The cream of my reading from July:

Sarah Harrison - The Flowers of the Field

I've decided to revisit some novels that I haven't read for many years, and this is the first I've chosen from my bookshelf. Published in 1980, I bought it a year or so later. The heroine is Thea Tennant, born in 1892 into the family of a successful industrialist and his genteel wife. Thea, full of restless energy and intelligent curiosity, wants to experience life to the full, just like her father. Thea has an elder brother Aubrey, and a younger sister Dulcie, who's petite, pretty and feminine. Their father's sister and her son Maurice also come to live with the family. The novel follows the family's life in the early twentieth century, culminating with the outbreak of World War 1, when all the young people follow different paths. Written with sumptuous description, bringing to life their experiences in every detail, this is not a novel for the faint-hearted. The wartime scenes contain graphic detail which displays the underlying beliefs and reactions of the protagonists as they come to grips with the tragedy and challenges of the age into which they are born. Love, betrayal, courage, are all there. It's a giant of a book, but well worth reading. (There's also a sequel.) 

Kate Ryder - Summer in a Cornish Cove

Cara is a talented artist, living with the grief of losing her young husband Christo and coping with bring up her two children alone. She lives in an idyllic Cornish cove, full of memories of their happy life together, and runs an art gallery with the help of her mother. Into this existence comes Oliver, a brilliant actor who struggles with his demons. His wife Deanna copes expertly with their family of four children while he follows his art and seeks to find peace. Oliver's world clashes with Cara's, and the consequences of an unwise decision he made threatens both of their families. The author deals sensitively with the problems of mental illness, while writing a book about lifelong love, infatuation, values, and responsibilities. All in an atmospheric Cornish setting.

My best reads from June are:

Jen Black - The Gavington Affair

It's some time since I read a novel from the historical romance genre, and I found this one pleasantly entertaining. The heroine, Melanie Grey, flawed physically, is hiding her real identity when she takes on the post of housekeeper at  Gavington House. It's the Northumberland seat of Adam, Duke of Jarrow, where he lives with his young daughter, Penelope. Since his wife's death, the master has had strict rules which make life more difficult - notably, not having any horses on the estate. Mel manages to cope with her new tasks, but she's intrigued by the man who seems to hide a genial character behind a mask of sternness. Striving to conceal her own past, she cannot help but follow her instincts to uncover her master, Adam's, secrets. Soon she becomes caught up in a web of deceit, where she must unbend her own strict ideas of the world, and struggle for those who have become dear to her. Good historical background, well-written, this was an enjoyable read. 

​Kay Bratt - True to Me

This book was refreshingly different for me. I've been reading a lot of British set novels recently, and was attracted to this one because it had a Hawaiian location. The heroine, Quinn, discovers on her mother's deathbed that the man she never met but had always accepted as her father, is in fact not her relation at all. With the help of a mysterious legacy from her mother, she buys a house on the island of Maui. This was her mother's home, and here she hopes to discover her own heritage. Her controlling fiance, Ethan, isn't pleased about her decision. When Quinn arrives at the house she's bought, sight unseen, she gets an unwelcome surprise which throws her into disarray. But when she meets people from her own ethnicity, she begins to explore her heritage. There are unexpected secrets to uncover in her own background, some of which are difficult to accept, and she has to decide whether to go back to her old life or to stir up sleeping dragons to find the peace she desires.

Julianne Maclean - A Fire Sparkling

I had a bit of an attention slump at the start of this novel, as there seemed to be far too many American expressions for a narrator who was supposedly English by birth. But the strength of the plot eventually hooked me, and I began to think that maybe the narrator might have used some of these expressions as she'd lived a long time in the USA. The modern-day heroine, Gillian, is American, and has had some difficult times in her life, most recently discovering the infidelity of her long-term partner. Fleeing to the home her widowed father shares with Gillian's grandmother, Vivian, Gillian finds the foundations of her existence rocked further. At ninety six, Vivian is spry for her age, but her son Edward has discovered a disconcerting photograph in a secret drawer. Gillian and her father persuade Vivian to tell them the truth behind the picture. What follows is a story that goes back to Britain in World War II, which is full of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. A good read.

These are my favourite reads from May:

Angela Petch - Mavis and Dot

Bought because it was written by a fellow writer from the RNA with proceeds going to charity, I finally settled down to read the book this month. I was soon hooked! Mavis and Dot are two very different elderly women who have recently moved to Worthington-on-Sea. Both lonely, without family, they meet at an event in the local church hall, and find that they somehow bond. The novel follows the two as they gradually get to know each other, one open and outgoing, the other quiet and rather prickly. The novel abounds with warm-hearted characters, spots of mirth, and poignant moments. Full of colour and genuine feeling, this was a novel that kept me turning the pages. If you want a book that's captivating and different, I highly recommend it.

Fiona Valpy - Sea of Memories

The second novel by this author that I have read, and another one to enjoy. In 2014 Edinburgh, Kendra feels that her marriage is stretched to breaking as she and her husband struggle to cope with the intense needs of their autistic son. At the same time, she's begun visiting her grandmother, Ella, who has become frail and is now in a local nursing home. There's a long-standing rift between Rhona, Kendra's mother, and Ella; Kendra has never understood the reason for this, as she finds the old lady warm-hearted and interesting. Ella begins recording her life story, on the understanding that Kendra writes it up. Along with Kendra we are drawn back into a time just before World War II when the young Ella visits France and befriends the twins Caroline and Christophe. They introduce her to a new way of life, and her horizons expand only to be cruelly diminished when they are separated by war. Love, heartbreak, and unexpected twists forge the paths of Ella's life, reaching down the years as a solace to her granddaughter. 

​Liz Harris - The Best Friend

The novel opens in 1989 when Caroline faces the woman who has stolen her husband from her - only to discover that it is someone she knows very well. Flash back to eleven years earlier, 1978, when Caroline is sharing a flat with three other young women. Caroline's a reluctant, newly-qualified teacher. All she wants is to marry a wealthy man and focus on raising their children. Louise is training for a career in public relations, Terri-Lee is aiming to be an actress, while Emily is a pupil barrister with her sights on a brilliant career unencumbered by a family. The girls go through highs and lows, influenced by their own childhood years but finding sisterhood in the other three. They support each other through love and loss, making some good choices and some unwise ones. But the question still hangs in the air - who will steal Caroline's husband? Plenty of nostalgic detail, four girls with different characters, and secrets to unravel. An enjoyable read.

April's best reads are:

Cathy Bramley - Conditional Love

A novel of love, family, growing emotionally, and searching for happiness. Sophie has always wanted a home of her own. Growing up she only had her mum, who's now off following her own dreams. Sophie thinks her life might be about to settle, when an unexpected legacy offers her a way to realise her dream. However, it comes at a price - the condition is that she meets up with her father, the man who abandoned her as a baby and never took part in her life. It's not the only hard decision she has to make, and her heart takes many bruises on her journey. What will she have to do, to find the love and happiness she craves? A warm, satisfying read.

Jeffrey Archer - The Eleventh Commandment

A thriller with a strong emotional element. Set in the political world of the 1990s, decorated ex-soldier Connor Fitzgerald leads a double life as a CIA hitman. The most important things in his life, however, are his beloved wife Maggie and their daughter, Tara, who's now grown up and falling in love herself. Connor looks forward to his imminent retirement, but his boss sends him on one final mission, into Russia. But unbeknown to him, his boss tricks him, as it's not the Russian politician who is the target, but Connor himself. Twists and turns abound in this tale of political intrigue, edge-of-seat action and drama. Who are Connor's real allies, and will he fall foul of the woman who wishes to ruin his patriotic reputation? A real page-turner.

Jeff Wheeler - The Queen's Poisoner

I have read one of Jeff Wheeler's previous series and found it absolutely captivating. His novels are aimed at young adults, but are good reads for all ages who like fantasy. He creates fascinating worlds influenced by Medieval England but with magical and paranormal elements. The Queen's Poisoner is the first of a new series which is inspired by the history of Richard III of England. The author writes an extensive note about his inspiration and ideas at the end of the novel. The story is told from the point of view of  8-year-old Owen, youngest child of the Duke of Kiskaddon, who has defaulted on his oath to King Severn, the hunchback king of Kingfountain. Severn has sent Kiskaddon's eldest hostage son over the waterfall to his death, and now Owen is to replace his older brother at the King's court. We see the workings of the court through Owen's eyes as he gradually forges allies and comes under the influence of the mysterious and secret Queen's Poisoner, Ankarette. It becomes clear that Owen is going to develop into a gifted character full of depth. Colourful and intriguing. 

My best reads from March are:

Loreth Anne White - In the Dark

A thriller set in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada, this book kept me guessing right up to the end. Thrust into a high-profile investigation in his new post, police sergeant Mason Deniaud must dig deep to overcome his own troubled past. He's straight from the city and has to rely on the experience of Search And Rescue operator, Callie Sutton. She also has a tragedy in her past, and a young son to care for. They are investigating a crashed plane with a dead pilot, and soon a story of eight passengers begins to unfold. There are flashbacks to how the eight ended up in the wilderness, in a spooky lodge with a killer on the loose. Great atmosphere, exciting, with a thrilling climax. 

Sheila O'Flanagan - The Hideaway

This Irish novelist is a favourite author of mine, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It follows Juno as she flees to Spain to try and mend her broken heart. But her story isn't that simple - she believes has no right to feel the way she does, as shattering revelations have left her feeling overwhelmed with guilt. In the warm sunshine of the Villa Naranja she has time to think over recent events, and somehow begins, little by little, to live life again. She meets her Spanish neighbours, and makes friends in the little town nearby. Atmospheric, warm and full of emotion, we accompany Juno on a journey of discovery as she comes to terms with her feelings. Can life really move on, and will she ever find love again? 

Nick Alexander - You Then, Me Now

Becky has always fantasised about her father, who died before she was born.Her mother, Laura, told her she was conceived during a holiday romance, and he was lost soon after, but that's all she reveals. Growing up, money's always tight. Now she's an adult, Becky and her mother take a holiday together on Santorini. It's only while she's there that Becky works out that this is where she was conceived, though she can't persuade her mother to tell her more. But the reader follows with a parallel story of Laura's trip as a naive young woman with brash Irishman Conor. There are unexpected twists and turns in this novel about uncovering secrets and making new beginnings. It's commendable that a male author has written convincingly from the point of view of two women, conveying their vulnerability and emotional development. An enjoyable read.

My favourite reads from February are as follows:

Amanda Prowse - Anna

Prowse never shies from exploring difficult issues in her novels, and in doing so stirs the reader's emotions. In her early life, Anna has a loving home with her mother and brother, but during her childhood, difficulties rear their heads. She finds herself alone, struggling to hold on to her unique character. This is the story of Anna's search for love, and the challenges that face her as she reaches for the dreams she has held since those early happy days.. The author has created characters of great depth, whose flaws and strengths draw us in. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, as it is part of a series of linked books. Suffice to say I can't wait to read the next one.

Rose Dean - Gigi's Island Dream

Gigi takes a sabbatical from her job with her father's firm to follow her dream of being a professional sculptor. Her grandmother has left her a house on the Isle of Wight, and it's an idyllic location. But no sooner has she started on her new life when it begins to unravel. Moreover, her younger brother Freddy gets himself into hot water, and as she's always felt responsible for him, she does her best to help. Disasters multiply, and she struggles on. To make matters more complicated, her boyfriend Rupert is working at the other end of the country. At least her Canadian neighbour, Luke, provides some local support, but their friendship is coloured by the fact that Freddy broke Luke's sister's heart last year. Can Gigi ever get her head above water, and what's Luke's secret? An entertaining read.

Rhys Bowen - In Farleigh Field

This author has written many mystery books, and this novel is focused on a strange occurrence in World War II. Young Phoebe and evacuee Alfie discover the body of a parachutist in a field beside the stately home where they live, in Kent. But something about his appearance isn't right, so he must be a spy . Much of Phoebe's home at Farleigh has been taken over by a regiment. Her older sister Pamela must keep secret her job at the code-breaking establishment at Bletchley, while vicar's son Ben works for MI5. Both become involved in trying to uncover the mystery of the spy. Ben's been in love with Pamela since childhood, but she only had eyes for Jeremy, the charismatic neighbour who became a fighter pilot. But when Jeremy escapes from his German prisoner-of-war camp and returns home, Ben's hopes of getting closer to Pamela are dashed. A large and colourful cast of characters brings a refreshing twist to a wartime novel. Intriguing and engrossing. A few Americanisms creep in as the author, though British, is based in the USA.

April Hardy - Sitting Pretty

A warm romantic comedy with an international feel. Beth is preparing to make a fresh start in Dubai with her new Greek husband, Alex. But unexpectedly he leaves without her, and she finds herself homeless. Luckily her old job as a pet-sitter is still open, so she slots back in quickly. Moreover, all those houses which are empty while the owners are away give her somewhere to lay her head at night. She's careful to leave no trace of her occupancy, but there are some tricky, not to mention hairy, moments! The inevitable happens, and she's discovered - and it leads to an unexpected change of direction that forces her to sort out her  feelings for her absent husband, as well as choose the future she wants. A delightful read, also with a wonderful cast of furry characters.

Amie K. Runyan - Daughters of the Night Sky

I found this novel to be pleasantly different. It's the story of a pioneering member of the Russian women's air force during World War II. Katya has always had the yearning to fly an aeroplane, and despite the poverty of her widowed mother, manages to gain the qualifications to do so. It's a battle right from the start at the Academy, but she's championed by talented and good-looking Vanya. Against a backdrop of taxing battles, rivalry and discrimination, she and her fellow women pilots blaze a new trail as they fight for their country and their own honour. Their company becomes known as the NIght Witches, their courage and tenacity legendary. Against this backdrop unfolds a story of love, family, friendship and loyalty. Powerful writing.

Dinah Jefferies - The Missing Sister

An author who is fast becoming a favourite for me. This novel is set in nineteen thirties Burma, when Belle arrives in Rangoon to take up a job as singer in a hotel. But she has a strong reason to visit the city - before she was born, her parents lived there, and their baby daughter was stolen from their garden. Belle had a difficult childhood, blighted by her mother's poor health, culminating in her mother's disappearance and subsequent death while she was still a young child. It was only after her father's recent death that she discovered documents telling of the lost sister Belle never knew she had. It's a new adventure for her in an exotic location, getting used to the unfamiliar climate, and the political undercurrents between the local inhabitants and the foreigners who live in their country. Uncomfortable colonial tensions are highlighted by her growing friendship with American journalist Oliver, and conflicting emotions war within her as she struggles to know who she can trust. Mystery, love and historical colour all combine to make a page-turning book.

A new year and a new decade! New Year greetings - wishing everyone health and happiness for 2020.

I've been reading plenty of good books recently, and here is a selection of my best reads:

Lee Child - Past Tense

I like reading a thriller from time to time, and always enjoy Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels. The retired army police officer travels where the road takes him, but trouble always seems to find him. His strong sense of justice means that he can't resist looking out for the oppressed, the weak, the wronged, and putting a small part of the world to rights. Living outside the system, he's a man of few possessions, no home, no family, tough and fearless, but we can be satisfied that he will put some bad guys out of business. In Past Tense he happens by chance to pass the town where his father grew up, and he goes to have a look round out of curiosity. He begins to uncover puzzling facts about his father's past. Meanwhile, a young Canadian couple find themselves prisoners at a nearby motel, with sinister results. Inevitably, Reacher crosses their paths and a showdown begins. Tense, exciting and written in the easy, taut style characteristic of this author.

Susan Lewis - No Place to Hide

This is another author whose books I return to. She explores difficult situations with compassion. In this novel, we follow Justine who is making a new life for herself and her three year old daughter Lula in the USA in the town where her mother was born. But Justine is hiding under a false name, fleeing from a difficult past. But why is she still in touch with her husband Matt back home? - and why has she abandoned her family and her successful career? Flashbacks to her earlier life eventually lead to the reason for her flight. There's also a mystery surrounding her deceased grandmother, rousing Justine's curiosity as she begins to forge new ties in America. Tense and emotional, this book covers some uncomfortable experiences with sensitivity, and keeps the reader turning the pages.

Carole Matthews - Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights

A deliciously seasonal novel from this ever-popular author. Despite this book being a sequel (I hadn't read its predecessor) I was able to pick up enough of the back story to enjoy it on its own. Fay lives with her partner, Danny, on his canal boat, and can't believe her luck in finding him. But their idyllic life is interrupted when she gets a cry for help from her former life, and returns to the Cafe in the Garden which she used to run. Although she loves being back helping out in the cafe and looking after her friends, she worries about the long separation from Danny. Can their relationship survive being apart for so long, and does she have the strength to help those she cares about? Uplifting and delightful, this is a charming novel, full of atmosphere and vivid characters.

Apologies for the late posting of this blog - life has been very busy recently! My favourite reading from November is as follows:

Nora Roberts - Come Sundown

A recent book from this prolific author. Nora Roberts which consistently delivers a story that has the reader turning the pages. Attractive, 'sassy' female characters, virile cowboy heroes, strong family connections, all set on a ranch in Western Montana that has diversified into weddings and other events with a ranching theme. Add into the mix a historic mystery plus a modern-day crime to add suspense and excitement, and it's a recipe for a good read. The perpetrator is not revealed until the final pages, and the suspense is kept going up to the end.

Marcia Willett - Seven Days in Summer

Liv travels with her four-year-old twins and her father-in-law Baz to his holiday home, leaving behind her husband Matt who is running their bistro. Although she loves being in Devon, she feels that their separation comes at a bad time, worried that their relationship has become stale with family and long hours at work. In the idyllic seaside town, Baz and Liv become friendly with Sofia, goddaughter of their neighbours, who is getting over a broken heart. There are other close friends and strong feelings in the mix, with past traumas, old adversaries and indiscretions to come to terms with. A novel of deep emotion and complicated relationships, written with great tenderness and sincerity.

Melissa HIll - Something from Tiffany's

On Christmas Eve in New York, two men visit Tiffany's famous jewellery store to buy a present for the woman in their life. Gary chooses a charm bracelet for Rachel as a last-minute thought. Whereas Ethan's gift has been carefully planned, an engagement ring for Vanessa, the woman he hopes will become a welcome stepmother to his eight-year-old daughter Daisy. But a mishap means that the parcels become mixed up, and Rachel finds herself engaged to Gary on Christmas morning, and thrilled at his.unexpected proposal. Ethan meanwhile sets out to track down the missing ring, while Daisy wonders if Tiffany's really does have the magic that her mother always said it did. A heartwarming and beautiful novel, which I enjoyed tremendously!

Only two books in my selection from October:

Fiona Valpy - The Beekeeper's Promise

This is a tenderly written book, full of atmosphere, spanning two time eras. In present day, Abi has travelled to France to attend a yoga retreat to help her recover from a traumatic time in her life. Unexpectedly she meets Sara, who lives at the nearby chateau where she runs a wedding business with her husband. Accepting the surprise offer of a job there, Abi begins to open up to the real world again. As the days pass Sara relates the story of Eliane who worked as beekeeper and help at the chateau during World War II. It was a time of occupation, fear, deprivation, loyalty and courage. Her experiences reach down the years to touch Abi. A very satisfying read, and it is not surprising that this is an award-nominated novel.

Leah Fleming - The Olive Garden Choir

A rare contemporary novel by this writer, set in Crete which is her home for part of the year. As expected, it is full of local colour, with varied characters drawn from an ex-pat community on a fictional island. Retired teacher Ariadne has the idea of forming a choir from the English emigres to perform at Christmas in aid of the refugees who are trying to make a new home on the island. Some singers join the group with reluctance, others with enthusiasm, but the very act of drawing together sparks changes in all their lives. Long-held troubles and secrets come to light, and new challenges face them as they cope with the festive season far from home. Full of heart and depth, this is a gem of a novel.