So – the year is almost over.
Time for one last book blog. I didn’t read as many books this year as I might have wanted. I never do. There are far too many wonderful books out there and far too little time.
But here are a few of the books that just about rounded off my 2015 reads.
The Memory of Midnight by Pamela Hartshorne
I love a good time slip – am very partial bit of Barbara Erskine and Diana Gabaldon. This was a new author for me and I am very pleased to have discovered her. Like the very best in time slip – it’s not an easy read. I can’t believe in a time slip unless there are some pretty powerful emotions to break the barriers of time. There’s a lot of emotion here – some of the scenes are quite harrowing… BUT that’s what makes it such a good read. Not for the fainthearted, but I loved it and will be back for more.
The Dress Thief by Natalie Meg Evans
Another new author for me. I liked the elements mixed into the book. It’s set in the fashion world of 1930s Paris, but it’s not all about the glamour. There is a tough underside of the fashion industry… in fact its verging on seedy. Not only that, war is on the way. I like depth and complexity in a story – and this had that. There were times I thought I had figured out the ending, but I was wrong. That is always a good thing. I will read more from this author.
Anything but Sweet by Candis Terry
This took me back to a favourite genre – cowboy books. Or more specifically, cowboy heroes. I like a good cowboy. This book –by a third new author – was bright and bubbly. The lead characters had some issues, but it was clear right from the start that they were meant for each other and would soon sort it all out. This was not a deep and meaningful book – but it was fun. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.
That was the last for the new authors – I also spent some time catching up with some old friends.
Midsummer Dreams by Alison May
Full disclosure – Alison is a friend of mine – but that’s not why I read her books. This is a modern reworking of the Shakespeare. The deeply troubled heroine had me gripped right from page one. It was both funny and sad, bubbly and also deep and thoughtful – right up my alley, and well written to boot. You should give it a try – I think you might like it.
Earthlight by Arthur C Clarke
This was a nostalgia moment for me. I read a lot of Sci Fi growing up. My Dad pointed me at the greats – Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein, Bradbury, Wyndham. I read them all. From time to time I go back and revisit the books I loved. It’s a sad truth that some of them do not hold up well in the test of time. This is one such book. This is a book about colonies on the other planets of the solar system. The technology (Clarke was all about technology) just doesn’t hold up in today’s world. However, the sense of wonder and excitement that touched me all those years ago IS still there. If was lovely to taste that again.
And finally – book of the month (or however long it has been) goes to…
The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick.
I am a big fan of Elizabeth Chadwick’s books – and had been looking forward to her series about Eleanor of Aquitaine for a long time. Eleanor is a fascinating woman – one of the most powerful women in history. This novelisation of her life comes in three parts – and this is the first. I loved it. It was thoroughly researched and beautifully written and humanised Eleanor brilliantly. It has me very very eager to read the second book.