Wednesday, 31 December 2014

December Books & A Yearly Round-Up

Here's what I've been reading in December:


Pieces of You by Ella Harper - Lucy & Luke are soulmates and their relationship is the envy of their friends. Married for five years and the only thing missing is a much longed for baby.  Lucy has suffered a series of miscarriages and looses her baby just as she finds out Luke, a Paramedic has had an accident at work and is in a coma.  A heavily pregnant woman called Stella arrives on the scene and appears to know all about Lucy and her and Luke's marriage.  The story is told in flashbacks, from Lucy's view, Patricia's view (Luke's mother) and from his sister Nell's view.  A tear jerking novel which is so sad but it has a hopeful ending.  I really enjoyed this book and the story stayed with me when I finished it.


The Seafront Tea Rooms by Vanessa Greene - Journalist Charlie is on a mission to find the best tea rooms in Britain for an article she's writing for the magazine where she works.  When she discovers The Seafront Tea Rooms she knows she's found something special.

Kat, a single mum convinces Charlie to keep the tea room out of her article by agreeing to join her on a research trip.  Seraphine, a French au-pair with a love of baking joins them.  The girls form a great friendship and travel around finding hidden gems.  There is also a bit of romance. A great easy reading book.


Working Girls by Maureen Carter - this is the first book of the Sergeant Bev Morriss mysteries and I loved it! Fast paced and gritty it follows the story of a young prostitute Michelle who is brutally murdered. Bev has to race against time before the murderer strikes again... Bev be-friends other young prostitutes in a bid to find out who is behind the killings. Believable characters, plot and a great read.


Two Penny Blue by L K Jay - I simply loved this short story which follows the life of present day Dr Penny Black and Florence who arrives in the future from 1840. They find out that they can both help each other.  I especially loved reading about the photograph album Florence passes to Penny. A great little memorable read.



Dalintober Moon - A DCI Daley Thriller by Denzil Meyrick - great to see DCI Daley and DS Scott back for this mini mystery. A body is found in a whisky barrel on Dalintober Beach. It seems that the man was murdered a long time ago. There is a twist in the tale I didn't see coming! 



Dead Old by Maureen Carter (Bev Morriss Mystery 2) - this follows the hunt to find the murderer of Sophie Carrington and other elderly ladies. Fast paced with lots of twists and turns some of which I didn't see coming. Bev's family are also affected by the case. A great read.


Daughter by Jane Shemilt - this is the story of a GP whose 16 year old daughter goes missing. It is told in the present day, before she went missing and the day she went missing. I found it an interesting read and didn't see the ending coming! I loved it.


Christmas at the Crescent by Veronica Henry - I loved this short story which tells the story of Josie and her baby son Titus. She gave up her job as Head Chef at a hotel when he was born and is struggling to make ends meet. Titus's father Giles didn't want the responsibilities a baby brings. Josie meets her neighbour Harry who you just know is going to let her down!  Giles isn't happy to learn about Harry and decides he wants to spend time with his son. It has a nice ending.



Cult Perfumes by Tessa Williams - this is a fascinating read about perfume and cult brands. A full review is forthcoming!

Looking back January - November here's what I read. I was hoping to read at least 4 books a month:

January - 5 (link)
February - 3 (link)
March - 4 (link)
April - 6 (link)
May - 7 (link)
June - 9 (link) this was the month I discovered the kindle!
July - 14 (link)
August - 9 (link)
September - 4 (link)
October - 6 (link)
November - 6 (link)
December - 9

Favourite books this year:
Love Nina:Dispatches from Family Life by Nina Stibbe
Bay of Secrets by Roseanna Ley
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan
The One plus One by Jojo Moyes
The Railway Man by Eric Lomax
Two Turtle Doves by Alex Monroe
The Book of You by Claire Kendal
Never Look Back by Claire Donoghue
Eeny Meeny by M J Arlidge
The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop
Somewhere to Hide by Mel Sherratt
Broken Dolls by James Carol
Dividing Line Series by Heather Atkinson
Whisky from Small Glasses by Denzil Meyrick
Your Beautiful Lies by Louise Douglas
The Ways of the Dead by Nelly Tucker
The Last Witness by Denzil Meyrick
The One I was by Eliza Graham
Pop Goes the Weasel by M J Arlidge
Gin Glorious Gin by Olivia Williams
Stealing Power by Bo Brennan
Heartman by M P Wright
The Perfume Garden by Kate Lord Brown
Academy Street by Mary Costello
The Story of You by Katy Regan
Working Girls by Maureen Carter
Two Penny Blue by L K Jay
Daughter by Jane Shemilt
Christmas at the Crescent by Veronica Henry

What's been your favourite books this year?

2 comments:

  1. Love the list of books :) I am an avid reader and love these suggestions!

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    1. Thanks so much! I'm sure you'd like some of these x

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