This week, I am sharing some of my recent reads.
Since 2012, I’ve reviewed most of the books I have read. I say most because I haven’t reviewed all of the books shared with my children or class — they’ve tended to write those reviews for me — but I have reviewed all of the books I have chosen to read for pleasure myself.
Knowing how important reviews are to authors, I always make time to write one. The great thing is that size doesn’t matter (a review can be as short as a couple of sentences and can brighten an author’s day), so writing one doesn’t have to be onerous.
I tend to read within the genre I write — romance / romantic comedy — as I like books that make me smile. There is enough angst in the world, and I have a busy life, so I enjoy books that offer heartwarming escapism. If you do, too, why not check out one of these fabulous reads…
Tracy Bloom’s The Time of Her Life:
With its delightful blend of humour, heart, and poignant self-discovery, this was another great book from Tracy Bloom. The author’s fast-paced dialogue and ability to capture comedic moments made for an engaging and enjoyable read.
I liked the main character, Kim, a spirited hairdresser thrown into turmoil when her husband admits he is having an affair. Forced to reassess her life, she finds solace in the company of her son and his eclectic housemates, each of whom I immensely enjoyed getting to know. Particularly memorable is Sonny, a character impossible not to adore.
With a refreshing spin on “starting over,” The Time of Her Life features a cast of characters who feel like old friends. It is a page-turner with a satisfying ending and a must-read for fans of witty dialogue, relatable characters, and heartwarming tales of self-discovery.
Sarah Morgan’s The Christmas Book Club (I’m including this in case you are like me and will happily read a Christmas book at any time of year):
Sarah Morgan’s “The Christmas Book Club” is a heartwarming addition to her annual festive offerings. Centred around friends Claudia, Erica, and Anna’s holiday tradition of reading and discussing books, the trio finds themselves at Vermont’s Maple Sugar Inn, chosen by Erica. However, beneath the cosy veneer, the inn’s owner, Hattie, is grappling with the challenges of widowhood, parenting, and maintaining her late husband’s legacy.
Morgan writes characters with their own quirks and relatable struggles; from Anna’s empty-nest apprehension to Erica’s guarded independence and Claudia’s personal and professional crossroads, I loved getting to know them all. The connection between the friends was lovely, and I cared for each of them and their individual journeys. Noah is a wonderful, dependable hero, and Hattie’s daughter, Delphi, is a delight.
The Maple Sugar Inn and its quaint town provide an idyllic backdrop for the unfolding story. Once again, Sarah Morgan transported me to a winter getaway with log fires, delectable food, and the warmth of enduring friendships, and I loved it.
Sue McDonnagh’s The Sea Sisters Swimming Club
“The Sea Sisters Swimming Club” by Sue McDonagh is a delightful exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of community. Fran, a retiree seeking solace after a life-altering incident, finds herself house-sitting in the tranquil Welsh village of Llabrin. Initially resistant to the quietude, Fran’s journey unfolds as she embraces the warmth of the close-knit community. McDonagh skillfully weaves a narrative that goes beyond retirement, capturing Fran’s relatable grumpiness and endearing evolution.
The novel beautifully portrays the slow-burning romance between mature characters and deftly addresses the theme of overcoming fears while challenging societal perceptions. Set against the enchanting Welsh backdrop, McDonagh’s storytelling shines, creating a captivating atmosphere. “The Sea Sisters Swimming Club” is another triumph for Sue McDonagh, offering a heartwarming tale of second chances, love, and the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected turns.
I add all of my reviews to Goodreads and Amazon. Recently, I have also started adding them to Bookbub, too. Positive reviews really do make a big difference to authors. Not only do readers’ kind words help them through the difficult days when the writing won’t flow, but they also help lift a book’s profile.
If you haven’t left a review lately, why not spread a little happiness and leave one for the book you’ve most recently enjoyed?
Thank you for reading my reviews. I hope you’ve found a book you might like to read among them. Have a happy week. x
Discover more about me and my writing here: Facebook | X (Twitter) | website |
