Tag: Reading

What’s on your bookshelf – November

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.

This challenge is hosted by Debbie @ Deb’s World, Sue @ Women living well after 50, Donna @ Retirement Reflections and Jo @ And Anyways

My problem with reading books is that I get distracted… by other books.

📚 What’s On Your Bookshelf – October 2022 📚

What have I been reading this month? Read on to find out!

Last month I read and posted a book by Lisa Jewell – The Family Upstairs – and said I couldn’t put it down, so quickly after that I followed up with the sequel – The Family Remains.

In this story we find out what has become of “The Family Upstairs” and also what happens when the police in France find Michael’s body and the story of his second wife Rachel. There is also a body found on the banks of the Thames which has DCI Samuel Owusu following the trail of clues left behind.

I enjoyed this book every bit as much as the first and it kept me guessing until the last page. 5/5

It seems I am hooked on Lisa Jewell for the moment! Another page turner so different from the last two, I don’t know how she does it.

A story that goes back and forth between 2017 and 2019, about the disappearance in 2018 of Tallulah and her boyfriend and her mother’s search for answers. In 2019, Sophie a published author moves to the village with her boyfriend who starts a new job as headmaster of the local boarding school and soon becomes involved in the search. 5/5

Another Andee Lawrence story, but in this book she is not the main character. Although I enjoyed this book I did get confused about the different relationships between the characters! It kept me guessing until the very end. 4/5

I’ve enjoyed all Jane Harper’s books and this was no exception. Set in the Clare Valley and featuring Aaron Falk once again. Another disappearing act! This one also had me guessing until the very end. I love the way she writes about small communities and the interaction between everyone. 4/5

“Classic’ – a book which people praise and don’t read.”  – Mark Twain

This is a challenge set by Debbie from Deb’s World and also Sue, Donna and Jo. I love this challenge as I love reading! Although I am not a prolific a reader as Debbie. This month she has posed the question “When do you stop reading a book you are not enjoying?”. For me it is generally once I have read the sample I have downloaded to see if it has me hooked. That is the beauty of an e-reader or Kindle I think. Because what speaks to one person will fall on deaf ears of another. There are far too many books out there and such little time to continue doggedly through a boring book.

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading” William Styron

📚 What’s On Your Bookshelf – September 2022 📚

I somehow missed last month’s but still don’t seem to have that many this month, I’ve been watching too much TV!

Anyway I do enjoy this challenge as it gives me recommendations to read the following month. This challenge is hosted by Debbie at Deb’s World, also Sue, Donna and Jo whose links you can find on Debbie’s page.

My offerings for this month are:

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi is pure fantasy. I like a fantasy book now and again but this went above and beyond, I tried to give up a few times but kept going back! It is extremely gory and gruesome but I finished it, I’m not sure about anymore though. Well written – 4/5

Opal Country or Treasure and Dirt by Chris Hammer. This is a stand alone book which features all new people. I enjoyed this murder mystery set in the Opal Mining Country of Australia. Great descriptions of the mining towns. – 4/5

The Lady’s Guide to Good Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin. I’ve seen this on other blogger’s posts so won’t go into detail, except to say what a fun easy read it was. Fully of jolly japes and dastardly deeds. 4/5

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell – Just amazing. Loved this book from the first page and read it at every opportunity I could, even while stirring pots and eating dinner! I’m now reading The Family Remains the sequel. 5/5

Little Sister by Gytha Lodge. This is the fourth book in the Detective Jonah Sheens books and I’ve enjoyed them all. This story is full of twists and turns, I didn’t know which way was up in the end! Loved it though. 5/5

All links go to Amazon UK, where there are full synopses and reviews.

I’m looking forward to reading everyone else’s book recommendations and to see if anyone has read the books above.

Especially if you are in Groundhog Day

What’s on your Bookshelf – July

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.

The Henna Artist
The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

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.

What’s on your Bookshelf – May

Time to review some more books for the WOYB challenge hosted by Debbie, Jo, Sue and Donna and I have three books to share with you this month.

The Match

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.


What’s on Your Bookshelf – April

A challenge hosted by Deb, Sue, Donna and Jo, a wonderful way to share your love of reading and recommend favourite books. I think I read more book synopsises than actual books!

The following books are ones that I have read through February to April, not too many because as usual I’ve been watching too many gripping tv series.

The Swift and The Harrier

I enjoyed this story of the Civil War between the Parliamentarians and the Stuarts. I knew a little about the history but this books goes into more depth about why Charles l was executed. This book focuses on Jayne Swift, the daughter of landed gentry who’s family are staunch Royalists. It is set in 1642 when Oliver Cromwell ruled England. Jayne is a qualified doctor and has made a promise to herself to treat everyone equally whether they be Royalist or Parliamentarians. Sometimes the story gets a little confusing as many people are continually swapping sides and are spies. The other main character is William Harrier, who is at first presented as a footman but throughout the story appears in many different guises. Anybody who enjoys historical fiction with an element of truth behind it will definitely love this book. 4/5.

The Willow Woman

This was another confusing but very enjoyable book. Set in Chengdu, China, it is about a half English half Chinese Detective called Philip Yu. He works for the Chengdu Public Security Bureau and suffers his own anguish from a life blighted by tragedy and the unsettling appearance of ghosts that often intrude in on his investigations. There are so many different departments working together and against each other. In the search for a missing boy he also encounters references to the “mysterious Willow Woman”. There is a reference page for the many characters that appear in the book, which proved very helpful. It was such a good fun read and the author, Laurence Westwood did a fantastic job of portraying life in China and the intricacies of the politics. 4/5

Fresh Water for Flowers

Without doubt this is one of the best books I have read in a long time.

It is a French book translated into English. “Violette Toussaint is the caretaker at a cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne. Random visitors, regulars, and, most notably, her colleagues—three gravediggers, three groundskeepers, and a priest—visit her as often as possible to warm themselves in her lodge, where laughter, companionship, and occasional tears mix with the coffee that she offers them.” Goodreads.
The story follows the life of Violette from when she first meets Philippe Toussaint and the life they have together from lifting and lowering the level crossing gate to when she ends up as a caretaker at a cemetery.
There are so many different stories flowing through this book along with a couple of mysteries waiting to be solved. Read it and love it, you won’t be sorry. 5/5

An A to Z of my favourite authors

Sara Donati – “Into the Wilderness” series. Following the life of Elizabeth Middleton and set in 1792 in a remote New York mountain village where she meets a man like no other, Nathanial Bonner. It tells the tale of how the Mohawk Nation and the English settlers co-habited once upon a time. I loved this series and for anyone who likes historical fiction with true facts interwoven into it would enjoy this series also.
Also by Sara Donati are two fabulous books featuring some of the characters from the Wilderness series.
The Gilded Hour and Where the Light Enters. These two books are set approximately 100 years later in New York City at a time of crushing poverty and devastating sickness. Some of the characters that appear in these books are real people. I enjoyed this series as much as the other one.

Whats on my Screen

Going slightly off topic here, some of the brilliant shows I’ve been watching this month keeping me away from reading.

The Split – Starring Nicola Walker. Series 3 was the last series and here we found out if Nathan and Hannah would eventually divorce or not. I loved this down to earth series about relationships within families.

Peaky Blinders – Series 5 – Staring the brilliant Cillian Murphy and the beautiful Helen McCrory who sadly passed away last year. Such a gripping but violent series and sadly the last one, although they are going to make a film.

The Last Kingdom – Starring Alexander Dreymon, also the last series and I am utterly bereft. This one kept me awake late into the night! Based on the books of Bernard Cornwall and starting at the time of King Alfred the Great. Also quite violent with so many action packed scenes.

And now it’s about time I wrapped up this post before it gets way too long!

What’s on Your Bookshelf

📚 What’s on your bookshelf – January 📚

Time for another look at December/January books for this month. A challenge hosted by Deb, Sue, Donna and Jo for all of us readers to share our love of books and be inspired to read more through the recommendations. I have found many new books by reading as many posts as I can.

I managed four books this last month, a record for me actually. The first three are all a bit tragic, but were still so enjoyable if that’s possible and I highly recommend them.

The Impossible Truths of Love

A story of three sisters. A tale full of grief and secrets. “When Nell’s father makes a deathbed declaration that hints at a long-held secret, it reignites feelings of isolation that have plagued her for years. Her suspicions about the family’s past only deepen when her mother, Annie, who is losing her memories to dementia, starts making cryptic comments of her own. ” – Goodreads
I enjoyed this story and tried to work out several times what the secret might be. I didn’t guess correctly at all. I would have liked another few pages at the end to see how things went! 4/5

The Beloved Girls

Another tragic one! Not as raw as the first book though. A very strange story indeed and there were some very unpleasant characters in this book. There is a song that is repeated over and over in this book and it drove me a little bit mad. There is a twist in this book as well, kind of easy to spot but still keeps you guessing. Many themes run through this book, grief, loneliness, sexual abuse, bee keeping to name but a few. 4/5

All the Children are Home

I think this book will be in my top ten favourites of 2022 already. I absolutely loved this book as tragic as it was! Set in a small town in Massachusetts in the late 1950’s through to the 1960’s it centres on Dahlia and Louie, foster parents and their long term foster children. The story is told from the points of view of Dahlia, Zaidie, Jimmy and Agnes. Although tragic there is such heartfelt warmth throughout this story. My favourite character would definitely be Agnes. Patry Francis writes with such depth you can imagine yourself right there alongside these characters. 5/5

The Godmother

Finally getting away from tragedies I ripped through this book in a few days. It is our Book Club book for February but I started early! Such a fun book but also very amoral I suppose. Obviously I can’t condone what Patience did, but who knows if I had the gumption and confidence she had whether I would have done the same. It’s not a long story but very rewarding. 4/5

~ What’s on Your Bookshelf ~ December

I’ve just managed three books this month! I’ve been watching too much TV again, maybe I should post something like “What have you been watching this month”. Anyway the three I’ve read are all by some of my favourite authors.

“Reacher goes where he wants, when he wants. That morning he was heading west, walking under the merciless desert sun—until he comes upon a curious scene. A Jeep has crashed into the only tree for miles around. A woman is slumped over the wheel.

Dead? No, nothing is what it seems. 

The woman is Michaela Fenton, an army veteran turned FBI agent trying to find her twin brother, who might be mixed up with some dangerous people. Most of them would rather die than betray their terrifying leader, who has burrowed his influence deep into the nearby border town, a backwater that has seen better days. The mysterious Dendoncker rules from the shadows, out of sight and under the radar, keeping his dealings in the dark.“
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56663329-better-off-dead

I’ve read all of Lee Child’s books and enjoyed most of them. Like all authors with a series of books there are some I’ve liked better than others. He seems to have made a good return with this book co-authored with his son, they have found their rhythm. I have to say though the acronyms he uses are very confusing. I’ll continue to read him as I love Jack Reacher.
3/5

The Dark Hours

The latest collaboration between Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch. This book is more about Renee Ballard with Harry as the sidekick. I’m still getting used to Renee as the main character. She seems to survive on practically no sleep, working the nightshift and into the day. Renee desperately tries to hang onto her cases but inevitably has to hand them over to the day shift. She gets a lot of stick from the men in her department, but she’s tough and gives as good as she gets. With Harry helping her in secret though, she makes good progress. 3/5.

The Shadow at the Door

One of my all time favourite writers. David Raker is back again trying to solve another unsolvable case of a missing person. A man goes upstairs to take his medication and is never seen again. No-one saw him leave, the windows were closed and he didn’t leave by the front door. His wife is at a loss, the police have been no help so she turns to David Raker.

This book is slightly different to the others in that there are four stories. The time line goes back and forth involving his different cases over the years and featuring characters from his past books. If you are new to the David Raker series, then it’s best to start at the beginning.

Every book Tim Weaver has written all have completely different plots. I don’t know where he comes up with the ideas. There are twists and turns in every direction, I don’t think I’ve ever guessed one. 4/5

My Favourite Authors – “C”

Looking back at the books I have read, I realised that C is very popular! I have so many.

Helen Callaghan – Dear Amy; Everything is Lies . These are both psychological thrillers and will grip you from the start.

Louise Candlish – I’ve read seven of this author’s books and enjoyed everyone. Family dramas with a twist.

Diana Chamberlain – This author has written so many books it’s hard to keep up with her. Each book has a different theme running through it. Abusive marriages, kidnappings, mistaken identities, hidden secrets to name but a few. She’s a brilliant writer from the US.

Tamar/Tammy Cohen – Another psychological thriller writer whose many books I have enjoyed.

Posted as part of What’s on Your Bookshelf

What’s on your Bookshelf #3 – October

Another month of books reviews from Deb at Debs-World. A challenge Deb and some others are hosting called What’s on your Bookshelf

My bookclub this month chose Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. It’s all about William and Anne Shakespeare and their children, mainly about the death of one of them. Sadly this was a DNF for me. It was just too “purple”, using ten words where one would do. It does have some great reviews, but in amongst all those five stars I spotted a few that thought along the same lines as me!

I have read another book by this author – The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox – which I really enjoyed – 4* from me.

I finished The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, recommended by Deb last month, I can’t say it was a favourite of mine – 3*. I recommended it to a friend and she loved it and has gone onto read the others in the series.

I read another of one of my favourite authors – Allie Cresswell, Relative Strangers. A book about a very dysfunctional family who get together one week in a stately manor for a celebratory anniversary. It ends in carnage and mayhem with some falling out and some getting closer. I enjoyed this book although not as much as her others – 4*.

On my shelf for this month are:

The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde – Eve Chase
In the Dark – Deborah Moggach
Treasure and Dirt – Chris Hammer

An A to Z of my favourite authors

I thought I would select a few each month of favourite authors to share.

Isabel Allende – Daughter of Fortune and Portrait in Sepia
Kate Atkinson – Jackson Brodie series

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📚What’s on my Book Shelf📚

This is a new challenge for me and it’s hosted by Deb over at Deb’s World with a few other bloggers. It’s called What’s on your Book Shelf.

I love reading and have always done so, ever since I could read. I enjoy a good crime novel and I think the earliest ones I ever read were the Enid Blyton Famous Five books and Secret Seven. I really wanted to be in those gangs and they fired up my imagination to search for more of the same. Then came Agatha Christie and I don’t think I ever guessed who did it.

These days I read all types of fiction books which is my preference, rather than an autobiography or non-fiction.

I’ve just read the following three books.

They are about three different women, Jocelyn, Georgina and Evelyn.

The House in the Hollow

This is the first in the trilogy.  It’s mainly about Jocelyn who is banished to Tall Chimneys.  We don’t find out the reason until later on in the story.  She is humiliated and dishonoured and sent to live with just a few staff in the North of England.  It is set in the Regency period where appearances matter above all else. 

I loved this book and was transported back to a time when women were just puppets made to do as they were told by the men in their lives.  

The Lady in the Veil

This is the second one and it does say it’s a stand alone but it would definitely make more sense to read the first. In this book we also don’t find out until later on why Georgina insists on wearing a veil. It is set in the year 1835 and not much has changed for women who still continue to do as their male relatives tell them. I enjoyed this book very much and it was a definite change from the usual psychological thrillers I usually read.

Tall Chimneys

Tall Chimneys is set at a much later period, just before and during the second world war. This can be read as a standalone. It is about Evelyn who is banished to Tall Chimneys as the family don’t quite know what to do with her. I enjoyed this one the most as I felt I really got to know Evelyn and her trials and tribulations against the men in her life and how much her home meant to her.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Another book I also loved is the first novel by Chris Whittaker called Tall Oaks. Last year I read another one by him called We Begin at the End, this would be one of my all time favourite novels. What a talented author this man is to be able to write from a 14 year old girl’s viewpoint. They are both contemporary fiction and each features a police officer trying to solve a crime. Both have twists that I didn’t see coming.

I do belong to a book club and we meet once a month, usually in a cafe or in the house of whoever chose the book. It is called the Dancing Queens Book Club because we mainly all met at zumba!

We chose our books around two months in advance. Some of the books I love but some are DNF’s! which is a bit slack of me, but life is too short to read something I can’t get into. It’s one of the reasons I love my kindle as I can download samples to see if they grab me or not. I can usually get a feel of whether I’m going to enjoy the book by the first chapter although I do try and give it the 100 page test.

My two adorable grandchildren enjoying their books