I had a very busy December, and didn't manage to read as much. But here are my choices for the month:
Jessica Thorne - The Queen's Wing
This Young Adult book is a good read for anyone who enjoys Science Fantasy and an exciting story. It has all the ingredients that would satisfy this age group - Bel, a beautiful young aristocrat, is flung from relative obscurity to a royal role when her planetary system is invaded by the evil Gravians. In order to win her people's freedom she must forego her love of her flying machine and join in marriage with the young widowed ruler of a neighbouring planet. She must deal with lost love, awakening emotions, and duty when she becomes cut off from her family and takes on the role of a queen to a beleaguered people. The secrets of her new planet are unexpected as she strives for the freedom of her people and grows into adulthood. Jessica Thorne has created engaging characters, an exciting plot, and an intriguing world.
Lulu Taylor - Her Frozen Heart
The novel follows the story of two women from different periods in time. Widowed Tommy (Thomasina) and her two children are living with her family in the years following World War II. As the winter of 1947 tightens its icy grip on a country ravaged by war, Tommy struggles to look after her mother, sister, brother, his convalescing friend Fred and her children in the crumbling country house. Into this mix comes Barbara, another war widow with a young daughter, and Tommy's family relationships begin to founder. Then in present day, Caitlin suddenly finds herself alone with her young son. Her friend Sara has always been close, but her husband Patrick never liked her - or did he? Happy memories of Caitlin's marriage take on a sinister cast. Decades apart, the women find themselves torn between loyalties to friends and family, and by the end of the book the connection that links the two of them comes to light. Some edge-of-the-seat moments, as well as deep insight into family and loving relationships.