*e-copy generously provided by the publisher via netgalley/direct from the publisher. Here's what I've been reading in December:
*All the Rage - A DI Adam Fawley Thriller - by Cara Hunter - Teenage girl, Faith Appleyard is found wandering the streets in a disheveled state by a local taxi driver. He tips off the police and when they go to talk to her she says she doesn't want to take things further. With the lack of cooperation their hands are tied. When a second girl goes missing DI Fawley and the Team need to investigate to find out if the crimes are connected.
In these cases there's a striking resemblance to the case of the Roadside Rapist which put Gavin Parry away for life. DI Fawley was the arresting officer who sent him down. Now it's wondered if there's been a miscarriage of justice. DI Fawley is pulled from the case and DI Ruth Gallagher brought in. Of course, Adam has to do a little bit of investigating of his own on the side. His wife, whom he met after the case, was a victim of Parry's and her evidence helped to bring him down.
The race is on to find out who is behind the crimes and why. The story is twisty, fast paced, un-put-down-able and that twist at the end - oh WOW! This is my first read by Cara Hunter and I'm planning to go back and start the series from the beginning.
*The Home by Sarah Stovell - I'm taking part in the blog tour for this book in January so I'll share my thoughts then. WOW though.
A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs - this little book had been on my wishlist for an age! I noticed it had come way down in price and was delighted to snap it up on Amazon. The story is set on Christmas Eve 1894 and follows single but independent, Margaret Campbell, her family and her crippled and angry, brother Alan as well as, a handsome stranger, Gordon Shaw. She meets Mr Shaw on the train out of Stirling and when the train is stuck in a blizzard ends up taking him home.
It turns out that Mr Shaw has a connection to her family from all those years ago and would like to apologise for his part in what happened to her brother. It's a nice little Christmas read with themes of forgiveness, friendship and love which I'd recommend.
*American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins - WOW just WOW this book is a must read. It's not published until January so I'll share my review then (it makes my top 12 of 2019 though!)
*If I never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane - which isn't published until next year. I absolutely adored it.
Infused Booze by Kathy Kordalis - I found this absolutely fascinating having recently made Limoncello. There are some delicious sounding serves here which I'll definitely make!
The Rations Challenge by Claud Fullwood - for Lent, Claud decides to go back to the 1940s and live for 40 days on rations. I found that part of the book and the memories of those who lived through rations fascinating. The filler bits not so and slightly preachy. Generally an interesting read.
From last month:
*The Dilemma by B A Paris - Livia has been planning her 40th birthday for years. She didn't get the wedding she dreamed of due to her unplanned pregnancy and becoming estranged from her parents so, she's pinned her whole life on one perfect day. The marquee is up and her son Josh and his friend have sorted the music - asking each guest for a song which is special to them. That morning she goes to the spa with her best-est pals for a pamper sesh with fizz. She's on cloud nine....although there is one niggle....the secret she's been keeping from Adam which will tear their world apart..
Their daughter, Marnie is studying abroad and unable to be there for the big day. Unbeknown to Livia, Adam has secretly arranged for her to be there...but during the party he hears something on the news which will break his wife's heart in two. He can't decide what to do - should he tell Livia or let her have the best day she's waited so long for....
Adam is forced to tell Livia his secret which shatters her world. Her secret breaks his heart. Is there any coming back from it all? It's a twisty, compulsive and downright gripping tale which I couldn't put down. So recommend.
What have you been reading in December?
