At The Mercy Of The Queen by Anne Clinard Barnhill, 432 pages

At fifteen, all Lady Margaret Shelton wants is the quiet life in the country she's had so far. But she is sent to court to serve her cousin, Queen Anne Boleyn. Known as Pretty Madge, her innocence and naive beauty is used to gain the king's interest, as a ploy to help Queen Anne hold onto to her position. All Madge wants is the chance for love and a life outside court, if that is even possible. Forces are sweeping the nation and court, threatening not only the Queen's position, but her very life.
As a fan of historical English novels, this was a wonderful read, told from the little used viewpoint of one of Queen Anne's maids. This was one of the most politically tumultuous time periods in English history, with scandal and religion creating massive upheavals. "At the Mercy of the Queen" by Anne Clinard Barnhill is a well-crafted addition to this genre, sure to be a delight to fans of Philippa Gregory and Carolly Erickson alike.

Vintage Vampire Stories edited by Robert Eighteen-Bisang & Richard Dalby, 318 pages

This collection features vampire stories ranging from the mid1800's to the very early part of the 1900's, many of which haven't been printed for over a century. These are the original vampires, pale and lean, ugly yet compelling, those early precursors to vampires as we know them today. Some were originally featured in The Strand, also featured is a rare copy of Bram Stoker's early manuscript pages for "Count Vampire". With these stories, you will not only find yourself in the fog-shrouded streets of London, but also the balmy olive gardens of Italy and snow-swept mountains of Spain. With vampires ranging from revenge seeking reincarnations to spirit based vampires to even a blood sucking hand, this book is a definite must read for not only vampire fans but also those who enjoy pulp fiction short stories. This novel now has a welcome place on my bookshelf.

If It Was Easy, They'd Call The Whole Damn Thing A Honeymoon by Jenna McCarthy, 295 pages

Everytime I read a Jenna McCarthy book, I'm positive that she is writing about my marriage, but a lot more snarky and much wittier. Taking on such taboo subjects as sick spouses, remote control possession, house decorating, money issues, relatives, and, of course, sex. She takes on the difficult job of showing a truthful look at staying married in a society that considers marriage as disposable as paper sacks, and does it humorously. One of the great things are the little "At Least You're Not Married To Him" scattered throughout the books, which are little annoying habits of other women's husbands. I finished the book renewed in my appreciation of my husband's faults, and exhausted from all the laughing I did while reading this book. I even had to steal it back from my husband to finish reading it!

I am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley, 297 pages

Flavia de Luce (don't you just love that name) is preparing for Christmas as only she can, scientifically. She isn't quite sure if Father Christmas exists, but she is determined to settle it once and for all by trapping him using one of her beloved chemistry creations. Meanwhile, in a hope to save the family home, Buckshaw, Flavia's father has rented the house to film crew during Christmas. When one of the stars turns up dead while most of the village is present, Flavia must try to figure out the killer. As always, she must walk a fine line between finding the killer or ending up the next victim.
I am a huge fan of Alan Bradley's Flavia books. They're extremely funny, well-written, and a great blend of science, English humor, and bittersweetness, all at once. The only drawback is the wait between books.

The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz, 294 pages

Anthony Horowitz was hired by the Arthur Conan Doyle estate to write a new entry in the Sherlock Holmes stories, and I must say, he did a wonderful job. This takes place just a year or so after Watson's marriage, and melds perfectly into the timeline. While investigating one mystery, Holmes and Watson stumble across a bigger, much more dangerous intrigue, that threatens not only their life but the very fabric of English society. Everything in this book felt like an original Doyle story. For fans of Sherlock Holmes, this is a definite must read. I am even considering buying this book myself to add to my collection.

Enormously Foxtrot by Bill Amend, 256 pages

I really miss Foxtrot in the comic pages, so every so often I read a collection just to remind me why they're so funny.

A Very Babymouse Christmas by Jennifer Holm & Matthew Holm, 96 pages

I really like the Babymouse graphic novels, I just use the excuse that I'm getting them for Sammi. The artwork is cute and funny, the plots are snarky and humorous, and the books are just a fun, fun read.