July 2020 Roundup

I like July and all the lovely things that it brings. The weather is usually warm and sunny (hopefully), everything is blooming in the great outdoors and it is the month when we celebrate our wedding anniversary. 

With that in mind, I should have a list of romantic reading this month but I haven't. It is my usual mixture of genres and books that caught my eye and whispered "read me" seductively in my ear. When that happens it would just be jolly well rude not to!

What have you been reading this month? Have you any good suggestions? I would love to hear about them.

Books I Read in July

A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe - This was a fascinating insight into the Plague in London during 1665. The  attitudes of the inhabitants of London were remarkable for their similarity of which we have recently experienced.

The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell - Another fabulous book by this author. She is such a skilled storyteller and this lives up to her reputation in every way. You can read review here.

This is How it Ends by V. B. Grey - Reading this book was like watching it on the silver screen as it has a cinematic quality. Excellent. You can read my review here.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong - This was a birthday gift from my son which I was very excited to receive. However, it did not live up to my expectation as it did not deliver on the blurb. The UK version does have one of the prettiest covers though.

The Death of Lucy Kyte by Jacqueline Winspear - Number five in the Josephine Tey series. I am really enjoying this series and already looking forward to reading the next one.

Witches: James I and the English Witch Hunts by Tracy Borman - This excellent book was educational and very accessible. I highly recommend it if you are interested in the 17th century.

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody - This was interesting and engagingly talks about the structure of a novel.

The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse - I really enjoyed this book and my review can be found here.

The Eve Illusion by Giovanna and Tom Fletcher - This is part 2 in the YA Eve of Man trilogy. It's a great story by this husband and wife writing duo.

Books I Did Not Finish

Stitching a Life by Mary Helen Fein - I read about 15% of this book when I decided life is too short and moved onto something else.

Scattered Seed by Maisie Mosco - This is the second volume in the Almonds and Raisins series. I really enjoyed the first one when I read it but I could not get into this one.

Books I Am Partway Through

The Weaker Vessel, Woman's Lot in Seventeenth Century England: Part One by Antonia Fraser.

Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri

The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell - #BookReview

"Listen. The trees in this story are stirring, trembling, readjusting themselves. A breeze is coming in gusts off the sea, and it is almost as if the trees know, in their restlessness, in their head-tossing impatience, that something is about to happen."

Fresh out of university and in disgrace, Lexie Sinclair is waiting for life to begin. When the sophisticated Innes Kent turns up on her doorstep in rural Devon, she realises she can wait no longer, and leaves for London. There, Lexie carves out a new life for herself at the heart of bohemian 1950's Soho, with Innes by her side.

In the present, Ted and Elina no longer recognise their lives after the arrival of their first child. Elina, an artist, wonders if she will ever paint again, while Ted is disturbed by memories of his own childhood - memories that don't tally with his parents' version of events.

As Ted's search for answers gathers momentum, so a portrait is revealed of two women separated by fifty years, but linked by their passionate refusal to settle for ordinary lives.

***

Maggie O'Farrell never disappoints. I have previously read I Am, I Am, I Am, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox and After You'd Gone, all of which made for brilliant reading and I cannot wait to read her latest novel, Hamnet, when I can get my hands on a copy.

The book is narrated with two voices; Lexie's in the 1960's and Ted and Elina's in the present day. This method of writing impresses me enormously as it requires a very skilled writer to accomplish it well. The author pulls it off perfectly and the two timelines merge together seamlessly.

From the outset, we can assume that there is some connection between these two timelines. What I really liked about this book is the way in which Ms. O'Farrell only allows the reader to see those connections between the two stories just before she wishes to reveal it. This is exceptional storytelling.

Her writing is beautiful. The italicised paragraph at the top of the review is the opening to this book and I was hooked from there on in and the whole novel is exquisitely written in the same tone throughout. 

It is an incredibly moving and sensitive novel. I was totally immersed in the story as these two timelines converge. I could have cried at points, not something I often do, and it demonstrates how powerful the writing of this book is.

This is one of the best books I have read this year and I highly recommend it.

ISBN: 978 0755308460

Publisher: Tinder Press

About the Author:

• Maggie O’Farrell is the author of the Sunday Times no. 1 bestselling memoir I Am, I Am, I Am, and eight novels: After You'd Gone, My Lover's Lover, The Distance Between Us, which won a Somerset Maugham Award, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, The Hand That First Held Mine, which won the 2010 Costa Novel Award, Instructions for a Heatwave, which was shortlisted for the 2013 Costa Novel Award, This Must Be the Place, which Hamnet.
• She lives in Edinburgh.

Sing Me a Secret by Julie Houston - #BookReview

'Marian Potter, office manager at Westenbury village surgery, peered over her spectacles and glanced meaningfully at the clock behind her as Juno knocked on the glass door of reception."ID?" Marion mouthed, one eyebrow raised. "Do I know you?""Forgot it,' Juno mouthed back, smiling with what she hoped was an air of contrite apology.......'Come on, Marian, let me in........Do we have to go through this pantomime every morning.'

The four Sutherland sisters have all had very different paths in life, but one secret and a slightly tense production of Jesus Christ Superstar are about to bring them all back together again...

When the news that pop-superstar Lexia Sutherland is returning to Westenbury, not everyone is thrilled by the news – including Lexia. There are too many memories she doesn't need to face – or need re-surfacing.

Meanwhile, Juno Sutherland just wants a little peace and quiet. As the local village doctor, she's got her priorities in order; kids, job, husband, tenacious pony, a role in the village musical... So when the sexy new locum turns up – and steals her office – the last thing she needed was to be hit with rising temperatures and an over-active imagination.

Will these sisters be able to uncover the past, deal with the future and put on the performance of a lifetime?

***

This is the second book that I have read by this talented author. I read Goodness, Grace and Me (you can read my review here) back in 2014 and I am asking myself why I have waited so long to read another of her books. I guess I am suffering from 'too many books and so little time' syndrome.  

Having had that gap between reading these two novels I could really see how much the author has matured as a writer. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the aforementioned Goodness, Grace and Me and definitely recommend it.

Without doubt Ms. Houston is a very good storyteller and I was really engaged by all four of the high achieving Sutherland sisters.  One of the things that I really like about this book is how wonderfully human the characters are which makes them very easy to relate too.

Written with humour and an understanding of what makes people tick, Julie Houston has created a fun and entertaining read but without shying aware from more serious elements alongside. She writes with marvellous observation of the world around her and the people in it.

I will not be leaving it so long before I read another of her books and I highly recommend this one.

Currently, the book is only available in kindle format but the publishers will be publishing paperback and audio book versions next spring. 

ISBN: 9781789546644

Publisher: Head of Zeus

About the Author:

Julie Houston is the author of The One Saving Grace, Looking for Lucy, Goodness, Grace and Me, and A Village Affair, a Kindle top 100 general bestseller and a Kindle Number 1 bestseller. She is married, with two teenage children and a mad cockerpoo and, like her heroine, lives in a West Yorkshire village. She is also a teacher and a magistrate.

Tell Me How it Ends by V. B. Grey - #BookReview #SocialBlast

"England, early 1950's - I have lost everything a person can lose. And, should I ever attempt to forget, my failing body will remind me. I've lived in the cramped attic flat of this big house in Birmingham, where I work as a housemaid, since the Red Cross parcelled me up and sent me here seven years ago......"

Delia Maxwell is an international singing sensation, an icon of the 1950's glamour who is still riding high on the new 60's scene. Lily Brooks has watched Delia all her life, studying her music and her on-stage mannerisms. Now she has a dream job as Delia's assistant - but is there more to her attachment than the admiration of a fan? Private investigator Frank is beginning to wonder.

As Lily steps into Delia's spotlight, and Delia encourages her ambitious protogee, Frank's own suspicions of Lily's ulterior motives increase. But are his own feelings for Delia clouding his judgement?

The truth is something far darker; the shocking result of years of pain and rage, rooted in Europe's darkest hour. If Delia thought she had put her past behind her, she had better start watching her back.

***

It came as no surprise to me to learn that the author is also a screen writer as the book has a real cinematic quality and I would be very surprised if the film rights to this book are snapped up.

The characters are very easy to engage with and are well fleshed out. The dynamic between Delia and Lily is excellently portrayed.  Also, it is multi-narrated by Delia, Frank and Lily, and consequently, we see the story unfold from these three different perspectives which adds an element of complexity to both the characters and the story,

It has been well written and it has an element of gentility along with a much darker backstory. The narrative is gently paced and it is this that creates a mellow story rhythm that plays out slowly within the readers imagination. There is a depth to Ms. Grey's writing which continues throughout the whole story.

The writing is rich in historical detail and it was easy to envisage post war London in which the novel is set.

This is my first novel by V. B. Grey / Isabelle Grey and I anticipate reading more of her work. Anyone who enjoys 20th century historical fiction will love this book and I highly recommend it.

ISBN: 978 15249405392

Publisher: Quercus

About the Author:

V. B. Grey is the pseudonym of the acclaimed television screenwriter and crime novelist Isabelle Grey. A former arts journalist and feature writer, she has written for film radio and television, contributing episodes to Jimmy McGovern's award winning BBC series Accused. She is the author of two novels of psychological suspense and four books in a contemporary crime series under her own name.

On her pseudonym and change in creative direction, Isabelle says "I wanted to escape the bodies piling up around me in my television crime dramas and novels, and explore new ways to bring my love of film and television into my fiction. I've always been in awe of 1940's and 1950's noir thrillers and 'women's pictures', so turned to them, and to the stars who played in them, to inspire my new novel. It's been both exhilarating and rewarding to spend time in such a complex and glamorous world.'

Isabelle grew up in Manchester and now lives in north London. 

Hummus to Halva - Recipes from a Levantine Kitchen by Ronen Givon & Christian Mouysset - #BookReview

"The Levantine Kitchen - The term 'levant' first appeared in English in 1497, and originally meant the East in general or 'Mediterranean lands east of Italy'. It is borrowed from the French Levant or 'Rising', that is, the place where the sun rises at a time when the Mediterranean was the centre of the known world. The Levant referred to the Eastern Mediterranean, literally where the sun rose."

Hummus to Halva is a collection of recipes inspired by the tastes of the ancient Mediterranean.

Discover the best toppings for a smooth swirl of hummus before venturing further afield with simple, family-friendly messe dishes. With favourites from falafels and flatbreads, to all-important desserts like halva parfait, and not forgetting the sauces, sides and snacks in between, Hummus to Halva offers moreish recipes from a Levantine kitchen.

***

Two of my favourite foods are hummus and halva so when my son gave me this book for my recent birthday it was a pretty foregone conclusion that I would like it. He was absolutely right as this is a beautiful book.

The book begins with some interesting descriptions of the authors and details about the Levantine kitchen. The contents include chapters on: 

Making Hummus

Toppings for Hummus

Falafel and Wraps

Soups

Salads

Breads and Sauces

Desserts

Drink

Quick Snacks

I have made some of the recipes from the book. I began with shakshuka which was lovely although I added a few vegetables to the basic recipe. Seeing those glorious egg yolks running through the red tomato base of the sauce made this a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy.

I have also made the pitta bread recipe and the hummus recipe from the book. Now, I have made many different versions of hummus over the years and I have to say that I think this one is by far the best. It is a basic recipe made from chick peas. tahini, salt and lemon juice. I added some garlic to this as this is the way my family like it.

However, the basis of this hummus recipe lies in the toppings that are put on top. I made the hummus with chicken recipe and it was delicious. I served it with the homemade pitta bread recipe which was remarkably easy to make. They recipes were very easy to follow and these photos are of my efforts.

There are several other recipes that I want to try and I cannot wait to make the halva cookies.

I highly recommend this book. It has been beautifully photographed by Karen Thomas which I guarantee will make your mouth water in anticipation.   I would love to hear how you get on with any of the recipes when you give them a try.

ISBN: 978 1911641988

Publisher: Pavilion

About the Authors:

Born and raised in Israel on a kibbutz, Ronen became obsessed with hummus as a teenager. Exploring different hummus places in Tel Aviv to taste and discuss which hummus was the best, hummus for Ronen is a reminder of groups coming together to eat and indulge in one of the world’s cheapest and most versatile ingredients. With his friend Christian Mouysset they opened their own hummus business to bring the hummus to the high street.

Reading in July

As the country gets back to a form of normality this month in the UK and we can now go book shopping again, it is a great opportunity to support our independent book sellers once again.

I am equally glad that our libraries have permission to open again from the 4th of July. As yet, nothing has been announced by my local council as to when and how this is going to take place but it is very encouraging that plans are afoot. I know so many people, including myself, who have missed being able to pop into the library whilst in town. Our libraries are such a fantastic resource and I am wondering what form going to the library will take in the future. Handling books, flicking through them and reading the blurb on the back are an essential part of a library visit. Are we going to be allowed to do that? I guess time will tell.

I have a few books that I want to read this month. I am trying really hard to read from a selection of genres each month. It is so easy for me to fall into a reading rut. What are you planning on reading this month? I would love to hear.

The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell

The King's Watch by Tracy Borman

This is How It Ends by V. B. Grey

The Death of Lucy Kyte by Nicola Upson

Scattered Seed by Maisie Mosco

Olive by Emma Gannon

The Railway Girls by Maisie Thomas

Stitching a Life by Mary Helen Fein

The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse

Girl by Edna O'Brien

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Books to Finish

Witches: James I and the English Witch-Hunts by Tracy Borman

Tell Me How It Ends by V . B. Grey