Here's what I've been reading in January:
Vox by Christina Dalcher - Dr Jean McClellan is married with four children, one of them a girl. With the election of a new Government, women and girls are no longer allowed to work, own a passport, read or write and are limited to speaking 100 words per day. If they go over this the band on their wrist emits a strong electric shock.
They are now homemakers with no freedom. Jean is a leading doctor in her field and finds it frustrating to have to obey her husband and even her sons! She's called in to help the President's brother after a skiing accident (and is allowed her band removed for the period) and finds that others are a equally as frustrated as her and have formed resistance. It's a fast paced read (which although made me mad) I enjoyed.
They are now homemakers with no freedom. Jean is a leading doctor in her field and finds it frustrating to have to obey her husband and even her sons! She's called in to help the President's brother after a skiing accident (and is allowed her band removed for the period) and finds that others are a equally as frustrated as her and have formed resistance. It's a fast paced read (which although made me mad) I enjoyed.
When I had a Little Sister by Catherine Simpson* - a moving memoir about the life and death of Catherine's younger sister. It's published next week so will share my review in my February book round-up.
The Second Wife by Sheryl Browne* - oh wow I just loved this fast paced and thrilling page turner! Nicola and Rebecca have been best friends for years. They may not see each other often but are always there for each other. When Richard, Nicola's husband whom she met and married quickly phones her to tell her she's committed suicide Rebecca can't believe it. Although she knows Nicola has had a tormented past she doesn't believe she'd kill herself...
Rebecca gets to know Richard and his scheming daughter Olivia planning to get to the bottom of what drove Nicola to take her own life. She finds herself falling for Richard and believes he can't have done anything wrong but as she delves deeper she finds things that shock her to her core... A brilliant, brilliant novel which I just loved.
Rebecca gets to know Richard and his scheming daughter Olivia planning to get to the bottom of what drove Nicola to take her own life. She finds herself falling for Richard and believes he can't have done anything wrong but as she delves deeper she finds things that shock her to her core... A brilliant, brilliant novel which I just loved.
The Familiars by Stacey Halls* - which isn't out until early February. I'll include my review in my February round-up.
Betsy & Lilibet by Sophie Duffy - oh I just loved this sweet tale. Betsy Sunshine is born on the same day as Queen Elizabeth. Betsy, is an Undertaker's daughter and born into a family with no sons (her sister Marge is an airhead only interested in boys and beauty) and so it's Betsy who carries on the trade.
We follow Betsy (and Lilibet is woven into the story too with Betsy actually meeting her several times) through her life, up and downs, loves and heartaches. She reflects back over her life which is a social history of some of the most poignant moments which have happened over her life and also in ours. It's an absolutely stunning novel which I absolutely adored (it also makes my top books of '19).
We follow Betsy (and Lilibet is woven into the story too with Betsy actually meeting her several times) through her life, up and downs, loves and heartaches. She reflects back over her life which is a social history of some of the most poignant moments which have happened over her life and also in ours. It's an absolutely stunning novel which I absolutely adored (it also makes my top books of '19).
Call me Star Girl by Louise Beech** - an amazing read which isn't published until April. I'll share my thoughts with you then.
The Hidden by Mary Chamberlain* - this is published in early February and is brilliant (I know already it makes my books of 2019). I'll share my review in my February book round-up.
Bitter Edge DI Kelly Porter Book Four by Rachel Lynch* - which is also published early next month and again, I'll share my review in my February round-up. I just love Kelly Porter!
The Good Friend by Jo Baldwin** - I'm taking part in the Blog Tour on 1st March so I'll share my review then.
Dead Memories DI Kim Stone #10 by Angela Marsons* - which is truly gripping! It's not published until 22nd February so I'll share my review in my February round-up.
From last month (was awaiting publication):
Blackberry & Wild Rose by Sonia Velton* - I just loved this exquisite read. The story is set in the late Eighteenth Century at that time of the Huguenot silk weavers in Spitalfields in London's east end.
Sarah Kemp on arriving in London is tricked into becoming a whore in a brothel. Esther Thorel comes across her being mistreated and pays off her debts for her to become her maid. Sarah although slightly grateful is jealous of her employee and when the situation presents itself has no qualms in telling Esther's husband untruths and half-lies about her.... which leads to devastating consequences.
Esther has dreams and ambitions of her own to design the silk. Her husband quickly puts her down and says no. She goes behind his back with the help of his journeyman, Bisby who weaves her beautiful "blackberry & wild rose" design. Bisby's feelings for Esther grow although he knows it can go nowhere.. A richly drawn historical novel which I devoured.
From last month (was awaiting publication):
Blackberry & Wild Rose by Sonia Velton* - I just loved this exquisite read. The story is set in the late Eighteenth Century at that time of the Huguenot silk weavers in Spitalfields in London's east end.
Sarah Kemp on arriving in London is tricked into becoming a whore in a brothel. Esther Thorel comes across her being mistreated and pays off her debts for her to become her maid. Sarah although slightly grateful is jealous of her employee and when the situation presents itself has no qualms in telling Esther's husband untruths and half-lies about her.... which leads to devastating consequences.
Esther has dreams and ambitions of her own to design the silk. Her husband quickly puts her down and says no. She goes behind his back with the help of his journeyman, Bisby who weaves her beautiful "blackberry & wild rose" design. Bisby's feelings for Esther grow although he knows it can go nowhere.. A richly drawn historical novel which I devoured.
What have you been reading this month?
*complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley
**complimentary copy from the publisher
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