The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

This was a good historical action adventure romance. The author cited Georgette Heyer in the Acknowledgments which made me like her more. The characters were rootable and likeable. It was three cases rather than one and there was a good setup for the next novel. I liked the romance decently as well. The novel had more dark elements of regency life such a mentions of slavery and trafficking unlike a typical regency romance. It could have been slightly anachrosistic if not for the catharsis of the characters winning. It was good fun and I hope the book becomes more popular.

4.25/5 stars. Dec 16-18, 2023. Kindle.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

For many years, I thought or felt I had read this novella. Like most people, I grew up with adapations of it. My personal favourite is The Muppet Christmas Carol. I think I did listen to most of Patrick Stewart narrated audiobook version over a decade ago but I did not track it anywhere. In any case, this really is a perfect novella. Great character development. Well written with gripping elements. It set the tone for Christmas. I can see myself rereading this one in the future.

4.25/5 stars. Dec 24-27, 2023. Kindle. StandardEbooks version.