Books of late

Hello Everyone (Any luck Krista?)

Talk about some good books. I have finished three lately and want to enthuse about them. Read on only if you can handle the fervor!

Phillippa Gregory's "A Constant Princess" about Catherine of Aragorn is one good reason I continue to enjoy historical fiction. The author weaves in history so well with a really good tale, it is effortless learning. My only concern is confusing the fiction part and history part! I do feel like I got a good flavor of the time and the setting, and am highly motivated to learn all about it now. Any ideas?

My favorite book completed recently is "The Keeper of the Bees" (I think I already mentioned reading this one). I cannot recommend it enough. It is by Gene Stratton-Porter and was a beautiful story. Pain, honor, delight, nature, and love are all themes. The characters are beautifully written, round and engaging, with everyday humanity and touches of extraordinary heroism. God is there, too. Couldn't ask for anything better.

I also just finished Victoria Thompson's next gaslight mystery, "Murder in Little Italy". It was a quick bit of fun and adventure! The setting is New York City during the era of gaslights, and our heroine is the daughter of the extreme wealthy but who rejects the power of her station and lives on her own, supporting herself by providing midwife services to the poor. Read the first one in the series first, though. (Mom, you've got to return that one soon...or give it to me to return for you!)

Next I go to "Arundel" by Kenneth Roberts. Anybody know if this is a good one? Love to know before I start.