When I wanted to turn real pages, I bought three hardbacks when they were first published. They have been stacked and acting as my stand to raise my laptop during zoom calls. Finally, I read them.

Mad Honey

Although this was a collaboration of two authors, the plot twist had Jodi Picoult’s fingerprints. If you are a fan, you will enjoy; if not, you will learn a lot about bees. Bees and honey are mixed with a murder trial and heavy notes on transgender issues. A happy ending with lessons learned and bias exposed.

Lady Clementine

Marie Benedict already has a new novel targeting the Mitford sisters, and as one of her fans, I’m not sure why it took me so long to read this one. Clementine Churchill is the focus of Lady Clementine, from her first meeting with Winston and his subsequent proposal at Blenheim Palace. Through two world wars, a changing Britain, and everything in between, Benedict reveals Clemmie’s feisty charm and intellect, as she navigates being Winston’s steadying influencer.

I always think of the British actress Dame Harriet Walter in her role as Lady Clementine in Downton Abbey, so an added perk of buying the hardback was the inside cover of Clemmie in her younger days.

The Boys From Biloxi by John Grisham

Grisham delivers this legal thriller with a long- winded introduction in Part 1, with the two childhood buddies winding up on opposite sides of the law. If you have the patience to read on into Part 2, the pace quickens and you will be rewarded with Grisham’s tense courtroom dramas.

Finished them all in a week. Now I need to find something else to read between commercials.