Recent reading – and goodbye for a while… #readingrecommendations #amreading

It’s really been far too long since my last post – and, with my big adventure fast approaching, I’m afraid it’s going to be even longer until my next. Don’t worry, there’s nothing amiss – my absence is going to be fun and excitement all the way (well, I hope so anyway!), and I’m looking forward to it immensely, but it does mean that I’ll be taking a break from sharing my reviews (and all social media, so I’m sorry I won’t be sharing anyone else’s reviews either!) until the latter end of November. And to many of my favourite authors who have books coming out in the next couple of months, I’m really sorry I won’t be around to cheerlead as I usually do – but I will, of course, be looking forward to catching up later with your latest releases.

I do have some additional blogger’s guilt though – although I’ve been up to my eyes in all the preparations, I’ve still managed to read nine books over the last couple of weeks but just haven’t been able to find the time (or energy…) to write any reviews. I really hope to do so when I’m back on-line again – well, maybe not for all of them or I’ll be exhausted again, but I promise I’ll do whatever I can. Every single book I read, I thoroughly enjoyed – and every one of them really did deserve one of my five star reviews.

So, I’m sorry there are no reviews today – but until I’m back with you again, I’d just like to share some details about my last couple of weeks’ reading. They’re all books I’d really recommend you add to your reading list too…

The Storytellers by Sue Heath was published by One More Chapter on 1st August, and is now available on all major e-book platforms , in paperback, and as an audiobook. I really loved Sue’s last book, The Secret Ingredient – one of the most joyous and uplifting books I’d read in quite a long time, overflowing with love, a sense of belonging, and real hope for the future. Gorgeous in every way, and thoroughly deserving of its place as one of my 2024 Books of the Year – so this latest book was one I was very much looking forward to, and it certainly didn’t disappoint in any way…

Everyone has a story…

 

The local library is a place for community members to enjoy a cup of coffee, to read a book, to swap a book, to exchange ideas, and maybe even share a piece of themselves. It’s also a refuge for people like Hattie, looking to reconnect with her past, and Avril, trying to hide from the future, and Stuart, searching for a new purpose, and librarian Will, whose life has been spun in an unexpected direction.

 

Apart, they could not be more different from one another, but when a flyer for a writing competition draws Hattie, Avril, Stuart and Will together, they come to discover that a good story doesn’t just open your eyes, but also your world…

The Best of Intentions by Caroline Scott was published on 17th July by Simon & Schuster, and is now available on all major e-book platforms, in paperback, and as an audiobook. The Photographer of the Lost, Caroline’s debut, is still one of my favourite books of all time – the most beautiful writing, the way it made me feel, the profound impression it left (you can read my review again here). Her second book, When I Come Home Again, was just as stunning – a story you feel, every word so carefully chosen, emotionally challenging but filled with hope for the future (you’ll find my full review here). And then there was The Visitors – such a compelling story, poignant and deeply moving – and for the third year running, one of my books of the year (you can read my review here). Good Taste was something a little different – an endearing heroine, a vividly drawn between-the-wars setting, the complications of family and friendships, a challenging culinary mission – but I loved every moment (you’ll find that review here). This book took me a little by surprise – delighted to see a new book on its way from Caroline after a three year hiatus, I’d planned to read it rather later, only to find it had already been released. But sometimes the very best reads really don’t need a fanfare…

1932: When gardener Robert Bardsley arrives at Anderby Hall, an Elizabethan manor house in the Gloucestershire countryside, it is home to ‘Greenfields’, a community of artists and idealists.

 

Robert has been employed to revive Anderby’s famous roses and restore the topiary garden, but he also soon befriends the other residents: from colourful neighbour Trudie, who makes a formidable cocktail and keeps her late-fiancé’s ashes on the mantelpiece, to composer Daniel, recovering from the horrors of the Great War. The only person he can’t win over is Anderby’s schoolteacher, Faye, who finds him . . . perfectly vexing.

 

But just as Robert starts to feel at home, the residents discover that the old orchard has been sold to a property developer who has plans for an estate of Tudorbethan bungalows. Can they find a way to keep their creative community alive or will the new housing development put an end to the spirit of Greenfields?

 

Charming, nostalgic and brimming with optimism – a sparkling story of friendship, community and staying true to yourself for fans of Lissa Evans and AJ Pearce.

The Sea Glass Necklace by Georgia Hill was published on 17th June by BLKDOG Books (and was on my reading list for far too long…) – now available on all major ebook platforms and in paperback. Over the years, I’ve very much enjoyed Georgia’s dual-time historical writing. I remember reading While I Was Waiting back in 2016 – excellent story telling, full of love, loss, sadness and joy, with perfectly judged gentle humour and the most perfect ending (you’ll find my review here). And in 2019, I really loved On A Falling Tide – a compelling read, a wonderfully drawn location, moments of high drama, plenty of chilling episodes, two strong and convincing love stories, and the threads expertly interwoven throughout (you can read my review again here). You might just like to try one of her lighter contemporary romances – if you’re already lining up your Christmas reading, I’d highly recommend New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage (you’ll find my review here – and I’m still kicking myself that I didn’t manage to read the second in the series, New Beginnings at Lullbury Bay too…). But her last book, with that lovely cover, immediately appealed to me when I first saw it – and I really enjoyed reading her dual-time writing again…

Two women seeking a new beginning. For one, it will end in tragedy.

 

Present Day

 

Escaping an abusive relationship, Juno runs away to Begin-Again Cottage in Flete, a sleepy town on the Devon coast. When she finds a sea glass bead her dreams become rich with the image of a Celtic man, and a woman’s voice begins calling her name. With the help of attractive archaeologist Tom, she uncovers the story of star-crossed lovers rumoured to haunt the hills above the town. And, when Juno’s ex-boyfriend tracks her down, she must summon a strength that comes from a woman who lived nearly two thousand years before …

 

AD 370 Roman Britannia

 

Flavia, in love with the son of a tribal chieftain, is facing a forced marriage to her father’s loathsome slave. Desperate, she casts a curse, demanding the goddess Juno gives protection – and a chance to escape. The incantation echoes down through time, reaching out to another woman in distress …

 

Will past and present collide to empower Flavia and Juno when they need it most, or will the predatory men who pursue them prove too powerful?

And it really did take me far too long to read this one! Georgia’s next book – Magpie, another dual-time story – will be published on 9th September and is available for preorder. That’s another one added to my reading list…

Her Many Faces by Nicki Cloke was a bit of a “wild card” read – a little (ok, a lot!) different from my usual reads, and a book I overlooked when it was first published, but I’d seen it recommended by so many authors who are personal favourites that I really wanted to give it a try (and I’m so glad I did). Published on 3rd July by Penguin/Harvill, and is now available as an ebook on all major platforms, in hardcover, and as an audiobook – the paperback will follow in April 2026. Part psychological thriller, part courtroom drama – a really original read well deserving the accolades, told from different viewpoints and constantly making you change your perception of the character at the story’s heart. Such clever, edgy writing – I raced through it, and very much enjoyed it…

TO EACH OF THEM SHE’S SOMEONE DIFFERENT. BUT IS SHE GUILTY?

 

When four influential members of London’s most exclusive private club are poisoned, a young waitress is charged with their murder. Now her personal life and upbringing are under the microscope, and the people closest to Katie start to question what they know about her.

 

Her father remembers the sweet schoolgirl.

 

Her childhood friend misses her kindness and protection.

 

Her lover regrets ever falling for her.

 

Her lawyer believes she is hiding something.

 

A journalist is convinced she is a cold-blooded killer.

 

FIVE MEN. FIVE STORIES. BUT ARE THEY READY FOR HERS?

At the end of August I spotted a post on Katie Marsh’s author page celebrating ten years since her debut novel, My Everything, was published. Much as I’m enjoying her Bad Girls Detective Agency series – and I know there’s a new one, The Mistletoe Murder Club, being released on 5th September (which I promise to read and review before Christmas…) – her post made me realise I’d never actually read her debut. I remembered how very much I enjoyed her more romantic and emotional reads, and saw that it had been sitting on my kindle for the last ten years… so, when I finally get round to sharing a review, it’ll be just a little more overdue than most. Don’t worry, the book is still available – published by Hodder & Stoughton, just 99p for your kindle, and also available in paperback and as an audiobook – and I have to say I really loved it…

A gorgeous and emotional novel, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Jodi Picoult.

 

On the day Hannah is finally going to tell her husband she’s leaving him, he has a stroke . . . and life changes in an instant.

 

Tom’s only 32. Now he can’t walk or cut up his own food, let alone use his phone or take her in his arms. And Hannah’s trapped. She knows she has to care for her husband, the very same man she was ready to walk away from.

 

But with the time and fresh perspective he’s been given, Tom re-evaluates his life, and becomes determined to save his marriage. Can he once again become the man his wife fell in love with, or has he left it too late?

 

My Everything is an unputdownable debut novel. It will make you cry, laugh, and stop to think about what’s really important in life.

Ok, I know it’s only a short while since I helped out with the cover reveal, and I didn’t really mean to read it ahead of release – but I just couldn’t resist! Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure, the latest book from Caroline James, is now being published on 9th September, a bit sooner than originally planned. I’ve said it on Goodreads, so I’ll say it here too – this book was everything I hoped it would be, its author has never written better, and I thought it was quite wonderful…

When seventy-year-old Atticus Arnott trades the rainy hills of Cumbria for the golden coast of Spain in his beloved vintage campervan, his quiet village is left reeling from the shock. With only his faithful collie, Ness, for company, Atticus sets off in search of sunshine, serenity, and perhaps a glass or two of sangria. But his solo adventure quickly turns into something far more unexpected…

 

Back in Ireland, Atticus’s daughter Mary is facing a crisis of her own. As her picture-perfect life starts to crumble, she must find the courage to put herself first for once and rediscover the dreams she set aside long ago.

 

As father and daughter navigate new paths, they learn that starting over isn’t about running from the past—but embracing the unknown with open arms…

 

Full of laughter, love and second chances, Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure is a feel-good escape that proves it’s never too late for new beginnings – no matter where life might take you.

You’ve all already read this one, haven’t you? But, having entirely loved her more recent books, I’m on a bit of a mission to catch up with Laura Pearson’s back catalogue – The Last List of Mabel Beaumont was published by Boldwood Books in August 2023, and is available for kindle (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback and hardcover, and as an audiobook. And I could certainly see why it was a number one bestseller…

The list he left had just one item on it. Or, at least, it did at first…

 

Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere. ‘Remember: eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love you: today, tomorrow, always’.

 

But now Arthur is gone. He died: softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it though: ‘Find D’.

 

Mabel feels sure she knows what it means. She must track down her best friend Dot, who she hasn’t seen since the fateful day she left more than sixty years ago.

 

It seems impossible. She doesn’t even know if Dot’s still alive. Also, every person Mabel talks to seems to need help first, with missing husbands, daughters, parents. Mabel finds her list is just getting longer, and she’s still no closer to finding Dot.

 

What she doesn’t know is that her list isn’t just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again…

 

A completely heartbreaking, beautiful, uplifting story, guaranteed to make you smile but also make you cry. 

An early read this time! The President’s Wife by Anna Stuart will be published by Bookouture on 23rd September as an ebook and in paperback, and is now available for preorder. I’m always a real fan of the blending of history and fiction, and Anna’s depth of research and wonderful storytelling make her books something I always enjoy – and I was so frustrated when I realised I wouldn’t be around to join the publisher’s blog tour as I usually do. Her last book, The English Wife, was inspired by the life of Clementine Churchill – an exceptional read, transporting me into its world, bringing to life someone who’s largely become a footnote in history, filling me with tremendous admiration for her many achievements (you’ll find my review here). And this time it’s Eleanor Roosevelt, and my goodness, this was wonderful – beautifully written, rich in historical detail, and such a strong and likeable woman at the story’s heart…

December 1941: ‘Pearl Harbor has been bombed.’ My husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s, voice shakes as he tells me the devastating news. In this heart-stopping moment, I’m determined to do whatever it takes to protect America, but will it be enough?

 

Eleanor Roosevelt takes a deep breath. She knew this day was coming but now that it’s here she needs every ounce of courage to face it. She’s stood by Franklin’s side through thirty years of marriage and three terms in the White House but entering the war that’s been raging across the world will be their greatest challenge yet.

 

Eleanor watches thousands of women as they embrace their husbands for what could be the last time before they go off to war. She knows she needs to put aside the troubles in her own relationship for the sake of the country. But will the latest threat to her marriage finally tear her and Franklin apart?

 

The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been. This is a moment that history will never forget, and all eyes are on them. Will Eleanor succeed in her role as the president’s wife and help to save her beloved country as well as her marriage? Or will tragedy strike before the war is won…?

 

From bestselling author Anna Stuart, comes an incredible and heartbreaking novel of one woman’s bravery, determination and courage. Inspired by the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, this unputdownable WW2 novel is perfect for fans of Marie Benedict, Soraya M. Lane and Kate Quinn.

And one last one – a festive read, but another treat I really couldn’t resist! Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House by Sharon Booth was published by Boldwood Books on 1st September – I know there was an Amazon glitch on publication day, but it’s now available for kindle (free via Kindle Unlimited) and in paperback and hardcover, with the audiobook to follow on 9th September. This is the third book in her Ghosts of Rowan Vale series, and it’s one I’m so enjoying – the setting is perfect, the characters (ghostly or not) superbly drawn, their stories really engaging at every level, and I really think this might have been my favourite in the series so far…

In the beautiful Cotswold village of Rowan Vale, tourists mingle unknowingly with the ghosts of Christmas past…

 

When Clara first arrived in the village to visit her boyfriend Jack at his family home, Honeywell House, she’d no idea her life was about to change forever. Now, years later, she’s struggling to cope with hormonal changes and three boisterous sons – and her and Jack’s relationship has never felt more precarious.

 

Meanwhile, over at Harling Hall, tensions rise between resident ghosts, Agnes and Aubrey, over a Dickensian-themed weekend planned for the village.

 

While Aubrey prepares to defy Agnes, Clara’s secret is about to be revealed. She wasn’t entirely honest with Jack when she first arrived in Rowan Vale, and as time passed, it seemed too late to come clean. Now she doesn’t have a choice…

 

With both relationships already under strain, the Christmas spirit has its work cut out, this festive season…

 

Fans of Heidi Swain, K. F. Breene and the BBC hit sitcom Ghosts will LOVE this blissfully heart-warming, Christmassy story.

Ooh, I do feel better for doing that – and thank you to all the authors for the exceptional reads and hours of enjoyment. So I’ll say goodbye for now – and I promise I’ll be back towards the end of November…!