Weekend Book Friends #15

Posted January 22, 2021 by elzaread in Weekend Book Friends / 38 Comments

Greetings Humans! It’s Friday afternoon and time to grab the books. What are you all reading this weekend?

Somewhere last year, my Mommy asked your advice on authors whose names or surnames start with a ‘Q’. We did that dreadful Alphabet challenge. Julia Quinn’s name came up more than once and especially The Bridgerton series. If you spend enough time here with us, you will see that my Mommy isn’t big on romance. Especially not where Dukes and ladies-in-waiting are concerned. Unless it’s Jane Austen of course. Our book choice for today was shelved on the TBR and very much forgotten. That’s until Monday night when she didn’t know what to watch on TV while marking school books and the dice fell on Bridgerton. Within 10 minutes, all schoolwork was left unattended (as what normally happens with schoolwork. So glad I’m not a schoolbook) and I was purring happily on her lap.

But we’ve decided that we are first going to read the first book in the series and then we’ll continue the Netflix series. I believe that is the preferred and acceptable practice in the bookish world. Books first.

 

In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable…but not too amiable.

Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.

The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule… 

Yes, we are aware that the custom to use movie covers as book covers, is completely unacceptable, but really – just look at the Duke and that smoldering look he gives the lady in waiting. Here’s to hoping the book will be just as captivating. Let’s see how it opens. 

 

Book Beginnings

 

For our first stop today, we will pay a visit to Gilion over at Rose City Reader to share our Book Beginnings.  Every Friday you can link up and share the first sentence of your current read (or the one you plan to devour over the weekend), as well as your initial thoughts and impressions. Hashtags are the one thing I do know on social media, so simply #bookbeginnings so we can find each other.

It opens with a prologue that I know is very important, but if you’ve seen episode 2, it’s a bit blah blah blah. The fun starts with Chapter 1:
“The Bridgertons are by far the most prolific family in the upper echelons of society. Such industriousness on the part of the viscountess and the late viscount is commendable, although one can find only banality in their choice of names for their children. Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth – orderliness is, of course, beneficial in all things but one would think that intelligent parents would be able to keep their children straight without needing to alphabetize their names.“
 
Dear Reader, this type op writing style captures my Mommy’s attention immediately. A bit of reminiscence to Jane Austen herself, don’t you think?

The Friday 56

 

Next we will pay a visit to Freda over at Freda’s voice who hosts the Friday 56. Don’t show up empty handed though!

  • Grab a book (Yes, any book. But it might get you to your other Friday activities a bit quicker if you just grab the book you are currently reading)
  • Turn to page 56 or 56% on your e-reader
  • Find a sentence or two (your other Friday activities might determine this)
  • Post it!
  • Remember to post your link on Freda’s Voice and to visit the other guys in the linky.
  • And  last but not least, don’t forget to list the title of the book and the author as well.
We are reading this one on the Kindle and there’s obviously something like a duel (yes with pistols and counting steps) going on at 56% into this book:
“She was bent low over her mare, in full gallop as she raced across the field, and for one stunned moment Simon forgot to be absolutely furious with her for interfering with the duel and instead just marveled at how utterly magnificent she looked in the saddle.”
 
Wait, it gets better:
“Finally she did the only thing she could think of to delay the duel. She punched Simon. In his good eye.” 

This is just light and fluffy, but good for a laugh and an escape from reality.

Friday Face-Off

 

We haven’t done a Friday Face-Off in months and just because I miss Lynn and Sarah, I’ve convinced my Mommy to do one today. The rules are fairly simple each week, following a predetermined theme choose a book (this doesn’t have to be a book that you’ve read), compare a couple of the different covers available for that particular book and choose your favourite.  

 
It’s Vintage Sci-Fi month and the themes have been predominantly around that for the last couple of weeks. We don’t know anything about Sci-Fi and I’m way too young to even grasp the concept of vintage. But something about this week’s prompt reminded my Mommy of a book she’s read as a child. She’s a vintage model, so I’m sure it will count. 
 
An Alien Encounter – We come in peace (or not)
 
I’m not even going to try and add the Goodreads blurb. It’s a very old Afrikaans book, published in 1923, about an Alien, called Loeloeraai (do read that aloud please) who lands in Kerneels and Vroutjie’s backyard. He did come in peace and was actually wise beyond this planet. My Mommy loved this book!
 
    

 

    

The last one is my favorite, because it features Neelsie, Herrie (the elephant) and Jakkals (the dog). Unfortunately, this is not available in English or any other language than Afrikaans. Such a shame, because I believe you lovers of vintage Sci-Fi would love this one.

I’m not going to ask if you’ve read it, but if you did, give me a shoutout! But I am going to ask if you’ve read The Bridgerton series? We are in for a treat, right? Oh please don’t disappoint us. We are so looking forward to The Duke and I this weekend.
Hope you will all have a wonderful weekend and also looking forward to spending it with a good book and a cat on your lap.
Lots of Love,
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38 responses to “Weekend Book Friends #15”

  2. Trin Carl

    The case of the duke sounds unique. Your excerpts of the book make me want to read it even more. I picked up a passenger who was an american actress who is making her way in the british film world. Sounds exciting!

  3. Literary Feline

    I can forgive the movie cover in the case of The Duke and I. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the book. I haven't read the book series and right now am not inclined to, but I did enjoy the show quite a bit! Although your excerpts make it quite tempting.

    I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

    • Elza Reads

      I've watched the first two episodes and then decided to first get an idea of what the story is about. I've only read the first one so far and it doesn't matter if you watch the series or read the books, they are all excellent in their own way.

      Hope you had a good weekend!

  5. Lauren Stoolfire

    I liked the Bridgerton Netflix series. I'm not much of a romance person and I probably won't read the book series, but I am looking forward to more of the Netflix show. 🙂

  6. IzaBzh

    I love the Bridgerton (book) series, Julia Quinn is very funny ! I tend to watch adaptations first and read books afterwards (when you read a book, I imagine so many things I'm often disappointed by the adaptation, whereas if I watch the adaptation first, the books generally opens up new horizons). But hey, I cut my spaghettis in Italian restaurants, so…

    • Elza Reads

      Wha ha ha!! I don't eat spaghetti in a restaurant, because I pull a Lady and the Tramp on myself. So glad to hear you've also enjoyed the books. I don't actually really mind which comes first. Sometimes I'll read the book first and sometimes I'll watch the adaptation first. And sometimes, like with Bridgerton, both!

      If I've seen a good adaptation before I've read the book and it's a "give-away" plot, I won't even read the books. But if it's the other way around, I might most probably still watch the movie!

  7. Sammie @ The Bookwyrm's Den

    I've heard really good things about Bridgerton, and the show has been recommended to me a couple times. I have to admit, though, from those snippets, it's sounding like not my kind of book. xD I do like the cheekiness in the opening, though, and the second 56 snippet!

    • Elza Reads

      Hi Sammie! This is soooo not my kind of read, but something about this just grabbed my attention and it's really fun. I do believe The Duke of Hastings might have something to do with it. One is never to old to appreciate a dashingly handsome man.

    • Elza Reads

      Hi there Anne! I think you can dare yes. I've finished the first one yesterday and started with the second one this afternoon. Quite entertaining!

  11. Katherine P

    This one was one of the first romance series I ever read and I absolutely loved it. Just rereading the passages makes me want to reread them again! I haven't watched the Netflix series yet but it's on my list.

    • Elza Reads

      Katherine! YESSS!!!! It was YOU who first recommended this series to me. I couldn't remember who it was, but so glad I now do. It's so much fun and I'm so glad I started watching the show. Luckily the book was still on my TBR.
      Thanks again!

    • Elza Reads

      I've watched the first two episodes and then decided to read at least the first book before I continue. Glad I did, but it doesn't really make a huge impact. I also didn't catch on the alphabetical names, but it was quite funny and I think it's rather clever.

  14. Ashley Sapp

    I really enjoyed the show. I know I probably should've read the book first but I couldn't tear myself away from the TV, lol. I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading! 🙂

    • Elza Reads

      Hi Ashley! No I don't think you need to read the books first. I've read the first one yesterday and I don't feel as if the show is lacking much. In fact, there are certain things I might enjoy even more on the show!!

      But I do think the books are worth it as well.

    • Elza Reads

      Hi there! Thank you so much! That is a lovely compliment and I am glad you like our blog. So do we. LOL!!

      Bridgerton is the perfect series for this year and time. Perfect escape from our current realities. Love it!

      Hope you had a good weekend.

  18. Yvonne

    I've been hearing so much about the Bridgerton books and series. Eventually I will read and watch it. It's not a genre I usually read, but I'll give it a try.

    • Elza Reads

      Hi Yvonne! Not my preferred genre either. In fact, it's easily my most likely genre to read. But this is funny and quirky as well and the perfect escape from reality. Watch the show and see if it will work for you!

  19. collettakay

    I loved the Bridgerton series back when it first came out! I'm not big on sci-fi and don't know much about it… Thanks for stopping by!

    Colletta

    • Elza Reads

      Hi Laurel-Rain! I actually think you might enjoy it! Rather fluffy and light, but the humor is quite good and makes the story entertaining enough. TV series is excellent!