and it will seem very familiar!

Karol wrote: "I can see that rating, Elyse. I thought I had read two of her books, but looking at the My Books listing there is only this one. I know I have read another but can't figure out what that was! Well, it will come to me sometime . . . or else I'll pick one up that I think is new to me and it will seem very familiar!..."

I've definitely accidentally re-read a book or two before! 😂

#38 The Joy and Light Bus Company, by Alexander McCall Smith

Another solid book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This one isn't nearly one of my favorites of the series. There seemed to be a bit more mental pondering on the part of the characters than some of the others, and I found it a little distracting this time. But aside from that, great storytelling from the author once again.

#39 Missing and Endangered, by J.A. Jance

I returned to this series after having been away for quite a long time. As always, this book in the Sheriff Joanna Brady suspense/police procedural series was quite good.


#40 To Fetch a Thief, by Spencer Quinn

The mystery of a stolen elephant is captivating, and Chet the dog's narration is often hilarious. Very enjoyable read!

#41. The Beautiful Mystery, by Louise Penny

I am so glad I got back into the Inspector Armand Gamache series. Gritty, great characters, and awesome writing. This one takes place in a monastery and the beautiful mystery centers around ancient music - specifically, Gregorian chant. It takes place in a monastery for a "lost" group of monks whose music suddenly makes them famous.

The thing I like about this series is the mood-setting ability of the author. That is especially effective in this book in the series.

#42. Tailing a Tabby, by Laurie Cass

This is an entertaining book #2 in the Bookmobile Cat mystery series. Lighter reading and the bookmobile cat is fun!


Halfway through the year, and my annual challenge is more than 50% done! That's good . . . I do have some tomes I want to get through this year, and they still lie ahead.

#43 Birds of a Feather, by Jacqueline Winspear

Excellent story. I liked this second book in the series much better than the first. I'm looking forward to reading more!



#44 The Beloved Disciple: Following John to the Heart of Jesus, by Beth Moore

Nice overview of the life of the apostle John. The author focused on glimpses of his life in the gospels, plus his letters and the book of Revelation. There are 51 short chapters, which I enjoyed and meditated on a day at a time.

#45 The Body in the Transept, by Jeanne M. Dams

I really enjoyed this book, and that was a bit of a surprise. I got a "boxed set" of the first 5 books in this series either for free or for very cheap on Kindle. My expectations weren't high, so I expected I might read a chapter or two and move on . . . but I was drawn into the story right away and it kept me interested to the end. I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book of the five I have!

#46 Soap: Making It, Enjoying It, by Ann Bramson

From the 1970's . . . I'm sure there are newer methods and equipment, but I found this book to still be a great introduction to how to make soap. And I loved the chapter on soap's history - very interesting, and inclusion of some advertisements from the past was a fun aspect.

But, after reading about all the things involved in making soap, I think I will leave this hobby to those who are already proficient with it, and stick to my needlework and books.



#47 Crafty Cat Crimes: 100 Tiny Cat Tale Mysteries, edited by Stefan R. Dziemianowicz

This book seems to be a fairly comprehensive anthology of crime-related short stories where a cat is either the main character or the cat's involvement is critical to the outcome of the story. Of course, I enjoyed some stories more than others and in an anthology of this size it's not surprising that there were 2 or 3 of the stories I didn't like at all. Overall, I have enjoyed picking up this tome at various times (usually between other books) and reading a story or a few.

Karol wrote: "#47 Crafty Cat Crimes: 100 Tiny Cat Tale Mysteries, edited by Stefan R. Dziemianowicz..."

Sounds pretty funny!

Elyse wrote: "Karol wrote: "#47 Crafty Cat Crimes: 100 Tiny Cat Tale Mysteries, edited by Stefan R. Dziemianowicz..."

Sounds pretty funny!"

Not all that funny, but lots of things coming back on people's heads in surprising cat ways.