I have only two books in my selection this month, as I've been very busy - but they are particularly good ones.

Rachel Hore - Last Letter Home

A big novel that is a satisfying read. Briony, a historian, is holidaying in Italy when she discovers an intriguing derelict villa. When she's given an old section of film about the villa, she realises that her grandfather was stationed there during the war. Then some wartime letters come into her possession, and she becomes immersed in the love story a young German, Paul, who was her grandfather's friend, and Sarah, an Englishwoman. This leads Briony to the estate of Westbury House in Norfolk where they once lived. As she reads their letters, she finds that there are secrets that have an impact on her life today, and that someone would like to remain hidden. Atmospheric, sensitive and full of emotion.

Dinah Jefferies - The Tea Planter's Wife

Set in the tea plantations of Ceylon in the years between the wars, this is a poignant and moving tale. Into this exotic setting comes Gwen, newly married to Laurence, a widower. On his tea plantation she must come to terms with her new station, her husband who is somehow different from the loving man she married, and her sister-in-law Verity who seems to be living with them. Then there is Savi Ranasinghe, a charming local artist who becomes entwined with the whole of her family. Gwen soon becomes party to a secret that could threaten her marriage, and forces her to make heartbreaking decisions. A sensitively written, compelling novel that is totally engrossing.

These are my best reads from October:

Pam Evans - Dance Your Troubles Away

Another great read from this author of sagas, this time set in London towards the end of World War II. Marian is manager of a dance hall, The Cherry. Her niece Polly works there part-time, which is an escape from her daily grind in an office and her responsibilities as sole parent to her young daughter. Polly is still mourning her husband, George, who was lost at Dunkirk. But the lights and music of the dance hall brighten her life and bring her into contact with James, a Canadian soldier, with the promise of new love. However, the tragedy of war, parting, and family ties all pull at Polly. Then the war ends and her life is turned upside down by an unexpected turn of events. Sensitively written, with strong, sympathetic characters which envelop the reader in their world.

Lindsay Jane Ashford - Whisper of the Moon Moth

This was a new author for me, and I shall certainly be looking for more of her books. The novel is based around the real life story of Hollywood actress, Merle Oberon. Encompassing the time when she's striving to realise her dream of becoming a movie star, the novel follows her from India to England, and then to America. We see her love affairs and her passion for acting. Famous names such as David Niven and Laurence Olivier pepper the pages. The actress faces heartache, and gives up much that is dear to her as she faces the prejudice and rules of 1930s Hollywood. She must conceal her Indian heritage if she is to succeed in the profession of her choice. The author confesses to using some artistic licence, but she keeps to the main truth of Merle Oberon's life story, and has woven a vivid and fascinating tale of the early years of talking pictures.

Victoria Connelly - Love in an English Garden

A charming read, enhanced by the author's clear love of gardens, whether for flowers or kitchen produce. Set in a struggling Sussex house, Orley Court, we find widowed Vanessa faced with selling part of the property she lives in with her mother-in-law Dolly, and her two grown-up daughters, Tilda and Jassy. This brings into their lives a London accountant, Laurence, and his father, who both have an influence on the family. Into this mix steps Jonathan and his team of young gardeners doing community service. Life is stirred up for the household of women, past troubles are faced, and love is in the air for more than one of them. 

The books that I have enjoyed reading in September are:

Diana Gabaldon - An Echo in the Bone

This is the seventh book in the Outlander series, of which I an an unashamed fan. I have been thoroughly hooked since I read the first one, Outlander, (which was originally published in this country with the title Cross-stitch). I have read the first six novels more than once, and enjoy the television series as well. I'm going to try not to throw in any spoilers, but obviously there's a lot of back-story from the six previous novels. Suffice to say that the book, even though it's over a thousand pages long, is gripping and interesting throughout. Gabaldon as usual has done extensive historical research, and weaves her time-slip story in a way that beguiles the reader for the duration of the novel. There are several threads of story that run in parallel - Jamie and Claire now experiencing the American War of Independence, contemporary with Lord John and his stepson William, who is fighting in the British Army. In this time frame there's also the continuing story of Jamie's nephew Ian, and their attempts to take him home to Scotland. Needless to say, their journey has many exciting detours. Plus we follow their daughter Brianna with her husband and children, now back in 1980s Scotland. Threats abound in each era, and the passage between the two times still wields its unexpected menace. Gripping and vivid. There's another volume to come, which is on my reading list, and I look forward to the next instalment of the saga.

Hannah Begbie - Mother

From a seasoned writer to a debut novelist. This is the 2018 winner of the Joan Hessayon Award from the Romantic Novelists' Association for a first novel published in the past year. It's a stark and moving investigation into the role of a mother and how it is a vastly different experience for someone with a disabled child. From the pain of infertility to the joy of conceiving, Kath and David are in the first flush of happiness of parenthood when their lives are shattered at the news of their baby daughter's illness. Their own relationship becomes strained as they come to terms with Mia's constant treatment and hospital visits. Kath tries to find solace in a group for parents in similar circumstances. Here she's drawn to a man whose daughter is now a teenager, and he offers her reassurances and solace which she grasps eagerly. An emotional read, as the heroine tries to find her way through the new world she has not been expecting. 

Anna Jacobs - One Quiet Woman

Another prolific author, this is one of Anna Jacbos' Lancashire novels. It's the first in a new series about the fictional village of Ellindale, and is set in the years after World War I. Many men have not returned, others are living with war disabilities, and life is hard for some families. Leah is recently orphaned and doing her best to look after her ten-year-old sister, Rosa, but she cannot earn enough to support them both and stay in their home. Local pawnbroker Charlie is about to marry and doesn't want to share his home with his brother Jonah who was gassed in the war and is something of an invalid. He finds the solution, for Jonah to marry Leah so that she can look after him in the home that he owns in the village of Ellindale. This marriage of convenience not only offers her the chance of security for herself and her sister, but also to do something for the people of the area. But there are evil men around who threaten the safety of Leah and her family. A good story, in this author's usual well-written style, with authentic background and setting.

My choice reads from August are:

Anne Baker - Liverpool Gems

The novel follows twins Connie and Carrie as they begin their adult lives in 1935 Liverpool. Connie is getting married, but Carrie hasn't any romance on the horizon. Instead she decides to make a career for herself in accountancy, like her new brother-in-law John. Meanwhile their father, Archie, has returned from South Africa where he has been working for many years. With him is the mysterious Marion, who they believe will become their stepmother some day. While Carrie immerses herself in her new career and tastes love for the first time, Archie is harbouring a dangerous secret that could threaten the happiness of the whole family. Full of engaging characters, with a plot that keeps the reader turning pages, this novel is a good, satisfying read.

Lee Child – Night School

This is the twenty first novel in the series about ex-military cop Jack Reacher, of which I confess I have read many. Lee Child’s trademark style is taut, pacey, conveying with economy the scene, atmosphere, characters and plot. This novel goes back to Reacher’s army days, when he’s pulled from regular duty for a special mission which is so important for US national security that it has to be disguised under a training course. At first there are few clues as to the exact nature of the problem. But as the book progresses, Reacher and his fellow investigators uncover a threat of such magnitude that the reader is on the edge of their seat, willing them to capture the perpetrator before a disaster of unbelievable consequences befalls the whole world. Full of twists and turns, the novel does not disappoint.

Harriet Evans - The Butterfly Summer

A novel of forgotten history and family secrets, all leading to the mysterious house in Cornwall called Keepsake. Nina in present day London is confused with her role in life, her relationship with her widowed mother, her career, and her failed teenage marriage to Sebastian. A chance encounter leads her to discover the existence of Keepsake and her own connection with it. Gradually the origins and the secrets of the house are uncovered, through diaries, letters, and flashbacks to her grandmother, Teddy, and Teddy's grandmother, Alexandra the butterfly collector. The heroine has difficult decisions to make as new revelations turn her life upside down, and the final twist is kept until the very last pages. Intriguing and different.

Karen Swan - The Paris Secret

In 2016, a secret apartment is discovered in Paris - one that has not been opened since 1942. The rich and influential Vermeil family is totally unaware of its existence. Fine art agent Flora Sykes is called in to deal with its contents. Immersed in her own family troubles, and plunged into a new mystery concerning her new employers, she tries to do her job in a professional manner, but emotions run high. Opening the door of the apartment before its scheduled time has been like opening Pandora's box. As Flora follows a trail of clues to discover the origins of its contents, a monstrous secret threatens to destroy the family that owns it, while Flora's heart is laid open to love for the first time in her life. I adored this novel - unexpected twists and turns, excellent writing.

Rita Bradshaw - A Winter Love Song

A good, substantial book giving hours of entertainment, A Winter Love Song is a must for anyone who enjoys sagas. It begins in 1928 when Bonnie is ten years old, living with her adored widowed father in a fair travelling round north east England. When she is left alone, she must endure years of misery in the care of her loveless grandmother, until she manages to escape and runs away to London. Here she strives to forge a career as a singer, but she never forgets her father and the people who were her friends. With the advent of war, her life changes, bringing friendship and loss but also giving her the opportunity to love. It is a long, hard path for Bonnie as she struggles to put the past behind her and find the happiness she desires.

Cathy Kelly - Once in a Lifetime

Strong women going through challenging times are always found in Cathy Kelly's novels, and this has plenty of varied characters to envelop the reader. At the centre of the story are women of different generations - Ingrid, television political interviewer at the height of her career, mother of two young adults and wife to David, who owns the iconic Kenny's department store. We are also drawn into the story of Natalie, flatmate of Ingrid's daughter Molly. Ingrid has a loving father and stepmother, but her own mother died before she could know her. What's more, no-one will talk about her mother, so there's a great gap in her life. Then there's Star Bluestone, the last generation of a family of women with intuitive powers, who live apart from the general community. Star was involved with Ingrid's husband David when they were young. Into this mix is thrown a shocking unexpected event which affects all of the women in different ways and unlocks secrets that threaten the stability of their lives forever. A deep, involved book with plenty of reading.

The choices from my reading in June are as follows:

Sue Watson – We’ll always have Paris

Finalist in the contemporary romance category of the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year 2017, Sue Watson’s novel explores the possibility of rekindling old loves. The heroine, Jude, meets her former boyfriend shortly after she has lost her husband. Both now in their sixties, Jude is trying to rebuild her life with her grown up children, grandchildren, and the flower shop she started many years ago. Retirement beckons – but it’s not turning out to be the one that her children imagine for her. Instead of heading gracefully into old age, Jude realises that life has a lot more to offer, and is soon reviving her artistic talents as well as the feelings she had for her teenage sweetheart. There are tugs of love between her protective family and her new-found romance that no-one had been expecting. A tender and insightful exploration of love in later life.
 
Alan Titchmarsh - Folly

Another entertaining read from the multi-talented Mr. Titchmarsh. The art auction houses of the Ballantyne and King families, based in the city of Bath, have had a long-running family feud, though its origin is unclear to the younger generation. Jamie and Artemis are the grandchildren of the founders and have been in love for many years, despite the opposition of their families. When the two are thrown back together again at the sale of a master painting, new revelations open the door to the past. They have some difficult choices to make. A connection with a famous artist threatens the very existence of one of the businesses, and may mean that the two young people must part forever. A novel of love and secrets, with historic insight into one of England's foremost artists. Very enjoyable.

L.D. Ross - Lindisfarne

This is the first in a series of novels featuring the detective DCI Ryan, and I was attracted to it as it is set in my part of the world. I also like a good mystery. This did not disappoint - plenty of local colour (the island of Lindisfarne is separated from the mainland by a tidal causeway), history, and a wealth of different characters. What some readers may not expect is a strong romantic element, but as I'm a fan of both mystery and romance it didn't draw away from the story for me. I read the taster of the next novel in the series at the end (on Kindle) and liked it enough to consider buying that one as well.
 
 
 
 
 

These are my choices from my May reading:

Pam Evans - Whispers in the Town

A saga set in London, the novel begins in 1957 when the lives of the Storey sisters, Sal and Ann, are turned upside down by a series of events. Sal is set to marry her boyfriend, but his wish to emigrate to Australia no matter what, leaves her alone and heartbroken. Tragedy then strikes, and the sisters must find strength to keep the family shop going. Meanwhile, Ann harbours a secret that she knows will cause trouble, and Sal finds her heart entangled once more. A novel filled with emotion, as the young women struggle to overcome heartbreak and crises in their family and work lives. These characters and their stories capture the reader's heart.

Rosie Thomas - Daughter of the House

This author always writes books that have a different angle. Set in the years after World War I, it follows young Nancy Wix as she grows to maturity. Her family are out of the ordinary, her father owning a variety theatre and specialising in illusions, her mother a former actress and now in poor health. However, Nancy has known since childhood that she has her own talent - she sees and hears people and events beyond the material world. This begins to offer her a means of earning money, though she shies from the sinister Lawrence Feather who claims to have a similar talent and wishes to be her mentor. Torn between the tenuous fortunes of her family and her secret attraction to aristocratic Gil, Nancy tries to find fulfilment in a changing world. Intriguing and unusual, brought to life by Rosie Thomas's skilful writing.

Santa Montefiore - The Beekeeper's Daughter

The novel moves between nineteen seventies Massachusetts, where Trixie is in love with exciting British rock star Jasper, and Dorset in the nineteen thirties, where her mother Grace is torn between her infatuation with local aristocrat's son, Rufus, and her childhood friend, Freddie. Grace's father dies unexpectedly, leaving her orphaned, and she finds consolation in caring for his bees on the Duncliffe estate. This is a novel which explores first loves, class, family and secrets. As it unfolds, we discover the reasons why Trixie ended up being born in the USA, and what binds her family irrevocably with Jasper's. A thoroughly satisfying read, with sympathetic characters and a story which keeps the pages turning. 

My best reads from April are:

Susie Vereker - Paris Imperfect

Having had two unsuccessful marriages, Clio now lives in Paris with younger boyfriend Philippe, who has distinct ideas of how to mould her into shape as his partner. Clio feels middle age looming, and is worried that her current relationship might founder, so she's trying to save money from her job as a tour guide. She also worries that her son Alex will prefer to spend his holidays from boarding school with his father and his new wife and gorgeous baby daughter. But suddenly Clio's life is turned upside down by Canadian tourist Joe, who joins one of her private tours of France. He's a bluff, outdoors type who doesn't hide his attraction to her. But Clio has other matters on her mind and doesn't want further distractions. The characters feel real and rounded, and the reader can't help but root for the heroine as she makes mistakes, tries to uphold her own values while she attempts to sort out her career, family and love life. I enjoyed this novel very much.

Susan Lewis - Hiding in Plain Sight

One of Susan Lewis's trademark suspense novels, this time about a woman who returns from the dead to contact her family after almost thirty years. Former detective Andee is enjoying a summer renovating a house in France with her partner when her sister Penny returns from the dead, having disappeared at the age of fourteen. But it's not the tender reunion her family had dreamt of. Dark secrets and revelations abound, and difficult questions must be asked. Why did Penny return at this moment, and why is it that she doesn't seem to really want to connect with them again? Who is the mysterious young man who approaches Andee's mother? In addition, Andee is also concerned that her relationship with her new partner may not survive their time apart while she remains in England trying to deal with the emotion that her sister has stirred up. A tense and emotional read, keeping the reader involved until resolution is reached.

Steve Robinson - In the Blood

This is one of a series of novels featuring American genealogist Jefferson Tate. Tate's client has hired him to discover the truth behind the disappearance of members of his family in late eighteenth century Cornwall. He braves his fear of flying to travel to England to fulfil his task. But it seems that someone is desperate to keep him from the truth, and is prepared to kill to do so. Glimpses of the story he's researching show as flashbacks in the novel, tantalising revelations for the reader. The Cornish landscape and local characters all combine to give the novel colour and authenticity. Well-written in an attractive style, this book keeps us on the edge of our seats and turning pages right to the very end. A thoroughly good read. 

The choice of books from my March reading is as follows:

Cathy Kelly - The Honey Queen

Cathy Kelly always writes a book to lose yourself in. Characters we long to know, family dilemmas, secrets from the past - they are all there. When Lillie travels from Australia to meet her half-brother Sean for the first time, she's mourning the loss of her dear husband Sam. In the Irish town of Redstone, her visit is a catalyst for change in the lives of several people, including her brother Sean who's struggling with redundancy, and his wife Francesca who wants to sympathise with him but feels overwhelmed now that she's the sole breadwinner. Then there's Peggy, opening her dream craft shop but hiding the troubles of her past and unable to open herself up to love. Also we meet fifteen-year-old Freya who lives with her uncle and aunt because her mother can't cope with life. People think Freya's an old head on young shoulders, but she's still hiding the fears and longings of a teenager while the lives of her older cousins hit highs and lows around her. Compelling reading.

Kate Furnivall - Betrayal

This author writes with authority in all the historical and geographical settings of her novels. Betrayal takes place in France in the years before the second World War. Twins Romy and Florence live in Paris, but lead totally different lives. While Florence is married to Nazi sympathiser Roland and moves in society circles, Romy is an aviator doing secret delivery runs into civil war-torn Spain from the airfield run by Leo Martel. But both young women are bound by a terrible secret that they have carried for many years. Life for both is on a knife edge as they fight to protect the men they love, while the past still has a devastating secret to reveal. Tense, exciting and with no punches held, this book grips the reader until the final pages.

Margaret Kaine – Ribbon of Moonlight

Polly has had a difficult childhood. Her father was lost in action in France during World War II, and her mother left her to be brought up by her grandfather. After her grandfather’s death in 1958, Polly is still under age, so her mother must live with her until she reaches her twenty first birthday. It’s a difficult situation, as Polly barely knows the woman who abandoned her, and she finds the succession of men visiting her mother shocking. The invitation of a holiday in Paris is a welcome escape, where events take an unexpected turn. Romantic attachments and family ties all take on a new meaning as she has to completely reassess her life. Intriguing and compelling, this novel is a good read.

Carol Matthews - A Place to call Home

In a bid to escape from her unhappy marriage and fearing for her own safety, Ayesha flees in the dead of night with her young daughter Sabina. In London she ends up finding refuge in a house where the other residents are also hiding from their past. There's Hayden, once a successful rock star but now burnt out and grieving for his lost love; elderly Joy, crotchety and set in her ways; and Crystal, warm-hearted and penniless, stuck in a degrading job. Ayesha's arrival is the catalyst for change, and all the inhabitants of the house learn to spread their wings and embrace a new life. But dark clouds from the past intrude into their world. They must trust each other and find courage before they can find peace and love. This author yet again proves why she's a best-seller, with warm characters and a plot which keeps the pages turning.

Freda Lightfoot - Peace in my Heart

Set in the aftermath of World War II, the novel follows Evie and her family as they struggle to reconnect with each other after being separated during the war. The children were evacuated and the two girls have lost touch with their brother. They have had many difficulties to surmount during their years away from home. Evie's husband has been a prisoner of war, and when he returns he suffers from psychological and health problems. It is a difficult path for Evie as she tries to make a home for her family. Meanwhile her elder daughter Joanne, now seventeen, has no time for young Bernie, who has been a good friend to her and now wants a deeper relationship - but he seems reliable and boring in comparison with the GI who stole her heart then returned to America. Struggling with unscrupulous and damaged people, it takes all the courage of Evie and her family to reunite and find happiness and stability. An emotional read, highlighting a time that is so often forgotten, when hostilities ceased and people had to try and pick up their lives again.

Hannah Richell - Secrets of the Tides

There's a double meaning in the title, as the novel focuses not only on a family called Tide, but also their home on the Dorset coast. The timeline moves between the past and the present. Dora Tide is living in London in the present day, but cannot move on to the future because of the events of a tragic day ten years earlier. Big changes in her life mean that the time has come for her to try and face the past, and she makes the journey to Dorset one more time. As the story unfolds, we are given glimpses of the past and the reasons for the tragedy, as well as its effect on Dora and the rest of the family. The characters are vivid and well-drawn, their faults and failings stirring our sympathy while we see them running from, and then facing, the actions of the past. A novel that draws the reader in and captures the emotions.