The Christmas Bus

I didn't realize this is a second book that I have read from this author. It was a cute story for the Christmas season.

It hit on all scenes that you would see in a Christmas movie. Or read in a Christmas story.

When I started to read the story it began with a couple, Amy and Collin trying to make it to California in a bus. No money, not prepared for what's to come in their lives.

Edith and Charles not having their children back to visit for Christmas. Just so happens to run the inn that they live in. Something that Pastor Charles says at Mass one night that makes Edith think twice. She decides to open the inn to travelers this season. Share their lives with people who may need some compassion themselves.

"No room at the inn," all booked up. So Collin and Amy stay in their bus, "The Christmas Bus".

The Inn's guests have their own personalities that make the season interesting indeed. Especially one, named Myrtle.

Myrtle is a character alright. Very opinionated, sometimes a rude woman. She can't keep her mouth shut. And even though Edith thinks she will behave. She ends up clearing a mess up.

At the end Myrtle seems to do something very nice. All works out.

Was she an angel? Or was it just the happiness and the true meaning of the season?

I give The Christmas Bus 5________>

 

Agatha Christie Collection #1

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

I should start at the beginning. And here I am introduced for the 1st time to Hercule Poirot. And later on to what for now anyway, his turned sidekick Arthur Hastings.

I have read other Poirot books before. But comparing them to her 1st, seeing that raw talent of her path for her detective to solve a case was a bit weak. Then again it is her first book.

She has Poirot going here and there to solve who killed the heiress. Where later Poirot seems more confident more organized in himself. She over does how much Poirot knows to the extent that he calls Hastings not intelligent. Although later on she keeps him knowing all.

Many characters. Family, friends all are under Poirot's microscope. And all may just be a suspect. To the end no one even Hercule had his doubts who the killer was. Keeping in mind that his dear old friend has helped the Belgium's get settled. That is why he decided to help Hastings.

I didn't like the character Arthur Hastings. He was very annoying. Almost childlike. I realize that Hastings wanted to solve the case as much as Hercule. Every time he suggested something Hercule had a point why he was wrong. But Hastings took it that Poirot just didn't like him.

As usual Poirot puts things together (not as smoothly) and finds the killer. Step by step he takes everyone through what he did. Including the Inspectors that came from Scotland Yards. Enough to have the Inspectors looking toward Poirot to solve the case.

A little shaky but a good story. I also agree not nessasary for a trail at the end. I didn't see Hercule Poirot as that famous detective in this story as he is in others.

The Secret Adversary

I think the main characters Tuppance and Tommy were not my cup of tea. Which made the story a bit bland.

For starters they are young and go about getting a "just so happen" job working for the government. Especially to find these important documents and the girl who carried them. 

Ad who is this Mr. Brown? that was a question through out. Even though I try not to look for the killer,(culprit) I found him. I know Christie wanted us to think one suspect but then it's another. Sadly I found out on my own.

Tuppance and Tommy are likable characters. Sometimes it's too good to be true.

Glad I got to read Agatha Christie once again. I do give The Mysterious Affair at Styles and The Secret Adversary 4------>

Onward with some more Agatha Christie!

 

The Last Thing He Told Me

Another book and another author that is new to me.

I did like the story. Although it was a bit slow in the beginning. I did have doubts if I wanted to finish. Somewhere in the middle it picked up enough to bring me towards the finish of the book. And then it brought me to an abrupt stop.

The story was a little deceiving on saying it was a mystery. There was a mystery. But not like we know it. Finding out who Owen was. Not who Hannah and Bailey thought.

I had trouble really liking Bailey. Bailey a spoiled child. Who had her father to herself for too long. Of course she's this awful teen when Hannah comes into their lives.

Very interesting on the career that Hannah has of a woodturner. Loved how she had such a great relationship with her grandfather. And their careers blend.

As they go through their lives to find out what was going on with Owen. Bailey does find out how far Hannah will go to protect her. That she really did want a happy relationship with Bailey. Hannah becomes mom finally.

We finally find out who Owen was married too and what he knew. Coming back would only put his life at risk. And of his family.

Although Hannah and Bailey will not be able to see Owen again. They move on. Both have their own lives and a new places to live. Who knows with a touch and a few words spoken Hannah might just see Owen here and there.

I give The Last Thing He Told Me 4_______>

Will look for more from Laura Dave