Reading Roundup for May 2023

 

May began as spring but now feels like early summer. I am thrilled that I have been able to sit outside with a book a few times. There is something about reading outside that I love. Hearing the birds sing, the sunshine on my face and nature all around me.

The eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed that I have joined the affiliate programme with Bookshop.org. I like this website because it means that every sale made via my page means that money goes towards supporting independent booksellers, and I receive a small commission too. If you would like to see my shop front then please click on the link https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/LeftontheShelf. It is still a work in progress, and I am adding new books daily so please do pop over there and take a look from time to time.

It has been a good reading month too. So without further ado, here is my reading roundup for May.

Books I Have Read

The Devil's Glove by Lucretia Grindle - I only finished this last night. My review will be up on Friday as part of the blog tour.

The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop - This book was my favourite this month and you can read my review by clicking here.  You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them) by Nadine Aisha Jassat - This was a lovely book for middle grade children about a twelve year old girl who helps care for her grandmother who has Altzeimers. You can read my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Maybe It's About Time by Neil Boss - This was almost my favourite of the month. Set during the pandemic it tells of the experiences of two very different people. It is well worth reading and you can read my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

A Mother's War by Helen Parusel - I enjoyed this WWII novel very much. It is set in Norway during the German Occupation. You can find my review of this book by clicking here.

The Foundling by Stacey Halls - I read this as the book of the month with the book group that I lead. I really liked this historical novel and you can find my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Lyrics for the Loved Ones by Anne Goodwin - This is a sequel to Matilda Windsor is Coming Home and is excellent. You can read my review by clicking here. 

The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page - This was a delightful read which I highly recommend. You can read my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown by Alison Weir - I can guarantee that when I pick up a book by this author I am going to love it. This lived up to my expectations in every way. You can find my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

A Stepney Girl's Secret by Jean Fullerton - I enjoy a good saga set during WWII and this one was very good. You can read my review by clicking here.    You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan - I read this YA title as part of a blog tour and it was an excellent read. You can find my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Through Three Rooms by Sven Elvestad - This novella is part of the Asbjorn Krag series and has recently been translated from Norwegian. You can find my review by clicking here.

James I: The King Who United Scotland and England by Keith Coleman - This non-fiction title was informative and interesting and I recommend it. You can read my review by clicking here.  You can buy the book from Bookshop.org *

Books I Did Not Finish

The Shadow in the Glass by J.J.A. Harwood - There was nothing really wrong with this book but it just was not working for me when I had so many other books waiting to be read. Don't let that put you off though as it was not a bad book.  You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso by Kali Nicole Gro - The only reason that I did not finish this book is because I had to take it back to the library.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Books I am Partway Through

Unorthodox Love by Heidi Shertok

Hope is a Woman's Name by Amal Elsana Alh'jooj

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

(header photo courtesy of Unsplash)