Showing posts with label monthly wrap up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monthly wrap up. Show all posts

Thursday, 31 July 2025

Books I Have Read in July 2025

 


I can hardly believe that we are at the end of July already.

This month I have had my son visiting from overseas which was wonderful. I also spent some time with my two eldest grandchildren drinking bubble tea. Well, they had the bubble sort and I had a lovely jasmine green tea. They are both doing the summer reading challenge that the libraries are running so we had a good chat about books. In fact, my ten year old granddaughter, who is a very keen reader had finished the challenge by the end of the first week. That's my girl...

I hope July has been a good month for you. Have you read anything exciting?



Wartime Comes to the West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva


This book is the second in the West India Dock Road series. Having enjoyed the first in the series I was keen to read this and enjoyed it very much. If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


Enchanted Beach by Esther Freud and Emma Chinnery


This is such a lovely picture book which portrays the beauty of the beach in all seasons and weathers. If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking  here.


This is Me Trying by Jenna Adams


This was a five-star read for me, and I enjoyed every page.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


Victory for the Foyle's Bookshop Girls by Elaine Roberts


I so enjoyed being able to revisit the staff of Foyle's Bookshop in this book. It worked well as a standalone novel so not reading the previous book was not necessary to enjoy this book.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


The Standing Stone on the Moor by Allie Cresswell


This was an excellent historical fiction read, and I enjoyed every minute that I invested in reading it.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


Alliance with Her Renegade Knight by Lissa Morgan


I was delighted when the author of this book, Lissa Morgan asked me if I would consider reading her latest novel.  I enjoyed it very much.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


Butter by Asako Yuzuki


This is a unique book, and I cannot recall anything similar in my reading experience. It is a genre-defying novel based on fact.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


The Lady of the Tower by Elizabeth St. John


The Lady of the Tower is the first book in the Lydiard Chronicles series. Based on the true story of the author's ancestors, The Lady of the Tower tells us of Lucy St. John and covers the period 1603 - 1630.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant


The titular Miss Hortense may not be popular in the town where she lives, but people come knocking on her door seeking advice nonetheless. An enjoyable book.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


The Girl from Normandy by Rachel Sweasey


This was a lovely dual-timeline novel, which I enjoyed very much.   If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley


There are few books which could be so instantly appealing to me: a trio of older characters and knitting.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.


A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith


This was my book club read this month. It made for interesting reading although some liked it more and less than I did. 


There's Something About Mira by Sonali Dev


Although I haven't written a review of this one I enjoyed it very much. Set in an Indian community in Birmingham, it's the story of Mira who is engaged to be married very soon.


A Little Trickerie by Roseanna Pike


I literally only finished this last night. It's a fabulous book and unlike anything I have read before. My review will be up next week so watch this space.



Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Reading Round Up for February 2025


With February being the shortest month it seems to have passed by so quickly.

I don't know about you but I am longing for the spring to arrive now. In fact, as I sit writing this the sun is shining. It is still extremely cold though and there was a thick frost on the garden this morning.

I was unwell for part of February and had a whole week when I didn't blog. I am still playing catch up as some of the books that I read during that time did not get reviewed.

I hope that you all had a good February. What did you read?


My February Reads


My Heart is Hurting by S.E. Reed


This was a wonderful book that will have you reaching for the tissues. It was my favourite read of the month. You can find my review here.

The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Badani


This is a very heartfelt story which tugs at the heartstrings. It is well worth reading and you can find my review here.


The House of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh


I love a dual timeline novel. It provides me with the perfect reading combination - historical fiction and contemporary. You can find my review here.

The Housemate by Sarah Bailey


This was a fabulous book, and I read all of it's 476 pages in two sittings. If you would like to read my review you can find it here.

New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva

This was a lovely historical saga set in London's East End and was full of colour. You can find my review here.


The Midlife Trials of Annabeth Hope by Alice May

This is a fabulous rom-com of a book. You can find my review by clicking here.


The Contest by Jeff Macfee

This reminded me of The Hunger Games.


Fervour by Toby Lloyd

This was well written but I found it rather depressing.


Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti

I read this as part of a read-along. It was a fun book to read and I enjoyed it.


Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir

As always, the author wrote a cracking tale of Queen Mary I. I recommend all the books in this series.


Books I Am Partway Through

The Undesirables by Sarah Wise

The Bookseller by Valerie Keogh

Death of a Dancing Queen by Kimberley G. Giarratano


(all opinions are my own)

Thursday, 31 October 2024

Reading Roundup for October 2024 - #monthlywrapup

 


Happy Halloween!

Have you been reading spooky books this month? I'm a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to horror but I have squeezed in a couple of spooky titles.

It's been a good month for reading, and there has been a mixture of book reviews, spotlights, excerpts and cover reveals. I'm also changing the format of my monthly roundup. What do you think?


Books I Have Read This Month


The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer

the ravenswood witch book review jenni keer book cover

This was my favourite read this month and I highly recommend it. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:  Amazon UK Amazon US


No Honour by Awais Khan

No Honour by Awais Khan book cover book review

This is a very thought provoking and powerful book, and I loved it. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links bookshop.org Amazon UK Amazon US


 In the Shadows of Love by Awais Khan

In the Shadows of Love by Awais Khan book review book cover

This is the second book this month that I read by this author. He is a firm favourite now and I'm looking forward to reading more. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:  Bookshop.org Amazon UK Amazon US


Chicken Boy by Arthur Parkinson

Chicken Boy by Arthur Parkinson cover

This was a delightful non-fiction title. You can find my review by clicking here.

Buy Links  bookshop.org  Amazon UK Amazon US


Committed by Chris Merritt

Committed by Chris Merritt book cover

This was chosen by my book group this month. Whilst most people enjoyed it I just found that it was not my cup of tea.


Souk to Table: Vibrant Middle Eastern Dishes for Everyday Meals by Amina Al-Saigh

Souk to Table: Vibrant Middle Eastern Dishes for Everyday Meals by Amina Al-Saigh book cover book review

I adore Middle Eastern food so this book which is packed full of recipes for busy people was a delight. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:  Bookshop.org  Amazon UK  Amazon US


Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire

Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire book cover book review lisa salsi

This graphic novel tells the story of Biddy Early, a well known witch in the west of Ireland who was born in County Clare in 1798. I enjoyed this very much and was a five star read for me.You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:   Bookshop.org   Amazon UK   Amazon US


Jump 2: You Are Enough by J.G. Nolan

Jump 2: You Are Enough by J.G. Nolan book cover book review

This was such a nice book to read and will appeal to both girls and boys alike. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy LInks:  Amazon UK


Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker

Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker book cover book review

This book made for interesting reading and I think that it will provide middle grade/early teenage readers with much food for thought from reading this novel. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:  Bookshop.org   Amazon UK   Amazon US


Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J. Scott

Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J. Scott book cover book review

This is a delightful book to read in the run up to Christmas and would also make a perfect festive gift. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:   Amazon UK   Amazon US


The Twelve by Liz Hyder

The Twelve by Liz Hyder book cover book review

This was such a beautiful book to read and is aimed at a young adult readership. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:  Bookshop.org   Amazon UK


Dark Secrets on Dressmakers' Alley by Rosie Clarke

Dark Secrets on Dressmakers' Alley by Rosie Clarke book cover book review

I very much enjoyed being reacquainted with Dressmakers Alley and it's inhabitants. You can read my review by clicking here.

Buy Links:  Amazon UK   Amazon US


When the Stammer Came to Stay by Maggie O'Farrell

When the Stammer Came to Stay by Maggie O'Farrell book cover book review

This is a lovely book for children which is due to be published on the 12th November in the UK . You can find my review here.

Preorder Links:  Bookshop.org  Amazon UK


Books I Am Partway Through

Little Wing by Freya North

book coverLittle Wing Freya North


My Beloved Monster by Caleb Carr

My Beloved Monster by Caleb Carr book cover


Ink Ribbon Red by Alex Parvesi

Ink Ribbon Red by Alex Parvesi book cover


The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr

The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr book cover


Other Blog Posts This Month

(click titles to see content)

Cover Reveals

Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey 


Book Spotlights

Hermit of Paradise by Kim Sanders

Hermit of Paradise by Kim Sanders book cover book spotlight

Soul Love by D.F. Jones

Soul Love by D.F. Jones book cover spotlight

Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker

Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker book cover book spotlight promo


Book Excerpts

A Modern Midlife Christmas Carol by Alana Oxford

A Modern Midlife Christmas Carol by Alana Oxford book cover excerpt extract

Book Tags

I took part in my first ever book tag activity and it was great fun.

All Hallows Book Tag

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogspot.com/2024/10/all-hallows-book-tag-ahbt-quirnusreads.html


Review Repost


looking for lucie amanda addison book cover book reviewe


I would love to hear what you think of this new format. Do you like it? Did you prefer the way it was before?


(some of these books came to me courtesy of the publishers)

(all opinions are my own)

(I am bookshop.com affiliated which supports independent bookshops)