Reading in January...

Anyone that knows me know that I love to read. In fact, reading is essential to my life.  I cannot imagine going a day without reading and I do not remember a time that I didn't have a book in progress. 

I haven't been reading as many books lately but I do still find time to read despite our crazy schedule this year.  That being said, I have been reading mostly fluff books lately.  That is about all my brain can handle by the end of the day!

In January I read the following books:

Flesh and Blood: A Scarpetta Novel
by Patricia Cornwell
I have been a Kay Scarpetta fan since the beginning.  As with many series, the earlier books were the best but I continue to read them for the characters.  This is book #22 in the series and I will read the next and the next, just to have one more glimpse in the life of these characters that have been with us for so many years now.  I liked the book but only for the reasons I just mentioned. 

Murder on the Ballarat Train
by Kerry Greenwood
I recently have begun watching the Miss Fisher series on Netflix but didn't realize there were a series of books as well.  The book is #3 in the series, I have not read the first two.  The story is an amusing, light mystery but I look forward to reading more. 

Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris
by Jennifer L. Scott

A lovely, light read with each chapter covering a different topic. This book didn't offer any new information to me but it was an enjoyable read and a great refresher course or inspiration for resetting your life. A Storm of Swords  (A Song of Ice and Fire #3) by George R.R. Martin I'm an avid fan of the TV series but haven't read all of the books.  George R. R. Martin doesn't disappoint!  Gray Mountain by John Grisham I really enjoyed this book, not for the characters but for the attention it brings to some serious environmental issues we have. This book deals with the effects of strip mining in the Appalachians, particularly in Virginia. I'm glad John Grisham is bringing attention to what happens to these small towns after mining, especially mountain top removal. There are far-reaching consequences on the environment, the resulting health issues, the economics of the small towns, etc. 'til next time....