Here's what I've been reading in November. If a book is marked * I very kindly received it free of charge for review purposes either from Netgalley or the publisher direct.
*One August Night by Victoria Hislop - I took part in my first readalong on Instagram for this book which was a bit of a learning curve while quite enjoyable. Having loved The Island it was nice to go back even though I sort of wish I'd re-read The Island before embarking on the sequel.
We meet up again with Maria, Anna, Manolis and Andreas. It's 25th August 1957 and the leper colony is closing at Spinalonga as a cure has been found. Anna is happy that her sister is cured but sick with worry at her return. She's now married to Andreas, wants for nothing and has a much longed for child.
At the celebrations for the homecomings in Plaka something happens which changes the lives of all concerned forever. As the story develops we learn more about Manolis as a person and I must say I warmed to him despite everything. As ever the Greek setting is so easy to read about and its easy to find yourself back in the village and their lives. A story of families, feuding, love including forbidden love, friendships and growing up.
*How to Belong by Sarah Franklin - I took part in the blog tour for this fantastic book. See my review HERE.
*When I Come Home Again by Caroline Scott - The story is set at the end of WWI, is richly drawn and based on true life events. A soldier is arrested in Durham Cathedral. He is questioned and finds he doesn't know who he is or why he was there. He's transferred to a rehab home and Dr James Haworth, a young doctor with war demons of his own is enthusiastically hopeful of helping "Adam" remember.
Adam finds he doesn't want to remember and is happy to spend his days walking the grounds and later turning the walled garden back into it's former glory. When it's decided to feature him in a newspaper article, hundreds of women turn up to claim him as their own - he's their son, brother or husband. There are three possibles who slowly get to know him although he doesn't feel a real affiliation or connection to any of them.It's the woman he meets when he's out walking that he has the deepest feelings for. Why can't he remember? When he finally does remember it's very bittersweet. A stunning novel which stayed with me long after I finished reading.
*Christmas Island by Natalie Normann - I really enjoyed this sweet romantic tale. Doctor, Holly is suspended from the hospital where she works following an argument with a colleague and takes herself off to visit her brother and his family on their island home in Norway. They're away visiting her wife's mother in Spain when she arrives in the dark and cold off the ferry. She takes a wrong turning and is saved by a yellow eyed cat called Froy. His abrasive and unfriendly owner, Tor berates her for standing so near to the cliff. He grudgingly offers to help her and she stays the night on his sofa before making her way to her brothers the next day.
The story is steeped in Norwegian traditions and friendly island folk. Tor can't get Holly out of his head and keeps doing thoughtful things for her. She really likes him too but realises it can only be a holiday romance as they live such different lives. Her romantic fairytale ends when she's called back to work and reality but there's a surprise in store! I absolutely loved the story and characters. So recommend!
*The Therapist by B A Paris - oh I absolutely adored this twisty tale which isn't published until next year. I'm taking part in the blog tour in January, so catch my review then.
From previous months (awaiting publication):
*Deadly Cry - DI Kim Stone #13 by Angela Marsons - Oh how I love a Detective Kim Stone novel! I found I instantly slotted myself back into the lives of Kim and the Team, such brilliant characters I've grown to love. A little girl is found alone in a shopping centre. Where is her mother? She's later found murdered nearby. A second murder follows quickly on its heels, what is the connection to two seemingly innocent women? And where is the second woman's son.
Detective Kim Stone and the Team are quickly on the case but are struggling with leads. Stacey is working on an unsolved case regarding rape and she feels something is amiss. Penn is mourning the loss of his mother and seems unable to reach his younger brother Jasper.The killer reaches out to Kim by letter begging for her assistance in making it stop. What are the connections? What do the scratch marks represent? I love how everything is very cleverly interwoven. I must admit though I never guessed! Twisty and as unputdownable as ever! Highly recommend.
*A Girl without a Name by Suzanne Goldring - The story opens in the present day and Billie's father suffers a stroke, seemingly after something he's seen on a newsflash. She discovers a photograph in his wallet and tries to ask her father about it. He becomes agitated and she makes out the word Ruby. She decides to ask her aunt if she knows who this Ruby could be...
Ruby and Stevie met when they were evacuated with his sister Joan to sleepy Devon during WW2 and became friends. When Ruby's mum is killed by a bomb, she finds her perfect life with Mrs Honey in Devon is over. All her aunt and uncle want is a slave to help them run their London pub. Ruby gets a job in a local department store and meets Stevie again. She has some moments of joy before he's sent overseas to do mandatory work in the Armed Forces. When he returns he's a changed man and Ruby has to make a choice.Meanwhile, Billie, with the help of her Aunt Joan is trying to track down what happened to Ruby and what connections she had with her father after he married her mother. What is the connection to the devastating flood and her dad, and why does Ruby mean so much to him.... There are some twists in the book which I never expected at all. It's a brilliant read which I so recommend.
What have you been reading this month?
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