Books I Read in September 2026

 

The autumn is almost upon us and it's a time to think about snuggling down with a warm drink, a blanket and a book.

However, here in the UK we aren't quite there with the weather yet. In fact as I write this we are having a bit of late summer which is lovely.

It has been a good month for reading and I have read some lovely books. I have even squeezed in a couple for the little ones and have started on my Christmas books.

What have you been reading this month?

The Tale That Time Sews by Sita Brahmachari & Jane Ray

This delightful picture book tells the story of time through a continual needle and thread.  If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

Ancestral Virgins (Part 1, 2 and 3) by Fiona J. Mackintosh

I read all three books in the series as they do not really work as stand alone books.  If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

Little Wolf's Big Huff by Harriet Howe & Katie Cottle

This is a delightful picture book to share with children finding themselves in need of a little reassurance. If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

Invitation From a Dictator by Rory Clements

Although this is the third book in a series, I have not read the earlier books. It works very well as a standalone novel and I enjoyed it very much. If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

The Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman

This was my Book Group reading choice this month. Although I quite liked it it didn't go down very well with most of the group.

Bob and Shirley's Guide to Murder by Suzy K. Quinn

This amusing cosy crime mystery is entertaining to read. If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

The Silent Women by Tara Lynn Masih

This book made for great reading. The Silent Women is based on the true story of the Manhattan Project's secret women during World War II. If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

A Calamity of Waters by Chloe Turner

My favourite read this month. This was one of those books that I wanted to read slowly, to linger over every word and sentence because it has been so beautifully crafted.   If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

The Alchemist's Secret by Clare Marchant

I enjoyed this very much.  My review will be up soon.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

A trip to the Sugar and Spice Cafe is an annual must for me. This is probably my favourite Christmas series. If you would like to read my full review you can find it here.

The Beauty Doctor by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard - #blogtour #bookexcerpt #bookextract

 

I am delighted to be on the blog tour today with this gorgeous looking book. Below you will find an excerpt and some information about the book.

The Blurb

A Bone-Chilling Mystery-Suspense-Thriller Set in the Edwardian Era

Finalist, Eric Hoffer Book Award

"Beauty is power," Dr. Rome told her. "And with enough power, one can achieve anything."

Straightening noses, trimming eyelids, lifting jowls . . . In the year 1907, his revolutionary beauty surgery is considered daring, perhaps dangerous. Still, women want what Dr. Rome promises. Neither is his young assistant Abigail Platford immune to Dr. Rome's persuasive charm.

Abigail once dreamed of becoming a doctor, though of a much different sort. That dream ended with her father's tragic death from a medical error for which she holds herself responsible. Dr. Rome, who proudly displays his medical degree from Johns Hopkins, seems to believe in her. If he were willing to act as her mentor, might there still be a chance to realize her dream of someday becoming a doctor serving New York City's poor?

But something feels terribly wrong, as though an insidious evil is closing in. Broken promises, lies, and intrigues abound. The powerful are threatening to destroy the weak, and adoctor's sacred duty hangs in the balance. Abigail no longer knows who to believe; but with Dr. Rome now her mentor and her lover, she desperately wants to trust him.

Even when she discovers that one of their patients has mysteriously disappeared.

From bestselling author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, a suspenseful work of historical fiction grounded in the social and moral issues of the Edwardian era in America. Second Edition with Author's Preface.

***

The Excerpt

The air in Mama Sally’s front room was dense with the smoke of incense and cigars. The drapes were drawn closed, and the only light came from an overhead gasolier. Several women wearing silk robes left open to afford a glimpse of creamy flesh lay about on red velvet sofas, talking and laughing with half a dozen men. Seemed that Mama Sally’s attracted patrons from outside the neighborhood, as these gentlemen were somewhat fashionably dressed in jackets and ties. Everyone was having a fine time—except for one girl, thin and honey-toned, who appeared younger than the rest and sat off to the side, staring into space.

“Mama Sally!” One of the lounging women had spotted the new arrival. A moment later, Abigail heard the click of heels and a rustling of silk. The velvet curtain in a doorway to her immediate left opened with the harsh scraping of rings on the metal rod.

“Yeah?” The woman standing on the threshold was notable first for her size—not tall but extremely wide—and then her age, which was likely three times that of any other woman in the room. She wore an elaborately flounced gown, fancy but out-of-date, her reddish hair piled high in a mass of curls and adorned with several brightly colored feathers. Her powdery-white face looked as if it might crack if she were to smile; it did not appear she was likely to do so.

“Good evening. I’m looking for the proprietor of this—this establishment,” Abigail said, her voice faltering.

“You’re lookin’ at her.”

“You’re Mama Sally?”

“I said so, didn’t I?” She did not move from the threshold.

“I’m a friend of Riana, the young woman who—”

“Hung herself,” Sally broke in. “Could have done it easier some other way, but in the end it don’t matter. She’s out of her misery now.” She eyed Abigail suspiciously. “If you’ve come lookin’ to collect her things, you can forget it. She didn’t have a pot to piss in. I only let her stay here out of the goodness of my heart.”

“I’m not here for her things. I’ve come about the little girl— Shaena.”

Sally raised an eyebrow. “What about her?”

“I just wondered who will take care of her now.”

“And what business is it of yours?”

Abigail suddenly noticed how quiet the room had become. She looked behind her. Everyone had left, except for the young girl sitting alone. She turned back to Sally, who was lighting up a cigar. “I told you, I’m a friend of Riana’s.”

Sally extinguished the match with a flick of her wrist. “Riana didn’t have no friends.” She took a step toward Abigail, eyeing her up and down. “You’re not one of them do-gooders, are you? Wantin’ to stick your nose where it don’t belong?”

“I just came by to make sure Shaena is all right.” Abigail held her gaze steady. “I wondered what arrangements have been made for her.”

“Arrangements?” Sally sniffed derisively. “As long as she does her work, I’ll let her stay here. That’s what her mother wanted.”

“But Riana wasn’t her mother.”

“I’m well aware of that, missy. I guess you don’t know—her mother was one of my girls, too. And that little one, she would have made a pretty whore one day. A shame her face got ruined.

But I’m holdin’ out hope for her yet. Men are funny that way; sometimes they don’t mind a girl who’s different, even like that.”

Abigail felt woozy from the smoke and incense, or maybe it was because of what Mama Sally had just said. It seemed there was nothing she could do to help Shaena. But there had to be. She couldn’t just walk away and leave her here.

“I’m taking Shaena with me.”

Sally showed no emotion, leisurely blowing a couple of smoke rings before she finally spoke. “It’ll cost you. Three hundred.”

“Why, that’s absurd! You don’t own her.”

Sally’s eyes narrowed. “She may be young, but she’s still worth something. I ain’t just givin’ her away.”

Abigail drew herself up. “I can have her removed from here, you know. There are laws—”

Sally clenched the cigar between her teeth, regarding Abigail as she would a harmless insect. “I’ll give her to you for two fifty, but that’s my last offer.”

Abigail couldn’t believe it. Here she was, engaging in the same despicable game as Joe Radcliff when he’d sent Franklin to bargain with Ludwik for the twins. Except, of course, she meant to rescue Shaena.

“All right, two fifty,” she agreed, realizing she would have to bluff her way out. “I’ll take her now and bring you the money tomorrow.”

“Afraid I don’t do business like that, honey. Bring me the money, I give you the girl. Until then, we got no deal. And if I get a better offer in the meantime, you can bet I’ll take it. So you best not dilly-dally.” She smiled smugly. “Now, I suggest you be on your way. A fine young lady such as you don’t want to be caught in a place like this, I’m sure.”

“But—”

Mama Sally’s smile vanished abruptly. “Good day to you, miss.” Turning her back with an air of finality, she passed through the doorway and drew the velvet curtain closed.

***

ISBN:  978 1685133504

Publisher:  Black Rose Writing

Formats:  e-book and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  345 (paperback)

About the Author:

Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is the author of bestselling historical novels. Her 2023 release,

Sisters of Castle Leod, is an Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller (Historical Biographical Fiction, Historical Literary Fiction), winner of the 2023 Maxy Award for Historical and Adventure Fiction, and an Editors’ Choice of the Historical Novel Society. Her biographical novel Temptation Rag (2018) was hailed by Publishers Weekly as a “resonant novel . . . about the birth and demise of ragtime . . . in which romance and creative passions abound.”

Elizabeth’s 2017 historical mystery-suspense-thriller, The Beauty Doctor, was a finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Book Award. The book’s re-release (Jan. 4, 2024) features a stunning new cover and an Author Preface with insights into social and moral issues of the Edwardian era that frame this shocking fictional story set in the early days of cosmetic surgery.

Before becoming a full-time author, Elizabeth was executive editor of an international aesthetic surgery journal, and senior consultant to the National Cosmetic Network in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University’s plastic surgery educational program. Learn more about Elizabeth and her books at www.EHBernard.com.

(all media courtesy of The Coffee Pot Book Club)

The Red Citadel by Michael Lynes - #bookreview #blogtour #IsaacAlvarezSeries

 

As the muezzin's cry announced another dawn, shafts of sunlight from behind the peaks of the Sierra Nevada crept across the face of the Alhambra - situated high on the Sabika hill - suffusing the citadel's red walls with a saffron glow. The variegated light glided down the brick ramparts of the fortress to find Granada at its base. It moved on to illuminate the city's terracotta tiled rooftops, pomegranate studded trees, and blue and white mosaic tiled fountains. It even insinuated itself into the shadowy alleyways of the labyrinthine Albaicin, creeping into the homes of the Mudejares finishing their prayers, most too afraid of their Catholic masters to complete their devotions in the few remaining mosques. The sun did not discriminate though - it lit the houses of poor and rich alike...

***

Isaac Alvarez is a heretic, a reluctant spy, and a murder suspect. Can he prove his innocence and quell a rebellion to reunite his family? Granada, Andalusia, 1499 Forced to convert to Catholicism Isaac remains a Jew at heart. Exiled from Seville by King Ferdinand for heresy he is suspected of murdering the Grand Inquisitor, Torquemada. Did he? Andreas, a priest, has been accused of the murder and imprisoned. Alonso, Torquemada's previous deputy and an old foe of Isaac's, has now returned from exile in the Indies determined to prove his childhood friend's innocence. Isaac now lives with Abdul Rahman - a wealthy Muslim spice merchant - his wife Fatima, and his brother Ali Sina, the last apothecary in the city. He works for Archbishop Talavera. Granada is in turmoil. The rulers coerce Muslims to embrace Catholicism. A rebellion is developing, led by Abdul Rahman. The King instructs Isaac to spy on the rebels. He is conflicted by his loyalty to the brothers and his love for Fatima, but reluctantly agrees.

***

This is the third book in the Isaac Alvarez series. If you would like to read my spoiler free reviews of the previous two books, Blood Libel and The Heretic's Daughter you can do so by clicking on the titles.

I have very much enjoyed reading this series. The book has much to say about religious intolerance, albeit in an historical setting, but there are still lessons that apply to the modern world in which we live.

Isaac is a strong character who we have met in the previous books, and this book continues to develop his personality. I feel as though I know him, and his headstrong daughter Isabel very well by now and I shall miss reading about them as this is the final book in the series. I am unaware whether the author is planning on continuing with his characters but I would be thrilled if he was.

This book continues on from the persecution and intolerance suffered by the Jews in Seville during the Spanish Inquisition. This develops the theme when we see the same attitude focused on those of the Islamic faith.

The book is atmospheric, and Mr. Lynes does an excellent job at bringing his historical environment to life with his vivid and vibrant descriptions. I could almost smell the fires and feel the heat whilst reading. The author has clearly researched his material thoroughly, and it really shows in these books. It was easy to understand the chaotic and bewildering environment in which these people lived.

I learnt more of this difficult period in history through these books, and it was an easy and accessible way in which to become more familiar with the times.

This has been an excellent series which I highly recommend to historical fiction fans.

ISBN: 978 1739185749

Publisher:  Romaunce Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  358 (paperback)

About the Author:

Michael writes the Isaac Alvarez Mysteries, set in late 15th century Andalusia. He won a prize for his debut, Blood Libel, at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival. Best-selling author Sophie Hannah called it, 'immensely gripping,' and the Historical Novel Society said, 'Lynes knows his history and tells the story with verve.' He published his second novel, The Heretic's Daughter, in 2022. Awais Khan, author of The Company of Strangers, said it had, 'everything a historical thriller should have, and more.' He is hard at work on the third book in the series, The Red Citadel, to be published in 2023. Michael is a member of the Crime Writers' Association - he is the founding convenor of the Gulf Chapter - the Historical Novel Society, and The Alliance of Independent Authors. He is an alumnus of the Faber Academy's Writing a Novel course. Originally from London, he lives in Dubai with his family.

(book and media courtesy of Love Books Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

Moroccan Traffic by Dorothy Dunnett - #bookreview #blogtour

 

'Bifocal spectacles!' shouted my mother, coughing heavily over her daisy-wheel printer. 'Now my daughter wastes her time on some self-employed painter with no index-linked company pension?'

The dog in the next house began barking.

I took off and hung up my coat. This is my welcome, arriving bombed-out from my office. I yelled, 'He paid for my lunch. He fed me better than you do.' I have strong, healthy lungs. I don't know where I could have got them from...

***

Upwardly mobile and smart Wendy Helmann, Executive Secretary, is in Marrakesh with her mother while her boss, Chairman of Kingsley Conglomerates, conducts very delicate if slightly dubious takeover negotiations.

Morocco is a romantic place, but Wendy finds herself side-tracked from its attractions by the antics of Rita Geddes and a few peripheral problems such as kidnapping, explosions, industrial espionage, murder and car chases across the High Atlas mountains . . . Enter Johnson Johnson and his yacht, Dolly.

***

Moroccan Traffic is the seventh book in the Dolly Series. The first book which introduces the character Johnson Johnson is A Tropical Issue.

The book is set in the titular Morocco during the 1980's and is a lovely setting for the book. It is atmospheric and it was easy to get a feel of the surroundings in which the characters are placed.

The novel had a dry wit and was humourous at times which I always appreciate in a crime book. However, it had enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested, along with a handful of red herrings. 

The writing had a quaint, somewhat old fashioned feel to it which made for nice, comfortable reading. It was easy to get caught up in the plot and I felt swept along for the ride. However Wendy, the main character in this book was often confused by what was going on, and consequently I felt that confusion with along with her. I can only assume that this was the authors intention.

I did not find any of the characters easy to identify with. This is quite likely because I have come into the series on this final book. I think I would have warmed to them more if I had read the background on the recurring characters in the previous books.

That said, mystery lovers will enjoy this book.

ISBN: 978 1788424219

Publisher:  Farrago

No. of Pages:  304 (paperback)

About the Author:

Dorothy Dunnett (1923-2001) gained an international reputation as a writer of historical fiction. She later turned to crime writing with the acclaimed Dolly books, aka the Johnson Johnson series. She was a trustee of the National Library of Scotland, and a board member of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. In 1992 she was awarded an OBW for her services to literature. A leading light in the Scottish arts world and a renaissance woman, Dunnett was also a professional portrait painter and exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy on many occasions.

(book and media courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)