Once again it’s time to review all the fantastic books we’ve been reading. I’ve read too many samples this month, the joy of having an e-reader and Kindle! There have been a fair few that have had great reviews but were not my cup of tea. I can generally tell within the first chapter if I’m going to like a book or not. I’ve probably become more fussy and it’s so tempting seeing all the brightly coloured covers just waiting to be read.
I have been trying to clear some of the many samples I have downloaded and also the free “Kindle Firsts” that I receive every month for .99p. The following are three new authors for me, which is great news!
This book has been on my TBR shelf for ages now, so I thought it was about time I read it. A police procedural thriller set in Galveston, Texas about a twenty year old murder and a recent one, both with the same modus operandi. Is it a copycat or the same person? Detective Laurie Campbell is put in charge of the new case although she remember the old one too. It’s difficult for her in many ways, the suspect is her father-in-law, who served 16 years for the first murder of his wife. She’s fairly certain he didn’t commit the second though, even if the rest of the community think otherwise. If he didn’t commit the second, did he even commit the first?
I enjoyed this book and it kept me guessing throughout, so many red herrings! 4/5
“The more that you read, the more things you will know,
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
The above book was released recently and the cover and title intrigued me immediately, even before I knew what it was about.
If you enjoy historical fiction then you will love this book. This is a great romp of a ride through the hierarchy of Georgian England . Full of skullduggery and unscrupulous behaviour. A girl called Red brought up by a fortune-telling father until seven years of age where she has lived life on the road. When her father dies she is brought up by a gentleman scholar and thrust into the realms of high society in Bath and London. She is a great success reading the cards of the Lords and Ladies. It’s only when she get older does the nagging question of who her mother was begins to gnaw away at her. I loved this book and will look for more by this author. 5/5
If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” – J.K. Rowling
Another historical book, but this time set in prohibition Virginia about a girl called Sallie Kincaid. Banished at the age of 8 to live with her aunt, Sallie returns to Claiborne county when her step-mother dies. Such a good story reading about Sallie’s life as a bootlegger, first working for her father “the Duke” and then herself. The author writes vividly of life in these small towns and villages, of lawlessness and conflict. This book is full of secrets and lies and throughout Sallie is trying to work out exactly what happened to her mother. 5/5
It seems I have picked up a theme here about young girls looking for answers about their mothers. Both so very different but living life on their own terms.
This is a challenge hosted by Debbie, Jo, Donna and Sue – if you need ideas or recommendations head along to their websites for some great reads.
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Hi Ali, thanks for joining us for another month of WOYBS. The Square of Sevens sounds intriguing so I’ll definitely look out for that one! You know I never do the sample thing but my mother (and others) swear by them, funny isn’t it?
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It’s a bad habit the sample thing, as I probably don’t give them enough of a chance, but it’s better than lots of unfinished books!
I’ve been travelling so much that I can’t remember what it’s like to read a novel!
I doubt you have time as there’s always so much to see and research. Although even when I’m travelling I can’t not read, that part of me needs to be engaged! How about Michaela?
In the past we’ve both been avid readers but it seems to have gone by the wayside for both of us these days!
It’s easy to lose the habit you just need to find the right book 🙂
I have Hang the Moon sitting in my book basket downstairs and might have to move it up the list now based on your review. I really hope to get my Kindle reads read soon; I am awful about downloading them and then letting them just sit on my Kindle forever.
I loved Hang the Moon and so did my friend. Yes me too I download so many and forget about the older ones.
Hi, Ali – Thank you for joining us for this month’s What’s On Your Bookshelf. I love how you sample a book before committing to reading it in its entirety. That is a wise approach and would help to ease later disappointment. I should give that a try!
Saves a lot of time and money!
Absolutely!
Hi Alison thanks so much for sharing your recommendations this month at WOYBS? I know I would enjoy all three. I love a crime thriller and enjoy historical fiction so your three suggestions tick all of my boxes. Happy reading! xx
You too Sue, well I enjoyed all three, and was interested from the first pages 🙂
Historical fiction is my genre so will definitely look up those two. Love your library photo on the front of the link. It drew me in!
Thanks Bernie, I hope you enjoy the books as much as I did 😊
Following the link you’ve provided, Square of Sevens will only be available from September 5th, 2023. Was a little bit disappointed.
I’m subscribed to Amazon UK. My American friend said the same.
Anyway something for you to look forward to 😊
Hi Ali, Thanks for joining us this month… I also have The Running Girls in my kindle so really must do as you’ve done and read some of these first.
I have so many I don’t know where to start!
Oh the Square of Sevens sounds really interesting! Definitely will be checking that one out 🙂
I hope you enjoy it Meg 😁
The Running Girls sounds intriguing!
Yes it was Janet, I’ll be adding more of his books to my shelf. I enjoy a police procedure where there is a story about the detective too
These look like great reads, Ali! I am downloading the Jeanette Walls book now. I loved “The Glass Castle” and no doubt I will love “Hang the Moon”. Thank you for your reviews.
Thanks for your comments Kellye, I’ll have to read The Glass Castle as that does have good reviews