March Book Round-Up

Here's what I've been reading in March. If a book is marked * I've very kindly received it from the publisher via netgalley or directly.

Devorgilla Days by Kathleen Hart* - I simply loved Kathleen's memoir about changing her life after suffering breast cancer and associated illnesses and moving to a little cottage in Wigtown, the Scottish Book Town. It's an absolute gem. I'll share my review in my May Book Round Up as it's not published until near to the end of May.

Close my Eyes by Beverley Harvey* - I took part in the blog tour. See my review HERE.

The Fair Botanists by Sara Sheridan* - I'm a huge fan of Sara's so was delighted to read her latest novel which is set in Edinburgh in 1822 and features the moving of the Botanical Garden to Inverleith. There's also a rare plant - the Agave Americana set to flower which draws the interest of many. It's not published until early August so I'll share my review then. The story is richly drawn and meticulously researched and I absolutely loved it!

Wintering by Katherine May - I received this book in the March - The Boozy Bookclub, a fantastic book, cocktail and other treats subscription box which I mentioned in my post yesterday. Wintering is a beautifully written book, part memoir covering health, relationships, finances, careers and life in general. Retreating to care, rest and repair yourself. 

Hostage by Clare Mackintosh* which isn't published until 22 June. A fast paced and sometimes tense read which had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I'll share my review in my June book round up. Highly recommend!

Home Stretch by Graham Norton - it's 1987 in a small Irish town called Mullinmore. A group of friends, including a bride and groom go for a day out to the seaside the day before the wedding. Tragedy strikes when there is a car crash and only 3 of the 6 survive. Connor, the driver feels terrible about the pain he's caused and feels he needs to leave town.

He works first in Liverpool as a Labourer before moving to London and becoming comfortable in is own skin. He moves to New York City for love. He still misses those back home but can't feel he can return after causing everyone so much pain. A chance meeting is quite wonderful but in turn brings its own issues. He knows he'll have to go home and face up to what happened in his past which is bittersweet. I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it highly (and it made me cry!)

Rounding up my March reads is That Night by Gillian McAllister* which isn't published until 10th June. I'll share my review in my June book round up. I really enjoyed this fast paced read which had me guessing throughout.

Awaiting publication:

The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex* - I read this incredible book in September last year. It was published this month. I took part in the blog tour. See my review HERE.

I read Dangerous Women by Hope Adams* in December last year. It was published this month. Dangerous Women charts the Rajah on a three month voyage of transportation of petty criminals in 1849. The story is richly drawn and based on a true story.

Onboard are a mix of women and some children mainly petty criminals but there's also a murderer onboard who has hidden her crime. The story is told before and now and is told by 3 women - Kezia Hayter, the Matron in charge of the women, Hattie the victim and Clara who is hiding a secret...

Kezia hand picks women with sewing skills to work on a quilt which becomes known as The Rajah Quilt. It seems it's one of these women who harms Hattie.... The Captain, Chaplain and Surgeon make it their aim to find the killer. A great read which I recommend.

I read While Paris Slept by Ruth Druart* in February and I took part in the blog tour for this incredible read on publication day. See my review HERE.

What have you been reading in lately?