Hello and welcome to another round-up of books I have read over the past week. As I was on annual leave last week I decided to also have a break from my blog. It gave me a chance to get out in the garden, read a few books, chill out and just recharge my batteries.
It has been a good week, a bit chilly at the beginning but this weekend has been glorious and as good as an August weekend should be!
Here is what I have read…
Blue Machine by Helen Czerski – this is a fascinating book and the author explains how the oceans work in such an understandable way. From the animals and fish that inhabit the water, to how humans navigated and the way the ocean works, it is a brilliant book to read. If you are someone who likes to learn more about our blue planet then this is a book that may be of interest. Full review next week.
The Man Who Didn’t Burn by Ian Moore – this is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was this book is the first in the series so where better to start. This is one for those who like a murder mystery rather than a brutal thriller style of book. It is set in France and is a nice change from the UK police procedurals I usually read. Full review next week.
A Strange Belief: weird stories by N.S. Ford – this is a wonderful and yes weird collection of short stories from this author. An interesting read and one that I will be sharing my full review of later this week.
Committed by Chris Merritt – this is another author who I have not read before and this is the first book in a new series. It is a cracking, fast-paced thriller that I adored. Full review on Wednesday as part of the Blog Tour.
Four books over the past week and I am happy with that.
Wishing you all a great week ahead
All the best
Yvonne xx
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Hello and welcome to my weekly update of books I have read. A slower week this week for books with only two reads, but they were cracking reads. Before that here are some pictures from the garden.
I don’t see many ladybirds around, as a child there used to be loads of them. This year I have seen several so I am hoping they are on the increase again. The ginger Lily is one I got from my mum. She is “miffed” because her’s has never flowered! Oops 🤭
A Sparrow Falls by Wilbur Smith – this is the 3rd book in the Courtney series and I am enjoying re-reading these so much. The Great War has ended, and some are returning home to find things have changed and my full review will be out tomorrow.
Three Sisters by O.J. Mullen – Owen Mullen is an author whose books I will automatically read without even looking at the synopsis. This book is amazing, full of twists, unexpected surprises and simply a brilliant crime, thriller and suspense story. Full review will be out on Wednesday.
Hello and welcome to another weekly update of books I have read. I sit here to write this up feeling quite chilly, yesterday I was outside in the sun and had to move as I was getting a little too hot! No two days are ever the same 🙂
It has been a good week for me, and I feel like I have achieved things. Sometimes you get stuck in the same routines and then every now and again you have a week where you think … that was a good week. I think a lot has to do with being able to get out in the sun and the fresh air. To wander around looking at things that are growing and sprouting. The bird’s songs seem to be more cheerful as well.
Here is what I have been reading…
The Monk by Tim Sullivan – I have not read all the books in this series, but I have read a couple so I am aware of the style DS Cross has. When a monk is murdered it shocks the community as you would expect, but why on earth would someone do this? This is such an intriguing storyline and one that had me guessing all the way. It is a complex story to explain but the author has it laid out so well that the flow is great. Full review in a couple of weeks.
The Fall by Louise Jenson – twin sisters, cousins, best friends and grandparents are close in this book. They are supportive but they do not share everything with their loved ones. Oh, this is such a tense story and one that had so many things happening that I didn’t see coming. Full review to follow soon.
The Power of Trees by Peter Wohlleben – this book is brilliant. As a gardener, I adore being outside, so when I saw this book I knew I had to sign up for the blog Tour. the book is brilliant and lays out how and why trees are so important. We are aware that they do play a large role in the environment but having the right trees in the right place is something that is vital. Out ancient forests are diminishing and it is still happening. Full review as part of the tour in a week or so.
Three books again this week so I am very happy with that.
Wishing you all a great week ahead.
All the best
Yvonne xx
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
Welcome to another weekly update of books I have read. This week has seen me reading some books from NetGalley and picking some from my own TBR shelf.
Love Will Tear Us Apart by C. K. McDonnell – this is the 3rd book in the Stranger Times series and I adored this as much as the previous ones. Stranger Times is a niche newspaper that reports on strange occurances and events. Its editor Banecroft is a force to be reckoned withand a new assistant editor has his number. Hannah, the othe ex assistant editor has her own story as do other members of the staff. This is a fabulous fantasy and very humerous book. Full review next minth near the publication day.
The Silence Project by Carole Hailey – this is a book that does have mixed reviews but I loved it. Emilia is the narrator for this book and it tells of how her mum stopped speaking and lived at the bottom of hte garden. What started as one womans way of trying to find peace and listen to the world around her changed into a world wide following. Told in the past and then in the future this was a gripping book and I loved how the author dealt with the issues that arose. This is a dystopian that hdoes have an alarming believable adge to it. Full review next month near publication day.
The Wilderness Retreat by Jennifer Moore – this is a very good read and the idea of having a week away in an isolted retreat to relax and come to terms with life and its problems sounds great. Well it did until I read this one and discover that this is not as serene and idyllic as it sounds. THis is a mystery thriller that had me trying to work out the full extent of the depth that the author has gone with her characters. I did think at times it was a little repetative, but still a very good book. Full review next month.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill – I have had this book for ages on my kindle and I am aware of their being a film, but have not watched it. I do like a good classic style gothic mystery and this one is fabulous. I really enjoyed the eerie atmosphere ofthe book and the odd looks from people along with conversations that suddenly stop when you walk into a room. The auhtor has created a story full of suspense and I adored it. Full review will follow over the next week or so.
Another 4 week book for me again this week 🙂
Happy Reading and have a great week ahead
All the best
Yvonne xx
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Hello and welcome to another weekly update of books I have read.
This week has been a quiet week as such, but with lots going on personally. I am not one for sharing personal stuff but these past few weeks have been hard to deal with. My Dad passed away just before Christmas and his cremation was on Wednesday followed by what would have been his birthday on Thursday. He had been very poorly and so it was not totally unexpected but still hard to deal with especially with Christmas, New Year and then his Birthday being so close. As a family, we have made it through some tough times and we are moving on with him very much in our hearts and our memories, he is still giving us plenty to reminisce and chuckle about which makes it just the slightest bit easier.
The books I have read over the week are…
The Night Man by Jørn Lier Horst – I was fortunate to win a copy of this book from the Publisher, Micheal Joseph on a Twitter giveaway before Christmas. It is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It is a crime thriller, a police procedural and it takes some interesting routes. Keep an eye out for my full review to come this month.
The Secret Keeper by Amanda James – I do adore this author and her books, this was previously published under the title of Summer In Tintagel. This is a gorgeous read and one that deals with family from the past and the present. A wonderful vibe runs through this story and it works so well given the location. My full review can be found HERE.
The Other Guest by Heidi Perks – I do love this author’s books and this one is a very good read. A death during a luxury holiday brings out more secrets than people realise. As much as I really enjoyed this one I did find it slowed towards the end. Keep an eye out for my full review this week.
Another week is done and dusted.
Have a fabulous week ahead, Happy Reading
Take Care
Yvonne xx
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Hello and welcome to my weekly update of books I have read. This year I have decided to reduce the number of books I read on the Goodreads Challenge to 150 for the year this is because I am doing an NVQ course for work so I won’t have quite as much time to read for pleasure.
The weather is a bit hit-and-miss, raining one moment sunny and the next a deluge. I have no idea what is growing in the garden as it has been far too wet to want to venture down there.
Here are the books I have read this week…
Out For Revenge by Tony Bassett – this is the 4th book in this series, and yes it is also the first one I have read! This was a really good book set in the Birmingham and Midlands area. A mix of crime thriller, police procedural and gangland crime. Great storyline and characters and my full review will be part of the upcoming Blog Tour.
The Hidden Secrets of Bumblebee Cottage by Christie Barlow – this is the 10th book in the series and I have read and loved every one of them. If you have read any of the previous books then you will know what a fabulous series this is. In this latest book, there is a newcomer to the village and the story that has been woven is another corker of a read. Full review to follow.
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor – this is an amazing read and one that really took me by surprise. It is a mix of crime thriller and also of gangs, but then it is also a story of family, loyalty, growing up and the future. This is a book that I adored so much and it is one that has left an impression of living and growing up in India in different circumstances. Full review to follow.
There we go, 3 books read so far this year, with a 4th that I will probably finish tonight.
I do have quite a few reviews to get published so I am hoping to get caught up with them over the never couple of weeks or so.
Take Care and Happy Reading,
Yvonne xx
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Hello and welcome to my first post of 2023. I haven’t posted for a couple of weeks as I have had other things that have needed my attention. So for my first post of the year, I am going to share some of the books that I loved reading. A mix of genres and styles from well-known and new to me authors. These are not books that have just been published in the past 12 months, my choices are from books that in some cases have been on my kindle or shelf for far too long. A book on this list is also being published this month.
Out of 202 books that I read over 2022 there are going to be lots to choose from, it is always a tough job to whittle the great books down to a small amount. But, whittled I have and I am delighted to share my Top 20 Reads of 2022, the order of these books is the order they were read in 🙂
This is a story that is a, WOW!, story, it isn’t as far-fetched as you think as some things are already occurring and a quick look on the internet will soon give examples. I must admit I didn’t stray too far on the net because there are many conspiracy theories out there. But, it is an eye-opener all the same. What the author has achieved with this book is to give an insight into a moral and ethical dilemma between her characters. Right or wrong is going to be something the reader will decide on as they read. It certainly makes for some interesting thoughts as I finished the book.
Brilliant story, addictive, insightful, balanced and just so damned good to read and I would absolutely recommend it.
The Embroidered Book by Kate Heartfield – FULL REVIEW
The author really brought the characters to life, rather than being figures from history she gave them thoughts, personalities and opinions. Even though this is an age of mistrust from regular people, it was also interesting to read the author’s take on how the thoughts of the monarchs could have also been. This is an absolutely fascinating read, the magical aspects are such a good inclusion and for me worked really well. The balance of it felt right within the contest so even if you are not a reader of fantasy I think you will get on well with this.
I adored this book and it ticked many, many boxes. It is riveting, exciting, mysterious, politically charged, has loads of research, a touch of magic, mistrust, infighting, double-crossing, treachery and treason, I could go on! It shows the wranglings and machinations of the powerful leading historical figures and thought it was done brilliantly.
The author has a great balance in this story so that the plants don’t take over the story and are mixed in with Compton’s own experiences and expectations. He meets some fascinating people on his travels and becomes more worldly-wise at the same time.
I really like the way the author wove everything together as the journey embarks from Britain and the sailing to China. It all helps to toughen up Compton, and believe me it is needed for what he has to meet. Not everyone is dangerous, but there are some individuals that you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of.
A must-read for fans of historical fiction with an exciting adventurous storyline. It is one I would absolutely recommend.
The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs – FULL REVIEW
This is a fabulous story that brings in so many aspects of life in the 1800s, from living conditions to social status all is included. This is a story that has been well-researched and has an excellent bibliography and reference section a the back.
A fascinating read about women encroaching into the world of publishing, making a stand against expectations and challenging society’s perceptions. It is one for those who love historical fiction, food and how it has changed. A gorgeously written story and one that I would definitely recommend.
The team of Bliss, Chandler and the rest of the detectives are about to start two very complex cases. Neither one seems connected. Neither one is straightforward. Neither one is going to be an easy one to solve. And, no one on the team actually realises how the days ahead are going to become darker for them as they struggle to discover the details of the cases.
I love this series. I thought the previous book was amazing, this one is just WOW!!! Hard-hitting, dangerous, time-sensitive, definitely dark and a superb read from start to finish. It is one I would absolutely recommend.
Wow! Wow! And Wow! This is a brilliant read and if you like your crime to be dark, murky and set in the 70s then you really need to pick up this book. In fact, pick up the series so far! The way the author moves in between procedural and, well let’s say, slightly off the book, is great. It introduces the criminal and gangs to the reader. Some very nasty characters to say the least. It is a credit to the writing skill of the author who managed to give a sense of unease, danger and doubt as McCoy carefully walked the grey line between legal and illegal activities on the streets.
Gritty, with some not altogether likeable characters, dark, murky, full of tensions, public opinion and an all-in-all amazing book to read. I would highly recommend it.
Over the course of this series, Kent Fisher has dealt with murder and the mysteries that surround them. This latest book however brings murder and mystery to his doorstep. It leaves him questioning the past and the future especially when it is Gemma Dean that is missing. Turning to a personal side of this latest book, the author shares more of Kent’s past and also the enigma that is Gemma. Snippets and only a very small amount of information is known about Gemma. This leaves Kent stumbling around trying to discover more about her to see if he can find leads and also trying not to get in the way of the Investigating officers.
This was a very tense murder mystery for me, after all, it does involve one of my favourite fictional characters. The author has taken Kent on a dangerous road and there are repercussions for him and those around him. Things feel fragile as secrets and confessions are told and I am eager to see how the author deals with these as well as Kent’s next move into Private Investigator. A cracking read, one for crime, murder, and mystery readers and one I would absolutely recommend.
Windswept & Interesting by Billy Connolly – FULL REVIEW
Billy Connolly is a voice I have known since childhood when Mum and Dad listened to his vinyl LPs, a voice I have known but at the time I didn’t really understand, probably just as well really! I decided to listen to the audiobook of this autobiography and I have to say, compared to when I heard his voice as a child, I can understand every word. I mentioned listening to this book to my mum, and the first thing she said was “could you understand him”, yes she still remembers trying to decipher the LPs, not easy especially when Billy starts laughing!
This is entertaining and funny but it is also honest and a bit of an eye-opener at times. It isn’t all humour and anecdotes, as he discusses the abuse he suffered as a child. It is something that had taken many, many years for him to come to terms with and also to understand. I did also get the hardback of this and read some sections as well as listened. And yes, as I read it I could hear Billy’s voice.
Excellent listening, honest and very addictive. I would absolutely recommend it.
This is the 2nd book in the Cesare Aldo series and you really should read the first book City of Vengeance as part of this story has links to the previous. Also, the first book gives a brilliant introduction to Aldo as a person, as an investigator and also the people in the city of Florence in this time period.
Set in Florence in 1537, Aldo is asked to see about the reports of intruders but finds the body of a man in the convent of Mary Magdalen. It is inconceivable that a nun would be responsible, but how and why this has happened is something that Aldo may not even be asked to investigate in. Aldo works for the Otto, the administration of the criminal court at the time. The murder is on Church grounds and therefore not under the same jurisdiction.
This is a fabulous book and it definitely cements this series as one that I will definitely be keeping up with. This is one for those who like historical murder mysteries with a complex storyline that is also easy to follow when you are in the zone. I really didn’t want to put this one down and read it in two sittings.
Excellent storyline, and interesting characters, can’t wait for the next book and it is one I would absolutely recommend.
The Family Game by Catherine Steadman – FULL REVIEW
Oh my goodness this is a story that took me completely by surprise. It is a mix of several genres so would appeal to readers who like mystery thrillers with a really tense and atmospheric vibe. There are elements of horror and a psychological feel and overall it is an addictive and totally captivating read.
This is one of those stories that I want to shout about, but can’t because it would give away the story, plot and whole thrill of reading the book. It is a deviously twisted and insanely addictive storyline. What I thought within the first few chapters was completely different by the end of the book. In some ways it is a complex story, that is if I were to try and explain it in more detail, but it is one that the author has nailed. It isn’t confusing as you and I adored the way it just flowed from one thing to the next. By the end I was gobsmacked.
I adored this book a lot and it is one that I would very definitely recommend.
This is the 6th book in the Detective Cadillac Holland series and I have read and loved each one. This series just goes from strength to strength and this time around the author has really upped the stakes for Cadillac, Tulip, Katie and Tony.
Oh my goodness the author really has upped the stakes on this story. There are so many different threads with this book, I did lose myself a couple of times, but found myself back on track as I kept reading. The twists in the story just keep coming and I think the author has done an amazing job of keeping them separate until they are needed to join up[, and when they do… well it comes with a Wow! Having Cadillac and Tony with their pasts, and then bringing them back into play again was a good move. It adds a little more detail and jogs the memory as to who Tony was and what he is capable of.
Cracking story and if you like crime thrillers then this is a series you really do need on your radar. Set in New Orleans and full of references to food, districts and streets that tantalise the tastebuds as well as building a vivid image of the area. The author’s knowledge of the area really does shine through, he has his characters running back alleys and shortcuts in their quest for the truth. This is a brilliant series and this latest book is amazing. It is one I would absolutely recommend.
I really didn’t know what to expect when I first saw this book, and I only glanced at the synopsis to know it was one I wanted to read. The author has trod the boards of theatres around the world and so it makes sense that his first book would be set in a theatre.
The author brings his passion for theatre, musicals and variety to every page of this wonderful novel. There are stories within stories and some real mysteries that are wonderfully woven into this tale of family disagreement, rivalry and blackmail. Underneath all of this though is the dogged determination of those who do not want to go down without a fight. It is their stubbornness and belief that gives magic to this story. They add glamour and glitz if you like.
This is a fabulous story and one that I really adored. It has the razzmatazz and the glamour, it also has the shady and the undesirable, but all the way through this story the feeling of “the show must go on” is one that resonated with me. No matter what the pitfalls there is always something to work toward, whether it is in the belief of others around you or accepting that you are capable of being successful, there is always a glimmer of the possible.
This a fabulous debut novel from someone who knows the industry, the history, the backstage and centre stage of theatres. A time when Jazz was making its way across the Atlantic and the roaring 20s was making itself heard. It is an addictive story and one I would absolutely recommend.
Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas – FULL REVIEW
Years ago four friends make a bucket list of places they would like to see, things they would like to do and what they wanted to achieve in their lives. Over the years there have been marriages, divorces, promotions, children and the death of one of the four. Deciding to fulfil one bucket list item, the three friends go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. They are booked in for a weekend and in theory that should be enough time to see the lights and make it back home ready for a new Christmas menu to be rolled out at a restaurant, for making sure the arrangements are in place for a family Christmas and the last minute wedding plans.
The author chose a wonderful way to show the real Iceland, the food, the people, the scenery and also the smaller communities away from the hotels and tourist spots. Being without things like electricity, a phone signal and a road back to the hotel encourages the women to look at their lives. The longer they stay cooped together the more they realise that they are not living their lives to the fullest. Yes, they may be achieving some of their goals, but is this making them happy?
This is a wonderful story that is fabulous reading and kept me up till ridiculous o’clock until I got to the end. If you like a contemporary fiction novel that has romance and friendship and is definitely addictive, then this is one I would definitely recommend.
This is yet another fantastic book in the Washington Poe series, to be honest though, I wouldn’t expect anything less. These books can be read as standalone’s, but to get a real sense of the working relationship between Poe, Tilly, Doyle and Flynn you really need to have started this from the beginning. And, also because they are great books.
Having two cases, one looking like a locked-room mystery and the other one that is leaving them playing catch up with the killer always ahead of them. Even with their combined expertise, this would be tough, but without having input from Doyle, things are even tougher.
The author really has done an amazing job with this story. Again it is complex and compulsive reading. There are mentions of tech, biology and other specialist stuff but it isn’t too over the top. Thank goodness things have to be basic for Poe to understand or else there would be a few confused readers as well!
With time being a crucial part of this story, the pacing is fast and the author conveys this through his characters so well. He shows their frustrations and occasionally odd outburst. Even in the midst of this tense and highly charged investigation, there are some amazing one-liners, these are perfect for defusing stress and tension, and are usually courtesy of Tilly.
I never read the synopsis for a Washington Poe book I just buy it.
Ideal for those who love twisted, complex and totally addictive thrillers and one I would absolutely recommend.
I love the psychological taunt of this, the synopsis is brilliant at setting the sense of suspense, tension and dread as the realisation sets in for what is going to happen in this book. A simple app that will make you turn to murder. It sounds unbelievable but when the owner of the app seems to know everything about you and your family then things become serious. We are all aware of people being coaxed into doing things via social media, from the harmless little challenges to the awful and heartbreaking suicides. So, when a story like this comes up I always think to myself, this would never happen in real life. But would it? This is where a story like this works so well and the author has done an amazing job of creating an addictive and dangerous story that is much more than a simple game of cat and mouse.
A tense and action-filled thriller that starts off at a nice pace but then suddenly screams into a super fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat race against time to save the people that the main characters of the story care about the most. This really had me hooked to the point where I jumped feet and scared the poor dogs to bits when my own phone rang!!!
If you like a story with thrills, action, suspense, mystery and a few bodies, then this is going to be one for you. I adored it and would definitely recommend it.
The synopsis is short and snappy and now I look at it I realise how it gives very little away. It does however have enough to suggest a mystery and secrets from the past.
The story is about Kat, and she has a very isolated life, she constantly moves as she goes from story to story. She researches each of her stories and her latest one is the whereabouts of Roskoe Darke, a member of an 80s band. He mysteriously disappeared and has not been seen, there have been several suggestions as to what happened and some of these do sound plausible. Kat, however, decides to dig deeper.
Kat is a character who I really liked, a loner who fixates on one project at a time. But what is it about her past that will have relevance to the current timeline of her story? Well, I could tell you but then I would spoil the story so you are going to have to read it for yourself. I didn’t see this twist coming in the story, so it was a huge revelation.
As for what happened to the missing Roskoe, well again I never saw that one either. This was a little different to what I expected but it worked really well. The author injected a clever little side step and it was one that turned this into a much darker and more sinister story.
This was a brilliant thriller that has a great mystery and suspense element to it, a great storyline and a wonderful set of interesting and different characters. I adored this book a huge amount, a one-sitting read for me and it is one I would absolutely recommend.
The synopsis is short but more than enough to convince me that I wanted to read this book. I mean, a death, a will, a large house and family, that in itself is a pot simmering waiting for the inevitable to happen. The thought of owning a large house is great, but when you are one of several that want it then tensions arise.
The author has set this story up brilliantly, the house is to be left to one of the family, and it is not passed down to the eldest son or anything as archaic as that. Instead, it is down to the wishes of the recently deceased Cecily.
They each want the house, and each one has their own plans for what they would like to do with it. The author works some brilliant subplots into this and I was never sure who was going to be the best one to own the house.
This is a mystery wrapped around the family group and it makes for a wonderful story. the characters are likeable on the whole, with the odd exception. This is a mix of contemporary fiction and mystery. It is a wonderful read and one that I would definitely recommend.
A Child for the Reich by Andie Newton – FULL REVIEW
I do enjoy reading books based around WWII, but I often find there are things that I was not aware of. A Child for the Reich is one such book. There was a branch of the Reich that was responsible for collecting babies and children with the much sort after blue eyes and blond hair. This was seen as the perfect Arian child. If you were not German and you had the perfect baby or child then they would be taken, re-educated and then given to “Good German Families” to raise. In Poland, 200,000 children were removed by the NSV, these are the female version of the dreaded SS, these women were known as the “Brown Sisters”.
The author brings a horrifying and awful practice of taking children to be representative of Hitler’s vision of his Aryan race. Saying that I enjoyed reading this book feels wrong, but I did.
If you like your historical fiction set in Europe during WWII then this is one that should be on your reading list. It is a poignant and eye-opening read and it is one I would definitely recommend.
Strangeways: A Prison Officers Story by Neil Samworth – Full review to follow
WOW! I have been listening to this audio version and it is such an amazing book to listen to. The author tells his story as he worked in prisons and especially his time at Strangeways in Manchester as an officer. The narrator is amazing and his voice is perfect for this style of the book.
This is a tough book to listen to but my goodness it was addictive. This is one for those who like to learn more about people and their jobs. Tough, gripping, sombre and one I would highly recommend.
So Pretty by Ronnie Turner – Full review to follow
This story is about two people and the chapters alternate between the two of them. Ada is a single mother and lives in Rye, never quite fitting into this small and clique-ridden village. She is always polite but always on the edge of things.
Teddy arrives and gets a job in an old curiosity/ knick-knack/ random things and objects shop. The owner is a bizarre man, to say the least, he doesn’t speak, he hasn’t interviewed Teddy and seems to lurk in the shadows.
The storyline itself,m well that is something that I didn’t expect, well I say that, but I did have a feeling where things may go but definitely not to the extent they did.
This is a brilliant book and it is one that I adored from the first pages to the very last. A tense, mysterious thriller that had me hooked. An amazing book and one that I would absolutely recommend.
Many thanks for reading my post, I hope you enjoy looking at the books I adored reading over the past year. I look forward to sharing more in the year to come.
Welcome to my weekly round-up of books I have read. I am a day late with this, basically, I forgot what day it was and I changed one of my nightshifts so it threw everything out. Change is good, but not when you work nights and struggle to remember the day. I usually work on a Monday night, and it is still Monday in my head until I have been home and had a couple of hours of sleep, it then becomes Tuesday! It all makes sense to me, if you work nights you’ll get exactly what I mean 🙂
Here is what I have read and listened to over the past week…
Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek myths by Natalie Haynes – this was an interesting book to listen to and the author explores how women had been perceived over the years in the myths, legends, films, TV and literature. The author did use modern equivalents from pop, film and drama to show this. I did enjoy it and found it to be a very interesting one to listen to. Ideal if you like discussion-style audio with well-reasoned examples and the full review will follow soon.
The Angel’s Mark by S. W. Perry – this was one of the titles I had hoped to read in the summer but it got bumped down my TBR. I am kicking myself because it is a brilliant historical fiction, murder, mystery and crime story. It is the first book in the series and I cannot wait to read more. Full review to follow.
A Gift Called Hope by Eva Jordan – This is a lovely story and it deals with the excitement of Christmas with a young child and as a parent dealing with loss. Gorgeous story and a full review to follow.
The Nazi’s Son by Andrew Turpin – if you are a fan of espionage, conspiracy and thriller reads then you won’t go far wrong with this series. This is the 5th book and it mixes Stasi, KGB, CIA, and MI5/6 with links going back to the 1986 nightclub bombing in Germany. Brilliant story and series, full review to follow.
There we have it for another week,
Have a great week ahead
Yvonne xx
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
Hello and welcome to another weekly round-up of books I have read. I cannot believe this is the final week of November already. Not only has the month flown by, but the whole year also has to be perfectly honest.
The weather has not been the best again down here in Cornwall. lots of rain, wind, hail and thunder. There is an excellent side to the rain though, and that is that the reservoirs are filling and we did get a small rebate on our water bill.
On the reading front, I have finished all my Blog Tour commitment books for the year, although I already have several lined up for January, February and March already 🙂
Here is what I have been reading…
Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley – this is a wonderful festive fiction story that I adored. I didn’t realise there was another book that has one of the characters in it until a fellow Book Blogger told me about it. My full review was published last week and here is the link if you want to read it.
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch – I bought this book on my kindle in 2012 and have just found it again. This is a brilliant book and I am so glad there are more in this series. A mix of police procedural, supernatural, fantasy and mystery. It is a genre I do enjoy and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next books. Full review to follow.
The Source by Sarah Sultoon – this is another book that has been sat on the shelf for too long and it is a fabulous read. Some very tough topics that have been approached very well. A story of two timelines and one that has far-reaching implications. Corruption, abuse, scandals, institutional abuse and an amazing read. Full review to follow.
The Thunder Girls by Melanie Blake – yep another one that has also been gathering dust! Once again another fabulous read. The Thunder Girls were a band in the 80s, they split up and now 30 years later there is a chance for them to reunite. There are problems with this though, they all went their separate ways, there haven’t spoken since the split and there is a huge amount of animosity between them. This is the tip of the iceberg compared to what is going on behind the scenes. Full review to follow.
It has been great reading books that have languished for far too long on my shelves. I am finding that they are brilliant and were definitely worth getting them when I did. I dare not admit how many I have still to be read on my kindle and on my actual bookshelves 😬🤪
Welcome to another wrap-up of books I have read over the past week. I have been watching Twitter with interest and to be honest, I am quite appalled by some of the things I am seeing. I have tiptoed into another site and am tentatively finding my feet, I do need to spend a bit more time on Mastodon though. Here is my link if you want to give me a follow 🙂
Too wet and windy just recently to go in the garden but I did notice some of my narcissi have started to open. Me and the other half noticed that the birds are now starting to come back to the feeders and they are going mad for the fat balls as well as the seed. Our two dogs have got this feeding station sussed out. They know if they snuffle around the grass under the bird feeders they can usually find some seeds and bits to eat. Those two would never starve I can tell you.
Right, here are the books I have read…
The Orphanage Girls Reunited by Mary Wood – I do love this author’s books and this is the next book in the Orphanage Girls series. It is a fabulous historical fiction story that sees friends Ellen and Ruth coming back together after being split up. Addictive reading and is heartbreaking at times. Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour in December for my full review.
A Child for the Reich by Andie Newton – this is a heartwrenching historical fiction that tells the story of a mother trying to find her daughter. Her daughter had been taken from her to be Germanised and become a good German citizen. This is a stunning book to read and the full review will be part of the Blog Tour in December.
The Family tree Mystery by Peter Bartram – I adore this series and it is set in 1967 in Brighton. Colin and his girlfriend Shirley are discovering something about Shirley’s past. As a journalist, Colin does get some interesting leads. A brilliant story that has some great humour and is one for fans of cosy mysteries. Full review as part of the Blog Tour in December.
There we go another good week for books,
Wishing you a good week ahead
All the best
Yvonne xx
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
Metal Sculptor based in Long Bennington, Lincolnshire, using recycled materials to create sculptures for your garden or indoor decoration. Sculpture's can be viewed & safely collected, delivery may also be available. Contact for details.
Yvonne - Me and My Books 