September books

Only two books really stood out for me during my September reading:

Stef Penney - The Long Water

This is a crime novel with a distinctly different flavour. In the height of summer in the north of Norway, the senior students in the local high school are reaching the end of their school days, with their customary reckless dares, and wild parties. Sixteen-year-old Elin is neurodivergent, coming to terms with how she relates to growing up, while her close friend Benny enters into his first proper gay relationship. Elin's grandmother Svea does her best to support her, while she reflects on her own difficult relationship with her daughter, and thinks about her own past. When one of the senior students, Daniel, goes missing, the whole town is affected. Everyone in Svea, Elin and Benny's circle has a connection to the missing teenager. Then the police search uncovers a body in one of the disused copper mines above the town - but it's not a recent death, and there begins a search to discover his identity. Old stories begin to surface, and painful memories are brought to light in the process. Fascinating characters, a different culture explored, as the author teases out each new nugget of information. Excellent storytelling, as we are transported to an unfamiliar area where we recognise dilemmas brought about by society and personal traumas from the past, until answers are finally given.

Lizzie Lane - A New Doctor at Orchard Cottage Hospital

This prelude novel in a saga series is set in 1930. Frances Brakespeare has recently lost her adoptive mother, Izzy, and unmarried former suffragette. Izzy encouraged Frances' career as a doctor in a London hospital, followig her time as a VAD nurse in World War I. When Frances loses her job after standing up to the mysoginistic actions of a male doctor, she applies to be the resident doctor at Orchard Cottage Hospital in Somerset. Soon she finds herself faced with new battles, trying to prove that she's a competent doctor. The two nurses, Lucy and her sister Nancy (who is married to a quarryman), are delighted to have her support, although the Sister, Edith Harrison, is surprisingly frosty. But Frances also has the support of local benefactress of the hospital, Lady Araminta, and a surprising friendship develops with local vicar, Gregory Sampson. There are opponents at every turn, not least the bullying quarry manager, Mr. Grainger. When she discovers that her new home has a disturbing mysterious connection to her fiance, Ralph, who perished in the war, she 's determined to discover the truth about this, while striving to convince the community that she deserves to be in her chosen profession. Well-written, plenty of twists and turns, with a compelling sense of place and time.

August Books

These are the books I have enjoyed reading this past month:

Kate Morton - The Clockmaker's Daughter

Kate Morton  is one of my favourite authors, and this book certainly didn't disappoint. In 2017, Elodie Winslow, an archivist for a 19th Century philanthropist, uncovers a forgotten box containing a hand-made leather satchel. Inside this is an artist's sketcbook and a Victorian photograph of a beautiful unidentified young woman, along with slip of paper containing a passionate declaration of love - unsigned. Elodie recognises one of the sketches instantly - it's the house from a story that her mother used to tell her as a child. But she has no idea of its location, as her mother died when she was young. Elodie begins to follow clues, which gradually lead her to Birchwood Manor, a house by the River Thames. We are transported into the past, firstly to the  nineteenth century when artist Edward Radcliffe lived there. There is a dark tragedy surrounding him and the house, also the story of a long-missing priceless jewel. But there's another voice that echoes through the novel, that of a ghostly presence at Birtchwood Manor. This spirit observes a family coming to live there during World War II, and now in the present day sees a young man take up residence for research. Eventually all the strands begin to come together. When Elodie finally travels Birchwood, the house changes her life too, and making her question her past, her relationship with her dead mother, and her own future. It's a beautifully woven tapestry - intriguing, tender, imaginative, full of colourful historic detail and peopled with fascinating characters. I absolutely loved this book.

Jean Fullerton - A Ration Book Dream

This is the first of Jean Fullerton's East End wartime sagas. On the day before war is declared, Mattie is helping her younger sister Cathy get ready for her wedding to fiance Stan. Mattie lives with her parents, grandmother, and six siblings in a workman's cottage in Wapping, near the London Docks. They're a close family, but money is tight. Mattie takes on the demanding job of a full-time air-raid warden, determined to do her bit for the country. But there are dark undercurrent in the East End. Her sister's husband is involved in a campaign for peace, and Mattie begins to suspect that all is not as it seems with him. Mattie herself is charmed by young banker Christopher, an educated man with striking blond looks, and she starts dating him. But somehow she can't get the thought of Daniel, the tall Irish priest who has come to help out at her family's church, out of her mind. As the months go by, she begins to realise that she will have to summon all her courage to protect her family, and she has some difficult choices to make. The scene-setting is excellent, and a rather slow start picks up pace to provide and exciting adventure filled with colourful characters, reaslistic setting of time and place, and plenty of romance. 

Sue Moorcroft - Under a Summer Skye

A romantic novel set on the Scottish Isle of Sky was an ideal read for my summer holiday on the nearby island of Mull. Thea is the youngest of three adopted sisters. She leads a quiet existence of head gardener at a wonderful house on the island of Skye, far from her English roots. The garden is open to the public, and she's happy working for the Scandinavian couple who own it. Her sister Ezzie also works there as an administrator. But there are people searching Thea out, determined to rake up an unhappy experience in her past and put it in the public eye. Dev, a journalist, has a remit to interview her, while popular influencer Fredek is chasing her in the belief that she owes it to him to appear on his social media channels. Dev ends up rescuing a dog and finds himself face to face with the woman he's hunting - and instead he finds himself falling for her. As Thea finds her own heart engaged, Dev realises that the last thing he wants to do is to hurt her. Now all he wants to do is to get out of his obligation to expose her past, but it turns out to be harder than he thought. As other secrets from Thea's past come to light, can he hide his true identity while doing all he can to help the woman he's come to care for? A very engaging book and a great holiday read. Also, there are two more books in the series, so there's plenty more good reading to look forward to!

July books

My favourite reads from July are:

Pauline Rowson - Death in the Cove

This is a satisfying crime mystery, set in Devon in 1950. Inspector Ryga has been sent from Scotland Yard to lead an investigation on Portland Island (attached to the mainland by a spit of land). A man has been found dead in one of the coves, his identity a mystery. He's dressed in an ill-fitting pinstripe suit, also wearing an expensive shirt and handmade shoes, but he has the rough hands of a labourer. Ryga, still adjusting to civilian life after his wartime naval service culminating as a prisoner of war, is intrigued by the unique setting of the island, with its nearby prison. The local police force treat him warily, being a stranger and from the capital. Soon after arriving he meets two women, both of whom he finds disturbingly attractive. The first, Eva Paisley, who discovered the body, turns out to be a former war photographer. The other is Sonia Shepherd, landlady of the Quarryman's Arms where he takes up lodgings. She was widowed in the war and has a young son, but seems to be hiding something. Ryga's policeman's caution warns him that either or both might be involved in the murder. Despite the doubts of his colleagues, he won't give up on this seemingly impossible investigation. Can Ryga untangle all the clues and reveal the story behind this baffling crime? An interesting plot with intriguing characters that bring the whole story to life.

Ellie Henderson - A Summer Wedding on Arran

This satisfying family story was perfect for one of my holiday reads, especially as I was visiting Scotland! Kirsty, Emma and Amy are still mourning their mother who died two years previously. It's a time of great change in their lives. The three sisters are due to reunite on Arran to celebrate Emma's wedding to Ben. Kirsty and her husband Steve now run the guest house where the girls grew up. The couple's twins are almost eighteen and ready to leave home. Emma has a demanding job as a lawyer in Edinburgh, while Amy has been living in Canada for some time in a relationship with a divorced man. There's an added worry in that their father is showing disturbing signs of memory loss. But all the sisters have underlying concerns that they are keeping to themselves. It looks like the joyful wedding may not go ahead after all, and Kirsty has made a momentous discovery that she hasn't yet felt able to share with her sisters. Amy also has some serious choices to make. As the three unite in the place of their birth, they must all face dramatic changes in their lives, all with the backdrop of a beautiful island. Thoroughly enjoyable. 

Ann Cleeves - White Nights (Shetland series Book 2)

Having followed the television adaptation and then read and enjoyed book 1, Raven Black, I found this novel just as gripping. Shetland cop, Inspector Jimmy Perez is at the start of a new romantic relationship with artist Fran. In the long summer Shetland days when the sun barely dips below the horizon, he attends an event where she's exhibiting her works alongside established artist Bella Sinclair. Unexpectedly he witnesses one of the visitors in an emotional meltdown in front of one of Bella's paintings. Next day the man is found dead. But what appears as suicide soon is revealed to be murder, and Perez's first job is to discover the man's identity. Roy Taylor is brought in from Inverness once more to head the investigation. Perez has to try and build on the tentative professional partnership they began during the previous investigation, knowing how uncomfortable his colleague feels in the remote islands. As Perez begins to delve into the lives of the local Shetlanders, he's looking for the dead man's connection to the area, despite everyone claiming he's a stranger. The urgency increases when another body is discovered. Convinced the two are connected, Perez is on a mission to discover the killer before anyone else is murdered. An investigation of many layers, creating an intriguing mystery. Always compelling and keeping the pages turning.

June Books

 These are my favourite reads from June:

Michael Ball - The Empire

I wasn't sure what to expect from a Novel written by a celebrity - but I absolutely loved this. The story follows Jack who had been a prisoner of war during World War I. His parents died while he was a prisoner of war, but now he's home and decides to follow the advice his mother left him in a letter. She suggested that he should find Lady Lillian Lassiter, as the two women had known each other when they were young. Lillian is the widow of the owner of The Empire, an impressive Victorian theatre. Jack is immediately captivated by the theatre, and takes a job as stage doorman. An added attraction is Grace, assistant to the Theatre Manager, Mr. Mangrave. Jack is longing to get to know her better, but he's penniless and at that moment is also homeless. As he gets drawn into theatre life, Jack knows he's found his place in the world. But soon the Empire is in trouble as a rival begins to sabotage their business. Unable to hire their regtular acts, they have to come up with some alternative ideas. But there are more sinister undercurrents, and secrets to be revealed. Full of authentic backstage atmosphere, colourful characters and a great story.

Mary Ellen Taylor - The Brighter the Light

This intriguing dual-time novel is set in North Carolina. Ivy has returned to the Outer Banks, a chain of islands off the North Carolina Coast, to prepare her recently deceased grandmother Ruth's house for sale. The Seaside Resort, a holiday park run by Ruth's family, has already been sold to a local builder. Ivy left the area as a teenager to pursue her dream of becoming a chef in New York. She knows that while she's here she will have to face her ex-boyfriend Matthew, and her closest schoolfriend, Dani, and face the fact that she let them down. She also has to forge a new path herself, as she's lost her job. On the nearby beach, an old shipwreck has been uncovered by a recent violent storm, which locals believe is the portent of great change. As Ivy sorts through her grandmother's belongings, and the piles of stuff that had been rescued from the resort, she begins to uncover more about Ruth's past. We are led through scenes of Ruth's summer of 1950 at the Seaside Resort, when she's fifteen, when the wreck is also exposed on the beach. Ruth knows she's adopted, and daydreams about who her real parents are - could her mother be Carlotta, the glamorous singer who is performing at the Resort for a few weeks? Gradually as significant events happen in each timeline, the secrets are unravelled down the years. A novel that keeps the pages turning.

Travis Nelson - Sigrid Rides

This is a fascinating non-fiction book, the story of an American IT man living with his wife and two cats in London. The book is advertised as the story of a social media sensation, how Travis explored London by bike with his deaf Norwegian forest cat, Sigrid, accompanying him in her specially adapted cat-basket. But it goes deeper than that when we learn about Travis's story. There's more drama involved when the world goes into Lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, and he has to face a difficult present and an uncertain future. He describes in detail how Sigrid began accompanying him on his bike rides, and how the videos he posted on social media went unexpectedly viral, bringing joy to so many others during difficult times. To me as a cat lover it was mesmerising, though I couldn't imagine taking any of my cats, present or past, out on a bicycle! Sigrid is certainly unique, and clearly enjoyed her excursions, not knowing how much she touched the hearts others. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

May Books

The books that I most enjoyed reading in May are:

Amanda James - A Stitch in Time

When history teacher Sarah meets attractive gardener John Needler, she has no idea how much her life is going to change. He tells her that she's a 'Stitch', someone who can be sent back in time to save the life of a person who is important to the future of humanity. John is a 'Needle', one whose job is to facilitate her missions and help her out if necessary. He's guided by faceless beings who also choose the candidates for Stitches. Sarah decides to take the plunge, as she's in a bit of a rut in her life, and feels she could do with some excitement. As she's whisked back in time and lives through a crucial time in the lives of other Sarahs, her knowledge of history and her intuition guides her to the people she's been sent to save. Her adventures are vividly depicted as we see her adapting quickly to her new circumstances - it's a page-turning read for anyone who likes history with a quirk. The heroine is feisty and opinionated, but warm-hearted and dedicated to completing her missions responsibly. But she also has a rebellious streak which eventually leads her into trouble, and she has some hard decisions to make about where her true feelings lie. Can she find a meaningful relationship for herself amidst all the chaos of her new calling, or must she choose to let it go to protect herself and others? A delightfully different novel. 

Patricia Wilson - Villa of Secrets

This dual-time family novel was a riveting read for me. Set on the Greek island of Rhodes, Naomi has her hands full looking after her elderly grandmother, Bubba, who is recovering from a stroke. Meanwhile she misses her husband, Costa, who's working on a cruise ship, and her two sons who are off at university. Naomi's younger sister Rebecca lives in London and is estranged from the family, who disapprove of her Austrian husband. But Bubba is determined to shake things up by having Naomi send Rebecca a shocking parcel, followed by a diary from her wartime experiences. As Naomi reads the diary, her grandmother - real name Dora - comes to life as a sixteen-year-old Jewish girl who ends up fighting to end the war in the hope that her family can be saved from the Nazi work camps. Dora had to grow up quickly, and perform desperate deeds in her quest for survival and for peace. In modern times, as Rebecca also begins to read the diaries, the two sisters become connected again. Both Naomi and Rebecca must reach deep into their hearts to rebuild their love and find a way to restore their family's legacy, while they learn to see their beloved grandmother in a new light. Many shocking secrets emerge while they strive to build their own future. A fascinating story which has roots in stories from real life. An excellent read.  

Maggie O'Farrell - The Marriage Portrait

This is a beautifully written novel, a reimagining of the story of Lucrezia, a noblewoman of Florence who becomes Duchess of Ferrara in 15th century Italy. She's only fifteen when she marries Duke Alfonso, who is twenty seven. He was originally engaged to her elder sister, Maria, who died - but to preserve the alliances, the Duke requests Lucrezia to take her place. The novel opens when Lucrezia is sixteen, staying with Alfonso at one of his hunting lodges, far from the main court. She gets a sudden, certain feeling that he intends to have her killed. Her story is built by flashbacks to her life growing up in Florence. Lucrezia is unlike her brothers and sisters, a gifted artist who sees into the very heart of the things she loves to paint. Through the author's detailed and descriptive prose, we see the world through this special young woman's eyes, feeling her every emotion, living her fears and joys. We watch her develop from innocent young bride into an intuitive woman as the caring mask of her handsome husband crumbles to reveal the darkness of his true nature. We are pulled into every essence of this era in Italy, so beautifully depicted. The reader is kept in suspense as she lives in the fear of his ultimate power over her. There's a clever twist at the end that gives the novel an extra special magic. 

April books

 My favourite reads from April are:

Christina Courtenay - Highland Storms

I've read and enjoyed this author's Viking time-slip novels, but this is the first of her Scottish historical romances that I've investigated. It's a boy-meets-girl romp in the past, but with plenty of historical authenticity. Following the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, Brice's Scottish father took the family to safety in his mother's country, Sweden, where he's grown to adulthood. When Brice's intended bride jilts him in favour of his brother, he returns to his boyhood home in Scotland to take over his duties as its Laird. His father signed over the castle to him years earlier to prevent it being confiscated. The land should be thriving, but it soon becomes clear that the estate is being robbed. Arriving incognito, Brice meets Marsali, the young housekeeper who is the illegitimate daughter of the previous Laird, his father's cousin. Courageous Marsali is troubled by the unwanted attentions of the the factor, Seton. Determined to buy back his own estates that he lost following the rebellion, the factor employs desperate measures to try and do away with the new Laird. Brice, meanwhile, is seriously attracted to Marsali. While misunderstandings abound, Seton strives to free himself of Brice and force Marsali under his will. Plenty of action, historical background and matters of the heart. Well-written and entertaining.

Dodie Bishop - The Violin Maker's Wife

This is an interesting and imaginative re-telling of the life of Katarina, daughter of an Austrian military commander living in Cremona, Italy. The 18th Century is vividly brought to life as the girl begins violin lessons with young Giuseppe Guarneri, son of a local violin maker. As Katarina falls in love with music and the violin, her heart is also engaged by the brilliant boy who is just a few years her senior. They find a deep bond in their love of music, but Katarina's father has other ideas for her future.Giuseppe's violin-making talent soon flowers into something exceptional. When Katarina is of marriagable age, she's introduced to a young Austrian from her father's regiment, Johannes Horak. They become good friends, and she accepts his proposal of marriage, knowing it's an excellent match. She travels to his home to be prepared for marriage by his mother, as her own died when she was small. But her fiancee's family frown upon women performing music. She will have to give up so much to make this marriage. But a surprise visit on the day of her wedding turns everything on its head. A wonderful story imagined by the author from the bare bones of Katarina's life that are historically recorded, as she throws over convention for a marriage founded in deep love. The novel is written in an engaging way that plunges the reader into the era. An enticing novel for someone like me who is a musician, but also excellent for fans of history and vivid storytelling.

Dani Atkins - Always You and Me

This is a wonderful exploration of a love triangle, tender and heartfelt. When Lily's growing up, she meets moody but emotionally fragile Josh, who is fostered by her neighbours. The two develop a deep friendship. They never acknowledge anything deeper until the neighbours move away, taking Josh with them. On the point of his departure, their attraction bubbles to the surface, but he still leaves, with no promises to keep in touch. As the years go by she hears nothing from him. Then she meets Adam, loving and kind, and they fall in love. Surprisingly they bump into Josh and the friendship ignites once more. Despite Josh's presence in her life again, Lily knows that Adam is the man who can give her everything, especially a secure relationship and a family. But life doesn't turn out the way they had planned. A big quarrel with Josh on the eve of her wedding leaves her feeling let down. Several years later, Adam tells her she must go to Josh and find out the real reason for this. What hasn't he told her? While Lily's heart is breaking, she finally sets out to find Josh. When the truth of the past is finally revealed, she has some difficult choices to make. I was totally engaged throughout the whole novel, experiencing Lily's conflicting emotions as she goes through this journey of discovery. A beautiful novel.

March books

These are my best reads from March:

Anita Abriel - The Life She Wanted

This American historical novel was absolutely captivating. In the early decades of the twentieth century, Pandora's father is a former tennis professional. But after suffering an injury in World War I and his wife's desertion, he's been earning his living as a coach to the family of rich real estate family. Pandora grows up almost as a member of the family, and the children of the house, Archie and Virginia, are her best friends. It seems natural to assume that Archie's friend will propose to her, and the life she wants as a rich woman and aspiring fashion designer will fall into her lap. When her hopes are dashed, it looks like she'll have to learn to type and get a boring secretarial job after all. Suddenly a new vista opens up, and her dreams seem to be coming true at last. But all is not as it seems. As everything begins to fall apart, Pandora has some difficult decisions to make, and her rash mistakes threaten to destroy her desired future and hurt the people she loves most. A wonderful snapshot of a seminal time in American history, when prohibition still reigns, where women are striving to escape from subjection to men, and society has strict rules that only the most courageous dare to challenge.Wonderfully drawn characters - an absolute jewel of a novel.

Victoria Connelly - The Way to the Sea

Cate has fled from her abusive husband with her young daughter, Eliza. Her friend Allie has found her a job as housekeeper to Charles, a palaeontoligist who lives on the Dorset coast. Charles is disconcerted by her unexpectedly bringing a child to the house, but agrees to a trial month. Eliza is unlikely to be noisy, as she hasn't spoken for months following an unnamed trauma. As the three of them begin a tentative co-existence in the old house, Cate and Eliza begin to appreciate the fascination of fossils while treading carefully with their reclusive new employer. As the secret of the locked room and its tragic meaning for Charles unfolds, the three of them begin a healing journey together. But danger is always at the back of Cate's mind, and the sorrow at her daughter's continuing silence. Have they really escaped their nemesis - and will Charles ever recover from the tragedy in his past? A sympathetically written story, with a dramatic finish.

Lauren Forry - The Launch Party

A murder mystery set on the moon - a novel that includes sci fi and crime, two of my favourite genres! I just had to dive into this and I wasn't disappointed. In the near future, ten people are selected from a lottery to be the first ever guests at the luxury Hotel Artemis, also the first hotel to be built on the moon. Among them is London Met detective, Penelope, who entered the competition to take her away from the guilt of a failed case that she believed was her fault. The other nine are from different parts of the globe, varying in ages and career. It's disconcerting when they arrive to find that there are no staff in the hotel, and the two PR women who took care of them on the space flight have vanished along with the returning space ship. When one of the guests is found dead the next morning, it's clear that it's murder. Penelope inevitably becomes the chief investigator while they send a distress call to Earth, which will take days to elicit a response. She recruits former investigative journalist, Tanya, to assist her. Any of the other hotel guests could be the perpetrator. As the mystery deepens and danger lurks at every corner, it's compounded by the fact that they are in a sealed container in space, with no backup from the authorities on Earth. Good characterisation, a gripping tale, and all the science reads as plausible to me, though I'm not an expert!