Good morning everyone and happy Thursday. I thought I’d post a May Hopefuls stack today.
❤️Babel by R.F Kuang 🧡One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake 💛Becky by Sarah May 💚The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas * 💙Air And Love by OR Rosenboim * 🩵 Enlightenment by Sarah Perry * 💜Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors * 🩷The Burial Plot by Elizabeth Macneal * 🤍The Lifeline by Libby Page * ❤️Saltblood by Francesca De Tores * 🧡The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley * 💛 When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker * 💚You Are Here by David Nicholls 💙 Nuclear War by Annie Jacobson 🩵 House Of Shades by Lianne Dillsworth * 💜The Midnight Hour by Eve Chase * 🩷Three Burials by Anders Lustgarten *
I’m a huge mood reader so I never know what I’ll fancy reading next but I’m hoping to get to a few of these I keep hearing great things about them. I actually looked back to my April Hopefuls stack and I’ve only actually managed 1 book from it so here’s hoping I manage a few more this month!
I’m off this morning and I’m hoping to get some reading done. My husband was off with me earlier in the week so I didn’t feel I could just sit down and read while he was charging around doing stuff so excited to have a quiet morning. I’m then working this afternoon which is always fun and my mum is coming for supper tonight as my husband is away which I’m looking forward to.
Good morning everyone and happy Wednesday. I don’t normally do a monthly wrap up – mainly because I struggle to remember what I’ve read . I always enjoy reading other people’s so I thought I’d give it a try.
Here are some of the books I’ve read this month:
❤️The Last Murder At The End Of The World by Stuart Turton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧡The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
💛The Night In Question by Susan Fletcher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💚 Nuclear Family by Kate Davies ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
💙 Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💜The Guest by B A Paris ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
As you can see it’s been a great reading month with lots of amazing books. I didn’t read as much as I normally do as I’ve been a bit poorly but as I said to someone else it’s quality not quantity. The Guest was an audiobook and I’m hoping to post my review later.
I’m working this morning which is always fun and as it was pay day a few days ago I might treat myself to a few new books. My husband is away so I’m looking forward to a quiet evening reading. I’m still reading Sociopath by Patric Gagne but I’ve also been distracted by Salt Blood by Francesca De Tores as I keep hearing great things.
I am so excited to be involved in the cover reveal for The Book Of George by Kate Greathead today. It’s been a top secret mission and one I almost blew by including it in a book post stack a few weeks ago – luckily no one noticed 😅
This book sounds really good and I look forward to getting to know George when I read this book soon.
Huge thanks to Laura from @atlanticbooks for letting me be involved in this cover reveal.
Out 8th October 2024.
Find out more about the book below ⬇️
Book Synopsis:
From the author of the critically acclaimed Laura & Emma comes a The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. for our times: Kate Greathead’s razor-sharp but big-hearted excavation of millennial masculinity, The Book of George.
If you haven’t had the misfortune of dating a George, you know someone who has. He’s a young man brimming with potential but incapable of following through; sweet yet noncommittal to his long-suffering girlfriend; distant from but still reliant on his mother; funny one minute, sullenly brooding the next. Here, Kate Greathead paints one particular, unforgettable George in a series of droll and surprisingly poignant snapshots of his life over two decades.
And yet it’s hard not to root for George at least a little. Beneath his cynicism is a reservoir of fondness for his girlfriend, Jenny, and her valiant willingness to put up with him. Each demonstration of his flaws is paired with a self-eviscerating comment. No one is more disappointed in him than himself (except maybe Jenny and his mother). As hilarious as it is astute and singular as it is universal, The Book of George is a deft, unexpectedly moving portrait of millennial masculinity.
About The Author:
Kate Greathead is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Vanity Fair, and on NPR’s Moth Radio Hour. She was a subject in the American version of the British Up documentary series. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, the writer Teddy Wayne. Laura & Emma is her first novel.
Good morning everyone today on Two For Tuesday I’m featuring two books by Sean Lusk. I absolutely loved The Second Sight Of Zachary Cloudesley and it’s a book I’ve continued to think about long after reading.
I was therefore very excited to receive a copy of A Woman Of Opinion and I can’t wait to read it soon. I also love the cover , especially that it’s similar in style to his first book.
A Woman Of Opinion is out on the 4th July 2024. If you live near Ross On Wye Sean Lusk is doing an author talk at the Rossiter Books shop there on the 10th July 2024.
Find out more about the book below ⬇️
Do you judge books by their covers?
A Woman Of Opinion
‘I shall be a thousand different Marys and, in such manner, shall find the one I wish to be…’
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu longs for adventure, freedom and love, believing that only by truly living can she ever escape the stalking crow of Death…
An aristocratic woman in 18th century England is expected to act in certain ways. But Mary has never let society’s expectations stifle her: she writes celebrated poetry and articles advocating for equality, as well as endless, often scandalous, letters to her many powerful friends.
However, Mary wants more from the world. Using her charm and connections, she engineers a job offer for her husband as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Travelling to Constantinople, Mary finally discovers the autonomous life she dreams of. And when she observes Turkish women ‘engrafting’ children against smallpox, she resolves to bring the miracle cure back to England.
Despite this, Mary’s reputation becomes increasingly tainted. Her inability to abide by the rules, her outspoken opinions on women’s rights, and her search for love and desire at all costs gains her powerful enemies. While Mary tries to ensure her name will live on by arranging the publication of her diaries after her death, her own daughter works against her, afraid of what they might contain…
An illuminating and beautiful novel which gives a voice to the tragically unremembered yet extraordinary life of pioneering poet and feminist, Mary Wortley Montagu.
The Second Sight Of Zachary Cloudesley
Zachary Cloudesley is gifted in a remarkable way. But not all gifts are a blessing…
Leadenhall Street, London, 1754.
Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father’s workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father’s creations to life.
He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets.
But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened.
A beautifully crafted historical mystery of love and hope, and the adventure of finding your place in the world.
About The Author:
Sean Lusk’s debut, The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley, wasa BBC2 Between the Covers pick, a Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month, and longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize and the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award. He is also an award-winning short story writer, winner of the Manchester Fiction Prize and the Fish Short Story Prize. He has lived in Greece, Pakistan and Egypt and now lives in the Scottish Highlands.
Good morning everyone and happy Monday. I hope you all had a good weekend. I thought I’d do a little reading update post today .
Last: The Night In Question by Susan Fletcher
I’ve finished The Night In Question a few days ago and absolutely loved it. My full review is on my grid but I highly recommended it as Florrie is such a fantastic character.
Now: Sociopath by Patric Gagne& River East River West by Aube Rey Lescure
I’m about a hundred pages into Sociopath book and I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s fascinating to learn more about her and see how she deals with things.
I’m also currently reading River East River West as I’ve set myself a goal to try and read all of the Women Prize shortlist. This was the only book I had already so it seemed like a good place to start.
Next: The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins
I’m then hoping to read The Silence Factory as I’m a huge fan of this author and I’ve been looking forward to reading it for a while.
I’m off today and I’m hoping to get some reading done as I’ve not been able to read much recently due to feeling poorly. My husband is also off though so I might have to look like I’m at least attempting the housework too. We might go for a walk together too if the weather is nice.
The kids all have eye appointments after school which is always interesting. Especially as my youngest son really wants glasses but doesn’t need them and my eldest is on the cusp of needing them but breaks into floods of tears every time it’s mentioned….
Good afternoon everyone I hope you’re having a good Sunday. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Dream Hunters by Nazima Pathan this week.
I love sharing books with my kids at bedtime and my eldest kid loves books involving magic – he still has a major book hangover from finishing the Harry Potter books . I’m therefore very excited to read this book with him very soon.
Huge thanks to Rhys from Simon And Schuster for sending this to me.
Out 1st August 2024
Find out more about the book below ⬇️
Does anyone have any recommendations for books similar to Harry Potter for a 12 year old boy who loves magic?
Book Synopsis:
Set in a fantasy, reimagined India where dreams can be captured and bottled, a young girl adventures to save the king and rescue her parents.
Twelve-year-old Mimi lives with her Aunt Moyna in a centuries-old Citadel where she studies the ancient practice of making, capturing and recycling dreams. The Citadel was once run by Mimi’s parents who have been imprisoned by the king, accused of treason.
When Mimi spies a royal visitor, she uncovers a plot to transform the Citadel from a place of gentle, healing dream craft and a dangerous plot – the crown prince is purchasing nightmares from her aunt to poison the king.
With only her dream creature, Lalu, and her best friend Rafi, Mimi must escape the Citadel and begin a perilous journey across India. There are few people she can trust, but saving the life of the king and foiling her aunt’s scheme is in Mimi’s hands alone…
About The Author:
Born in India and raised in London, Nazima now lives in Cambridge with her husband and two children.
She writes magical middle grade and her work has been listed in the Times Chicken House, Write Mentor and Hachette Space to Write awards.
Dream Hunters is her debut novel and explores identity, family and friendship through the lens of a group of children who overcome poverty and adversity to fix the mistakes their grown-ups should never have made.
Good afternoon everyone I hope you’re having a great Saturday. I’m a huge fan of Ragnar Jónasson so you can imagine my excitement when I received a copy of Death At The Sanatorium his latest book.
I can’t wait to snuggle up with a cup of tea and one of these delicious looking biscuits to read this fabulous sounding book!
Huge thanks to Jack from @michaeljbooks for sending this to me it’s really appreciated.
Out 22nd August 2024
What’s your preferred drink/ food whilst reading?
Book Synopsis:
An old sanatorium. A terrifying murder. Six suspects and a case that never closed . . .
Once a hospital dedicated to treating tuberculosis, The Akureyri Sanatorium now sits haunted by the ghosts of its past.
But a single wing remains open and houses six employees: the caretaker, two doctors, two nurses and a young research assistant.
When one of the nurses, Yrsa, is found brutally murdered, a series of terrifying events are set in motion.
With only six suspects, how has the trail run dry?
Two decades later, the mystery remains unsolved. That is, until young criminologist Helgi Reykdal takes on the case.
Can he finally put the terrifying secrets of the Sanatorium’s past to rest?
About The Author:
Ragnar Jónasson is an international number one bestselling author who has sold over three million books worldwide. He was born in Reykjavík, Iceland, where he also works as an investment banker and teaches copyright law at Reykjavík University.
He has previously worked as a TV news reporter for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service and translated fourteen of Agatha Christie’s novels. His critically acclaimed international bestseller The Darkness is soon to be a major TV series, and Ridley Scott will be producing Outside as a feature film.
Good morning everyone and happy Saturday! I’ve seen a few people create some beautiful book suns and I thought I’d join in.
Most people have done it with the books standing up but I could not get mine to stay standing up and once they all fell over in a perfect domino effect I decided to try something different 😂
❤️ Close To Death by Anthony Horowitz 🧡 James by Percival Everett 💛The Night In Question by Susan Fletcher 💚A Lesson In Cruelty by Harriet Tyce 🟢The Examiner by Janice Hallet 🩵You Are Here by David Nicholls 💙 Where They Lie by Claire Coughlan 💜The Whisperwicks by Jordan Lee 🟣 Nuclear Family by Kate Davies
All of these are tbr apart from Nuclear Family and The Night In Question which I really enjoyed. You can find my reviews for both on my grid.
I’m off today and I’m hoping for another quiet day. My youngest two are out at clubs this morning with my husband so I’m hoping to get some more reading done. I’m currently reading Sociopath by Patric Gagne (as it won my poll the other day ) and I’m really enjoying it so far! Thanks to everyone for recommending.
I’ve tagged a few people who might want to take part on Instagram but, as always, no pressure.
Florence Butterfield has lived an extraordinary life full of travel, passion and adventure. But, at eighty-seven, she suspects there are no more surprises to come her way.
Then, one midsummer’s night, something terrible happens – so strange and unexpected that Florrie is suspicious. Was this really an accident, or is she living alongside a would-be murderer?
The only clue is a magenta envelope, discarded earlier that day.
And Florrie – cheerfully independent but often overlooked – is the only person determined to uncover the truth.
As she does, Florrie finds herself looking back on her own life . . . and a long-buried secret, traced in faded scars across her knuckles, becomes ever harder to ignore.
Readers of Elizabeth is Missing, Small Pleasures or Dear Mrs Bird will love prize-winning author Susan Fletcher’s The Night in Question – an absorbing and uplifting novel with a uniquely loveable protagonist at its heart.
My Review:
I absolutely loved this absorbing, gripping read which will definitely be staying with me.
Firstly I absolutely loved Florrie and rate her as one of my favourite characters ever. It was really lovely getting to know her and learning more about life. Florrie has definitely had an amazing, varied life and I loved living precariously through her as she experiences things I could only dream of. I warmed to her immediately and quickly wished that I knew her in real life.
I thought the story had a great pace to it and it was fun to follow her and Stanthorpe as they try to solve the murder. The clues were revealed in a realistic way and there were lots of twists that kept me guessing. In between the murder mystery there are flashbacks to her younger days where we learn more about her past loves which was really fascinating but quite emotional at times and my heart broke as I realised that she’d never let herself be happy.
The ending was brilliant and I was really pleased with how things ended. I wasn’t able to figure out who done it and I loved how all the other threads of story came together. I’m really hoping that there might be a sequel as I’d love to see more from Florrie and Stanthorpe.
Huge thanks Alison Barrow for my copy of this book and for inviting me to the lovely celebration event in London. Thanks also to Susan for being so lovely and supportive. It was wonderful to meet you.
About The Author:
Susan Fletcher was born in 1979 in Birmingham. She is the author of the bestselling ‘Eve Green’ winner of the Whitbread First Novel Award, ‘Oystercatchers’ and ‘Witch Light’.
Good morning everyone and happy Thursday. I’m a huge fan of Lucy Foley and have loved all of her previous books so you can imagine my excitement when I opened this book post.
Huge thanks to @indie_thinking & @harpercollinsuk for sending.
The Midnight Feast is out 6th June 2024 and you can find out more about the book below!
What food or drink would you bring to a midnight feast?
Book Synopsis:
Midsummer, the Dorset coast
In the shadows of an ancient wood, guests gather for the opening weekend of The Manor: a beautiful new countryside retreat.
But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. And the candles have barely been lit for a solstice supper when the body is found.
It all began with a secret, fifteen years ago. Now the past has crashed the party. And it’ll end in murder at…
THE MIDNIGHT FEAST
About The Author:
Lucy Foley is a British novelist, most well known for her crime thrillers which include The Hunting Party and The Guest List.
After studying English Literature at Durham University and University College London, Foley became a fiction editor, penning her debut novel The Book of Lost and Found in 2015 alongside her day job. Two more novels followed in 2016 and 2018 before she achieved the breakout success of her first crime thriller, The Hunting Party (also 2018). A gripping whodunit set in the Scottish wilderness, the book became her first Waterstones Thriller of the Month in November 2019, a feat Foley replicated in September 2020 with her next page-turning mystery The Guest List. The Paris Apartment, set in a sinister Montmartre apartment block, was published in March 2022.
Over The Rainbow Blog 