Tag: Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge

~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – January 2026 ~

It’s been a while since I contributed to this challenge hosted by Debbie @ Deb’s World, so with the new year just started I am once again joining in.

If you read Debbie’s post and I urge you to do so for some great recommendations, you will realise what a prolific reader she is. I like to think of myself as an avid reader and try to read two or three a month.

I have four to share this month, but I’ll come clean as some are from December also.

I was trying to clean up the virtual bookshelf on my iPad and either delete some old samples or get on with reading them.

So it was with this book, a fairly old one by Lisa Jewell that I hadn’t realised was unread.
“Melville Heights is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Bristol, England. It’s not the sort of place where people are brutally murdered in their own kitchens. But it is the sort of place where everyone has a secret. And everyone is watching you. Tom Fitzwilliam, the local headmaster is beloved by one and all, including Joey Mullen, his new neighbour. Joey and her new husband have just moved in with her brother and his wife. Her obsession is taking over her life.” – Taken from Goodreads.
I read this in about two days and couldn’t put it down. Another great book from Lisa Jewell.

This author is fairly new to me and this is the second book by Liz Moore I’ve read. It’s hard to believe this book was written in 2016 as it deals with what is now ChatGPT and AI. Starting in 1980 and ending up in 2009 with flashbacks to 1920, 1940 and 1950. The story focuses on David and Ada Sibelius. David is a single father to Ada. He works in a computer science lab and Ada is “home-schooled”. He teaches her what he thinks is necessary. Years later when David is diagnosed with Alzheimers, his secrets come to light. This was a fantastic read, such a beautiful story and kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend.

Michael Connelly is a favourite author of mine and this is his latest offering. Mickey Haller leaves criminal court behind for his first civil lawsuit. Coincidentally this book is also about AI and the moral and ethical dilemmas that go with it. Jack McEvoy is also a key player in this book. I like it when Michael Connolly brings characters together. This is still a gripping court room drama as he goes head to head with the powerful tech companies.

An excellent if harrowing read – not for the faint hearted. The story starts in 1987 with Cora and her small daughter, Maia, walking to register the new baby’s name.
“Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?“ Amazon
Quite stressful to read in parts but I still loved it and gave it 5/5 on Goodreads. Does Bear/Julian/Gordon try to live up to their name or escape from it? I enjoyed reading the different storylines. It is my book choice for book club this month and it will invoke much discussion.

A footnote here about What’s Been on My Screen.

The Night Manager – Series Two.

I’ve only watched two episodes so far. Maybe not as good as the first series and a tad overdramatic. But I will keep on watching, as Olivia Colman is in it.

HiJack – Series Two

One episode in and I’m already confused! But anything with Idris Elba in it I will watch. This series involves an underground train in Berlin. Hoping for clarification in the next episode!

Song, Sung, Blue – Cinema

Not technically on my screen but at the local cinema. I just loved this film. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deserve oscars, as does the screenplay and music. I had a vague idea before seeing it, I knew it wasn’t about Neil Diamond himself, just the music. A truly wonderful uplifting film.

~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – October ~

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

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~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – July 2023 ~

“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” ~ Anna Quindlen

I’m way behind with my bookshelf challenge and so this is a collection of my favourite books over the last few months.

In a Thousand Different Ways
In a Thousand Different Ways

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.

The Good Sister - Sally Hepworth
The Good Sister

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

The Bandit Queens - Parini Shroff
The Bandit Queens

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

Billy Summers - Stephen King
Billy Summers

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.

📚 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 – 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 – #4 📚

It’s time to review the books we have been reading this month. I have not read near as many as Debbie at Deb’s World who is one of the co-hosts for this challenge.

I finished the last in The Highbury Series by Allie Cresswell – Dear Jane. I enjoyed all three books about the people and events leading up to Emma by Jane Austen. Dear Jane focuses mainly on Jane Fairfax and Frank Weston. Allie Cresswell writes just like Jane Austen. I would describe these books as a “cozy read”. Curling up on the sofa with one of these books is like chatting with an old friend.

The next book has been on my “to be read” list for a while, so I thought I had better tackle it.
The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde by Eve Chase

I did enjoy this book but preferred the story set in 1959 about the four sisters than the other part set fifty years later. It seemed like the book was written by two different authors! The book focuses on a house that both families lived in.

I also got round to reading a book by Susan Lewis – I Have Something To Tell You.

This book had a very good twist at the end which I thought I had guessed but didn’t! I like the fact that she doesn’t just make it about the victim but also the solicitor who has been engaged by him.

The Andee Lawrence series of books are also very good.

My A to Z of Favourite Authors – This Month is “B”

Fiona Barton – I have read all three of Fiona’s books and I’m hoping she will be writing another soon. They are all very different and usually have two storylines through them that tie up at the end. All three books feature a journalist called Kate Waters.

Suzanne Bugler – I’ve read two of her books, I would describe them as psychological thrillers.
The Child Inside and This Perfect World. Very easy to read but intriguing!

I’m loving this challenge as one of my favourite things is reading book reviews. I can now find many new and different types of authors to add to my growing lists of books!

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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