To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee

I had never read this book in all my 46 years and I know it’s a favourite of many. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to it on Audible. Sissy Spacek narrates it perfectly!

It’s easy to see why this book is a classic.

I plan to read it again either on Kindle or paperback sometime.

Is this one of your favourite’s?

One of the greatest American novels ever written.

Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.

A lawyer’s advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee’s classic novel – a black man falsely charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man’s struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming-of-age story, an anti-racist novel, a historical drama of the Great Depression and a sublime example of the Southern writing tradition.

Happy reading/listening!

Every Last Suspect

by Nicola Moriarty

Every Last Suspect is a whirlwind of a read. The story happens over a very short period as Harriet’s husband attempts to organise a not-really-a-surprise, surprise party for her 40^th Birthday. Harriet is extremely high maintenance and seemingly changes her mind as often as her knickers and her poor husband is struggling to keep up with the demands of the party of the year. Honestly, I’d have told her to crack on and organise her own party! Lol!

They are in an open marriage which seems to only suit Harriet. I really did feel sorry for her husband. I don’t understand people who get married but still want to sleep with other people. Just stay single! Or is it just me!?

Harriet isn’t the most likeable of characters and I couldn’t really understand why everyone bows down to her so much. She seems to have some kind of power over these people. Especially her best friend, and bit on the side lover, Victoria, although I can understand the hold she has over her at least. It must be awful living your life constantly watching over your shoulder and putting such trust in another person to keep your secrets.

I wasn’t quite sure where I thought this story was going to go to be honest, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. There are many other fascinating characters involved in this tale, and other little sub plots, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was a complete surprise and still kind of leaves me wondering. Such clever writing! I now need to go and add Nicola Moriarty’s other books to my TBR list as this is the first one of hers I have read and I loved it!

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC via NetGalley **

Who killed Harriet?

Complicated, driven, loving; manipulative, irresistible, monstrous – whether you love her or hate her, Harriet is impossible to say no to. But someone has finally snapped and as Harriet lies dying, she is determined to figure out who has killed her.

Was it her devoted husband? Or was it her best friend and sometimes lover?

Or Karen, a fellow school mum and seemingly the woman who has it all – until the night Harriet persuaded her into playing Two Truths and a Lie?

Teenage bullies, complicated friendships, and games (both on and off the playground) combine with envy, obsession and revenge to create a twisty tale of drama and suspense that you won’t be able to put down.

Pre-order now….

Happy reading!

The Love of My Life

by Rosie Walsh 

The Love of My Life centres around Emma, Leo, and their daughter, Ruby. Emma is a marine biologist and Leo is an obituary writer. Both fascinating jobs! They’ve been together for ten years and when Emma is diagnosed with a serious illness their lives are turned upside down. For Leo in more ways than he could have ever imagined.

I really liked Leo and my heart went out to him. I can’t imagine how I would cope with coming to terms with what he discovers, and I think his reactions are very believable.

I also can’t imagine what Emma went through prior to meeting Leo and I can understand why she was reluctant to tell him. It must be horrendous having to keep that kind of secret from your husband though. The truth always finds a way eventually.

This is such an emotional story. It’s so full of suspense too. It kept me guessing throughout, I couldn’t wait to find out how it was all going to pan out. There are some jaw dropping moments which I absolutely did not see coming!

A story of marriage, motherhood, desperation, depression, and deceit but ultimately one of true love, understanding, and hope.

I loved it!

** This is the first book I’ve read by Rosie Walsh, even though it is her second novel. Her first book, The Man Who Didn’t Call, is on my Wishlist! **

I have held you every night for ten years and I didn’t even know your name. We have a child together. A dog, a house.
Who are you?

Emma loves her husband Leo and their young daughter Ruby: she’d do anything for them. But almost everything she’s told them about herself is a lie.

And she might just have got away with it, if it weren’t for her husband’s job. Leo is an obituary writer and Emma is a well-known marine biologist. So, when she suffers a serious illness, Leo copes by doing what he knows best – reading and writing about her life. But as he starts to unravel her past, he discovers the woman he loves doesn’t really exist. Even her name is a fiction.

When the very darkest moments of Emma’s past life finally emerge, she must somehow prove to Leo that she really is the woman he always thought she was . . . But first, she must tell him about the love of her other life.

Happy reading!

Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature!

On the first Friday of each month, I like to look back at the books I was reading the previous year during the same month.

Please do join in if you have the time, I’d love to see your posts 🙂

A big thank you to those who already join in regularly! xx

Here are my reviews from August 2023 + a link to previous August FBFs….

happy reading!

One Italian Summer

By Barry Lillie

Book two in The Abruzzo Series.

What happens when two damaged people find their emotions are starting to jangle?

Gabby has grown up feeling unloved, and Riccardo has trust issues.

Gabby works at top London magazine, Home and House, and after a stay at Le Stelle, the hotel in Sant’Andrea, her boss, Nolan agrees to let her stay and work remotely from the Italian town of Bomba. Her defences come down as she makes friends and after a chance meeting with Riccardo means she has to re-evaluate her feelings.

Riccardo, an Italian lawyer, has grown up with a family secret that rules his life, however his uncle knows the truth has never been revealed and a meeting he never thought would happen changes everything he has ever believed to be true

Is Alessio Narducci, the fashion designer and social media celebrity, the catalyst for change?

Will they both resolve their issues and allow love to flourish?

The only one way to find out is to spend One Italian Summer in Abruzzo.

UK link –

https://amzn.to/3xUmjBm

US link –

https://amzn.to/4eUW91V

New to the series?

Catch up now with Under Italian Stars: Escape to Italy where happiness comes from tragedy in this perfect uplifting beach read filled with friendship and romance (The Abruzzo Series Book 1)

Happy reading!

When You Were Mine

by Emma-Claire Wilson

Nicole and Victoria are leading very different lives. One in Scotland, one in Spain. They meet in hospital, having babies on the same day, and have stayed friends ever since. They haven’t been able to spend much physical time together, living in different countries and with having Covid restrictions in place for so long, but they both cherish their zoom catch ups and when Victoria announces she’s visiting Scotland again, with her twins, Nicole is over the moon.

I loved how these two ladies became friends and how they are such a support to each other despite having so many miles between them and a pandemic to contend with. They both have their struggles and very much look forward to catching up properly and seeing their children (now three years old) play together. However, when Nicole’s older son is taken ill their plans take an unexpected turn and little do they know just how much their lives are about to change forever.

This is such a heart-wrenching story. My heart broke for both ladies, and Nicole’s husband. (Victoria’s husband, not so much, he’s not quite as likeable.) I can’t even imagine how I would cope if I found myself in their situation. A parent’s absolute worst nightmare! I wondered however they would find a solution which is best for all concerned and I think they handled it perfectly in the end, considering how painful it must be.

I absolutely loved Emma-Claire Wilson’s first novel, This Child of Mine, and I have absolutely loved When You Were Mine. It’s so beautifully written, full of raw emotion, sadness and heartache, but also family, friendship, smiles, laughter, and hope. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

** Thank you to the author and publisher for my ARC via NetGalley **

OUT TOMORROW!

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading!

Friday Nights at Rosa’s

by Misha M Herwin 

A heart-warming story of new beginnings.

Rosa’s Beauty Salon might be shabby and old fashioned, but it’s where women have always come for help and advice.

When Sylvie inherits the family business, she plans to bring the salon up to date.

But if she thinks she is in control, she’s wrong.

Her mother and grandmother might be gone but their voices are still clamouring to be heard.

Sylvie cannot free herself from the past until she faces up to who she truly is and accepts the gift that has been passed down through the generations.

Then her regulars set up Friday night sessions where they share wine and wisdom, solve problems and transform lives. Including Sylvie’s.

OUT NOW!

Misha Herwin is a writer of women’s fiction.

Ever since she had her hair cut short at the age of twelve, she has been looking for the right hairdresser. Not only has she found her, but has also been inspired to write, “Friday Nights at Rosa’s.”

When Misha is not working on her next book, or having her hair done, she likes to spend time with family and friends, read, do the garden, or bake. Scones with jam and cream are her speciality. 

The Time Traveler’s Wife

by Audrey Niffenegger 

I read The Time Traveler’s Wife for the first time about fifteen years ago and I have never forgotten it. It remains one of my most favourite books ever!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it on Audible and could quite happily listen to it again.

A most untraditional love story, this is the celebrated tale of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who inadvertently travels through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare’s passionate affair endures across a sea of time and captures them in an impossibly romantic trap that tests the strength of fate and basks in the bonds of love. “Niffenegger’s inventive and poignant writing is well worth a trip”

Happy reading/listening!

Wedding Belles at Rosa’s

by Misha M Herwin

Wedding Belles at Rosa’s is a gorgeous little story. One I enjoyed over the last two evenings but could have happily read in one sitting had I not gone to bed too late the first night.

This story is full of brilliant characters. Some more lovable than others. Some more amusing than others. My heart went out to Jayne. No-one so young should have to deal with losing the love of their life. How do you even begin to move on from such a devastating loss? Her mother is determined she will, but you can’t force these things.

I loved the friendship dynamics in this story. I loved the family closeness and the sense of community centred around Irene and her beauty salon. I loved Irene’s honesty with Jayne and Jayne’s reaction to such honesty. I also loved the cat.

I’m very much looking forward to reading Friday Nights at Rosa’s. I have already pre-ordered it. It’s out on Monday 22^nd July. This is the perfect chance to read Wedding Belles at Rosa’s in the meantime. Enjoy!

Happy reading!

Take Down (Father Black series, book three)

by Mick Williams 

This series just gets better and better!

Father Black is the most brilliant character. Talk about going from one extreme to the other with his career choices. I love it!

Take Down sees him being blackmailed by the Honos Group. No-one knows who is running the show though, so he’s left with no choice but to return to where it all started and find out for himself. I can only imagine how conflicted he must feel when making some of the decisions he is faced with in this situation.

This book is full of action and exceptional characters who you can’t help but love but would most definitely not want to get on the wrong side of. It’s full of suspense and tension. Each chapter ensures you need to read the next one.

Considering the level of violence involved in this story it has its fair share of humour too.

I love Emmy and her relationship with Father Black. Or lack of, much to her disappointment. She amuses me in her persistence, and I admire his ability to resist.

It’s just brilliant writing!

I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Selfishly I hope this isn’t the end of Father Black’s adventures, although for him I hope he gets some peace for a while at least 😉

• Many thanks to Mick Williams for my review copy

A hunted priest turns hunter.

To get back his former life, Father Black must return to where it all started.

Blackmailed by the mysterious Honos Group, the only way for him to break free is to track them down, starting with the surviving members of his original Iraqi unit…all tied to Honos. Surely, one of them can shed some light on the group.

But do they want to be found? And is he prepared to kill to discover a decade old secret?

As the hunt begins, a series of unexplained power outages cripple parts of the United States and, as the net tightens, his personal mission becomes a desperate race to save the entire country.

If you’re new to this series, I highly recommend that you read book one first….

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading!