I’ve found that nothing quite beats the winter blues as well as bringing new, gorgeous books into my life. Last weekend I went with a friend on a jaunt to Half Price Books and was fortunate to discover a few books that really appealed to me. I usually only find contemporary fiction at HPB, but I’ve recently learned the secret to where to look for my kind of books at this particular store – the discount shelves. Apparently, my fellow readers in the East Valley of the Phoenix suburbs are not interested in the books that I am drawn to and that is okay with me. I got all four books in the photos above and below for around $2 a piece. When I saw the two Winifred Holtbys sitting side by side I nearly jumped up and down and clapped my hands with joy. I’ve never read Holtby before and now I am looking forward to exploring her writing. I’ve already started The Land of Green Ginger with much enjoyment.
The two books below were both mentioned by Emily recently and I couldn’t resist ordering Reunion after reading her thoughts on this powerful novella. The Millstone was the book up for discussion at the January meeting of the Walking Book Club. I have an idea that I’ll try to read all of the books the WBC reads this year, but of course I won’t put any pressure on myself to do so.
I’m very glad to welcome these new friends into my home and I look forward to making their acquaintance very soon. Have you read any of these titles?
A Certain Fondness 
I’m quite enjoying your posts. Thank you.
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I’m so glad – thanks for reading!
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A very nice haul! I love wandering around Half Price Books, and seeing what turns up. Though that’s also one reason for the overflowing TBR shelves. I haven’t read Winifred Holtby, but I became interested in her books after reading Vera Brittain’s memoirs, especially Testament of Friendship. Reunion & The Millstone aren’t familiar, so I’ll look forward to hearing more about them.
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I’m reading Testament of Youth as we speak and Brittain has briefly mentioned Holtby already – it was a thrill to know that I will learn more about her before I read her novels. HPB is always hit or miss for me. Sometimes I don’t find a thing that interests me!
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What a wonderful haul! I’ve only read South Riding by Winifred Holtby and it was was lovely. I’m also very fond of Arnold Bennett although I haven’t read this one. Enjoy your new books!
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Thanks, Cat! I’m sure I will enjoy them. I haven’t ever read Arnold Bennett so I’m looking forward to trying him.
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Lovely finds! I read and reviewed “The Reunion” recently – it’s powerful and very affecting!
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I will pop over and read your review!
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What lovely acquisitions. I love Winifred Holtby’s writing – I’m spreading out her books as there are so few and I hate the idea of running out – and though I’ve not read that particular Ada Leverson the others I’ve read have been wonderfully witty light entertainments.
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It is so sad that we don’t have more from Holtby.
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Excellent haul!
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I’m pretty happy with it!
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What beautiful books! I haven’t read any of them but I do hope you enjoy them all.
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Thanks, Jessica!
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That’s a great selection of books! I love Winifred Holtby – I haven’t read Poor Caroline yet but I enjoyed The Land of Green Ginger. South Riding is my favourite, though.
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I do have a copy of South Riding but haven’t read it yet. I didn’t like the TV adaptation so I think that has stopped me from reading the book. Hopefully, reading The Land of Green Ginger will get me more interested in reading South Riding.
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I’ve only read The Land of Green Ginger and I don’t think it’s her best but it’s still well worth reading.
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Oh, that’s good to hear. I’ve read a couple of chapters so far and really like it.
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Lucky you! I have the green Virago of Poor Caroline languishing on my shelves so if you’re ever in need of a read-along friend then just say the word.
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I’d love to do a read-along of Poor Caroline – maybe in May or June?
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Those Holtby covers are so beautiful. I have a beaten up copy of a couple of her novels that I should at least open and sample. And then I could buy some of the pretty ones too… Oh dear.
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I was so excited to find them – and in such great condition!
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What a good haul, great condition, too. Nothing quite like the pleasure of new books.
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There really isn’t!
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