Discuss @ Carroll County Public Library discussion

This challenge is an easy one. Read a book by an author you have not read before. Maybe an author that has been recommended to you or one that you found interesting while browsing the stacks at the library. Share who and what you have read and what you think about this new to you author.

I tried Francine Rivers. I read "The Scarlet Thread" and enjoyed it. I used to read a lot of Christian fiction/romance and had seen her books here many times, but had never tried her before. I liked the story because it combined modern and historical elements and also utilized an old diary as part of the narration. It made me want to read more titles by Rivers!

Mallory wrote: "I tried Francine Rivers. I read "The Scarlet Thread" and enjoyed it. I used to read a lot of Christian fiction/romance and had seen her books here many times, but had never tried her before. I like..."

Thanks for sharing. I always find it exciting when I find a new author I like especially when it isn't their first book. It means more titles available for me to read right away.

Jess wrote: "I'm listening to "Death Cones to Pemberley" by PD James. I'm a Pride and Prejudice nerd, and am into JD Robb's "In Dwath" series, so it had been on my to-read list for a while. I'm sadly disappoint..."

I haven't yet ready anything by PD James. I hope that someone that has can pipe in and advise you. But giving an author another chance always seems good to me:-)

I'm not a mystery/thriller person (or even much of a fiction person, actually), but on a whim gave Nicci French a shot. I only recently found out that "Nicci" is actually a husband and wife writing team! I loved "Until It's Over" and "Secret Smile." Their books are suspenseful and take place in contemporary England. The characters are well-rounded and unpredictable. There's always a twist and I almost never see it coming! Definitely good for those whodunit fans. If you've seen Midsomer Murders or Broadchurch (both PBS British mysteries), you'll probably like these.

I love European historical fiction and I recently found Allison Pataki's ACCIDENTAL EMPRESS, the first part of Sisi's story (Elizabeth the 19th Century Empress of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire). This well researched novel gives us an insight to the political unrest which ended with the murder of her nephew and his wife, leading to WW1.

Just discovered this writer. Really enjoying his Gabriel Allon series.

Dottie wrote: "I love European historical fiction and I recently found Allison Pataki's ACCIDENTAL EMPRESS, the first part of Sisi's story (Elizabeth the 19th Century Empress of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire). Th..."

Historical fiction is my favorite genre but I have not read this author. I'll have to give her a try, this book sounds interesting to me.

Steph wrote: "Just discovered this writer. Really enjoying his Gabriel Allon series."

Cool photo. I never knew what he looked like and now I do :-) He doesn't have a shortage of books to choose from. Thanks for sharing a particular series of his.

Erin wrote: "I'm not a mystery/thriller person (or even much of a fiction person, actually), but on a whim gave Nicci French a shot. I only recently found out that "Nicci" is actually a husband and wife writing..."

Erin wrote: "I'm not a mystery/thriller person (or even much of a fiction person, actually), but on a whim gave Nicci French a shot. I only recently found out that "Nicci" is actually a husband and wife writing..."

Thanks for sharing Erin. I am glad that you found something you loved outside the type of books you usually read. That can be hard to do. This year I am hoping to read more mysteries myself and will add this author team to my list.

I just finished a book that totally charmed me. Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey was a sweetly romantic tale that is set in the present and the past (WWII). Jess, a woman with a troubled life (in 2011 London) stumbles across a deserted house and a packet of letters written during WWII. She also happens upon a new letter written by the same author as the other letters; the man is an American and now 90 years old. He is looking for the woman he has been in love with for his entire life. This dilemma has given Jess a new purpose in her life as she is determined to find this gentleman's lost love. This was a good story, with a little intrigue and likeable characters. Anyway, I'm a sucker for a good romance and this one spans time and distance. I'd love to read more by this author, but alas, I will have to be patient because this is her first book.

Mallory wrote: "I tried Francine Rivers. I read "The Scarlet Thread" and enjoyed it. I used to read a lot of Christian fiction/romance and had seen her books here many times, but had never tried her before. I like..."

Mallory, I bet you'd like the book I just read. See my posting below. (Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey)

Donna wrote: "Mallory wrote: "I tried Francine Rivers. I read "The Scarlet Thread" and enjoyed it. I used to read a lot of Christian fiction/romance and had seen her books here many times, but had never tried he..."

Donna, I probably would. I love books about letters, diaries, etc., or ones that somehow incorporate them into the narrative. So thanks for letting me know! I will add it to my list.

I just listed to three of Cokie Roberts audio books and enjoyed them. The first, First Ladies (2015) was a compilation she had done for NPR featuring a group of First Ladies. Cokie's insight into Washington, DC and her lifelong connections to politics, added flair and inside information other authors may not have. I especially appreciated audio clips of the First Ladies themselves, such as Eleanor Roosevelt. I then listened to her 2008 book Ladies of Liberty, The Women Who Shaped Our Nation and was amazed how much of politics today is still based on the way our nation started. From the names of committees to DC protocols - sometimes it sounded like they were talking about todays news.I just finished listening to her newest book Capital Dames, The Civil War and the Women of Washington 1848-1868 and I found it very engaging as well. I had never read this author and did not expect to continue one title after the other. I think Capital Dames was my favorite. The books were read by the author, which I like.

I recently read Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. This audiobook (17 cds) was hefty but so good. Multiple characters, time periods and story lines all connected by art. Oh yeah, based on goodread reviews you will either love it or not. Recommended by a friend.

Teresa wrote: "I recently read Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. This audiobook (17 cds) was hefty but so good. Multiple characters, time periods and story lines all connected by art. Oh yeah, based on goodread ..."

I read this a few years ago with my bookclub. We liked it too. It was recommended to me by a friend who is an artist and she absolutely loved it.