Welcome back, fellow bookworms! As the months speed by, I find myself immersed in a world of books and this month I am thrilled to share with you where I am on my A to Z Reading Challenge journey. For me, this challenge isn't just about checking off titles—it's about exploring new genres, discovering diverse voices, and uncovering hidden literary gems. From thrilling mysteries to heart warming romances, I've curated a list that promises to ignite our imaginations and expand our horizons. So far, I have read 12 books in the four months of the challenge. But I think it will get much harder as I move towards the end of the alphabet. But for now, grab your favourite reading nook, a steaming cup of tea (or coffee!), and join me on this captivating alphabetical quest through the wonderful world of books. Let's embark on this literary odyssey together!
Let me know if you have any recommendations for the letters I have not managed to cover.
Alis x
A
Title: Artificial Wisdom
Author: Thomas R. Weaver
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Publisher: Chainmaker Press
Date Published: 5th October 2023
Book Length: 386
Format: Hardback supplied to ,e by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: SALVATION HAS A PRICE.
An enthralling murder mystery with a vividly realised future world, forcing readers to grapple hard hitting questions about the climate crisis, our relationship with Artificial Intelligence and the price we would be willing to pay, as a species, to be saved. Perfect for fans of Blake Crouch, Neal Stephenson, Philip K Dick, Kim Stanley Robinson and RR Haywood.
It's 2050, a decade after a heatwave that killed four hundred million across the Persian Gulf, including journalist Marcus Tully's wife. Now he must uncover the truth: was the disaster natural? Or is the weather now a weapon of genocide?
A whistle blower pulls Tully into a murder investigation at the centre of an election battle for a global dictator, with a mandate to prevent a climate apocalypse. A former US President campaigns against the first AI politician of the position, but someone is trying to sway the outcome.
Tully must convince the world to face the truth and make hard choices about the future of the species. But will humanity ultimately choose salvation over freedom, whatever the cost?
My Thoughts: Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver has a gritty start and draws you in. Some of the words and descriptions felt like they could have belonged to our real future and is testament to Weavers writing and thinking making the story all the more authentic.
Some of the chapters are fairly short which I feel builds on the intensity of the drama enabling the story to grow one chapter at time.
Artificial Wisdom is a book about truth and moral dilemma and is a very sombre, thought provoking read.
For me the book held authenticity to what could happen in the future added to the enjoyment of the book.
As I read through there were many twists and turns and Weaver skilfully weaves together a murder mystery with a political thriller challenging us as readers with profound questions about the climate crisis and AI and the sacrifices we might make for the greater good. I’m not even sure I could have done what Tully did and invite someone else into your egospace, I nearly cried when he did it. It was for the greater good and something you don’t really know which way you will jump until you are in that situation.
The book shows an intricate plot full of suspense, with added emotion. It is a must read for those of you who love futuristic fiction that challenges your thinking. Thomas R Weaver will definitely leave you pondering the delicate balance between salvation and freedom long after you turn the final pages. A definite 5* read for me and a book I highly recommend.
B
Title: Blood Sapphire’s Revenge
Author: Dr Bruce Farmer
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Epigraph
Date Published: 2022
Book Length: 398
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5 ***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: An arresting story that follows Haddy Abrams, a dauntless female warrior full of determination and boldness as she resolutely battles both personal demons and a heinous villain out to destroy the world. And yet, secretly, in her dreams, there is a man. A mysterious man she only met eyes with so many years ago – and who seems more a ghost than anything else, now. After shooting a notorious Islamic extremist in the Hadhramaut Mountains of Yemen with a record-setting sniper shot, Israel Defence Force Staff Sergeant Abrams finds herself in the crosshairs of a diabolical Eastern European oligarch known only as “X”. Haddy narrowly survives a targeted assassination attempt, but this only fuels her determination. Still traumatized by the attempt on her life, Haddy sets off to settle the score, even as she is plagued by inner demons set on destroying her before she gets there. Across the globe, the dreams of New York City police detective Wolf James are haunted by visions of a mysterious, dark-eyed woman he once encountered while summiting Mount Rainier in Washington state. Assigned to a covert training operation in the Ukraine and on the eve of his wedding day, Detective James suddenly finds himself face-to-face with the mysterious female warrior, who has captivated his dreams for months. He soon finds himself working with her – with no hesitation.
My Thoughts: Blood Sapphire’s Revenge by Dr Bruce Farmer starts as it means to go on a hard hitting, no nonsense and straight talking. The book has a strong female lead, Haddy who pulls no punches and shoots directly at her target literally. This book is a fast paced, suspense thriller.
Haddy the main protagonist is flawed but is also a fearless female, wonder woman this creates a character teeming with tension and angst. Dr Bruce Farmers attention to detail from meticulous research aids authenticity enhancing this globe spanning tale. The plot is filled with twists and secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat as the book unfolded one chapter at a time.
But the book comes together like cymbals crashing together in an orchestra, like a thunderous crescendo near the end and it is all worth wating for.
In conclusion this book is a hard hitting, fast paced action-packed thriller. Haddy is a memorable strong female you will love and Wolf, well you will fall for him as much as Haddy does.
D
Title: Dark Shadow
Author: Simon Dinsdale
Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery
Series: A Detective Christian Danes Thriller Book 1 of 2
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 246
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Detective Superintendent Christian Dane is an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. But when he is called to the brutal slaying of three petty criminals, Dane is confronted with a crime scene the like of which he has never experienced. He calls in Detective Constable Hayley Cross, a talented young officer, to assist him. Their investigation of the perplexing case is hampered by an inexperienced boss, little forensic evidence, and nothing to explain why the victims were murdered. As the pace of the investigation increases two more bodies are discovered. A French fisherman shot on a Dorset beach and a cocaine dealer in Cambridge, both forensically linked to the first murders, confirming they are after no ordinary killer. Dane is under increasing pressure to apprehend the killer. He is forced to confront his own history when ambushed by a journalist - and turns to his old Army commander, General Smith, for help. The detective finally identifies a suspect and aided by Hayley, hunts him down - as a shadow figure from his own past threatens to destroy him.
My Thoughts: Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is book 1 of 2 in the Detective Christian Dane series. I found the book easy to follow as the prose flowed systematically. The characters were well defined, and I settled into the book right from the start. However, you could still feel there were secrets about the main protagonists that was waiting to unfold.
I also enjoyed the elements of the private lives that were intertwined within the story it makes it all feel more realistic.
I did wonder at the point of DCS Grant in the story as he only ever did one thing and then he stopped appearing. However, this did not hinder the overall story.
Dinsdale’s attention to detail in and understanding of police procedures shines through and makes the story more believable.
The partnership between Dane and Cross is compelling, and for me adds a layer of depth and with every twist and turn Dinsdale kept me guessing right until the end.
In conclusion Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is a must read for fans of crime fiction with authentic portrayal of police procedure that make this an easy book to recommend.
F
Title: Fog of Silence
Author: S J Richards
Genre: Thriller
Series: Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers Book 3
Publisher: Apple Loft Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 308
Format: E Book supplied to me by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: x-DCI Luke Sackville is asked to investigate celebrity parties by a whistle blower at GNE, a global news and entertainment company. Two of his Ethics Team go undercover and piece together a frightening picture of depravity and wickedness.
Luke is shocked to discover that celebrities are using their fame to exploit and abuse fans. He takes the evidence to GNE’s executive management but they refuse to take action.
Little does he know that what they have uncovered is only the tip of the iceberg. A serial killer is taking advantage of the culture of secrecy and no one is safe.
My Thoughts: Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the seedy underbelly of fame and power in SJ Richards' latest masterpiece, "Fog of Silence." This gripping crime novel marks the third instalment in the Luke Sackville series, and it's a page-turner from start to finish. Although this book is the third in the series it can be read as a standalone
Richards skilfully weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, and moral reckoning. The characters, especially the Ethics Team, add relatability to the narrative. Sackville's determination to expose the truth, despite facing powerful adversaries, makes him a protagonist worth rooting for.
The writing style is engaging and is also laced with a sense of humour, making the journey through the dark alleys of crime more enjoyable. Richards excels in building tension, and the pacing is spot-on, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout. I did not want to put the book down.
"Fog of Silence" stands out in the crowded crime fiction genre with its unique exploration of the abuse of fame and the consequences of turning a blind eye to the powerful. It's a thought-provoking and exhilarating read that captivates from the first page to the last.
For fans of crime and suspense, "Fog of Silence" is a must-read. SJ Richards delivers a knockout punch with this instalment, solidifying the Luke Sackville series as a powerhouse in contemporary crime fiction. A definite 5-star read—I loved it.
G
Title: The Giveaway Girl
Author: Chrissie Bradshaw
Genre: Saga Romance
Series: The Kelly Family book 3 of 3
Publisher: Vallum Publishing
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 328
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it, and recommend
About Book: Joy’s world is turned upside down when she discovers she was given away as a new born. She runs away from her home in Australia to go in search of her birth family in Northumberland, England. Coming face-to-face with the Kelly family ignites Joy’s envy of her sister, Rose, and she plunges into a tailspin of mistakes and heartache. Joy’s trouble-strewn journey is set in the sixties, a time of freedom and promise. She sees that popular culture and attitudes are changing, yet she still hides the shame of being the giveaway girl. What will it take for her to accept the events of the past, come to understand the meaning of love and discover her true worth?
My Thoughts: The Giveaway Girl by Chrissie Bradshaw is a romance book about a young girl who finds out she was given away as a new born. This is the third book in the Kelly family series, and is the first book I have read, it can be read as a standalone as I wasn’t confused by anything that may have been written prior. Bradshaw delicately crafts a narrative that looks at families, secrets and the journey of Joy to find out where she comes from and understand why this has happened to her.
The emotional journey for Joy is raw and draws you in, although at times I did not like her. However, the complexity of the situation was brought to life and the twists and turns of love, burdens and misunderstanding became an emotional roller-coaster.
The one thing that was not truly clear for me was that if I had not been told the story took place in the 1960’s I would not have known that, there were a couple of clear references but it didn’t always ring true for me and I would have loved to see more.
With all that said this for me is still a 4**** read with Bradshaw's ability to tell a story make The Giveaway Girl a compelling read for those of you who love books about family and romance.
H
Title: A Hanging Moon
Author: Phill Featherstone
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Series: Leopards Bane book 3 of 3
Publisher: Opitus Books
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 256
Format. E Book supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it, and recommend
About Book: In the thrilling third instalment of the mesmerising fantasy series, “Leopard’s Bane," the star-crossed lovers Yalka and Peglar face their most dire test yet. With their fates intertwined, but cruelly separated, Yalka finds herself imprisoned, caught in a dangerous game orchestrated by Vancia, Peglar’s stepmother, and his vengeful half-brother, Ragul. As Yalka faces the darkness of her captivity, her loyal friend Eylese learns of her plight and sets out on a daring mission to rescue her. However, just as Yalka manages to escape disaster strikes when Peglar is captured and brought before Ragul, now the despotic ruler of the city. He is condemned to die by hanging at the next full moon. Peglar's fate appears sealed and despair grips the hearts of the lovers as they face the looming spectre of their separation, possibly forever. Night falls on the eve of the full moon and a crowd gathers to witness the horror. The ritual begins and Peglar mounts the scaffold. All seems lost but then as the moon rises an unexpected twist of fate sets off a startling and unexpected chain of events. In this exciting tale, treachery and undying love collide, loyalties are tested, sacrifices made, and the power of the human spirit shines bright against the backdrop of a corrupt society. Will Yalka and Peglar find a way to reunite and rewrite their destiny? The answer lies under the hanging moon.
My Thoughts: In A Hanging Moon by Phill Featherstone, the third instalment of the Leopard Bane series, but a book that can be read as a standalone. The protagonists face their most challenging trial. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense, love and treachery with the web of deceit adding a level of depth to the story. The storyline also adds in a sense of urgency at events with palpable tension and an unexpected twist that kept me wanting to read on.
The exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit against a corrupt society is skilfully woven into the narrative. The resolution under A Hanging Moon delivers a poignant and satisfying conclusion to this tale with its well crafted plot and engaging characters.
I
Title: Imagine Living
Author: Deborah Morgan
Genre: History, mystery, suspense, thriller
Series: Disappearing Home series book 2 of 2
Publisher: Summer Seat Press
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 218
Format: Paperback provided to me by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: It's 1980, Liverpool, Robyn is happy living with May, her nan. She is safe and well cared for. When her nan dies, sixteen-year-old Robyn finds herself homeless. She dreams of finding her father and finding a home. But she has no idea where to begin her search. Imagine Living opens as Robyn is working in her first job, in Waterford's Bakery. It is here she meets an array of characters who befriend her, but some of the characters are dangerous, searching for the most vulnerable in society to exploit. Robyn must find ways to escape them, as she is forced into navigating her own way in the world, doing her utmost to stay alive. Throughout Imagine Living, readers are jolted with unexpected surprises, through the kindness of strangers and heart warming moments of joy. How can Robyn be both living on the streets, where violence and poverty prevail, and own a Dior dress? And how will she handle being blackmailed and bullied? Robyn is in possession of an unstoppable sense optimism and loyalty to those she loves. Her kindness is seen by some as a weakness. But don't cross her, as she's formidable at protecting herself, described by many who meet her as a survivor.
My Thoughts: Imagine Living by Deborah Morgan is book 2 in the Disappearing Home series but can be read as a stand-alone book. It is based in 1980 and I really enjoyed reading about the people in this period and felt Deborah Morgan captured the vibrant essence of the 1980’s seamlessly weaving a narrative that immersed me in the cultural tapestry of the era. With meticulous attention to detail, bringing the streets, people and period to life evoking a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that transported me back to the atmosphere of the 1980’s. The book had humour and wit, but periods of fear and hope all of which made me love the main protagonist Robyn more and more. The relationship between Robyn and her Nan was heart warming and testament to the enduring power and love of family portrayed with authenticity, in the period enriching the narrative.
I laughed at the wit and humour of the time and cried at the loss and despair as if I were taking every step with Robyn. She was resilient and vulnerable all at the same time.
In conclusion, the book is about love, loss and trying to find your way along with family, friends, and foes. A great read that had lost of emotion and a cultural tapestry of the 1980’s that I recommend if you love books about family, friends, and the past.
J
Title: The Journey Continues
Author: Sara Ann Key
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 164
Format: Paperback supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Acknowledging our own Spirit, the eternal part of self, has a wonderful liberating effect on our awareness as there we can see who we really are and what we need to achieve whilst here on earth.
Drawing from real life events, Sara chronicles each challenging life event and explores from personal experience how to overcome these challenges.
A deeply heartfelt and honest read, the reader is sure to come through changed.
My Thoughts: The Journey Continues by Sara Ann Key is the 2nd book I have read by the author the first being The Journey and although they can read independently, I strongly advise that you read both as they are like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that fit together.
I am not sure everyone reads the preface of a book, but I always do, and the words written strongly resonated with me and they definitely set the tone with reasons in a profound way.
As I read through The Journey Continues the words felt honest and raw but also heart warming and deeply insightful, and you could tell the author had put her heart and soul into the book, which enabled me to connect with what Sara Ann Key was talking about on an emotional level.
My favourite quote was ‘The most important relationship we have is with ourselves. Belief in ourselves, self-confidence, self-awareness, self-reliance, self esteem and self-love.
What makes "The Journey Continues" a must read is Sara Ann Key's commitment to authenticity. She bares her soul on the pages of this memoir, which allowed me to connect with her on a deeply personal level. In a world filled with superficiality, Key's vulnerability is a refreshing reminder of the beauty found in embracing one's true self.
In conclusion, "The Journey Continues" is full of introspection and self-discovery. Sara Ann Key's memoir is not just a book; it is an experience that has the power to change lives. Through her honest storytelling, Key reminded me of the importance of acknowledging our own spirit and embracing the journey of self-discovery. This is a book that deserves to be savoured, cherished, and shared, a great read in every sense of the word.
L
Title: Love Lottie
Author: Mel Higgins
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Dear Lottie Series book 2 0f 2
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 377
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Cathleen longs for a child to complete her family so when her parents send her sixteen-year-old sister Lottie to London after secretly giving birth to a daughter, could this new bundle be the answer to her prayers? Betty lives a good life in the city of Paris with a close knitted family around her, but when her uncle turns up the night before her wedding, family secrets are exposed, leaving her to decide where she belongs. Grace promised her unborn child that she would be a better mother than her own but while her husband Henry shows her little affection and hides away in his shed, she struggles to keep her promise. Sarah is used to her parents being different. her mum is always ill, and her dad works around the clock. However, when she starts reading books by, the author Lottie Ridley, her life changes forever.
My Thoughts: Love Lottie by Mel Higgins is an historical Romance book and part of the Dear Lottie books and although it is mentioned that you should read the first book, Dear Lottie, to get the full experience, I did not feel that my experience was any less for reading Love Lottie first. Although I have now purchased Dear Lottie.
Love Lottie starts of with a major event, and I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster that is about families, love, secret, hatred, and betrayal. The book is extremely sad in places with regrets of what ifs. The book made me cry very early on and it continued to do so as I felt the sadness ooze from the page.
The book is definitely a book well researched for its time, I could feel myself in the midst of the time period being written about and the book travel from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s with a small bit in current time.
This was a book that I did not want to put down, the short chapters added to the intensity of the events happening. Higgins ability to create a masterpiece through the characters’ lives, emotions and events had me hooked right from the very beginning until the last page, with the surprises at each twist and turn a bonus along this truly emotional ride.
M
Title: Munich Wolf
Author: Rory Clements
Genre: Historical, Murder Mystery
Publisher: Zaffre
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 400
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5*****I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Munich, 1935 - The Bavarian capital is a magnet for young, aristocratic Britons who come to learn German, swim in the lakes and drink beer in the cellars. What they don't see - or choose to ignore - is the brutal underbelly of the Nazi movement which considers Munich its spiritual home. When a high-born English girl is murdered, Detective Sebastian Wolff is ordered to solve the crime. Wolff is already walking a tight line between doing his job and falling foul of the political party he abhors. Now Hitler is taking a personal interest in the case. Followed by the secret police and threatened by his own son, a fervent member of the Hitler Youth, the stakes have never been higher. And when Wolff begins to suspect that the killer might be linked to the highest reaches of the Nazi hierarchy, he fears his task is simply impossible - and that he might become the next victim.
My Thoughts: Munich Wolf by Rory Clements is based in Germany 1935. It is a book full of emotion with the disparate opinions between families during this historical time along with the love and fear of a parent and grandparent.
The attention to detail in the period made the book more riveting and Clements masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue and danger centering around the main protagonist, Wolfs quest to solve the extremely high-profile murder. The narrative skilfully explores the difficult complexities of navigating the investigation with Wolf facing both personal and political threats. As the plot moved on at pace the stakes got higher keeping me fully engrossed. It evoked fear, for the time and I wondered whether morality could be lost against saving one’s own skin. The book gave me a strong sense of the atmosphere, tension and fear that gripped the people in this tumultuous time, enabling me to immerse myself in the unsettling experience of living in historical uncertainties as the book had a deep sense of foreboding most of the way through.
In conclusion Munich Wolf is a riveting thriller that captivated me right from the start, right through to the very end and I recommend this book to lovers of mystery and history.
P
Title: The Pieces Of Us
Author: Caroline Montague
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Orion
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 440
Format: Paperback supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Marina and Hugh were once madly in love. But after the loss of their beautiful little daughter, grief has created a distance between them that feels impossible to bridge. Marina knows leaving Italy is the only way they will be able to move on, but Thorncliffe Hall, Hugh's family home in England, is so grey and unwelcoming. Just when life feels like it may never regain colour, Marina and Hugh come across a striking china coffee pot in a London shop window, adorned with a fox flying through the night sky. The coffee pot comes attached with a mystery, one that is connected with Hugh's own family many years ago. By digging into the past, Marina is about to discover a story far beyond her wildest dreams. But will the past help her heal the present?
My Thoughts: Caroline Montague is a wizard with words. The Pieces Of Us begins with a poignant and impactful start, setting a tone that truly resonated with me. The intense descriptions made me feel as If I was actually there as a bystander.
The book moves back and forth in time making both timelines come to life.
The characters are well developed with flaws and secrets. I particularly liked where the character of the past was able to start healing a character in the present.
The book moved like a flower opening from bud one petal at a time. Just giving enough but leaving you knowing there is much more to come until everything is revealed.
The pieces of us truly had it all emotion in spades, secrets untold, a mystery unfolding. I was invested in the past and the present right until the very end where the book still had the ability to make me cry. A 5-star book for lovers of history, romance and for books with dual points of view and one I highly recommend.
T
Title: There Should Have Been Eight
Author: Nalini Singh
Genre: Mystery Suspense
Publisher: Golancz
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 408
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it and recommend
About Book: Seven friends.One last weekend.A mansion half in ruins.No room for lies.Someone is going to confess.Because there should have been eight...They met when they were teenagers. Now they're adults, and time has been kind to some and unkind to others. None more so than Bea-the one they lost nine long years ago.They've gathered to reminisce at Bea's family's estate, a once glorious mansion straight out of a gothic novel. Best friends, old flames, secret enemies, and new lovers are all under one roof. But when the weather turns and they're snowed in at the edge of eternity, there's nowhere left to hide from their shared history.As the walls close in, the pretence of normality gives way to long-buried grief, bitterness, and rage. Underneath it all, there's the nagging feeling that Bea's shocking death wasn't what it was claimed to be. And before the weekend is through, the truth will be unleashed. No matter the cost....
My Thoughts: It should have been Eight by Nalini Singh sets the scene at the beginning, bringing all the characters together and I was able to understand the relationships and dynamics as they began to emerge.
The attention to detail in describing details is second to none and enriches the storytelling. Along with the descriptions of feelings made me feel I was there with the person. A testament to Singh’s ability to draw you into the lives of the people showing their vulnerabilities and miscomprehensions. My favourite character was Aaron as he seemed to be the most kind overall.
The books key moments unfolds like a carefully orchestrated symphony, each note revealing a crucial element in the story, each one of the seven participants playing a distinctive instrument. A great unfolding of mysteries one by one that keeps you enthralled, with lots of twists and turns, a book I had difficulty putting down. There is a little repetitiveness on mentioning Lung going blind but that did not detract from the book overall.
W
Title: What We Thought We Knew
Author: Claire Dyer
Genre: Contemporary Literary
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 280
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Four children, three marriages, two secrets, and one unfathomable tragedy: the families at numbers two, four and six Penwood Heights are connected by work, friendship, the loss of a child and a secret truth which has sat in the bedrock of their lives for years. In the centre of this tight-knit group is Faith, who believes her job is to act as a paperweight, keeping them all safe. And she does this until someone from her past reappears and threatens to sabotage everything. And, as the pieces fall, these families, these friends, realise that what they thought they knew about one another was nothing more than make-believe. They also discover that trust is illusory and for Faith, at least, that keeping other people's secrets can be more dangerous than keeping our own.
My Thoughts: What We Thought We Knew by Claire Dyer is a book full of emotion. People’s lives, their regrets, what if’s and if only. Running through the book is deep sadness through loss and secrets kept you wonder what they are, but I made a stab in the dark at the backdrop of the lives of the characters.
I did get slightly confused about the couples to start with, who was with whom, which children were with which couple, but it soon became clear.
Dyer’s prose opens up throughout the book as a revelation delicately unveiling the complexities of the friendships between the three couples and the tremendous weight of what is hidden and unsaid. The book moves back and forth between past and present, bringing the secrets to bare. Adding depth to the story. Her keen observation of human emotion is evident on every page as she masterfully navigates the depth of grief and betrayal, I wondered if there would be any way out for any of them, which shows my own connection to the characters. As Dyer unfolds the layers and the past comes crashing through the door of the present, What We Thought We Knew becomes a poignant reflection on trust and keeping the secrets of others, what would be the right decision – to tell or not to tell. I found myself enraptured by Dyers words on the pages as she captured the nuances of human experience. I felt the vulnerabilities of each person deeply. It made me feel sad and I cried at the time of healing out of relief and hope.
In conclusion, Claire Dyers novel is a testament reminding us of the shared experiences and bonds made that can define us. It is a tale of love, loss, secrets and forgiveness that will linger long after the last page has been read.
If any of the books from my A to Z Reading Challenge have inspired you to purchase them, please click on the links provided, I do earn a small commission from you purchasing and thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to contact me, you can via email at apagebookclub@gmail.com or via instagram at https://instagram.com/alisbookstagram-
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