vancouverdeb reading for 2017 Thread #5

A Nice Cozy Christmas / Winter image.

picture

January
1)Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin ( Scotland) 4 stars
2) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (UK) 4 stars
3)He Wants by Alison Moore (UK) 4.5 stars
4)Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones ( New Zealand) 3.8 stars
5)Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (UK) 4.5 stars

February
6) Dragon Springs Road: A Novel by Janie Chang (CDN) 4.5 stars
7)Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn ( Jamaica) 4 stars
8)A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear (UK) 4.25 stars

March
9) Journey to Munich by Jacqueline Winspear (UK) 4.5 stars
10)The Mistletoe Murder: And Other Stories by P. D. James (UK) 4 stars
11)The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence ( Canada) 4.5 stars
12)The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso (Barbados) 3.8 stars
13)In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear (UK) 4.1 stars

April
14)My Name is Leon by Kit De Waal (UK) 4.3 stars
15) The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain (UK) 3.9 stars
16)Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance ( USA) 4 L
17)The Dark Circle by Linda Grant ( UK) 3.6 stars
18)Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson ( Iceland) 4 stars

May
19)Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo (Nigeria) 5 stars
20)Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal ( USA) 3.4 stars
21)Blackout by Ragnar Jonasson ( Iceland) 4 stars

June
22) The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi ( USA) 4 stars

July
23)Rupture by Ragnar Jonasson (Iceland) 4 stars
24)The Baker's Secret: A Novel by Stephen P. Kiernan (USA) 3.75 stars
25)The Alice Network: A Novel by Kate Quinn ( USA) 4. 1 stars

August
26)The Child by Fiona Barton ( England ) 4 stars
27)Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by by Gail Honeyman (UK) 4.6 stars
28) Exit West by Mohsin Hamid 4.0
29)Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie (UK- Pakistan) 4.5 stars

September
30)Days Without End by Sebastian Barry (UK) 3.5 stars
31) A Killer in King's Cove by Iona Wishaw ( Canada) 5 stars
32)Death in a Darkening Mist by Iona Whishaw ( Canada) 4.5 stars

October
33)An Old, Cold Grave by Iona Whishaw( Canada) 4.2 stars
34)The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott (USA) 4.5 stars
35)Magpie Murders: A Novel by Anthony B Horowitz ( UK) 4.25 stars
36)Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales by P. D. James (UK) 4 stars

November
37)The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne L( Ireland) 4.2 stars
38)The Last Ballad: A Novel by Wiley Cash L( USA) 4 stars

authors origin / nationality

UK 15
New Zealand 1
Canadian 5
Jamaican 1
Barbados 1
USA 9
Iceland 2
Nigeria 1
Pakistan 1
UK-Pakistan 1
Ireland 1

where the stories took place :

UK 13
New Zealand 1
China 1
Jamaica `1
Gibraltar 1
UK/Germany 1
South Africa 1
Sweden 1
USA 5
Iceland 2
Nigeria 1
Afghanistan 1
France 2
Unknown 1
UK- Pakistan1
Canada 3
Ireland 1

Male Authors 14

Female authors 24

spare spot just in case

Welcome to my new thread! Insomnia finally got me to create a new thread. See the old one for responses your kind visit! Gradually I'll list off what I have read .

Currently reading ( and about 375 pages into ) The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne. This is the first book that I've read by John Boyne, and I'd looked taken it out from the library previously, but this time it grabbed me. John Boyne also wrote The Boy in Striped Pajamas, with I think a lot of people are have already read, though I have not. Mark assured me that this 550 pages would be worth my time and yes, Lone Ranger, it is .

Happy new thread, Deborah!
The topper is nice, sweet and cozy, perfect for winter time.

Sorry you could not sleep, but at least you used your time well with creating a new thread :-)

>11 vancouverdeb: I love the title.

Happy new thread. I downloaded a John Boyne A History of Loneliness from the library catalogue and a couple of chapters in put it down - it's about a priest who did nothing about various bad things, and it's obviously well written because I am pretty creeped out.

Happy new thread!

Hi Deb, Happy new thread my dear and a great thread topper. Hope you are having a good week despite not sleeping well dear friend, sending love and hugs from both of us.

>12 FAMeulstee: Anita, I'm glad to have created my new thread, so no problem with the insomnia. I'm glad that you like my new topper! It's a bit early for Christmas, but I think my thread will probably last til Christmas - and yes it's nice and cozy !

>13 charl08: Hi Charlotte! The Heart's Invisible Furies caught my eye at the bookstore, but I was " good' and put myself in the hold line- up at the library. At times it is a bit Dicken's in tone - dark but leavened by a bit of humour. I think I read that A History of Loneliness is " darker read" I'm realy enjoying it, though it took me a 50 or so pages to get into it. Now I am grabbed!

>14 drneutron: Thanks Jim! Great to see you!

>15 johnsimpson: Thanks John. Not a bad week, but my knee has been a little sore and that is bothering on my walks. Getting old I guess. It happens to the best of us. I hope you and Karen had a wonderful day out togethr.

Happy new thread, Deborah! That topper image is so charming.

Hi Deborah and happy new thread!

>17 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie! Thanks for stopping by!

>18 karenmarie: Great to see you, Karen! Thanks for stopping by!

I read Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales by P. D. James . Six well developed and enthralling short story mysteries by the P.D James. Always a treat to find new stories from the late P.D. James. One of the best mystery writers of her time. 4 stars

I also read The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott. It's long gone back to the library, but what an excellent read! While a young woman is out shopping , her husband turns on the gas taps resulting in his death. As it turns out , the young wife is pregnant. The story takes place in the early 1900's in Brooklyn. The nuns of the area render assistance to the young widow. A fascinating story. The nuns are portrayed as very human, some empathetic, some of them very severe, others not that bright. The story of the young widow and her child is a page turner. Told in an economical 220 pages, this book really packs a lot of atmosphere and well drawn characters. A dark read , but with some humour and hope. Highly recommended! 4.5 stars

"Mark assured me that this 550 pages would be worth my time and yes, Lone Ranger, it is." B.A.G.

Happy New Thread, Deb. I am so glad you are enjoying the Boyne. The Ninth Hour also looks good. "a lot of atmosphere and well drawn characters. A dark read." All caught my attention.

There is no one else I trust more than my LT pals, in book recs.

Happy new thread, Deb.

Hi Deborah, Happy new thread! Wasn't The Ninth Hour a treat?! I loved it, too.

I have reserved The Ninth Hour, Deborah. I can't wait. I think there are still ten people ahead of me.

>22 msf59: Mark, I'll bet you'd enjoy The Ninth Hour. And it 's a shortie at about 220 pages!

>23 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

>24 Copperskye: Yes , Joanne. The Ninth Hour was a real treat! I was so immersed in that book. The writing style is so wonderful too. Spare, but full of feeling and emotion of the everyday. It reminded me a bit of Sebastion Barry's style of writing. So atmospheric too.

>25 BLBera: Best of luck with The Ninth Hour, Beth. I had to wait in the library queue for my copy too. Today my copy of The Last Ballad came into the library. It too has a long line up at the library . Fingers crossed that I will get it read in the next three weeks. It seems I have quite a few books calling to me.

Another book that I read : Magpie Murders: A Novel by by Anthony Horowitz . I know that Joe loved this book , and Rosalita aka Julia has a review up right now. It was a great , fun mystery read. Highly recommended. The story starts of in a quaint little English Village and then moves into the present time. A puzzle within a puzzle and a jolly good read. I felt went on just a bit long towards the end, so I knocked off 1/2 star to give it 4 stars. Very enjoyable read. I've really had some great reads over the past month or two.

4 stars

I am glad you had insomnia and finally got this done! ; ) Happy new thread!! Perfect time for that topper--so cute and cozy. And I give. Added Magpie Murders to my WL. There. Do you feel happy now?!

LOL, Kim! I'm so glad I had a bout of insomnia and got a new thread going . Happy to shoot you a book bullet! My sister lent me the Magpie Murders and I really had a lot of fun reading it. I hope you enjoy it too.

I have high hopes. : )

I went to reserve The Ninth Hour and recognised the cover - I have an ARC of this! Win! Adding it to the 'read soon' pile. Thanks Deborah.

Happy New Thread, Deb!

I did indeed love Magpie Murders. I'm glad you had a good time with it. What a fun, clever story (stories!)

I enjoyed P.D. James' mysteries back in the day, and didn't know about Sleep No More. I'll check on whether our mystery-loving daughter has it.

Happy new thread, Deborah. Cosy picture for the winter season :)

Glad you've been keeping up the reading. Ahh, good to know there's some P. D. James short stories. But I have a lot of her novels to read first. Is Dalgliesh in the short stories?

Happy new thread, Deb. Love the cozy winter/Christmas opener!

Hi Deb, sorry to hear your knee is playing up for you my dear and I hope it is not too bad and that you are able to rest it. I see from your post that you have got Dave building up the treadmill but I hope you take it steady when it is up and running if your knee is still tender.

We had a good day yesterday and hope to have a few more before the Christmas season is upon us, sending love and hugs.

Loved your new thread topper of the mice pals reading in the comfy chair. Wonderful reviews of your recently read books.

>30 Berly: Let me know what you think of Magpie Murders, when you get to it, Kim.

>31 charl08: Perfect Charlotte! I think you'll enjoy and it's a quick read, but it has a lot emotional impact.

>32 jnwelch: Thanks Joe! Yes , your warbling and others put me onto The Magpie Murders. I hope your your daughter has Sleep No More. It was a very enjoyable read. I'm often not that keen on short stories, but these met all of my expectations. Quite a treat!

>33 ctpress: Thanks Carsten! As I mentioned on your thread, no, Dagliesh is not in Sleep No More but it is a great read even so. Great to see you Carsten .Don't be a stranger! :-)

>34 lit_chick: Thanks for stopping by Nancy! As I said to Carsten, don't be a stranger. I know you are very busy, but it is great to see you!

>35 johnsimpson: Thanks John. I was very pleased that when Poppy and I got our for our 2 1/2 miles my knee was doing okay. Yes, Dave is building my treadmill for those rainy days when Poppy only wants to walk a short distance and I'm wanting to get in my steps He is working over the weekend until Tuesday, but he is sure keen to get it working. I hope he won't be at me to get on that treadmill. He's teasing me that Poppy the dog can also go on the treadmill, but I don't think so at all. So glad that you and Karen had a lovely day out together.

>36 mdoris: Great to see you, Mary! I still have three more books to mention on my thread, but one at time - or maybe I'll group the three into one post, as they are all in new- to- me series. I enjoyed them so much I read them one after another.

Happy new thread, Deb. I saw Sleep No More in Chapters the other day and immediately thought of you. They seem to bring out new P.D. James collections just in time for Christmas. Didn't you read her offering that came out last year around this time?

Happy Saturday, Deb. I am so glad you enjoyed Magpie Murders. I had a very good time with that one too. Deliciously clever.

Have a great weekend.

>41 vancouverdeb: Yes, Meg, I did read P.D.James last book of short stories. Maybe you are correct in that they bring them out for the holidays, but I got both of my copies from the library and I read Sleep No More In October, thinking of it as fun for Halloween. I'm such a fan of P.D James I'll read any book of short stories that they can unearth :-)

>42 Ameise1: Happy Saturday , Mark. Yes think I recall now that you also enjoyed The Magpie Murders. A lot of fun!

Happy Sunday, Deb. You got me with the McDermott book.

Good morning, Deb. Montreal had a dusting of snow the other night but it's gone now and the temps are actually rising. Any snow out your way?

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, Deb.

>42 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy The Ninth Hour.

>43 jessibud2: No snow, but an awfully lot of rain today, Shelley. I'm trying to wrestle myself into my rain clothes and the dog into her rain jacket and off for our walk. Yuk!

> 44 Thanks Paul. I hope your mum is doing okay.

Hi Deborah!

I hope you're doing well. I admire your fortitude in going out in the rain for a walk with Poppy. Was she anxious to go or was she saying the doggie equivalent of "Yuk."?

>47 vancouverdeb: A little of both, Karen. Poppy really needs her exercise, but she is not that keen on rain either. It was really windy Sunday, Monday and it is supposed to be very windy again today. The combination is really not pleasant. Today is the day our dog walker comes. Yeah to that! A day out of the rain!!! It's not pleasant to be out in that weather, but putting on Poppy's rain coat, drying her off etc , hanging up her leash, collar , my clothes etc - oh, it is a lot of work and bother!

Sadly, at least to me, We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night won the Governor Generals Prize, one of three major literary prizes in Canada. I have not read it, but if you click on the book, you'll see it does not sound too appealing. I have it out from the library, but it is not calling me at all!

Later today, the Roger's Trust Prize for fiction will be announced and I am eager to see what that will be. November 20th will be the last main Canadian Literary Prize announcement, The Giller Prize.

Hmm, We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds does not sound like my kind of read either, Deb. Thank you for keeping us up on the Canadian literary prizes ... let's see what Roger's Trust and the Giller have in store!

Hi Deb, doesn't sound like good weather for taking Poppy out for a walk my dear but at least you had a day off with the dog walker coming to the rescue. It has dropped cooler here over the last few days and is to be colder at the weekend.

Love and hugs.

Can you believe the November weather we are getting? I thought of you as I got an email from MEC about their wondrous winter boots. I think you have made your decision but if not I can send you the link. Like Poppy, Maggie is not impressed either. She has a raincoat," THE COAT OF SHAME" and she hates it but she wears it gracefully. She is such a good girl! About to start The Break by Katherena Vermette. I think it's one you highly recommended. So many typing errors I'm making and it's getting harder to see the wee print. YIKES!

This is why I have cats. I don't do walks in bad weather. I did, of course, growing up, when we had a dog (I was the one who mostly did the walking with him), but not now. I love dogs, but I get to enjoy my friends' dogs, without the *walking* part

> 49 I do my best, Nancy, but this year , the Canadian Literary prize contenders haven't been that compelling, sad to say.

>50 johnsimpson: The weather has been dreadful the past couple of days and we have at least one more day of heavy winds and heavy rain. A dark and stormy night tonight, as they say! :-) Love and hugs to you and Karen!

>51 mdoris: It is a wicked November, Mary! We are paying or great earlier fall . Don't I remember a nice sunny September and even most of October? Ugh! Yes, thank, I have purchased my waterproof, warm winter boots , supposedly with a good grip " Vibram Arctic Grip" sold. They are made by Merrel. The fit is not a good as I'd like - or maybe it's just that they come up higher than I am used to wearing.I hope you enjoy The Break by Katherena Vermette.

>52 jessibud2: I can see the advantage of cats, Shelley, though I am more of a dog person. But, my husband is very allergic to cats, so that's out. He sneezes like crazy when he is in the vicinity of cats , and even some dogs make him sneeze. Fortunately none of dogs so far..

The Rogers Literary Trust Prize went to Brother by David Chariandy. I think it deserves the prize, though I've yet to read the book. I do own, so maybe I just feel better about it , since I bothered to purchase it. Links do not seem to working tonight, but here is an article about Brother winning the prize - http://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/david-chariandy-wins-writers-trust-fiction-p...

>54 vancouverdeb: Deb--Wishing you better weather soon!! And now that Brother has won, and you own it, you better read it! LOL Wishing you a happy Wednesday.

Oh I know, Kim! The guilt! I will read it - eventually. And now that Brother has won, I can feel slightly " uppity" about purchasing the right book ahead of the Roger's Jury. Oh but I feel ever so smug! ;-) Maybe they will want me on the jury next year. lol.

I finished The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne. Most might be more familiar with him as the author of The Boy In Striped Pajamas. That is probably his best known book.

Cyril Avery is born out of wedlock in 1945 Ireland. His teen-aged mother is publicly cast out of her Catholic Church , her family and community. Young Catherine is a plucky young woman and takes the train out of her small town to Dublin. There she makes arrangements to have her baby adopted out to a well - off but eccentric couple. His parents make it clear to him that he is not a "real Avery", as he was adopted. Throughout his life , Cyril struggles with belonging . Early on, he realizes that he has his sexuality to grapple with. Being gay in 1950's Ireland is not accepted. The story is divided into 7 year increments. We meet Cyril prior to his birth, and at age 7 and on throughout his life. It was a fascinating odyssey and quite a page turner. It's full of bleakness and sorrow and well as humour and redemption.

I was not certain I would enjoy this 580 page novel, but it was well worth the read. Great insight into many characters, and fascinating portrait of Ireland from 1945 to 2015. In the first few 50 pages or so, I struggled a bit with too many " forced " seeming jokes, but the story quickly found it feet.

Highly recommended! 4.2 stars

I haven't read any of the contenders, Deb, but I have listened to interviews with both Chariandy and Maskalyk and am eager to get my hands on both their books.

Edited to add that David Chariandy is being interviewed on our morning radio show right now!

>56 vancouverdeb: Oh, feel smug on owning it Deborah, not guilty about not reading it! :-)

Hi Deb, hope the weather is better with you for walking Poppy my dear. Sending love and hugs to you all from both of us.

>58 jessibud2: Shelley, so you are interested in the non- fiction prize as well! Good for you! I have yet to look up what that is , but I know it is by Maskalyk. ohh! An interview with David Chariandy. I'm quite sure that though he was grow up in Scarborough, he made the wise choice to head West to Vancouver! ;-) Which reminds me that I've read Soucouyant also by David Chariandy. It was quite good.

Hmm, just went to look up the name of the Maskalyk and it sounds interesting , Shelley . Life on the Ground Floor: Letters from the Edge of Emergency Medicine. I'll have to look into that.

>59 charl08: Thanks for the permission to feel smug !Goodness I am not getting nearly enough reading done, and books I put on hold at the library keep stacking up. I have to feel smug about something! ;-)

>60 johnsimpson: Well, it's not a lot better John, but I'm feeling a little more cheerful thanks to getting out and having a " mooch " about town. Nothing special, but at least the rain held off for part of my walk and I headed into a second hand bookstore and purchased a couple of books , and some special coffee for Dave as his birthday is coming up soon. I also headed into another store where I found some nice homemade blueberry jam for Dave, as well as wee bit of chocolate fudge for myself. To top it off, I grabbed some cheese scones from the bakery. A little good cheer on these grey, rainy days.

>57 vancouverdeb: Nice review!! Now you can feel smug. ; )

Ooh cheese scones. Lovely.

>61 vancouverdeb:, Mooching around on your own is a good activity my dear, you got some nice things and then the bonus of books. I would like the blueberry jam and some nice coffee even though I am more of a tea drinker and cheese scones are good but I am not a fudge lover but Karen would love the fudge. So nice to have a bit of good cheer on a grey, rainy day dear friend.

>62 Berly: Well, Kim, not sure that bit of a review is enough to allow me feel smug, but thanks for the permission to do so! ;-)

>63 charl08: Yes, and I ate a couple of them, Charlotte and it's not good for the waistline. Back to normal eating today! Lettuce leaves only , but it was a good day.

>64 johnsimpson: I was pleased to find some goodies for Dave in advance of his birthday. Dave and I don't exchange much in the way of gifts as both of us have what we need, for the most part, but getting his special coffee and some homemade blueberry jam was just the thing. I'm not normally a fudge person, but I had bit of a craving yesterday. It really is nice to find a bit of cheer in these short, grey , rainy days.

>57 vancouverdeb: John Boyne is certainly an author who is as versatile as he is uniformly interesting. Glad you enjoyed his book, Deb.

Thought I would treat you to a good olde fashioned English trifle for being such a good pal across the threads. xx

It looked gloomy today but the rain held off this afternoon even where I am. I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the lack of rain, Deb. The forecast is for a good day tomorrow too - not sure if that means that we will actually have the sun shine on us? That would be nice.

>66 PaulCranswick: Oh my! That is quite the treat , Paul! Thanks for that.
>67 Familyhistorian: It seemed cold when I was out yesterday. Brrrr! I wore my parka for the 1 st time this year. Layering up was not enough. Yes, I'm not sure if today will actually have sun, or just a lack of rain for a time? Anyone's guess , Meg. sigh.

Catching up on my books read " A Killer In King's Cove by Iona whishaw. From the publisher: It's been a long war and Lane Winslow just wants a fresh start . Young , weary, and haunted by countless wartime secrets, the ex-intelligence leaves London and settles into a secluded and sleepy hamlet in the mountains. Determined to conceal her past, she makes a home for herself among her eclectic neighbours.But when a corpse is discovered carrying nothing more than Winslow's name on a piece of paper, , she fears that that she may not have escaped London unscathed. As the investigation threatens to expose her past, the real killer lurks dangerously closer.

My Review What a fantastic new series to discover! I love this story so much that I'm giving it 5 stars and I read the 2 other books in the series one after the other. A fourth books is in the writing. I am so glad I discovered this author via a review in the Globe and Mail Canada. The story takes place in a hamlet just outside Nelson B.C. Great writing , well drawn characters and a page turning mystery made for a wonderful read. I was totally immersed in King's Cove B.C. Nelson police Inspector Darling and his young sidekick Constable Ames really add much suspense and a bit of sardonic wit to the story. What a wonderful bunch of characters! Highly recommended!

I think I might like this series as much as the Maisie Dobbs series, and that is saying a lot!

5 stars
'>

Death in a Darkening Mist by Iona Whishaw. adapted from the publisher The second installment in this brilliant new historical mystery series. After the turbulence of the first few weeks in King's Cove, former British Intelligence officer Lane Winslow wants nothing more than to settle into a nice , quiet life in her new community. But when the body of a Russian man is at the local hot springs, Lane's expertise and linguistic abilities prove invaluable to the case. The investigation, led by Inspector Darling, points to the Soviet Union, where Stalin's purges are eliminating enemies. Further evidence reveals that Stalin's agents snakes all the way into the a harmless Doukabour community not far from King's Cove. Lane's complicated relationship with Darling is intensified by the perils of the case- and by the discovery of her father's death during the war .
The case comes to a frantic and shocking end with a perilous nighttime journey along treacherous snow-covered roads.

My comments What an entirely brilliant entry into this fabulous series! I so enjoyed it and was entirely enraptured . The inclusion of the Doukbour community made this so Canadian. A great historical mystery.

4.5 stars

An Old Cold Grave by Iona Wishaw. adapted from the publisher Even the smallest , most idyllic communities have dark secrets. It’s early spring of 1947 in idyllic King’s Cove, and the Hughes ladies ,mother and daughters, are gardening and sorting through the jars of food that have been put up for the winter. But while cleaning up after the roof of their root cellar has caved in slightly, they are horrified to discover a small skeletal hand embedded in the mess. Panicked, they call Lane Winslow, the ex-British secret service agent, and, not without some misgivings about the state of their tense relationship, Lane calls Inspector Darling. Before long the police crew discover the body of a young child buried almost 40 years before. Who is the child, and why has it not been buried in the local cemetery? Inspector Darling, already busy dealing with a teenage girl who has gone on a destructive rampage at a local mill, asks Lane for help in unearthing the long-forgotten secrets of the early life of the tiny town, and the identity of the long-forgotten child.

My remarks How has this brilliant and atmospheric series gone unnoticed by me and so many others until now? I am so glad that I found this positive review of this series in the Globe and Mail. I really want to alert others to this great historical mystery series. I am sure it will appeal to fans of Maisie Dobbs. The last several pages give a preview into the next to be published book in the series *It Begins In Betrayal* . I'll be watching closely to purchase this next book.

Highly recommended , but do read them in order, as there is quite a bit of character development from book to book.

4. 2 stars.

>69 vancouverdeb: What a glowing endorsement of this Canadian series Deborah. I'll have to see if I can get hold of them here. Apart from listening to Agatha Raisin, I haven't really read many cosies lately.

Hi Deborah!

Congrats on the new series. Now, of course, you have to be patient for the next one. :(

I think I might like this series as much as the Maisie Dobbs series, and that is saying a lot! I am hooked, Deb! Will definitely be looking for this series after I've completed the last few Bess Crawford audiobooks. Woohoooooo!!!

eta: darn, no audiobooks yet! have to decide whether I'll read these or wait on audio ... I think it would be a fabulous series to listen to.

>72 charl08: As you can tell, I really loved this new series, Charlotte! But they are nothing like Agatha Raisin series. I know that the Agatha Raisin series is very popular, but I find them a too light and silly for my taste. These are* serious * reads, with a touch of menace . But yes, they are cozies, in the best kind of way.

>73 karenmarie: You are so right Karen. I has such a fabulous September in King's Cove and now I'll be waiting until next summer or so to return to King's Cove! *sigh* At least I know there is one in the works.

>74 lit_chick: Oh, I'm so glad you are hooked, Nancy! If they are not in audiobook yet, I wonder if they ever will be in audio. I feel like I stumbled upon hidden treasure in this series. Why is the series not more popular? I think you'd really enjoy the series.

Love your glowing reports of a new series Deborah. To the library web site I go....tra, la, la, la......

Well-drawn characters and a page-turning mystery made for a wonderful read.

Wow. A five-star recommendation for a mystery series on a par with Maisie Dobbs. Great review, Deborah. That series is "bookmarked". Sounds fantastic. The joy of a new "killer series" :)

>71 vancouverdeb: You got me with a book bullet, too, Deb, with An Old Cold Grave. I added it to my tbr.

>76 mdoris: I suspect you''ll have some luck at your library , Mary? Let me know! I think you'd enjoy the series.

>77 ctpress: Great to see you Carsten! Yes, bookmark the series. It is great to find a new series! I hope everything is going well in Copenhagen!

>78 jnwelch: Glad to send you a book bullet Joe and see that you are feeling better. But do read the series in order- A Killer In King's Cove is first. Wishing you luck in finding them in the USA.

>57 vancouverdeb: Good review of The Heart's Invisible Furies. I am so glad you enjoyed it.

Happy Sunday, Deb. I hope you are enjoying a nice weekend.

>69 vancouverdeb: >70 vancouverdeb: >71 vancouverdeb: That series is a book bullet for me! Sounds right up my alley.

>79 vancouverdeb: Ah, good tip, thanks. Old Cold Grave is available in the USA, so I imagine A Killer in King's Cove is.

After checking: yup. I'm on it.

I have A Killer in King's Cove among the books that I bought in November, Deb. The book was a BB from somebody's thread (I never remember who.) I'll look forward to starting it soon as you have rated it so highly. Today there is supposed to be no rain. Too bad that the rain clouds over here didn't get the memo *sigh*

What were we saying in the summer....."We need rain! ". Okay, now you can turn the rain faucets off. Rain, wind, big bllustery days, but that's November for you. Poor Maggie and Poppy and the need for their rain coats.

>80 msf59: Not a bad weekend, Mark, but A LOT of rain! It was raining cats and dogs, so to speak . And a fair bit of wind. Today was a little respite from that, but it's back for the rest of the week, sigh!

>81 thornton37814: I hope you can find it and enjoy the series! I really loved it!

>82 jnwelch: Fabulous Joe! Glad to know that you can get the series in order!

>83 Familyhistorian: Our clouds got the memo, Meg. It was a relatively dry today!. Amazing! But they are to be back for the rest of the week . Sigh. So glad to pass on a BB for a A Killer in King's Cove. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

>84 mdoris: I agree , Mary, though did I ever want rain over the summer? I don't recall - maybe lower temperatures. I agree, this blustery, gray old November is for the birds. Certainly not for me and Poppy , Maggie and I daresay most of us. Even you must be weary of it? Not that I want snow.

Currently reading The Last Ballad: A Novelby Wiley Cash. It took me a bit to get into it, but I am now on about page 120 and it's very interesting. Wiley Cash wrote a couple of other books that I have read and I think were popular here on LT. He wrote A Land More Kind that Home and This Dark Road to Mercy.

And the Giller Prize went to Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill. I may yet read it, thought it's not really my cuppa tea. Here is a link . It is a $100,000 prize here in Canada. http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/2017-giller-prize-winner-1.4403171

Oh shoot. Was it on tv? I totally forgot to check. I would have liked to watch. I do like Michael Redhill as an author and heard him discuss this new book a couple of weeks ago. Glad that he won. I will definitely try to grab a copy. Probably the library will have one soon

Wiley Cash is a fine writer, Deb! Haven't read The Last Ballad, but did read the other two you mention.

>89 jessibud2: I'm not sure if it was televised, Shelley. I just googled it and checked up on what book won the Giller Prize. I'm not sure it will be for me - it's about a doppelganger. Let me know what you think.

>90 lit_chick:The Last Ballad is very good , Nancy, though I've been reading it rather slowly. It's told from many different characters viewpoints, which is both a strength and a weakness. Some of the characters seem unneeded. But overall a fascinating look into the poverty stricken Southern USA back in the 1920's ,with cotton mills, poverty, racial problems and most of all, the start of unions in the USA. Quite fascinating.

Morning, Deb. Sweet Thursday. I am so glad you are enjoying The Last Ballad. I hope to finally get to it soon. I highly recommend his earlier books, especially his debut, A Land More Kind, which I have a signed copy of. Grins...

Another Murder/Mystery series?! Yay!! Happy Thursday.

Happy Thursday Deb my dear, sending love and hugs.

This is a time of year when I as a non-American ponder over what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for this group and its ability to keep me sane during topsy-turvy times.

I am thankful that you are part of this group.

I am thankful for this opportunity to say thank you.

>92 msf59: Thanks for the wonderful well wishes, Mark! Ha! But I've read both of Wiley Cash's previous books. A Land More Kind than home and This Dark Road to Mercy. But a signed copy by Wiley Cash Wow, Good Sir!

>93 Berly: Hi Kim! Yes , another murder / mystery series! But I've already read the three in the series and I'll be waiting a while until the fourth book comes out - but perhaps next year?

>94 johnsimpson: Thanks John. Love and hugs to you too!

>95 PaulCranswick: I'm thankful your friendship too, Paul.

Hi Deb. I'm finally getting around to your November thread. I love the topper!

I am one who was a fan of Wiley Cash's other two novels. I'll be interested in your final verdict on The Last Ballad.

>69 vancouverdeb: and >70 vancouverdeb: and >71 vancouverdeb:
Oh boy, a completely new series. I'm adding it to my wish list and setting out to purchase the first in the series as a Christmas present for my sister. I'm pretty sure she has never heard of it and I always delight in finding series that are new to her and her partner. Thank you for bringing this to our attention!

It was nice to see some sun yesterday, Deb. I hope that you got to go for a walk when it wasn't raining for a change. I went to the downtown library today. There were more shoppers than usual for a Friday. It was early afternoon, so lots of people must have had time off so they could get those Black Friday deals. It was a pro D day as well.

>98 EBT1002: Great to see you, Ellen! I'm enjoying The Last Ballad, but somehow finding myself reading very slowly. So glad that you are able to find A Killer in King's Cove. I hope your sister and partner enjoy the series. I was just telling my sister about it earlier today, but I'm not sure I convinced her. She is a Harry Bosch fan . Not that there is anything wrong with that :-)

>99 Familyhistorian: Yes, it was a Pro - D our this way too, Meg. I was not out shopping myself, but on the news I saw mention of the crowds close to airport at the outlet mall. Not my thing, though I have been there . Yes, we've had some decent weather and a couple of nights ago it was really warm out, about 19 C!

Happy Saturday, Deborah! I'm happy to read you've found a new series and you've fallen in love. I purchased the first two Masie Dobbs books but have not had the chance to read them. Ugh! And now there's another on my radar! So little time blah blah blah

I'm guessing the Iona Whishaw series is not for everyone, anymore than the Maisie Dobbs series is for everyone. I still need to read my second Maisie novel, by the way.

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, Deb, as mine comes to its close.

>101 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda! It's always great to find a new series! Now I just have to wait for number 4 to be published. Apparently the fourth in the series is in the midst of being written. I know what you mean - so many books, not enough time!

>102 EBT1002: So true, Ellen, what series or book is for "Everyone." Taste varies from person to person. What! :-) Get onto your second Maisie Dobbs!

>103 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! Well, it is raining and Poppy are off shortly for her walk. It should be an okay day, but nothing for the record books :-)

Hi Deb! It is beginning to look a bit like Christmas around here... love the thread topper! Glad to see you are keeping up with the walking. Once the habit is ingrained, it is really easy to continue. ;-)

Making note of the Iona Whishaw series. Looks like a goodie. One does try to avoid new series but love to support Canadian authors!

Hi Deb, thinking of you, my friend, as a bit of Royal news was announced today! Have you got Carsten on the job at Kensington?

>106 lit_chick: Deb would be very happy with the news here: wall to wall Prince Harry.

Of course I’m on it, Nancy :) Now that the wedding date is set I’m expecting Deborah to arrive in UK by boat or something next year. Still trying to get the latest news from butlers and maids etc.

>108 ctpress: Tee hee. I was relieved to find the world hadn't stopped on the news today, after endless Harry news yesterday.

>106 lit_chick: Nancy, so you do watch the news? Even with Netflix? I've been reading rumours of Meghan and Harry marrying soon and it actually happened . Fortunately as you guessed, Carsten had positioned himself in the palace and leaked it to me beforehand. ;-) What it is that you do again, Carsten? General factotum, media relations, foreign secretary or are you in the stables, my friend? :-)

>107 charl08: Charlotte, it really has been wall to wall Harry and Meghan. Even for me!!!! Now, they are going to have to get a grip. Meghan referred to the Queen as " her " or " she" twice instead of HRH in the tv interview. And rough old Harry said "Hellava" twice in the interview. What sort of ruffians are these two? I just hope Meghan can pass the British Citizenship test. Do you think she knows much about Coronation Street, or The Easterners? I have my doubts. I've been reading the question for British citizenship at the Trusty Daily Mail. The Daily Mail is bunch of trash I know, but a fabulous gossip site.

>108 ctpress: Carsten, I owe you a huge debt of - err - gratitude for your special connections to the Palace, whatever they are. Cleaning the silver, foreign secretary, - well, I won't let the cat out of the bag! Thanks for taking up the banner for me. Hmmm- I think going by ship across the Atlantic might be almost as bad as flying. I call upon you to witness the whole thing for me.

>109 charl08: Charlotte, it's almost too much news about Harry and Meghan for me too! I mean, of course I am interested in Wills and Kate and the Queen and Phillip etc, but Meghan and Harry - not so sure. At the creaky old age of 36 for Meghan, they best get on the baby boat ASAP.

Just call me the Duke of Edinburgh. Speaking when I should keep my mouth shut.

And on that note, I have a little information to leak myself. I am to become a grandma in March of 2018. Please don't mention it on Facebook if you know me there, as my son and his wife are very private about their pregnancy. It is to be a little girl. We've known for quite a while, but William and Serenade are so private, I have kept it to myself. I'm officially old! So this will be me next March 2018.

Woohoo!! Congrats. You and Joe, first time grandparents! I just found out the other day that a close friend here in Toronto is also going to be a first-time grandma soon! Must be something in the air!

Hey, adding my congratulations, Deb! Ours, a little boy, is scheduled to arrive at the end of April. Maybe we can start a First Timers club. :-)

Congratulations, Deborah!

Congrats!

Congratulations! Are you preparing the library yet?

Oooo, congrats!

Congratulations Grandma Deborah and Grandad Dave from both of us, I have just taken Hannah home and she is a treasure and a little devil at times but we love her to bits. Sending love and hugs.

Congratulations on the news, Deb!

>113 jessibud2: I was surprised at the news, initially, I had thought they might wait another year, for financial reasons, but I'm delighted that they did not wait.

>114 jnwelch: Indeed, Joe, maybe we should start a first time grandparents club. What is involved? I'm not sure as yet! Should be fun. Congratulations on your upcoming grandson!

>115 karenmarie: Thanks Karen!

>116 thornton37814: Thanks Lori! We are delighted!

>117 charl08: You betcha, Charlotte. I've got three board books so far. I've been looking at Pat the Bunny, Goodnight Moon and many others! And Corduroy, among others.

>118 drneutron: Thanks so much Jim!

>119 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John! Dave and I have already discussed what we'd like to be called. I think Grandma Deborah - or just plain Grandma. Dave will be grandpa. My DIL is from Hong Kong, so her parents will be PorPor and YeYe. At least that solves one difficulty.

>120 lkernagh: Thanks so much Lori!

No names in the running for little baby as yet. Or none that my son and DIL are going to reveal to anyone! :-)

>112 vancouverdeb: Congratulations, Deborah, such exiting news!

Congrats, Deb. I am very happy for you and your family. How exciting. I am just biding my time, until one of my offspring present me with a glorious grandchild.

I am starting The Last Ballad early next week and Joe is joining me.

You and Carsten crack me up! Delighted he was able to get the news to you ahead of time, Deb, on the QT, of course ... before all the commoners found out! Have you booked passage yet by ocean liner for the event?

I know I've already congratulated you on about-to-be-a-grandma, but congrats again, my friend. What wonderful news!

Grandparent names are fun.

We asked what each grandparent wanted to be called before our daughter was born.

My Mom was Grandma
My Dad was Grandpa
Husband's Dad was Pop
Husband's Mother was Gran
Husband's MiL was Kayma - her name was Kay so we thought that very clever

At least there won't be two Grandmas or Grandpas.

>124 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita! I'll see my daughter in law on the weekend. I have not seen her in a month or so, so she will look quite pregnant, I suppose. She has been trying to not wear maternity clothes, but I think by now she will need to do so. I was one to jump into my maternity clothes early ;-)

>125 msf59: Well, Mark, I've been biding my time too. You can't rush your kids into marriage, never mind parenthood. I had thought they might wait another year, but I'm getting a granddaughter. I only had sons, so it will be new too me. ( Of course I have two younger sisters) But still - do I know how to put a diaper on a girl? I only know toy cars, helicopters, toy planes etc. I've finished The Last Ballad. You and Joe will enjoy it. 4 stars!

>126 lit_chick: Carsten and I have friends in HIGH places, let's just say, Nancy! ;-) You can call me Lady Deborah and I think Carsten might go by Prince Carsten in real life, but keep that on the QT. I'll see if I can get my minions to book passage to the UK. I hope there is room for me in KP*snobbery* I only eat biscuits and such that are " by appointment to the Queen - you know, Peek Freans and what not.

>127 karenmarie: Karen, I admit the grandparent name had me worried initially. With my own grandparents, I only had one grandpa, so that was easy. I had two grandma's , but apparently me and my sister said " let's go to grandma's house" so often, we started to call that grandma " Grandma House " and the other one Grandma Lastname and it stuck and she was pleased. Fortunately William's inlaws will be yeye and por por, so that make it easy. I am not accustomed to Nana, Nanny, Granny , but I suppose if my granddaughter chooses some crazy name like Grandma Townhouse for me , I'll take it!

Congratulations!! How exciting. : )

My set of parents tried to be different namewise, so my mom opted for Nana, but then the oldest grandchild couldn't say Grandma at first and my MIL went from Grandma to Nama. To this day they have remained unchanged and are now Nana and Nama which are so close it is hysterical.

>129 vancouverdeb: OMG, Deb! You are the best ... choking up my morning coffee here, LOL!

>128 vancouverdeb: Encouraging to hear re The Last Ballad, Deb, thanks. This will be my first Wiley Cash book.

Parcel arrived Deborah! Thank you!

>130 Berly: Thanks Kim. I expect that whatever my granddaughter to- be can manage to call me will be just fine! All the better if she dreams up her own pet name for me.

>131 lit_chick: Well, Nancy, for all I know, Carsten might be the Crown Prince of Denmark, so eclectic is his taste in books. No wonder he is often to busy to grace the pages of LT. He is probably " in the cups" like Princess Margaret used to be. Carsten . I better understand his interest in Jeeves . I bet Carsten has a butler or a manservant. Heaven knows , I have my own manservant, aka Dave! :-) Carsten, are your ears buzzing with my nonsense?

Rats, my so - called " manservant " - Dave wants me to help him with something . Back later It's not easy to get good help around here.

>132 jnwelch: I hope you enjoy The Last Ballad, Joe. As I mentioned on your thread, I think I enjoyed A Land More Kind than Home and This Dark Road to Mercy even more.

>133 charl08: I am amazed, Charlotte. And this close to Christmas , even! I wonder why mail coming into Canada is so slow? Very glad that the parcel arrived!

Finished The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash a couple of days ago. I have read and enjoyed his other two books, A Land More Kind Than Home, and This Dark Road to Mercy. I'm not in the mood to do a review, but I'll just say it was a real eye opener for me. The story takes place in a small town in North Carolina in 1929. Based on true events, it is a shocking revelation to read about the dreadful treatment of people the Southern USA. Ella May is our main protagonist, and she is a woman in her twenties, working 12 hours shifts, 6 days a week at a cotton mill factory. She lives in shack with her four children, as her husband has long left her . Being a more progressive or practical sort of a person, she lives next door to African American people , who are treated even worse than folks like Ella May. This is the story of the beginning of unions in the USA, or as people saw it at that time, the onset of a Communist Menace. I really was shocked by the way life was - and probably still is in parts of the USA.

The one weakness that I felt the story had was that it was told from perhaps too many points of view. At times that made the story seem a bit hard to follow. Overall, a very important read.

4 stars and recommended.

Currently reading Unexploded by Alison Macleod.

Excellent review of The Last Ballad, Deb. Onto the list! And, if you've posted your review, thumbs up.

Thanks Nancy! Such kind words. It's worth the read!

>112 vancouverdeb: Congratulations, Deb. I love your new look! LOL

>112 vancouverdeb: Lovely news. I am sure that the secret is dafe with all of us!

You are too glamorous to be a granny!

>136 vancouverdeb: Added this to the wishlist. In the process, was shocked to find out Cash was a bloke. In my head, just from reading others reading his books, thought is was a woman! Oh dear.

Happy Sunday, Deb. I tried posting over here, yesterday evening and it would not let me. I thought you may have blocked me or something. Grins...

I just gave your The Last Ballad review, a cursory look. I like going in blind. I will be starting it tomorrow, or possibly even later today.

I hope you are having a great weekend.

>140 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg! I think it's kind of sylish! :-)

>141 PaulCranswick: Kind words Paul, but I assure you I am not glamorous at all! Quite the opposite!

>142 charl08: Oh, I hope you enjoy The Last Ballad. His other two books are perhaps even better. They might be more available across the pond. He does have a sensitivity and and thoughtfulness that could you lead you too believe that he writes from a woman's point of view. The Last Ballad is a bit of family biography , so I guess he knows his subject.

>143 msf59: I'd never block the Lone Ranger, Mark! I'm the opposite of you. Generally speaking I like to read book reviews before deciding to commit to a book. And read 60 pages or so! Caution rules here! :-)

Oh my, I just blink and then am atrociously behind on the threads on LT....... BUT wow!!!! I see that you are to be a gramma and that is simply wonderful. Baby will be nearby too which is even more wonderful. Good news!

>144 vancouverdeb: Ha, looks like you are aiming for the youthful grandma look! Did you see sun today? We had a cloud bank stuck on top of the mountain but I saw a sunset in the distance.

>145 mdoris: Mary, lovely to have you visit! It's not easy to keep up with the threads. At first I felt like my daughter in law's pregnancy was going slowly, but now all of a sudden it seems that it is nearly upon us! I am looking very forward to my grand daughter, thank you! What will they name the baby? No suggestions are appreciated by my son and his wife! :-) LOL!

>146 Familyhistorian: Oh, Meg, that's me on a good day! I am enjoying the lack of rain! And with the colder temps I can pop on my toque and not worry about the state of my hair!!!

>147 vancouverdeb: And there was actual sun today! with the colder temps I can pop on my toque and not worry about the state of my hair!!! Remember when we wouldn't leave the house without our hair being perfect? How things have changed.

Morning, Deb. I am enjoying The Last Ballad. I should be into the second half, later today. I love the Ella sections the best. I think those parts, really sing.

Hope your week is going well.

Hi Deborah!

>147 vancouverdeb: No suggestions, eh? It's always interesting to hear what people name their children.

>148 Familyhistorian: I know, actual sun!But the past couple of days have been so foggy it's hard to see the sun! It's a rare day that my curly/ wavy hair is ever ' perfect" Meg! Though occasionally it has good days. They are few and far between!

>149 msf59: Hey there Lone Ranger! Happy to read that you are enjoying The Last Ballad. It is a very good book. I also enjoyed the Ella section best, though others were very interesting. I recall the Hampton sections being interesting. Wiley Cash has turned out three excellent books.

>150 karenmarie: Believe me, Karen, I am will be very interested in what my son and daughter in law name their daughter. Originally - years ago when they were dating , our now daughter in law told us that she planned to name their children with a first name starting with an " S". She comes from a family where everyone's first name is an "S " and thought she wanted to continue that. However, now that she is pregnant, they tell us they have probably changed their minds about the " s' thing. I think two things have happened. Serenade feels that all of the good " S " names have already been used by her and my family and as someone who teaches school she really doesn't want to use an odd spelling, a ' too popular name " or a name associated with certain kids that she teaches. So, it will be interesting!

HI Deborah, pardon me if it is impolite to post a cartoon on someone else's thread BUT with the name talk I just had to share one of my fav. cartoons and it is a good one while we are talking about teachers. Get a load of the names......

>152 mdoris: That's good, but I think there should be some Tiffany's in there as well. LOL

>151 vancouverdeb: Well we did have a couple of days when we could see the sun *sigh*. It reminds me of the smoke in the summer. You can see about as far. I wonder if the planes are still landing at YVR? I hope so.

>153 Familyhistorian: I love it, Mary! Thanks for the wonderful cartoon! I wonder what all of the kids are name these days? In " my day" the girl names that EVERY ONE had were Deborah , Debbie, Karen, Jennifer . There was always another Debbie in my class. Fortunately for me I was definitely Deborah, owing to my parents and my preference of Deborah to Debbie. Would you believe I was a bridesmaid in a wedding with a Debra ( Debbie) as the bride, the maid of honour a Deborah and me as the bridesmaid Deborah? And yes, we all came from the same high school classes ! We agreed to answer to Debbie / Deb and Deborah for that day, but of course we'd all look when any of the variations of the name was mentioned.

>154 vancouverdeb: Is Tiffany that popular nowadays, Meg? I really don't know at all. As far the planes landing and taking off, I think it's been okay, but I'm not sure. Dave worked yesterday and he gets the jets out , and he did not mention any problems with the planes , but then again, he had to go straight off to townhouse meeting. I think most of the planes are advanced enough to fly in the fog. But I'm not sure.

If you look closely in the cartoon it is the nursery school graduating class of 1980 and low and behold we had neighbours across the street named Scott and Jennifer who would have been in preschool around then. And alas no more" Mary's" now, but my former bookclub was packed with them. Sounds like you had lots of "Deborahs" too!

>152 mdoris: - >153 Familyhistorian: - That is hilarious! There weren't a lot of Shelleys when I was in school but maybe one or two others. One year, I think grade 3, There was 2 of us named Shelley H! But we didn't look anything alike, thank goodness! ;-)

>152 mdoris: I actually know a Jennifer Scott... 😂

Hi Deborah!

We'll follow the name game with interest.

>152 mdoris: and >154 vancouverdeb: That's a great cartoon. I don't exactly know how old you are, Deborah, but I was one of a plethora of Karens born in 1953 in California. And of 12 members of my book club, there's only one name duplicate and of course it's Karen.

There were also quite a few Deborahs, too, all called Debbie. Catherine and Katherine were popular then, too, all called Cathy/Kathy. At the job I retired from 2 years ago we had a Deborah who only went by Deborah, a Debra who went by Debra (two syllables), and another Debra who went by Deb/Debbie.

I'm sorta glad to hear that they're going away from the "S" thing, just on principle. My parents didn't choose any family names from either side for us girls, but honored Mom's brother with Douglas and Dad's father's middle name with Lee to make Douglas Lee, my only brother. (My grandfather's name was Aubrey Lee and I absolutely loved it.) Sister and I are Karen Marie and Laura Beth respectively. Mom and Dad didn't want any names that could be shortened for us girls. AND, most important for kids, Mom and Dad deliberately didn't choose Pamela for me because then my initials would have been PP and I would have been doomed in school.

Yes, you have to anticipate the "doomed in school" situation. Just a comment on the many "s's" in the same family. I would have been doomed by that as we had 4 girls all going in different directions and my calendar reflected that and initials sufficed for planning. So all different initials....H. S. K (for Karin, Norwegian spelling) >158 karenmarie: and C. Oh boy if I had to write out full names I would never have gotten out of the house!

The young folks will for sure figure it out. So exciting for you!

Will be curious about your new granddaughter's name, Deb! I love that so many classic names are making a comeback: Ellinor, Beatrix, Daisy, and more.

>155 mdoris: That's a great cartoon, Mary! Imagine having a Jennifer and a Scott across the street! I recall Jennifer being very popular in my day, but not so much Scott. It seems to me that Mark was a lot of guy's names. Mary is a such a lovely name, I hope it soon makes a comeback.

>156 jessibud2: You were lucky, Shelley , to have a more unique name. I must admit I never minded having the name "Deborah." I guess most often whatever name your parents give you, you feel okay about it.

>157 drneutron: A Jennifer Scott, Jim! Perfect!

>158 karenmarie: Wow! That's amazing that so many Karens's were around in your year too, Karen! I'm vintage 1961, and I thought Karen was very popular too. I think the name Deborah was coming to and end by the time my parents used it for me. I'm a Deborah, with two syllables when it's pronounced. Very few people pronounce the extra ' or" sound. Kathy was popular in my time. The two I can think of are / were Kathleen's . One of my sister is Kathleen, but she has always been " Kathleen" and never Kathy. Somehow my parents instilled into us that we went by our full name and it stuck. I did the same with my Daniel and William , though Daniel started using " Dan" with his friends by grade 12. But in my family he is still Daniel. Ohh, yes the doomed in school with a bad set of initials.

>159 mdoris: "Doomed in School" - a great phase to remember when it comes to names. As it was , Dave and I are both D's and Daniel is also a D - but we weren't going for a " D" theme in the family. I used to buy a large calender that had space for up to 5 names , so we worked out evernyone's schedule's according to Dad, Mom, Daniel and William and usually the dogs name. But yes, what confusion would reign with everyone using the same initial. My dad and my eldest brother had the same name and that created enough confusion with mail in my family home.

>160 lit_chick: I guess since we know it's a girl and when the baby is supposed to be born, they want to keep something a secret ,Nancy. Oh dear to Ellinor and Beatrix. And Daisy was our previous dog's name. I like the names like Olivia, Grace as comeback names. Even Penny. But yes, I'll be quite interested in what they choose for a name.

Once you meet the baby, their name will be the only one you can imagine. Twenty years ago, we named our first born Jack. There are lots of Jacks now, but we didn’t know any then. My mom was not sure about the name (hence why we didn’t announce it very far ahead) and asked if he would be John, but called Jack. After about one day, he couldn’t be anything but Jack.
Also, congrats!
If your daughter is a teacher, picking names becomes exponentially more difficult!

>163 raidergirl3: Thanks Elizabeth - owner of a lovely name! Yes, thanks, whatever they name the baby will soon be perfect to my ears. With our Daniel, we had not idea that it would be a fairly popular name. We just liked it. William I knew would be relatively unusual, yet well known and I knew we could stick to the " William ' rather than " Bill " thing, just as my parents had managed to create a Deborah, Kathleen and Robert ( and two other names that really cannot be shortened.0 I guess you really do get used to anything. Earlier this year, a friend of mine had a granddaughter named " Azalea" Now, Azaleas are popular, pretty flowers/ bushes around here, but I did not expect the name and I don't think my friend did either. You just chew it over in your mind for a day or two and it's all good, yes. I recall my 1 st cousin (and I only have 4 of them ) naming his son "Mason" and I thought - as in the Masonic temple, whereas his parents thought as in Mason's jars? But yes, it's fine and now it's even popular. They named their second son " Logan" and my grandma - and my cousins's grandma said " Logan Street" is in a bad side of town! LOL!! But of course you grow to love it.

Yes, I admit I never really understood that Jack / John thing. I've always thought that the names were completely separate, but I realize now that back in yee old days John's sometimes went by Jack. I know a fellow a few years older than my eldest son who just named his son " Jack" . A perfectly good name!

I do have the honour of a teacher naming her son William after my son William. She told me he was so cute and well behaved that she fell in love with the name.

The teacher name thing can work the other way too. Sometimes an unusual name on a lovely child can make the name one to consider. A teacher I worked with years ago named her son Shaul after a student because she was so impressed with him. It’s a very unusual name (student was from Eastern Europe) and only a few years after her son was born, original Shaul was killed in a car accident. It was very sad, but such a lovely tribute to the young man.

I think the Jack/John came from so many Johns that some needed nicknames. My age had that problem with Michaels- every class had several Michaels, and Mikes and all the nicknames needed to keep them straight.

Lots of Logans around now.

One year, my classes were full of Caylee, Kayleigh, Callie, Kali, and every variation of those names you can imagine.

Hi, Deb. I hope you had a nice weekend and got plenty of reading in. I really enjoyed The Last Ballad. Cash has been on a very good roll.

I guess most often whatever name your parents give you, you feel okay about it. That wasn't how it went in my family. There are a lot of members in my family who weren't happy with the names that they were given. My mother went by her middle name, her mother went by her middle name and went so far as to go back and change the name on her birth record. I don't like my name either but then I was named after my great aunt who didn't answer to our full name either - she went by Peg.

As someone who comes from a family of five 'C's, can I heartily endorse giving up the S thing. It made post really annoying at home - although I guess with email these days, not so much.

I love these name discussions!

We have some cousins who named their daughters Hannah Mariah and Amber Daniele and immediately told everybody that they were being called Mariah and Dani. Hannah was Biblical and I have no idea where Amber came from, but they definitely weren't family names. It seemed a bit strange to us, frankly. Our daughter's name, Jenna, is pretty nickname-resistant, and she makes sure that she isn't called Jennie or Jen. (Back to John for a minute my dad's given and middle names were John Milton and was known as "Milt".)

>165 raidergirl3: A lovely story but tragic story about the name "Shaul", Elizabeth. I don't recall the boy's name being much of a problem back " in my day". Perhaps at that time there were only so many" acceptable " boy's names to draw from, or perhaps I simply did not notice? Yes, those variations in spelling of names gets confusing - all the Kayleigh , Caylee etc! That's confusing !

>166 msf59: Not as much reading as I would have liked, Mark. I'm in a bit of a reading funk! Can't quite find the book I can into. I've tried dipping into several books, but none are quite grabbing me.Sigh! But, yes, Cash has been on a very good roll.

>167 Familyhistorian: Isn't that too bad, Meg! I'm guessing that your full name is Margaret and you prefer Meg , and your aunt preferred Peg? My mom tells me she would have preferred a different first name, but she has never made any effort to change it. One of my sons decided he wanted rid of his third name - we used William Micheal Stanley and our last name, and when he got to be around 17 /18 , he told me he hated the Stanley name, in part because it was just too many letters in his name and too many initials. So he did a legal name change, and got rid of the Stanley. I did not mind really either way. We chose that name for " sentimental reason' but it really did not matter to me, but it mattered to William. So he is happy now without it.

>168 charl08: Yes, Charlotte, I can understand the confusion with the " C" thing, In my family of origin, my dad and my eldest brother had the same first name and of course as my brother got older, there was often confusion about who the Mr --- mail was for, though they had different middle initials.

>169 karenmarie: I enjoy a good name discussion too, Karen. Yes, one wonders, why give your children names and then call them by the second name? Maybe they just liked the sound of the names put together? Jenna is a lovely name for your daughter and as you say, quite tamper -resistant. I suppose she could go by Jen, but Jenna is lovely! Yes , as a Deborah, I make certain that no one calls me Deb or Debbie in real life. Here on LT, I made the mistake I suppose of giving myself the screen name of vancouverdeb, thinking that vancouverdeborah would be a wee bit long! So, people here call me Deb, which is fine as a screen name. But in real life, I am always Deborah. Of course the occasional person can't be trained :-)

>171 vancouverdeb:, This naming discussion is fun! I know what you're saying about ...."Why give your children names and then call them by the second name?"....For our 4th daughter I thought it would be my last kick at the can so we did call her Mary Claire with full intention of always calling her Claire. Somehow Claire Mary does not have the same ring. I asked her recently if it as been a pain to be called by her 2nd name and she said it does create confusions but she does love the name Claire so has gotten over it! She is now a surgical nurse in a trauma hospital as well as being a new bride so she does look up to the O.R.planning board and sees her first name Mary and her new married last name and wonders who that person could be? So there is one explanation for the 2nd name calling. No regrets however.

>172 mdoris: Mary, that's a wonderful story and I love both the name Mary and the name Claire! I actually understand that. In my case, my dad's first name was Hugh. He was the 3rd Hugh Lastname - named after his father and a grandfather. So my brother was the 4th Hugh. Then my brother married and had 4 children. His wife is NOT KEEN on the name " Hugh" . However, when their fourth and last child arrived, the only son that they had, they settled on the name ' Hugh Benjamin ' with the intention of calling him "Ben". I think they wanted to keep the Hugh Last name thing going, and little Ben, who is know about 9 or 10 years old is quite proud of being H. Ben . Surname. So , that's quite cute and I'm only sorry that my dad passed away of cancer before Hugh Benjamin was born. I had considered giving on of my two sons the name" Hugh" as a middle name, but I felt we had to leave it to my brother - and I had my kids prior to my brother marrying his wife and namiing his kids. That particular brother of mine ( I have two of them ) and his wife seemed to have such a lot of issues coming up with names that both my brother and his wife liked. They's spend a week or more after the birth of each of their 4 children in heavy discussion about the names, whereas we always had a name for our kids at their birth. I should think that 9 months of negotiation should result in a name for baby , but not the case for my beloved but stubborn brother and his equally stubborn wife! :-) And whoa- they do have 4 strong minded kids .

Hi Deborah, Love the Hugh story. Love too the story of strong minded sibs. I thought I was the only one with those!

>174 mdoris: Glad you enjoyed the " Hugh " story. I must admit that " Hugh" is not the most popular of names and I can understand his wife's reluctance to use the name " Hugh". I'm not sure that the name " Hugh " has ever been popular except somewhere in Scotland at sometime. I recall people asking me " Hughie" - like Huey, Dewy and Luey from the cartoon, but no, that was not the origin of his name.

My mother whose given names were Doris Gertrude (can you imagine?)!! had a brother named Hughes. She was one of 9 kids (surviving kids, that is.....) somewhere in the lower middle.

>176 mdoris: Oh yes, Mary , I can well believe that your poor mother had the name Doris Gertrude. My grandma, number 12 of 13, I believe it was, was Hazel Gertrude. My other grandma was had just one name , Helga. My dad apparently thought the first born daughter should be named after her two grandmothers. So my name was nearly Helga Hazel or Hazel Helga, but my mom prevailed in that case.

But's funny how life goes. I'm not sure I could ever have been a " Hazel" - never mind " Helga" , but Hazel now seems like a sweet name for a little girl , especially one with hazel eyes. However, I am more than content with " Deborah"

Hi Deborah!

Thanks re our daughter's name. The women in my family all had very old-fashioned names - Viola, Agnes, Edith, Nellie, Maud, Lillian, to name a few. My grandmother hated that she was named Nellie so always cheated and went by Nelle.

Interesting discussion of names. It is all about how we see things in the moment. So I guess I have just divulged where the Doris came from in the mdoris. I have never loved the name but still proud to use it for thinking of my wonderful mom, but for all the world to see I am clearly Mary! Sounds good that your parents prevailed and gave you the wonderful name Deborah.

>178 karenmarie: Interesting that your family had such old fashioned names! I suppose my grandparents did too. As in Grace, Olivia, Florence, Hazel, Basil, Burns, Mamie, Annie , that I can recall. Of course , many of those are now ' comeback names". On my maternal side of the family, the names were Icelandic, like Helga, Valdimar, Sigreduriur , Pall - aka Paul etc. I'm not even certain of some of the spellings!

>179 mdoris: It's a good thing to remember, that names are how we see them in the moment. Truthfully , Mary, I am very slow witted and it took you explaining to me why you chose mdoris! Doris was a common enough name with friends of my grandma Hazel. I am sure if was plenty loved in it's day. I am happy for you that you bear the name of your wonderful mom! That's something to cherish.

My grandparents were called Horace and Phyllis and Thomas and Sarah and Karen's were Mary and George and Edgar and Ada. My mum and dad were Eileen and Fred and Karen's were Bertha (but always known as Beth) and Cecil.

>181 johnsimpson: Good English names, I'd say, John! Thomas, Sarah, Mary and George all lovely names! My grandparents were more a " mixed bag" if you will. Hugh and Hazel, and Helga and Hallstein Freeman ( he went by Frim) on the Icelandic side of my family. My husband's family , well , Dave's parents each came from a family of a divorce, which is pretty unusual for people born in the early 1900's . Both of Dave's parents immigrated from Poland and Germany pre WW11, so Dave's parents did not keep much in touch with his grandparents. I believe on Dave's dad side, his grandparent's were Otto and Wanda.

>167 Familyhistorian: Names can be a hot button issue for people, Deborah. Yes, Meg comes from Margaret, I am not sure that my aunt chose the name Peg for her Margaret but that is what she was called. I think having three personal names was quite common around the time that your son was probably born. My son has three personal names.

>183 Familyhistorian: I suppose name can be a hot button issue for some, of course, Meg. It's just never been a hot button issue for me. Perhaps if my husband had been insistent about a name I disliked for a child, or vice versa, but both of us agreed easily enough on our kids names. And when my son wanted to drop one of his names, I was a wee bit disappointed but I really, I did not mind that much. Now, if I could just be that easy going in with rest of my life :-)

I'm late to the party but my congratulations are no less sincere! Wonderful news, Deborah!

Happy Saturday, Deb. Not far into Eleanor Oliphant, but I am enjoying it. I knew nothing about it, when I started it. I like it that way.

Hope you have nice R & R weekend.

>185 Copperskye: Great to see you, Joanne! You are never too late to the party on this thread! Thanks for the congratulations!

>186 msf59: Mark, I think I also read Eleanor Oliphant without knowing what I was in for. I either just pulled it off the shelf in the library, or it might have been one of my sister's recommendations. She also talked me into reading The Magpie Murders, which had received a lot of warbling here on LT, but somehow she was the person who loaned me her copy of the book and I really enjoyed it!

For the record, just because I have to get my two cents in, LOL, I love the names Hazel, Olivia, Grace ... and more that have been mentioned here : ).

Great to see you, Nancy! Very pleased that you like the names Hazel, Sophia, Grace and more. I suspect had the names Sophia, ( Sophie) Sarah not already been " family names' , my daughter in law might have liked them. I always think- but if a first cousin lives in another city, what's the harm. One name that Serenade did like was Siobhan , but she worried that no one could pronounce it. So I guess I'll have to wait and see. If they call the baby " Destiny's Child" or " Shakira" I guess I'll get used to it! ;-) Now, the name " Nancy ' is fabulous! I would have loved to be a Nancy as in Nancy Drew, the famous sleuth that I read so much about in my childhood and teens! Now, that's a name!

Like you and Mark, Deb, I read Eleanor Oliphant without knowing anything about it. For a while, I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. Then I caught on, and really enjoyed it.

So a friend has a grand daughter named "Sparrow". I had to coach my friend to say it in front of a mirror so she would stop making the weird, funny faces, the wincing, when she said the name. Grandparenting has its challenges......

I love the name Siobhan. Is that from the Ian Rankin books? I know it's Irish.
Just looked it up on Wik. It is Irish, but derived from the old French Jehane then (modern) Jeanne.
"The name is a cognate of the English name Joan", derived from the Latin Ioanna (modern Joanne, Joanna) which in turn from the Greek Ioanna. This is a shortened form from the Hebrew Johanan meaning "God is gracious", the origin of the masculine name John. The Scottish Gaelic form of the name is Siubhan (which is usually anglicised Judith).

Who knew? I think I had better get out and garden!

>190 jnwelch: I think once I made an honest effort to crack open Eleanor Oliphant, I was hooked, Joe. It was just one of those books, once it finally took!

>191 mdoris: Oh, you are a good friend, coaching your friend to call her granddaughter " Sparrow". It's kind of pretty, but it is different. I recall my SIL calling me to tell that they had a son " Sammy" . And so I spoke with my mom and asked her - Sammy like Sammy David Junior, or Sammy as in short for Samuel? And it turned that my SIL , who is sort a " cultural' muslim gave her own variation of the name Sami or maybe Samir? Even so , her dad was not quite pleased and told her she ought to have spelled it Sami and not Samy. He is 13 now and very happy to be Samy last name. He is not Sam, and he does not seem to question his name.

I do love the name Siobhan, and I never asked my DIL what prompted her like of that name. I just assumed she must have heard it somewhere and liked the sound. But since then she has said the spelling vs pronunciation are too complex . I guess I'll be prepared to be surprised. Maybe it will be something very common and well known? or not?

>192 vancouverdeb: I love Irish names too, Deb, but there is a wonderful propensity for non-Irish to get the pronunciation of the names horribly wrong. I used to work for an Irish company based out of Clonmel and the pronunciation of some of their names by my English colleagues was frankly hilarious.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. xx

>193 PaulCranswick: Apparently so, Paul. I know my mom mentioned knowing someone named Saoirse, and while it is a beautiful name, I would never have guessed how it was spelled from the pronunciation of the name.

Adding to the topic regarding name acquisitions. Linda was a popular name from the late 40's through mid 1950's. I graduated from a small high school of 106, of which seven shared my name. ugh.

>194 vancouverdeb: - There is an actress with that name and I still have no clue how it's pronounced

>195 Whisper1: Linda is a lovely name, but yes, it was popular in it's day. Maybe it will make a comeback like Deborah? We can cross our fingers! :-) Yes, that's a lot of Linda's in such a small graduating class. I think there were about 500 in my graduating class and at least two other Deborah/ Debbies, but that was okay. Lot of Karen's , Jennifer and Kathy/ Cathy's too in "my day."

>196 jessibud2: I think my mom mentioned the name Saoirse to me and I looked it up on google to hear the pronunciation. Only was I'd have any idea! Try googling it for the prounciation.

Hi Deb, I hope you are surviving the rain. Last night on the news the sunny days predicted were down to just Wednesday, the day before they had predicted sun on Wednesday and Thursday. It was a soaker yesterday, I am hoping for intermittent showers today (really, I am hoping it will just dry up, but one has to be realistic *sigh*)

Hi Deborah, hope you had a good weekend my dear and wishing you a good week ahead on the run up to Christmas dear friend. Sounds like you are having quite a bit of the wet stuff, we have been having a mix of rain with cold nights below freezing so there has been some black ice to contend with. Sending love and hugs to you all from both of us.

Hi Deb! Hope you're doing great!

>198 Familyhistorian: I've survived the rain, only to find that we have snow today! What a wrench into my plans! But I hope to get out later to do a little Christmas shopping. I fear it will be icy out. We had snow at about ? 8am and it's turned into rain for now but it is sure to freeze over. Such a mess and just the start of a few days of this, I fear.

>199 johnsimpson: John, as of today we too have the mix of rain and snow and it makes things treacherous indeed. I was hoping that snow would not until this evening, but you know how the weather goes! Love and hugs to you too!

>200 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel, and I saw your lovely engagement ring on your thread! Congratulations !!

>201 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb, the snow was a surprise. I heard higher elevations on the weather last night but I just about noon there was snow in the mix in Coquitlam and it was coming down heavily on my way to the Skytrain. There was snow on the sidewalks downtown but it wasn't too bad for walking. I think that Vancouver had earlier snow than we did because some of the people working behind the counters were talking about how long it took to get to work. The Skytrain was working just fine.

Hi, Deb. I hope the week is off to a good start. I loved Eleanor Oliphant. Once again, my LT pals were right on the money. They are the best Book Barometer out there.

>112 vancouverdeb: I’m delighted to read your good news, Deborah, though I am late to the party. As you know, I am Gaga over my six grands. I miss having a baby around; unfortunately, my kids are done. Congratulations!

I love all the name talk here. I was not much of an influence in naming my grandchildren, although Haley has the middle name of Elizabeth which was always my choice for a firearm name. You are so right in knowing that whatever name they choose,mit will be the right one. It is so much fun to buy children’s books. All of my grands have nice personal libraries thanks to me!

>202 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg! I had expected snow later in the day - maybe , but it was a surprise to get it so early in the am ! We had the opposite weather to you - snow right away and rain by noon. Today is 6 C and sunny - but for how long? You know what they say - usually - wait a minute and the weather will change! Except of when it rains for months on end!

>203 msf59: Not a bad start, Mark. I think I've got all of my Christmas shopping done, so that is a relief. So glad that you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant . Wonderful story!

>204 Donna828: Thanks Donna! I have not seen Serenade and William for several weeks, but I hope to chat with them this evening. Yes, March will be exciting month! That is lovely that you have created a library for each of your grandchildren! I have to say that my mom was very lucky with her " grandchildren supply" . My eldest is 33 and the youngest grandchild is 8 years old and my mom has 10 of them . Now as the elder grandchildren are older, my son and his wife are expecting ababy in March and my niece and her husband are hoping to get a baby on the go, but unfortunately they have hit some fertility problems, despite being just 25. I hope that can be remedied .

What a lively and fun discussion about names! I'm late to the party and don't have much to add about the vicissitudes of name popularity. Certainly trends change and what was once "old fashioned" has returned to popularity.

I was almost named Lisa but my parents went with a revision of my paternal grandmother's first name (she was Ella). I'm rather glad as there were lots of Lisa's around when I was growing up and I didn't meet another Ellen until I was 12 years old (and I actually remember it!). My middle name was more the issue for me; I have my paternal grandmother's maiden name as my middle name and my sister has our maternal grandmother's maiden name as her middle name. When I was a kid, I so wanted a middle name more like my peers'. That means I pretty much wished my middle name had been Ann or Lynn. Later I came to love my names, first and middle. I wouldn't have them any other way.

Huh. I just checked and Ellen was ranked #94 for girls in the year I was born. It's ranked #694 in 2017 so it has fallen a lot in the 5 decades of my life.

Also late to the party....Congratulations, Deborah - love the dancing "grandmother" - exciting news.

In Denmark the most popular names for babies in 2017: Sofia, Alma, Emma and Ella - and for boys: Noah, Victor, Oliver and Oscar. Take your pick.

Talking about names....A scene from one of my favourite movies (The Sure Thing):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovSQvI02rec

>206 EBT1002: Very cool story about your name, Ellen! It's a good name and I am glad that you are happy with it! Ah, I have the middle name" Anne" . As you say, the middle name of Anne was kind of a staple back in the day. I am the eldest of three daughters ( and I also have two brothers) . So my parents had to get more creative with middle names for my two sisters. One of my sister's middle names is Kristin , and the other one -well, my parents asked me and my older sister what we would like to give her for a middle name. We were only 3 and 2 years old, so we chose " Sweetpea" from the Popeye TV comic show. My mom said we would not be able to use " Sweetpea" , so our second choice was " Lori". So my sister is not keen about her middle name " Lori" and she teases us - thanks a lot for nothing. My name was number 10 in the year of my birth. Deborah has really fallen down the pile too!

>207 ctpress: Great to see you, Carsten! Hmm - from the Denmark list I'd take Sofia or Emma. Alma was popular name among my Icelandic grandparents friends. This is going to be a little girl, so at least I don't need to worry about a boys name at the moment!

I loved the movie clip! Though I think Elliot is a perfectly good name! I used to babysit a little fellow named Elliot and he was so cute! I'm surprised I did not name on of my kids "Elliot" As it was , one of our neighbours had a son named Daniel and he was so , well, ugly that he was cute. I think that is part of why I loved the name Daniel and used it for on our sons.

Merry Christmas !

Happy Friday, Deb. Hope your week went well. BTW- my daughter read Lone Ranger and Tonto and LOVED it. This Dad is proud!

>209 msf59: Not a bad week, Lone Ranger. How exciting that your daughter read Lone Ranger and Tonto. Our memoir, no? Enjoy Mexico in 2018.

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

It sounds like you are having lots of fun doing some early shopping for March. Nice! Wow that sweater is so cute!

I love that story about you and your sister choosing your other sister's middle name! I wonder if she would thank you more if your parents had gone with your first choice.... hehe



Wishing you a Christmas season filled with love, laughter, light, and many books, Deborah!

Hi Deborah, stopping by to wish you and your loved ones peace, joy and happiness this holiday season and for 2018!

Hi Deb. I can't add pictures but I wanted to add my best wishes for the holiday season to you and your family.

Happy Holidays, Deborah!

Merry Christmas, Deborah. Hope you'll have a good time with family and friends this holiday season.

Hi Deborah!



Stopping by to wish you and yours all good things this holiday season.

Hi Deborah, wishing you, Dave and the family a very Merry Christmas my dear, sending love and hugs to you all dear friend from both of us.

Happy holidays! I am thankful this holiday season for all the good friends I have made in this group. You are all so supportive. I don't know what I'd do without you!

(Or in other words, Happy Christmas, to you and yours!)

^Have a wonderful holiday with the family, Deb! Hope you get some bookish gifts.

It is that time of year again, between Solstice and Christmas, just after Hanukkah, when our thoughts turn to wishing each other well in whatever language or image is meaningful to the recipient. So, whether I wish you Happy Solstice or Merry Christmas, know that what I really wish you, and for you, is this:

Wishing you all good things this holiday season and beyond.

Merry Christmas from Philadelphia to you and your family, Deborah!

Merry Christmas, Deb!

Dear Deb

Merry Christmas!

wishing a holiday and new year of peace for you and yours! And congratulations on the granddaughter to be! You will have so much fun with her.

I hope you are having a great Christmas, Deb, and that you received lots of books under the tree.

Happy Boxing Day!!

Hope you're having a good holiday week Deborah with lots of books.

Here's to wishing you a wonderful 2018 full of reading pleasure! Hope that you and family had a great Christmas.

Happy Holidays, Deb!

Happy belated Christmas greetings to you and yours, Deborah and all the best in 2018!

Hi Deb, just stopping by to wish you, Dave and the family a Very Happy New Year my dear and hope that 2018 is a really good year. Sending love and hugs to you all dear friend from both of us.

Hi Deborah!



Peace, Health, and Happiness in 2018

view from Zürich's landmark mountain Üetliberg

Happy 2018!!

Hope you had a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

>211 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara and I hope you too had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

>212 mdoris: The little sweater arrive yesterday, Mary and they are really darling! Thanks!

>213 EBT1002: I'll have to ask my sister if she would have preferred Sweet Pea to Kathleen for her middle name. I think she frowns at both names!

>214 lkernagh: Thanks Lori! I hope you had wonderful Holiday Season too!

>215 jessibud2: Shelley, I am similarly picture challenged, but thanks so much and I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!

>216 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne! ;-)

>217 ctpress: Thanks Carsten, dear friend!

>218 karenmarie: Thank you , Karen!

>219 johnsimpson: You too, John!

I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years Season!

Thanks for all the love and wonderful pictures!

Hi, Deb. I hope your New Year is off to a good start. How are those books treating you?

>220 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel, and I wish you a wonderful 2018!

>221 SandDune: Thanks Rhian!
>222 msf59: Thanks Mark!
>223 ronincats: Thanks Roni!

>224 rretzler: Thanks, Robin!
>225 PaulCranswick: Thanks , Paul!

I wish you all a very happy 2018!

>226 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl! Wishing you a Happy 2018

>227 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy, dear friend!

>228 Whisper1: Wishing you a wonderful 2018, Linda!

>229 banjo123: Thanks Rhian!

>230 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg!

>231 Berly: Thanks Kim!

To all of you a Happy New Year and Wishing you the best in 2018

>232 charl08: Thanks Charlotte!

>233 mdoris: Thanks Mary!

>234 jnwelch: Thanks Joe!

>235 Carmenere: Thanks Linda!

>236 johnsimpson: Love and hugs to you and yours, John!

>237 karenmarie: Thanks so much Karen!

>238 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara!

>239 rretzler: Thanks again, Robin!

>240 Berly: Happy 2018, Kim

>241 ChelleBearss: Thank Chelle, and I am so glad you and Elissa and family are out the hospital!

>243 vancouverdeb: Ah, Mark! I did not get a single book read in December, but I have gotten on book read so far in 2018 Thanks !

Thanks everyone for the lovely images and wonderful wishes! I had a bit of difficult time with depression in December, and did not get to much of anything. I'm gradually feeling better and slowly getting back into life. Sorry I did not get around the threads.

And I'm just going to set up my new 2018 Thread!

Thanks again for the wonderful wishes!

Sorry, to hear about the difficult month, Deb. Glad things are starting to turn around a bit. Sending warm, positive vibes to my favorite side-kick.

Very sorry Deborah for your challenging times in December. I for one missed you around here but know that when you can visit here....you will! Take care.

Sorry to hear about your difficult December, Deborah. Praying for you that you will keep feeling better in this new year. Lots of thoughts from my corner of the world. See you on your new thread.

Sending lots of positive vibes. hugs xx

{{Deb}}
Deep breaths, pamper yourself as much as you need to
xoxo

Hugs Deborah.

>251 msf59: Hey , thanks Lone Ranger !

>252 mdoris: So kind of you, Mary. Thanks!

>253 ctpress: Yes, it was a difficult December, Carsten. I can think of a few things that contributed to how I felt, but I'm slowly feeling a better. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.

>254 Ameise1: Thank you Barbara! So kind.

>255 jessibud2: Again, thank you , Shelley! I hear it's been very cold in your part of the world! Brrr to Ottawa and Toronto and Edmonton and so many parts of Canada! We are sure lucky here in Vancouver. But it's been quite damp and foggy cold! That " damp cold." I've resigned myself to letting my curly hair just be curly for now. I think there is little point in trying to style it sort of straightish, only to step outside and Poof - it's a curly due to the damp.

>256 charl08: Thanks so much Charlotte! So kind of you!

Here is a link to my new 2018 thread - still under-construction -

https://www.librarything.com/topic/280484