I didn’t have much time for reading this month, but some books that grabbed me were:

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark. A duet story set in India during two tumultuous periods — the Indian Rebellion in 1857, and Partition in 1947 — told through the lives of three women. I loved this book. The author captures all the beauty and mystery of India, and the details of life for Victorian women living in India are extremely evocative.

Agatha H and the Airship City by Phil & Kaja Foglio. A rollicking steam punk caper featuring Adventure! Romance! Mad Science! (according to the book flap). More of a YA book, I thought. Very funny at times and always entertaining.

I’m In No Mood For Love by Rachel Gibson. I don’t know why I enjoyed this contemporary romance so much, but I did. There were few fireworks in this story, just two likeable characters, both with relationship issues, gradually moving from dislike to like to lust, and ultimately to love. Believable and satisfying.

The Eight by Katherine Neville. A sprawling epic revolving around a mystical lost chess set, featuring a dizzying array of characters. Fast-paced lengthy story which sacrifices character depth for action, but still entertaining.