First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #134

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.

Today I'm featuring my current read, The Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys, which I purchased (used) quite a while ago.

 

Goodreads Page 

England

1941

 I

What can I say about love?  You might see me sitting in this taxi, bound for Paddington Station -- a thirty-five-year old woman with plain features -- and you would think that I could not know anything of love.  But I am leaving London because of love.

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I find the opening poses some intriguing questions, and I want to know who the narrator is and why she feels compelled to leave.  The story is set in one of my favorite places and time periods, which has me eager to turn the pages.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #134 was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  This post cannot be republished without attribution. Retweeting and sharing on Google+ encouraged.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #133

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.

Today I'm featuring my current read, The Thing About December by Donal Ryan, which I purchased on a recent trip to Dublin.

 

Goodreads Page 

January

Mother always said January is a lovely month.  Everything starts over again in the New Year.  The visitors are all finished with and you won't see sight nor hear sound of them until next Christmas with the help of God.  Before you know it you'll see a stretch in the evenings.  The calving starts in January and as each new life wobbles into the slatted house your wealth grows a little bit.  It'd want to -- you have to try and claw back what was squandered in December on rubbish that no one really wanted.  The bit of frost kills any lingering badness.  That's the thing about January: it makes the world fresh. That's what Mother used to say anyway, back when she used to have a lot more to say for herself. 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

The narrator makes some spot on comments about the month of January in the opening paragraph.  I really relate to the idea of a fresh start, quieter moments, and the need to put one's earnings toward paying for those Christmas gifts.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #133 was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  This post cannot be republished without attribution. Retweeting and sharing on Google+ encouraged.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #132

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan, borrowed from the library.

  

Goodreads Page 

CHAPTER 1

As she gazed out the bay window in her bedroom, Mary McAllister knew this night would be her last.

Outside, the February darkness was suffused with light from the town.  Thick snowflakes floated past the window.  Only the Mill River itself, for which the small Vermont village was named, escaped the snow covering.  Its center flowed, black and snakelike, along the edge of the sleeping town.

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

The opening grabbed me, making me want to know more about Mary and her fate.  It sounds like an interesting story is about to unfold.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #132 was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  This post cannot be republished without attribution. Retweeting and sharing on Google+ encouraged.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #131

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, Come Hell or Highball by Maia Chance, borrowed from the library.

 

Goodreads Page 

1

May 30, 1923

In all fairness, my husband was the one who should've been murdered.

Each of the mourners, huddled beneath dripping umbrellas around his open grave, must've itched to kill him at one point or another.  That was the sort of fellow he'd been.  Ginky.  Insufferable.  Yet it was only a heart attack that sent Alfred Woodby slinking over the Great Divide in his hand-stitched wing tips.  It was someone else entirely who would get blipped off.

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I was immediately drawn to the cover and amusing title of this book.  Scanning the first few pages sealed the deal for me.  I love the voice of the narrator, the description of her deceased husband, and the hints of humor and flippancy.  And, perhaps best of all, it's the beginning of the new Discreet Retrieval Agency series.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph #131 was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  This post cannot be republished without attribution. Retweeting and sharing on Google+ encouraged.