I don’t usually read so many books in a month, but I’ve been focused on relaxing since the summer holidays started (taking a break from teaching), enjoying family time and some time for myself.
I was determined to read a paperback on my holiday in France, whereas I usually read on Kindle or listen to books. Do you count it as “reading” if you listen to a book? I know it’s not the same, but I count it as when I am in school, I listen to books while driving or doing jobs at home or in my classroom. It’s a great way to indulge in the wonderful stories I enjoy.
No matter how I “read” the book, if I enjoy the story, I leave a review. Reviews keep authors going on difficult days and help boost the book’s profile. My reviews vary in length depending on how much time I had to write them, but if you’ve read my blog before, you’ll know the size of the review doesn’t matter. It’s the thought and sharing your appreciation of a good book that counts.
With that in mind, here are my recent reads and reviews.
As you’ll notice, I like reading for escapism and relaxation so I tend to pick books I know I will enjoy: romcoms, romance, and historical fiction (with at least a hint of romance).
You Belong to Me, the sequel to Who’s That Girl?, was the follow-up I didn’t know I needed. Having greatly enjoyed Who’s That Girl?, I absolutely loved You Belong to Me and the opportunity to discover what happened next for Edie. Mhairi McFarlane is one of my favourite writers, and her brilliant way with words shone through. The writing, as always, was pacy and poignant. I was keen to find out what would happen next and so kept turning the pages, all the while knowing I’d be sad to say goodbye to the wonderful characters once I got to the end. Once again, McFarlane masterfully balanced humour and emotion, making You Belong to Me a thoroughly enjoyable read. This book was a delightful continuation of Edie and Elliott’s story, perfect for fans of the first book and anyone looking for a heartwarming romance.
The Fixer Upper is an easy-going, enjoyable romcom. The plot is engaging with a gentle romance. I enjoyed the main characters’ developing friendship, and it was refreshing to read a story with a male lead who wasn’t your stereotypical hero. While there were some unexpected references, they added to the book’s playful and fun nature. Overall, The Fixer Upper was a happy read, perfect for escaping for a few hours.
Spring Breeze is a WWII historical novel set in Paris during the German occupation. The story follows Matilde, who initially appears naive and eager to keep a low profile. However, when Matilde’s circumstances change, she determines to fight the enemy however she can. The narrative captures Matilde’s transformation from a passive bystander to a determined and resilient fighter, facing the horrors of war alongside her fellow countrymen with unyielding strength.
Central to the story is the forbidden love between Matilde and Hans, a German soldier who, despite loving his country, abhors the war and its atrocities. Their bond, forged over their attraction, shared love of art, and mutual sense of injustice, is fraught with danger and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I enjoyed discovering more about each of them as their characters developed through the story. Spring Breeze was an evocative, well-researched novel that shows the horrors of war and its impact on ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances.
Here are some fun facts about buying this book: I decided I should have an actual paperback for my holiday and found it in a charity shop. I love Lucy Diamond’s novels and bought this one despite already having it on Kindle. While in the charity shop, I saw A Summer of Second Chances on the shelf and told the lady beside me I had written it. She bought it and made me smile! After reading The Best Days of Our Lives, I popped it into a book exchange in France for another reader to enjoy. It had gone when I next visited. I hope I introduced someone new to Lucy Diamond’s great stories.
As someone who has lost a sister, goodness, this book was an emotional roller coaster. There is real depth to the characters; you can feel their heartache and struggles as they try to rebuild their lives, which will never be the same again. They make mistakes but also achieve new insights and highs along the way. I loved Alice and felt every step of her emotional journey. There were a lot of characters to follow at first, but I soon found my way with them and followed their family connections with interest. The story made me cry, laugh, and experience all the emotions between; it was another great Lucy Diamond read.
Fake it ’til You Make It was my first Laura Carter read. I really liked the lead characters, Abbey and Ted, and the chemistry they shared throughout. I enjoyed the personal journey both characters went on and the banter they frequently shared. It was a good-fun, light-hearted read. I felt the secrets to be told got a little stretched towards the end, but once all was revealed, I loved the ending every bit as much as I hoped I would. It was a fabulous holiday read that made me smile.
The Law of Attraction is a quick, fun holiday read with likeable characters and a flashy setting. Unless I missed it, I don’t think it was explained how come hot-shot lawyer Drew Harrington seemed to know a lot about romcoms, but I liked him, so I was happy to go with it 😉 I loved Drew’s family and their dynamics. I also liked Drew’s friendship group. The story is told mainly from Drew’s alpha-male perspective, with a few insights into Becky’s past coming from her perspective. It was an enjoyable read (with a few trigger moments regarding Becky’s previous abusive partner). I like Laura Carter’s fresh, pacy writing style and dynamic characters. I also enjoyed the escapist setting, too.
The Spare Room is a sweet story with likeable characters, all the feels, and a happy ever after that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I really enjoyed the friendships and some of the quirky family members. There’s an adorable male lead who has watched romcoms and can quote poetry, a likeable female lead, and a cute cat. What more could you want? …
Maybe a dog, but I’m aware that could just be me, haha!
My current read is Beth Moran’s It Had To Be You. My Kindle tells me I am twenty-five per cent into the book. Now I’m home from my holiday, the sun has disappeared, and I’m thinking about all the jobs I should have done this summer, my reading has slowed down somewhat, but I am enjoying it so far.
What have you been reading this summer? It would be great to hear your favourite summer reads.
Enjoy the final days of August. xx
