I keep missing this challenge and it’s one that I really enjoy! I have quite few books to post this month because of this. I like to line up a few books when I’m travelling although when I’ve finished a super good read I find it hard to get stuck into a new book. I sometimes wish that the book could go on and on, such is the way that some authors write, reeling you in until you don’t want to leave the house!

Most have one theme in common and that is historical – dating back to the 18th century up to the 20th century.

All the Colours of the Dark – Chris Whitaker – I’ll start with my absolute favourite – perhaps my Book of the Year. “A missing persons mystery, a serial killer thriller, and an epic love story – with a unique twist on each…” – Goodreads blurb

Set in the town of Monta Clare, Missouri from 1976 to 2001, it is about two children who are outsiders – Patch and Saint. Years later a teenage Patch is abducted and kept for almost a year in total darkness but manages to escape. Saint will stop at nothing to find who did it and Patch will almost ruin the rest of his life looking for the voice in the dark who kept him sane during the time he was locked up.

I just adored this story from start to finish and was left breathless with the descriptions of people and places. I love the way this author gets right to the heart of the people he writes about. I am now planning a trip next year to the destination at the end of this book, the descriptions are just beautiful. (No spoilers – you’ll have to read it and find out!). If you’re looking for a new book read this next. 5/5

Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly – Joanna Glen –
The story of two people who have no idea how to fall in love… 

On the tiny island of Rokesby, Addie helps her mother run a women’s retreat. Dreaming daily of escape, she consoles herself by swimming in the ocean that surrounds them.

On the neighbouring island, joined to Rokesby by a bridge at low tide, Sol has sought refuge at a wind-swept prayer house, grieving both his mother’s death and his father’s devastating betrayal. Alone and anxious, he takes comfort in birdwatching, books and the sounds of the sea. – Goodreads

I enjoyed this gentle story about Adele and Sol and their efforts to try and build a relationship despite their awkwardness with each other. The descriptions of the island are so vivid, it feels as though you are there. Adele can’t seem to get past her fear of commitment and made me feel quite sorry for Sol at times. I did prefer All My Mothers – Joanna Glen’s previous book. 4/4

The Signature of All Things – Elizabeth Gilbert – An enthralling story of love, adventure and discovery. Spanning much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the novel follows the fortunes of the extraordinary Whittaker family as led by the enterprising Henry Whittaker—a poor-born Englishman who makes a great fortune in the South American quinine trade, eventually becoming the richest man in Philadelphia. Born in 1800, Henry’s brilliant daughter, Alma (who inherits both her father’s money and his mind), ultimately becomes a botanist of considerable gifts herself. – Goodreads

An epic novel from start to finish. I was amazed that this was the same author who wrote Eat Love Pray – my least favourite book to date!

I just could not put this book down and loved both Henry’s and Alma’s stories equally. There is a fair amount of horticultural description, which I have to admit I skipped over, but the adventures of both father and daughter more than made up for it. Prepare yourself for a long ride with this book, it will keep you entertained for days. 5/5

The Sweet Blue Distance – Sara Donati

I was very happy to see that Sara Donati has continued to write about the Bonner/Ballentyne/Savard families. I have followed them faithfully from the 1700s until 1800s. Across oceans and the vast plains of America.

This story sees Carrie Ballentyne, a young midwife make a dangerous and treacherous journey from New York to Mexico where she takes up residence at a doctor’s house. The descriptions of the divide between the Mexicans, Spaniards and Americans are interesting to read, the class divide already starting. Mixed marriages were once readily accepted hundreds of years ago only starting to attract criticism and racism when the English/Americans deemed it unacceptable.

This is a stand alone novel and Sara Donati describes the pitfalls of travellers setting out for a new life with much detail. 5/5

The Secret Mandarin – Sara Sheridan – Desperate to shield her from scandal, Mary’s brother-in-law, the ambitious botanist Robert Fortune, forces her to accompany him on a mission to China to steal tea plants for the East India Company. But Robert conceals his secret motives – to spy for the British forces, newly victorious in the recent Opium War. – Goodreads

I enjoy any book by Sara Sheridan and this was no exception. There is always some element of truth in her books in that some of the characters and events are based on facts. I was intrigued to learn that there was in fact an Englishman who secretly entered China dressed as a mandarin. It seems though that it didn’t get a good rating in Goodreads, except for me! 4/5

The Coast Road – Alan Murrin – A book by an unknown author to me, but after I had read the first few pages I was hooked. I liked his style of writing.

Set in 1994 in County Donegal, it tells the story of two women. Izzy Keaveney, a housewife, and Colette Crowley, a poet. Colette has just returned after leaving her husband for a married man in Dublin. They have two sons together. Izzy is married to the local councillor. It is quite gritty and down to earth, it gives the impression of being at least twenty years earlier. The friendship grows between these two women with Izzy facilitating meetings between Colette and one of her three sons. The husband has banned all contact. An interesting read, but not ultimately uplifting. 4/5

The Missing Family – Tim Weaver – Another fabulous book by one of my all time favourite authors.

On a beautiful summer’s day, at a remote lake in the middle of Dartmoor, three members of the Fowler family take a dinghy out onto the water, leaving mother Sarah at the shore. Less than sixty seconds later, she checks to see where they are.
The boat is drifting in the middle of the lake. It’s empty. – Goodreads

After 8 months and still no word and with the police seemingly no closer to finding any clues, Sarah reaches out to David Raker who immediately takes the case. Working once again with Colm Healy the two of them set out to get to the bottom of this mystery. Raker also hears from Melanie Craw, a voice from the past, about a mystery she wants solved.

I’m sucked in straight away with Tim Weaver’s books and with so many twists and turns he keeps you guessing until the last page. 5/5

This challenge is hosted by Deb, Donna, Sue and Jo. Check out their websites for more books to keep you busy this winter – or by the beach/pool if it’s summer for you.