March has blown in like a lion – and good books are helping keep me from blowing entirely off course. Here’s what I’ve been reading lately:
The Scribe of Siena, Melodie Winawer
Neurosurgeon Beatrice Trovato’s deep empathy for her patients is starting to interfere with her job. When her brother Ben dies suddenly, Beatrice travels to Italy to take care of his estate, and finds herself drawn into Ben’s scholarly research on the Plague – then, abruptly, transported to 14th-century Siena. A compelling, vivid story of love, time travel and being torn between different communities. To review for Shelf Awareness (out May 16).
Trouble Makes a Comeback, Stephanie Tromly
Zoe Webster thought she’d adjusted to life in River Heights, and life without Digby, her maybe-more-than-a-friend who left town without a word. But now Digby’s back, still on the trail of his sister’s kidnappers, and Zoe and her complicated feelings get dragged along for the ride. Snarky, entertaining YA with a few plot holes. Still fun.
How Cycling Can Save the World, Peter Walker
Cycling is more than just a pleasant hobby: it has the potential to revolutionize our cities and our health. Avid cyclist Walker (who lives and rides in London) explores how governments can make the roads safer for cyclists, and the benefits of improving bike infrastructure and access for all. Sounds dry, but it’s not; made me want to hop on a bike. (I rode all the time in Oxford, and I miss it.) To review for Shelf Awareness (out April 4).
The Curse of La Fontaine, M.L. Longworth
Newlyweds Antoine Verlaque (a judge) and Marine Bonnet (a law professor) are settling into life together and enjoying a new restaurant in their Aix-en-Provence neighborhood. But when a skeleton is found in the restaurant’s courtyard, the pair find themselves trying to solve an eight-year-old mystery. A charming French mystery with likable characters and lots of good food and wine. To review for Shelf Awareness (out April 4).
The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, Jennifer Ryan
As World War II heats up, the village of Chilbury in Kent finds itself with very few men. The local choir decides to carry on as an all-female group, and gradually becomes a force for good in the community. Told through the letters and journals of several choir members, this is a heartwarming, well-told story of music, friendship and banding together during tough times. Reminded me of the ITV series Home Fires.
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living, Shauna Niequist
Niequist, a successful writer and speaker, found herself exhausted and burned out a few years ago, and has been feeling her way back to a slower, more connected life. I appreciated her honest rendering of her journey, and a few of the essays resonated with me. But this book felt less coherent than her others. Took me ages to finish.
Links (not affiliate links) are to my favorite local bookstore, Brookline Booksmith.
What are you reading?
cakes, tea and dreams 
I always get good ideas for my next books when I read your lists. I have The Chilbury Ladies on my stack and now will look for a few more of your recommendations. Thanks.
I always get books to add to my TBR list from you and Anne Bogel!
Right now I have several books going:
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin – excellent so far and I am learning so much about Lincoln’s political genius.
The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber – I just started this and am enjoying it. The author makes some very good points and I’m making notes of ideas to implement with our kids.
Emily Post: Daughter of the Gilded Age, Mistress of American Manners by Laura Claridge – looking forward to reading this biography!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows – I’m rereading this one because some days with all the negativity in the world, I need to read a book that makes me happy.
I love Guernsey! And my husband so enjoyed Team of Rivals.
I am interested on the book about cycling. I read two jogging memoirs last year (The Year of Running Dangerously and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running) and feel like this might be similar to those.
This is a bit more of a sociological look at cycling – but it definitely includes the author’s own experience.