A challenge hosted by Deb, Jo, Sue and Donna. Look no further for your latest recommendations in reading from these wonderful hosts.
What I’ve been reading this month is a real mix of genres. I’ll start with the latest, which was a book club choice.
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.” Fran Lebowitz
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow which I’m sure many of you have seen, read or heard about. This was a Sunday Times best seller two years ago. I was put off initially by the synopsis, as it’s essentially about gaming. I did read that it’s not all about gaming, which is true. There are a lot of chapters about gaming though!
Sam and Sadie meet when they are children in a hospital. While Sam is in recovery from a tragic accident, Sadie is there because her sister is having treatment for cancer. They bond over their love of games. They lose touch for many years but then come together again due to their love of gaming.
I thought it was more for younger adults, but I eventually come to love the story of their friendship and love for each other. Gabrielle Zevin is a fantastic writer and brings to life the different characters throughout the book. Extremely clever book which stayed with me long after I had finished it. 5/5
“IN THE CASE OF GOOD BOOKS, THE POINT IS NOT TO SEE HOW MANY OF THEM YOU CAN GET THROUGH, BUT RATHER HOW MANY CAN GET THROUGH TO YOU.” -Mortimer J. Adler
I have read Kerryn Mayne’s previous book, Lenny Marks gets away with Murder, so was looking forward to reading the new one.
Most of her life Joy, the mother of twins, Andie and Cassie has been lying to them. To explain why they can’t go to school and have friends, she tells them they are from the future. They have to go back on their 21st birthday. Things don’t go as planned because on the day in question, Joy is found dead in the living room armchair.
A quirky book indeed, as we find out by going back in time, what prompted Joy to tell this outrageous lie. It was a fun read, if you suspend disbelief and just go along for the ride. 4/5
“Reading is an exercise in empathy, an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while”. Malorie Blackman
Clare Chambers is one of my favourite authors and I’ve loved all of her books. This book is based on a true story and is quite shocking in some respects.
The story is set in the 1960’s and Helen is working in a psychiatric hospital as an art therapist. She is also having an affair with a handsome married doctor. She has been quite happy about this for many years, until the hidden man came to stay at the hospital. A 37 year old man, called William Tapping, has been found living in a derelict house who hasn’t been outside in decades. This is a beautiful story told from different viewpoints. We go back in time to learn the background of why William was hidden away. Highly recommend 5/5
My featured image is from the library inside Harewood Castle where we spent a night in May this year.
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
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
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
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.
It’s been quite a while since I posted any reviews of books that I’ve read this year. So I have a very diverse selection for this month. The feature photo is my bookclub hosted by me in my garden. I haven’t reviewed this book The Wakes – Dianne Yarwood, because it was barely 3/5 for me.
“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”― Ernest Hemingway
Historical Novels
The Weather Woman – Sally Gardner
The Weather Woman – Sally Gardner – Neva Friezland is born into a world of trickery and illusion, where fortunes can be won and lost on the turn of a card. Abandoned by her parents at a very young age, she is adopted by a clockmaker and brought up by him and his housekeeper. She is also born with an extraordinary gift. She can predict the weather. Neva wants to use this gift for the good of the people but who would believe her and a woman at that. I loved this book from start to finish, Sally Gardner is such a talented author and I hope to read more from her. 5/5
The Secrets of Blythswood Square – Sara Sheridan. Set in Glasgow, 1846. Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father, is tied up in a secret collection of erotic art. Mortified by this secret when she meets Ellory McHale, a talented working-class photographer newly arrived in Glasgow to set up a photographic studio, she realises she can trust her with this secret. They form a friendship and devise a way of disposing of the art and also keeping Charlotte’s good name. This book has some interesting facts dotted around in the story. Women were meant to be seen and not heard and marry at the earliest opportunity. To forge a career such as Ellory is trying to do is most frowned upon. I always enjoy Sara Sheridan’s books and this was no excpetion. 5/5
Mercury Pictures Presents – Anthony Marra. Like many before her, Maria Lagana has come to Hollywood to outrun her past. Born in Rome, where every Sunday her father took her to the cinema instead of church, Maria immigrates with her mother to Los Angeles after a childhood transgression leads to her father’s arrest. She eventually ends up as a producer in a film studio in Los Angeles. This story is just remarkable and it is not only Maria’s story but all the characters she meets during her life.
Anthony Marra is such a talented writer and although it took me a while to read this I learnt so much about the emigres during WWII in the US. He writes about each character with such depth that you feel you are actually with them. I’m not sure how he comes up with such fantastic metaphors but they make such perfect sense. 4/5
“Think before you speak, Read before you think” Fran Lebowitz
Contemporary Fiction
My Name is Maame – Jessica George. This is the story of Maddie Wright, a young Ghanaian woman who has the world on her shoulders. She is a carer for her Dad as her mum flits back and forth to Ghana to run a hostel. There is a brother who rarely checks in. This is a coming of age story and I was routing for Maddie at every turn as she finally begins to live her life. An easy fun read. 4/5
Ghost Girl, Banana – Wiz Wharton. Set between London 1966 and Hong Kong 1997, it is the story of Sook-Yin being sent to London in 1966 to train as a nurse and of her daughter Lily who returns to Hong Kong in 1997 to find out the mystery of her mother’s death. Lily is notified in 1997 that she has inherited a large sum of money but she must go to Hong Kong to learn about her early life. A page turner from start to finish as we learn the background story of what happened to Sook-Yin. 4/5
This is a monthly challenge hosted by Deb, Jo, Donna and Sue.
This book gripped me from the first page, beautifully written. About Alice, who knows what people are thinking and feeling just from the colours that surround them. Keeping to herself as she suffers from all these different emotions pouring from them. A 5/5 from me.
Twin sisters Fern and Rose have a very close relationship, Rose looks out for Fern all the time. Fern struggles with daily life and lives to a very strict schedule as any disruption can send her into spirals. Lots of twists and turns, a page turner. 4/5
I loved this book. A bit of a black comedy in some ways. So many funny one-liners. There is domestic abuse and inter-racial elements so may not suit everyone. It’s all about friendship though and how women band together and start to stand up for themselves. The Bandit Queen herself is a true story but it’s not about her, but about Geeta who takes inspiration from her. 5/5
Saving the best till last. Don’t be put off by the author, this is not a horror story. Billy Summers is a gun for hire, but only for truly bad people. It’s about his attempt to give up his life of crime and the people he meets along the way. A love story, but not a romance. About new friendships and old. Quite sad when this book ended. I hope he writes more like this. 5/5
All links take you to Goodreads
This challenge is hosted by Deb, Sue, Jo and Donna. Thanks to these ladies for finding new books for us avid readers.
This challenge is hosted by Deb, Sue, and Jo. They have some great recommendations this month also.
I’ve got some juicy books for this month. All sorts of genres with page turning twists.
I’ll start with my favourite. Honestly the best book I’ve read in a while. Such a sumptuous satisfying read. It was like a three course meal, starter, main and dessert, with words and phrases just tripping off the tongue. Kate Atkinson is wonderful writer.
Set in 1926 in a London still recovering from the Great War. Focusing on the nightlife and clubs of Soho, peers of the realm rub shoulders with starlets, foreign dignitaries with gangsters and girls selling dances for a shilling a time. At the heart of it all is the notorious Nellie Coker and her six children and the Detective determined to bring her empire crashing down. 5/5
Any book featuring Detective Harry Bosch is always a good read for me. This is the fifth novel in which he pairs up with Detective Renee Ballard. I’ve enjoyed all of these books so far and this one was no exception. I like the interaction between the two. I got the feeling that this may be the last in the series, sadly. 5/5
Weyward is Emilia Hart’s debut novel and it didn’t disappoint.
The story of three women from different times. It starts with Kate in 2019, then flits backwards in time to Altha in 1619 and then forward to Violet in 1942. Weyward Cottage is at the centre of it all and where they all end up living. The connection between these women apart from being related is their ability to commune with nature and animals. They are all fleeing dangerous men. I enjoyed reading about how they exacted revenge! Altha was my favourite character. 4/5
I’ve read most of Louise Candlish’s books and I’m always excited to see when she has written a new one. Her characters are not always likeable and they all have something to hide.
Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in a leafy suburb. He likes to keep to himself and is not the most sociable of men. It’s only when Beth announces the opening of a nature trail that has been disused for decades that things start to fall apart for him. Who is he really and what has be been hiding for years?
The books goes backwards and forwards in time, so it’s hard sometimes to keep track of what is going on. I did read it very quickly as I was determined to find out what Alex’s secret was. 4/5
I saw some great reviews for this book so thought I would give it a go. I wasn’t keen on The Seven Sisters books and I only read one of those. I enjoyed this old fashioned “Who Done It”. The characters are so well written and it wasn’t until towards the end that I guessed.
The story is about a prestigious boarding school in deepest Norfolk. A shocking event that may have been a tragic accident or maybe not. High flying Detective Jazmine Hunter from London is brought in to help local police with their enquiries. 5/5
A good fun read and it would have been the beginning of a good series, but sadly she died at the young age of 56, in 2021. I read somewhere that her son found this book unpublished.
This is another author I haven’t read before and I’m glad I’ve now added her to my list of favourite authors. I wasn’t sure when I first started reading it and wasn’t too keen on Tully and Rachel, but they gradually grew on me.
Tully and Rachel aren’t at all happy when they discover that their father, an eminent surgeon, is about to marry again to a woman half his age. On top of that he’s only just divorced from their beloved mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Heather the woman in question goes out of her way to win over the two sisters.
A book full of hidden dark secrets, old wounds and shocking discoveries. 4/5
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How do you read your books
I read all of the above books over the course of the last two months. I’ve been using my local library’s app called BorrowBox and downloading them onto my e-reader. Some books come through within days of each other with just two weeks to read them, however you can renew for two weeks. It’s been a real money saver I have to say.
How do you find your next book
I’m an avid book review reader and find most of my books from the magazines I read from the Readly app. I pay around A$11 per month and can read all my favourite magazines and newspapers on this. I always head to the book review page first.
I would be interested to see if anybody has read any of the above books and what they think.
What have I been reading this month? Not a lot, so it’s a combined post of January and February! I seem to have lost my BOJO (not Boris Johnson) but my Book Joy, so I’m looking forward to reading all the other posts linking to this challenge. The challenge is hosted by Deb,Jo, Sue and Donna and being considerable readers themselves will always have plenty of options to choose from.
As usual I’ll start with a Lisa Jewell. The Making of Us (clicking on the photo will take you to Goodreads). I enjoyed this book and it was very different from her other books. Lydia, Dean, and Robyn have lives that are poles apart but each of them, independently, has always felt that something was missing. What they don’t know is that a letter is about to arrive that will turn their lives upside down. It is a letter containing a secret—one that will bind them together and show them what love and family and friendship really mean. 4/5
A Town Called Solace – This story starts with a missing teenage girl. Told from three perspectives, Clara the younger sister, Mrs. Orchard the neighbour who is now in hospital and a stranger Liam who moves into Mrs. Orchard’s house. Such a feel good story, sad moments interspersed with happier ones, of people coming together. I will definitely be reading more of Mary Lawson’s books. 5/5
The Way It is Now – Set in Melbourne, featuring a burnt out police officer, Charlie Deravin, who has been trying to find out for many years what happened to his mother who disappeared many years ago. Quite gripping and a few twists and I was surprised how the ending happened so quickly. 4/5
The Innocent One – When I started reading this I didn’t realise it was a sequel of sorts but set ten years after the first book. Sebastian Croll is back and once again being accused of murder and he reaches out for his old lawyer, Daniel Hunter. Daniel helped prove Sebastian’s innocence before, can he do it again? An intriguing read with many twists and turns, had me gripped to the end. 4/5
Someone Else’s Shoes – I absolutely love Jojo Moyes’ books and this one was no exception. I would say it’s about four women, Sam, Nisha, Jasmine and Andrea who don’t all know each other in the beginning but will eventually meet. It’s also a tale of revenge against the gaslighting men in their lives. Who doesn’t like a story about revenge? A fun easy read. 4/5
This is the last post for the WOYB challenge for the year, hosted by Debbie at Deb’s World, Sue, Donna and Jo.
I have a few to bring to the table, you’ve probably guessed that another Lisa Jewell will be there.
The story of two men and two women. A missing man and a man who’s missing his memory. Lily has only been married three weeks when her husband disappears. Alice looks out of her window one cold rainy morning and sees a man on the beach, he is still there at the end of the day. This is another wonderful story by Lisa Jewell, keeping me hooked until the very end. 4/5
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This book intrigued me because of all the wonderful reviews it had. It popped up as a recommendation on my Kindle notifications. It is such a simple story but so beautifully written. A great Christmas read if you are looking for something to get you over the holidays. It’s about a man called Bill Furlong who is married with four daughters. Set in a small Irish town in 1985 (although it seemed like it was 1965!). It also features the Magdalen Laundries once again, such an inhumane and cruel time in history. You will be humbled and eternally grateful for what you have in your life once you read this book. 5/5
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I read this on the recommendation of Debbie and thoroughly enjoyed it. I won’t review it as you can read Debbie’s review and many others. Easy fun read. 4/5
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Another fantastic read by Eve Chase. Set on the Cornish coast and having two time-lines. Half sisters Lauren, Flora, and Kat are summoned to the Cornish house where they spent their childhood summers by their father, two hiding a secret. A few twists along the way but had me gripped until the end. 4/5
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🎄 Until next year everyone, and I hope you receive many wonderful books under the tree 🎄
Another month and another shelf full of books, for some anyway. I have plenty on my “virtual” bookshelf, but this month only managed to read three books. Plenty of samples, maybe for the future. Which brings us to Debbie’s question of what makes a book a good read? For me it would have to be dialogue, because I can picture a clear image, even if the dialogue is in the person’s head. There are so many books around these days and a lot seem to be following the same procedure, especially the psychological thrillers. I also enjoy books with a historical background about minor figures, but who still have a story to tell. Anyway I digress, here goes with my three. You’re probably seeing a pattern here with two more from Lisa Jewell.
This is the story of Leah and Toby, who for years have lived opposite each other but have never actually met. Until one fateful day when a lodger from Toby’s house passes away on the street while Leah is walking by. It is about all the lodgers that have passed through Toby’s house and how Toby and Leah reach out to one another. I really enjoyed the plot of this story, I suppose you know what happens in the end, but I loved getting to know all the different characters in this book. A great feel good story. 4/5
Strangely similar book, about two people finding each other. The story of Vince and Joy through the years, crossing paths but never connecting. I felt this book was overly long, I still enjoyed it because I love the way she writes. It did get better further into the book. She’s my go to author when I can’t find anything to read. 3/5
The story of Avery Chambers who is a therapist and has lost her professional license. Still, it doesn’t stop her from counselling those in crisis, though they have to adhere to her unorthodox methods.
When Marissa and Matthew Bishop, a seemingly perfect couple, glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.
I loved this book, although I didn’t particularly like any of the characters! It was so intriguing and I didn’t guess right until near the end the twist. I’ve read their previous books and they’ve all been brilliant. 5/5
For a change I am reading an actual book! It’s for our book club and was given to me by one of the ladies whose step-daughter wrote it. No Country for Girls by Emma Styles which I’ll be reviewing for next month. Also at the same time I’ve got John Grisham’s new one The Boys from Biloxi.
Once again it’s time to review what everyone’s been reading for July. This is a challenge set by Debbie, Sue, Donna and Jo. I missed last month’s so I have a few more than the usual number of books to post.
I’ll start with a series of two books set in the city of Jaipur, India in the 1950’s through to the late 1960’s. The Henna Artist is the story of 17 year old Lakshmi who escapes an abusive marriage to become a famous henna artist and confidante to the wealthy women of the upper classes. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur follows the story of Malik, once a homeless urchin who is taken in by Lakshmi to help her carry her tools around. This story starts with the now educated Malik apprenticed at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Over the years he has learned a great many things, mostly how to observe and listen.
I enjoyed both of these books immensely and they kept me up late into the night to see how things panned out for both of these wonderful characters. 5/5
London, 1980s. Though she has a comfortable, privileged life, Eva Martínez-Green is deeply unhappy. The only child of an emotionally absent mother and a physically absent father, Eva has grown up in a cold, unloving house. But Eva is convinced that all is not as it seems. Why are there no baby pictures of her? Why do her parents avoid all questions about her early years? Goodreads
An intriguing read and one I followed avidly to find out the answers Eva was searching for. 5/5
Over the years I have read all of Tim Weaver’s books. They have all been so different. I admire they way he comes up with a different plot line for each book. This one was no exception. A bit far fetched but I still enjoyed every page. The story of a missing couple, presumed dead, but no bodies have ever been found. Another case for Raker! I have posted the link so that the books can be read in order. If you like crime thrillers you won’t be disappointed. 4/5
A completely different book this time from Dervla McTiernan. This one is set in America and not Ireland as in the previous books. Law student, Hannah Rokeby, blackmails her way into The Innocence Project. A group of people helping to set Death Row prisoners free after all other options have failed. Hannah has other ideas about a certain prisoner though. Intriguing with many twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the end. 5/5
This was a bookclub choice by one of our ladies, who also knew the author. It portrays the story of Lady Godiva who rode through the streets naked as a forfeit to her husband, Lord Leofric of Mersea, so that her people wouldn’t have to pay taxes, to stop them from starving. It tells the story of her upbringing and marriage and the threat to England from the constant Viking invasions. For me this book lacked excitement and I felt there was a lot of padding. An okay read. 3/5
At the moment I am having trouble finding a book that keeps me interested after the first few chapters. I am so glad I have a kindle so I can download a sample! Although this does make for less discipline about finishing a book. I will be looking out for some recommendations from other bloggers who post for this challenge.
I’ll leave you with these descriptions to help with further book reviews.
Not one of Harlan’s best I have to say but I enjoyed it all the same. It’s the second in the series of The Boy From the Woods, a man simply known as Wilde. In this book he finally searches for the truth about himself and finds on a DNA site a 100% match for his father. This is when the trouble starts and he stumbles onto something more. I like the way Harlan Coben writes so will generally read most of his books. 3/5
Such a lovely read, I enjoyed every word as did a friend of mine. Set in 1960s California, it tells the tale of Elizabeth Zott a woman who is a chemist in a man’s world. Having been derailed by the unscrupulous men she works with, Elizabeth finds fame hosting a cooking show using her scientific skills. She has a daughter called Mad, who seems to be a child prodigy and thinks more like a teenager than a five year old. There are many hilarious characters in this book. A good fireside, feet up, rainy day kind of book. 5/5
This book has been on my TBR list for a while now so I took the plunge and dived right in. Set in the summer of 1822 in Edinburgh and the city is all of a dither about the forthcoming visit of George IV. It is about the botanical garden and a very rare plant about to flower. Not all of the characters are fictional and the story has elements of the truth about it. The main characters are just so well written you feel as you know them. Firstly Elizabeth a newly widowed young woman from London who comes to stay with an elderly relation and Belle, a courtesan with a mind of her own. Both women are drawn to each other through their love of plants. I loved this book also and highly recommend it. 5/5
A book that I tried in vain to read as it was for my bookclub was Klara and the Sun by Kashuo Ishiguro. It is about Artificial Friends who are made to live in a family and befriend a young teenager. I just felt that every character in the book was artificial and because it is written from Klara, the Artificial Friend’s point of view, there was no emotion in this book. Whenever I tried to read it, I was left feeling quite empty! It has great reviews so perhaps it was just me.
My A – Z of Favourite Authors ~ F ~
Looking through my “read” titles on my Kindle, I have quite a few for this letter.
Julian Fellowes – Past Imperfect. A very enjoyable read, although it does have very mixed reviews. Gillian Flynn – All of her books, I am a huge fan. Lucy Foley – The Hunting Party – A mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. Ken Follett – Fall of Giants. A fantastic read set before and after World War I, it gave me a greater understanding of why the war started and which countries fought against each other.
I hope you enjoy some of these books as much as I have and find some new authors amongst them.
