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.

Only two favourite reads from September. I haven't had as much time for reading as usual last month.

Emma Davies - Letting in Light

A car accident leaves Ellie struggling with her confidence, and with the end of her long-term relationship she's delighted to accept her friend Jane's offer to look after their country property. She's astonished to find herself living next door to Will, who had helped her at the moment of her accident. His family are owners of the big house, but he's living there alone and struggling with his own demons. As both of them try to come to terms with difficulties, they find themselves becoming closer than they would have imagined. But as they begin to look at a way of making the estate pay its way, its not just old talents that are resurrected. There are some difficult truths to face before either can move on from the past. I found the novel engrossing, the characters very real and their problems capturing the reader's emotions. 

Jean Mead: - The Widow Makers

This is the first in a series of historical novels. Although there are many editing faults in the book, the characters are captivating, the historical detail and sense of place compelling, and the story keeps the pages turning. It follows the fortunes of young coal miner Joe Standish and his wife Emily. A pit accident which causes the death of Joe's friend Frank, spurs him to head for the slate quarries with his wife and young son, Tommy. Although he's no longer working underground, Joe discovers that it's a hard life. It proves difficult to improve their lot, though he and Emily try their hardest. As their son, Tommy, grows up, he begins to grow away from them, and the whole family are faced with many challenges as they try to adjust to their changing lives. 

My favourite reads from August are:

Teresa Driscoll - The Friend

Sophie meets Emma when she becomes a neighbour in the picturesque Devon village where she lives. Their two sons, five-year-old Ben, and Emma's four-year-old Theo, also become friends. It seems to be an ideal situation. Fast forward to the present, and Sophie is travelling by train to the hospital where the two boys lie injured, one of them seriously. The hospital staff haven't identified exactly which one is in danger. Through her anxiety, Sophie reviews the months of her friendship with Emma. She begins to question the true nature of their relationship, and whether Emma was really a friend at all, or has a more sinister agenda. A page-turning suspense novel with unexpected twists, by an author who is a former BBC reporter. 

Jenny Worstall - Three Hundred Bridesmaids

A gentle, warm novel, full of authentic detail and nostalgia. Set in the nineteen seventies, it follows Rosie as she begins her career as a music teacher in a girls' boarding school. Cue strict nuns, teenage girls, handsome male teachers and plenty of local colour - this is a fun read. The plot has twists and turns, and it is always buoyant and interesting. The author calls upon her own teaching experiences to give the book authenticity, and the characters are likeable and vivid. I enjoyed this.  

The Secret Letter - Debbie Rix

In recent years, a letter from Germany arrives on Imogen's doormat in England, connecting two women who were young during World War II. In parallel, we begin to learn the stories of Imogen and Magda from the outbreak of hostilities in 1939. They grow to womanhood in their own countries through the years of war, experience love and loss, and blossom into maturity. Both are highly principled young women, and though they are on opposite sides of the conflict, they have the same abhorrence for the Nazi regime. A tender and vividly written novel which explores how people strive to keep their values in one of the worst times in twentieth century history.

My three best reads from July are:

Eliza Graham - Another Day Gone

Sara's upbringing has been unconventional - her parents died in a car crash when she was a baby, and she and her older sister Polly were brought up by their grandfather and his housekeeper, Bridie, in his riverside home. Sara and Polly are close, but Sara feels she can never live up to her sister's superiority. Then when Polly is eighteen, she disappears along with Bridie's nephew, Michael. Clearly they don't want to be found - it's obvious that other people are sending postcards on their behalf. As the years pass, Sarah begins to make her own life. Then suddenly Polly returns without Michael. This is a catalyst for secrets of the past to be revealed, though it is a difficult time for the two women. Unusual twists, heartbreak and historic detail are woven into the strands of the book until all is finally uncovered.

Carol Mason - The Shadow Between Us

Olivia boarded a plane to America after leaving university for a summer adventure, little realising that she would meet and marry an American, and be a mother soon afterwards. But a couple of decades on, her ideal family life is in tatters. She's living apart from her husband and daughter in a seaside resort, her emotions shattered. She only wishes to cut herself off from the world. Then an invitation to join a letter writing club in the local bookshop rouses her from her torpor. Among the motley collection of people in the group is injured war veteran Ned. Somehow they begin to connect, each acknowledging that the other has been through trauma. Olivia has some major choices to make, the greatest of which is whether she can go back to her husband. The novel is deep and heart-wrenching, and explores whether we can face up to life's darkest events, and what it takes to heal. Memorable.

Imogen Clark - Where the Story Starts

After years of heartbreak and turmoil, Leah is more settled, and doing her utmost to be the best possible single mum to Poppy and Noah. She's managing to keep her finances afloat to make a home for them in her little house in the coastal town of Whitley Bay. Then Clio turns up unexpectedly on her doorstep, and asks in her cut-glass accent if she can look round the house. When Leah finally relents, she begins to forge an unlikely friendship with someone from a totally different background to herself. This leads her on a journey of undisclosed history, new relationships and past misdemeanors causing unwelcome shocks. As their stories unfold, their friendship is tested to the limit. An enjoyable read.