I should be writing some reviews today – or failing that I really should be reading – but I can’t let the moment pass without drawing attention to some of the wonderful books being released today, either for the first time or as paperback editions. So this is just a little reminder of some of the books I’ve really enjoyed that are now available for everyone to read.
To see my review of the first, you’ll need to go back to August 2013, when it was a slightly different book from a new author who was yet to make her mark. When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis is finally released today by Penguin (paperback and kindle), and I promise you’ll love it. When I read it, it was called A Serpentine Affair and I was really privileged to have the opportunity to be an early reader, before the author was signed up by her current publishers and before the immense success of her first bestseller One StepToo Far. This new version has seen a few changes – the original seven friends are now six, and some other aspects have changed a little too. I haven’t had the chance to read the rewritten version, but can’t speak highly enough about Tina Seskis’ writing – if you like your books full of layered secrets and twists, while being beautifully and effortlessly written, don’t miss this one, whatever you do.
Also out today is Letters To The Lost by Iona Grey, a book that I found so thoroughly perfect that I would have burst if I hadn’t been able to tell everyone about it. Published tomorrow by Simon & Schuster in paperback and for kindle, this is going to be one of the books of the year. Do read my review, but more importantly make sure you get your hands on this wonderful book.
Today also sees the release of two unmissable thrillers. The first, The Lie, is by C L Taylor who also wrote the superb The Accident. Published by Avon in paperback and for kindle, you’ll see from my review that I found this quite a read – perfectly paced, totally gripping and an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller.
The second is How I Lost You by Jenny Blackhurst, available on kindle for a few months now but published in paperback today by Headline. I’ll be reviewing this one in the next few days, but in terms of pacing, twists and turns and edge-of-your-seat writing, I’d recommend it every bit as much.
Also out in paperback, published by Sphere, is The Crooked House by Christobel Kent. I reviewed it back in February – not an edge-of-the-seat thriller this time, but dark and claustrophobic, filled with menace, with wonderful writing where not a single word is wasted. Quite mesmerising, and very, very different.
Out in paperback too is The Broken by Tamar Cohen, published by Black Swan. I’m a recent convert to her books, although blogging friends have been telling me for some time how good her books are. I really enjoyed her Dying For Christmas, and enjoyed this one every bit as much, dark and unsettling and uncomfortably real. I’ve just finished reading it and I’ll get my review up as soon as I can.
Moving away from the thrillers – I never realised how many I read! – today sees the paperback publication of The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. I adore everything she’s ever written: later today, I’ll be offering you the chance to win a special hardback copy to mark the paperback release. For now though, do have a look at my review – it was wonderful.
And another paperback release today that I’m yet to finish reading. I always love Carole Matthews’ writing, and I’m half way through The Cake Shop In The Garden, out in paperback from Sphere. I’m thoroughly enjoying it – wonderful escapist romance with superb characters and unashamedly romantic with a gorgeous hero, I’ll be reviewing it as soon as I finish, but I can confidently announce that it will delight everyone who enjoys Carole’s unique style.
There are more – notably the paperback version of A Cornish Stranger by Liz Fenwick (Orion) and the first release of The Confectioner’s Tale by Laura Madeleine (Black Swan, kindle and paperback). I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing them both very soon.
The dreadful thing about writing a post like this is that I’m sure I’ll have forgotten some other book I’ve enjoyed that’s also perhaps creeping out today in paperback: I do hope not. Anyway, a very happy publication day to everyone – and what a wonderful day to be a reader!
Postscript
And I just knew I’d forgotten someone really important! Hoping author Lisa Jewell will forgive me, 23rd April is also the publication date for The Third Wife (Arrow). From my review you’ll see how much I loved this one, as I have every book I’ve read by her. So sorry!