Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What a great way to spend a Friday!
Today’s feature is a recent download, The Cruelest Month, Book 3 in the C. I. Gamache series, by Louise Penny: “The book’s title is a metaphor not only for the month of April but also for Gamache’s personal and professional challenges—making this the series standout so far.”
Book Beginnings: Kneeling in the fragrant moist grass of the village green Clara Morrow carefully hid the Easter egg and thought about raising the dead, which she planned to do right after supper. Wiping a strand of hair from her face, she smeared bits of grass, mud and some other brown stuff that might not be mud into her tangled hair. All around, villagers wandered with their baskets of brightly colored eggs, looking for the perfect hiding places.
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56: But if there was ever a case for evil, in Beauvoir’s experience, it was the old Hadley house. He shifted his toned body in the driver’s seat, suddenly uncomfortable, and looked over at the boss. Gamache was watching him thoughtfully.
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Synopsis: Welcome to Three Pines, where the cruelest month is about to deliver on its threat.
It’s spring in the tiny, forgotten village; buds are on the trees and the first flowers are struggling through the newly thawed earth. But not everything is meant to return to life. . .
When some villagers decide to celebrate Easter with a séance at the Old Hadley House, they are hoping to rid the town of its evil—until one of their party dies of fright. Was this a natural death, or was the victim somehow helped along?
Brilliant, compassionate Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec is called to investigate, in a case that will force him to face his own ghosts as well as those of a seemingly idyllic town where relationships are far more dangerous than they seem.
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What do you think? Do you want to keep reading? Have you read any books in this series?
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The descriptions of the setting are always so wonderful in Penny’s novels. I’d like to live there — except, of course, for all the murders.
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I agree. I fell in love with Three Pines in the first book. This one will be my third. Thanks for stopping by, Roberta.
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Louise Penny is on my list of must-try authors. Hope you enjoy this one
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Thanks, Catherine, I have only read the first two in the series, but I loved them both. So glad to finally have this third one. Enjoy!
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I loved the one book I’ve read in this series so far. I keep meaning to go back to the beginning and start from there. I know I will love it. This one sounds good too!
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Thanks, Wendy, I loved the two I’ve read, so I’m looking forward to this one.
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The Cruelest Month sounds like an interesting story, especially that beginning.
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Thanks, Breana, I think so, too! Enjoy yours!
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I like LP’s writing! Not read this one. Must have been the first in the series I read.
Here’s mine: http://bit.ly/2hiAJA3 Enjoy your weekend, may your books be with you!
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Thanks for visiting, Sassy, and it is taking me a while to get to these books, but I’m always happy when reading them. Enjoy!
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I like this author but I am confused with this opener.
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Yes, I wonder what she’s up to! Thanks for stopping by, Mystica. Enjoy your read.
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Sounds great. I really have to start reading this series. This week I have Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I’ve only read the first two…and now I can read this one. It takes forever to catch up on a series! Enjoy your pick.
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Such descriptive writing. I’d definitely keep reading. And I’m going to go check out this series.
My Friday 56 from The Memory Trees
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Thanks, Laura, I love the descriptions, too. I can almost feel that mud on my hands! Enjoy your reading.
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Hiding an Easter egg, and raising the dead. What a combo. I’d love for you and your readers to check out mine! http://tinyurl.com/LisaKsBookReviewsCFF-AaB
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Thanks, Lisa, those two activities do seem at odds. They pique my curiosity. Enjoy your book.
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Sounds good to me. I need to try a Penny book!
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Thanks, Kathy, I am so glad I started on this series…but it will take a long time to get to the newest book!
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I love the lightning bolt in the sky. I think that means something wicked this way comes. lol A small town…oh yeah, there are no secrets there…or are there? 🙂
sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes
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Oh, yes, lightning bolts and secrets unleashed. Thanks for stopping by, Sherry.
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I thought I had read all in the series, but haven’t read this one. Something to look forward to.
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Thanks, Harvee, I love looking forward to books I’ve missed.
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This sounds great! I’ve gotta check out this series! Thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
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Thanks, Ashley, I love this series so far. Enjoy!
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Can’t go wrong with a Louise Penny.
Thanks for sharing.
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I agree, Elizabeth…thanks for stopping by.,
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Sounds like a very interesting read! Happy weekend!
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Thanks for hosting and for stopping by, Freda. Enjoy your weekend!
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I finally read the first book this year and I’m on the waiting list for the audio of book 2. I’m really looking forward to it. This one sounds fantastic! Can’t wait till I get to it.
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Thanks for visiting, Katherine; I loved the first two and can’t wait to read this one.
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I’m so intrigued by this concept of a house being evil. Loving the excerpt because of this. Happy Friday!
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Thanks, Alicia, I think it sounds interesting, too!
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I’ve got to read some Louise Penny. This one sounds good, but I’d have to start at the beginning of the series. Thanks for sharing and for the visit. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Thanks for visiting, Bev, and I hope you enjoy this series. I loved the first two books, so I hope you do, too.
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