April was a month of exploration through books that offered escape and new perspectives. From classic literature to contemporary fiction, each book had a unique way of taking me away from the stresses of daily life and transporting me to new worlds. One of the standout books I read this month was "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the roaring twenties, the novel gave me a glimpse into the extravagance and glamour of the era, while also highlighting the underlying themes of love, greed, and the American dream. Another book that left a lasting impression on me was "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. The novel follows the story of Nora Seed, who finds herself in a library that offers her the chance to try out different lives she could have lived. The book left me pondering on the choices I've made in my own life and the endless possibilities that could have been. Overall, April was a great month for reading and I can't wait to see what May has in store.
Have a look at the books I recommend and let me know what your favourite read was this month, or what book offered you an escape? I would love to hear from you.
Love Alis X
Title: The Professor
Author: Charlotte Bronte
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Wordsworth Classics
Publication Date: 1st published 1857. My edition 1994
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating 3*** I liked it, It’s OK
Book Reccommendations - About Book: William Crimsworth escapes the brutal employment of his brother in a Yorkshire mill town, changes profession and takes a position as tutor in a boys' school in Brussels. The author is unusually frank, for the time, in her scrutiny of the relationship between the teacher and the domineering headmistress of the adjoining girls' school, Zoraide Reuter. Crimsworth manages to avoid the older woman's manipulation and begins a relationship with a poor pupil/teacher only to have these advances briefly frustrated by the headmistress' jealousy and dislike of the younger woman.
My Thoughts: The Professor" by Charlotte Bronte is a novel that takes the reader on a journey through the life of William Crimsworth, a young man who becomes a teacher in Brussels. Set in the 19th century, the novel offers a glimpse into the social norms and customs of the time. Bronte's writing style is impressive, with beautiful descriptions of the city and its people. She weaves a complex story with well-developed characters, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist, William, is an intriguing character, and his journey from an underpaid and overworked teacher to a successful businessperson is inspiring. Bronte also touches on the themes of love, class, and gender roles in the novel, adding depth to the story. However, the novel can be slow-paced at times, and some readers may find the plot to be lacking in action. Overall, "The Professor" is a thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the social and cultural landscape of the 19th century and is a worthwhile read for fans of classic literature.
Title: Those Who Know
Author: Alis Hawkins
Series: Teifi Valley Coroner Series Book 3
Genre: Mystery, Historical, Crime
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 2020
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating 6****** One of my favourites
Book Reccommendations - About Book: Beset on all sides, time is running out: to solve the case, and to save his
future...
Harry Probert-Lloyd has inherited the estate of Glanteifi and appointed his assistant John as under-steward. But his true vocation, to be coroner, is under threat. Against his natural instincts, Harry must campaign if he is to be voted as coroner permanently.
On the hustings, Harry and John are called to examine the body of Nicholas Rowland, a pioneering schoolteacher whose death may not be the accident it first appeared. What was Rowland’s real relationship with his eccentric patron, Miss Gwatkyn? And why does Harry’s rival for the post of coroner deny knowing him?
Harry’s determination to uncover the truth threatens to undermine both his campaign and his career.
My Thoughts: Those Who Know" by Alis Hawkins is a masterfully crafted mystery novel that transports the reader to the rugged hills of Wales in the 1850s. The story follows the investigation of a gruesome murder, and the tangled web of secrets and lies that surround it. Hawkins' writing style is both evocative and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the Welsh countryside and its inhabitants. The characters are expertly developed, each with their own unique voice and perspective, and the dialogue is sharp and realistic. The mystery itself is well-plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the very end. But what truly sets "Those Who Know" apart is the way it explores themes of identity, class, and prejudice. The novel is an immersive experience that will leave readers questioning their own assumptions and biases. Overall, "Those Who Know" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery, and a shining example of the genre done right. Alis Hawkins has truly outdone herself with this book, she has become one of my all-time favourite authors.
Title: Strange Eden
Author: Gina Giordano
Series: Strange Eden Book 1
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Kaferhaus Press
Publication Date: 2023
Format: e book supplied to me by Voracious Readers in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend.
Book Recommendations - About Book: Everything familiar to Eliza has been ripped away. Even worse, the cruel deed was done by her own hands. Nassau, Bahamas, 1791… Eliza Sharpe, recently wed to a mysterious and brooding soldier, departs for the West Indies with him to begin their new life. Once there, she realizes their marital arrangement is ill-fated and that she has made a disastrous choice. Charles, the man she finds herself bound to, is nothing short of a monster. On their very first night in New Providence, her innocence is irrevocably shattered. The walls of her new home hide a dark family secret, and Eliza realizes that the freedom she sought within marriage is a worse cage than the constraints she faced before. Eliza struggles with her new existence, her exposure to Charles’ explosive temper, the brutality of slavery, and her isolation as she tries to grow accustomed to life on distant shores. The only source of comfort she finds is swimming in the startlingly clear ocean, an activity Charles expressly forbids. As she attempts to flee her deteriorating situation, an unexpected encounter with a beguiling stranger named Jean offers a promise of escape. Despite the dark rumours that swirl around her recent acquaintance and his mysterious past, he captures Eliza’s interest, and ultimately, her heart―with deadly consequences. On an island where nothing is as it appears, Eliza is confronted with the harsh realities of living on the fringe of empire, of womanhood, and the overt corruption that festers in the governor’s mansion on the hill. Will she ever be able to secure her freedom―and possibly even find redemption in love?
My Thoughts: “Strange Eden” by Gino Giordano is an exciting first novel set within the period of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, set in the Bahamas. The book takes us through the beginning of married life of Lady Eliza and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Sharpe. Eliza’s character is compelling as she does not conform to the time she is living in; she brings forward feelings that make you love and dislike her at the same time. She is naïve, and overconfident but is consumed by love and hatred at the same time. The book takes you on a journey and was difficult to put down as it has everything, history, romance, family dilemmas, friendship, betrayal, corruption and even a little sorcery and I am looking forward to the next instalment.
Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Genre: Young Adult, Historical
Publisher: Picador Pan Macmillan Australia
Publication Date: 2008
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
Book Recommendations - About Book: It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier and will be busier still.
By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.
My Thoughts: “The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak is a powerful and poignant novel that takes the reader on a journey through the streets of Nazi Germany during World War II. The story is narrated by Death, who tells the tale of a young girl named Liesel Meminger, a book thief who discovers the power of words and their ability to connect people in the darkest of times. Zusak's writing style is articulate, with beautiful prose that evokes a range of emotions from joy to heartbreak. The characters are well-developed, each with their own distinct personality and voice, and the relationships between them are deeply moving. What sets "The Book Thief" apart is its exploration of themes such as loss, love, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. The novel is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Overall, "The Book Thief" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who loves a good story. Zusak's work is a masterpiece that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
Title: A Bitter Remedy
Series: Oxford Mysteries Book 1
Author: Alis Hawkins
Genre: Historical, Crime
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 2023
Format: Hardback I purchased myself
Rating: 6****** From my favourite author that never disappoints
Book Recommendations - About Book: Amongst the scholars, secrets and soporifics of Victorian Oxford, the truth can be a bitter pill to swallow…
Jesus College, Oxford, 1881. An undergraduate is found dead at his lodgings and the medical examination reveals some shocking findings. When the young man’s guardian blames the college for his death and threatens a scandal, Basil Rice, a Jesus College fellow with a secret to hide, is forced to act and finds himself drawn into Sidney Parker’s sad life.
The mystery soon attracts the attention of Rhiannon ‘Non’ Vaughan, a young Welsh polymath and one of the young women newly admitted to university lectures. But when neither the college principal nor the powerful ladies behind Oxford’s new female halls will allow her to become involved, Non’s fierce intelligence and determination to prove herself drive her on.
Both misfits at the university, Non and Basil form an unlikely partnership, and it soon falls to them to investigate the mysterious circumstances of Parker’s death. But between corporate malfeasance and snake-oil salesmen, they soon find the dreaming spires of Oxford are not quite what they seem…
My Thoughts: Bitter Remedy" by Alis Hawkins is an absolutely stunning novel that kept me captivated from beginning to end. Set in the late 19th century in Oxford, the story follows the investigation of a murder when a young undergraduate is found dead in his lodgings. The characters are richly drawn and complex, each with their own secrets and motivations, and the plot is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Hawkins' writing is beautifully descriptive, bringing the area to life in vivid detail, and the historical elements of the story are seamlessly woven into the narrative. The themes of justice, community, and family are explored in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking, and the climax of the story is both satisfying and emotionally resonant. Overall, "Bitter Remedy" is a masterpiece of historical fiction that has left a lasting impression on me. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Alis Hawkins is one of my definite go to authors when I want to read a book I know I cannot put down as she never disappoints.
Title: The Bookshop of Yesterdays
Author: Amy Meyherson
Genre: Domestic, Family
Publisher: HQ Digital
Publication Date: 2018
Format: Hardback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 3*** I liked it, it’s ok.
Book Recommendations - About Book: One little bookshop will change everything…
Miranda Brooks grew up in the stacks of her uncle’s bookstore, solving the inventive scavenger hunts he created just for her. But on Miranda's twelfth birthday, her uncle suddenly disappeared.
She doesn't hear about him again until sixteen years later when she receives unexpected news: Billy has died and left her Prospero Books.
When Miranda returns home to the bookshop she finds clues that Billy has hidden for her inside novels on the store's shelves, in locked drawers of his apartment upstairs and in the name of the store itself. Quickly she becomes determined to solve Billy's last scavenger hunt.
But will she want to uncover the terrible secret that tore her family apart?
My Thoughts: "The Bookshop of Yesterdays" by Amy Meyerson is a heart-warming and engaging novel that celebrates the power of books and the importance of family. The story follows Miranda Brooks, a young woman who inherits a bookshop from her uncle and discovers a mysterious scavenger hunt left for her by him. As Miranda follows the clues, she uncovers secrets from her family's past and learns about the power of forgiveness and the importance of connecting with those we love. Meyerson's writing style is witty and engaging, with well-drawn characters that are both relatable and likable. The plot is well-paced, with the scavenger hunt adding an extra layer of excitement to the narrative. But what truly sets "The Bookshop of Yesterdays" apart is its celebration of the joys of reading and the connections that books can create between people. The novel is a love letter to bookstores and the role they play in our lives and is sure to delight any book lover. Overall, "The Bookshop of Yesterdays" is a charming and heart warming read that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. Meyerson has crafted a beautiful work of fiction.
Title: Broken Dreams
Series: A Callipur Murder Mystery
Author: Aditya Banerjee
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Historical.
Publication Date: 2020
Format: e book I was supplied free of charge by Voracious reader for an honest review
Star Rating 2** It’s not really for me.
Book Recommendations - About Book: n 1978, a horrific murder takes place in the small idyllic town of Callipur, India. The murder and a string of robberies have the town on edge. The mystery baffles the police department and the young officer who is desperately searching for the truth. In Shankar Sen’s first case, each turn and clue seem to lead to a dead end. The young man who is killed is well liked and has no enemies. Is it a robbery gone wrong? Or is there something sinister going on that someone is trying to hide? As the young detective steadfastly investigates the mystery, he finds that he cannot always rely on his own department. But he gets help from an unlikely source. As the investigation heads towards its conclusion, more secrets are revealed, and uncovering the truth may not necessarily mean getting justice.
My Thoughts: Broken Dreams" by Aditya Banerjee had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations and what I like to read. The plot for me lacked any real depth or complexity. The characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable, making it difficult to become invested in their struggles. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked any real spark or flair. While the book had some potential, it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying reading experience for me.
Title: An African Love Story: Love Life and Elephants
Author: Daphne Sheldrick
Genre: Biography, Romance
Publisher: Penguin
Date of Publication: 2012
Format: Kindle purchased myself for Book Club
My Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend.
Book Recommendations - About book: Daphne Sheldrick's best-selling love story of romance, life and elephants, An African Love Story: Love, Life and Elephants is an incredible story from Africa's greatest living conservationist. A typical day for Daphne involves rescuing baby elephants from poachers, finding homes for orphan elephants, all the while campaigning the ever-present threat of poaching for the ivory trade. An African Love Story is the incredible memoir of her life. It tells two stories - one is the extraordinary love story which blossomed when Daphne fell head over heels with Tsavo Game Park and its famous warden, David Sheldrick. The second is the love story of how Daphne and David, who devoted their lives to saving elephant orphans, at first losing every infant under the age of two until Daphne at last managed to devise the first-ever milk formula which would keep them alive.
My thoughts: "An African Love Story: Love, Life, and Elephants" is a beautiful memoir by Daphne Sheldrick that offers a glimpse into the world of African wildlife and the author's love for these majestic animals. The book follows Sheldrick's journey as she falls in love with her husband and Africa and dedicates her life to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. Sheldrick's writing is vivid and emotional, and she does an excellent job of painting a picture of Africa's beauty and the challenges faced by wildlife conservationists. Her love for elephants shines through every page, and readers will find themselves falling in love with these creatures too. What makes this book truly special is the way it captures the intimate relationships between humans and animals. Sheldrick's bond with the elephants she cares for is heart warming and inspiring, and readers will be touched by her dedication and compassion. Overall, "An African Love Story: Love, Life, and Elephants" is a must-read for anyone who loves wildlife, Africa, or simply a good memoir. Sheldrick's story is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, and it will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.
Title: Escaping Reality
Author: Samantha Jayne Grubey
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: 2022
Format: e book I purchased myself
Star rating 3*** I liked it, it’s ok.
Book Recommednations - About Book: Nobody wants to live without their best friend, but when Holly is murdered, Chlo has no choice.
Chlo is the only person who has the answers - too bad she can’t remember when she wakes up two weeks later.
Chlo is sent to a rehabilitation centre where she has to learn to grieve, along the way of trying to access her memories she has to deal with her feelings for Corey, her best friend’s brother. For Holly was always a reason to stay away, now it’s their reason to try.
My Thoughts: Escaping Reality" by Samantha Jayne Grubey was a decent read that had its pros and cons. On the positive side, the writing style was engaging and easy to follow, which made it a quick and enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and relatable, and the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout the book. However, there were some downsides to the book as well. For one, the pacing was a bit slow in parts, which made it feel like the story was dragging on at times. Additionally, while the characters were likeable, they lacked a certain depth and complexity that could have made them more memorable. I did like the book, but I was not bowled over.
Title: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Historical
Format: e book I purchased myself
Rating: 4**** I Liked it a lot and recommend
Book Recommendations - About Book: This powerful novel takes you on a journey through the Roaring Twenties and the destructive nature of the American Dream. Follow the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man who throws lavish parties in the hopes of winning back his former love, Daisy Buchanan. As Gatsby's obsession with Daisy deepens, he becomes embroiled in a world of lies, deception, and tragedy. Told through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, this novel is a must-read for fans of classic literature. Immerse yourself in the world of the Jazz Age and see why "The Great Gatsby" is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Order your copy now and join the ranks of those who have fallen in love with this American classic."
My Thoughts: "The Great Gatsby" is a timeless classic that has rightfully earned its place in the literary canon. Fitzgerald's writing is elegant and poetic, transporting the reader back to the Jazz Age and immersing them in the glitz and glamour of the era. The story follows the enigmatic and wealthy Jay Gatsby as he attempts to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, while navigating the corrupt and shallow society of the wealthy elite. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own flaws and desires, and the plot is both suspenseful and emotionally gripping. The themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream are woven throughout the book, creating a powerful commentary on the nature of the human condition. Overall, "The Great Gatsby" is a masterpiece of American literature that deserves to be read and studied for generations to come. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates beautiful writing, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. It is truly a work of art.
Title: The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Genre: Science Fiction,
Publisher: Canongate Books
Publication Date: 2020
Format: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
Book Recommendations - About Book: Nora's life has been going from bad to worse. Then at the stroke of midnight on her last day on earth she finds herself transported to a library. There she is given the chance to undo her regrets and try out each of the other lives she might have lived. Which raises the ultimate question: with infinite choices, what is the best way to live?
My Thoughts: The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig is a thought-provoking and uplifting novel that explores the power of choice and the importance of living in the present moment. The story follows Nora Seed, a woman who has lost her sense of purpose in life and is contemplating suicide. However, instead of dying, she finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death where she has the opportunity to explore all the alternate versions of her life that could have been if she had made different choices. Haig's writing is beautiful and evocative, and he does an excellent job of creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and Nora's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The themes of regret, forgiveness, and acceptance are woven throughout the book, creating a powerful message about the importance of embracing life and all its imperfections. Overall, "The Midnight Library" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that left me contemplating my own life and the choices I have made. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and uplifting read.
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