It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Hubby is back to work today so after waving him goodbye I went back to bed with my book and a cuppa - I still have another week off work to look forward to.

I finally finished Behind Closed Doors by Susan Lewis and I have to say it wasn't what I was expecting at all - a much darker tale from this author.

I haven't read any Christmassy titles over the festive period - and it doesn't feel quite right starting one now. Maybe they will have to wait till December 2015!!

So I have picked up The Beekeeper's Daughter by Santa Montefiore who is one of my favourite authors.

England, 1932: Grace Hamblin is growing up in a rural idyll. The beekeeper's daughter, she knows her place and her future - that is until her father dies and leaves her alone. Alone, that is, except for one man who she just can't shake from her thoughts…

Massachusetts, 1973: Grace's daughter Trixie Valentine is in love with an unsuitable boy. He's wild and romantic, and in a band that might be going somewhere. But when tragedy strikes and he has to go home to England, he promises to come back to Trixie one day, if only she will wait for him.

Both mother and daughter are searching for love and happiness, unaware of the secrets that bind them. To find what they are longing for they must confront the secrets of the past, and unravel the lies told long ago… 

I didn't quite manage to read my target of 100 books in 2014 but 88 isn't too bad - how did you get on?

Please pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading for probably their last book of the year.
  

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

The holidays are nearly upon us - and that can only mean one thing - more reading time :)

I am reading Behind Closed Doors by Susan Lewis. I used to love her books but have to admit to not reading one for a long time. I have no idea why I have left it so long as I am really enjoying this one - looks as though it could turn into to right good page turner.

When fourteen-year-old Sophie Monroe suddenly vanishes one night it looks at first as though she’s run away from home.

Her computer and mobile phone have gone, and she’s taken a bag full of clothes.

As the police investigation unfolds a wealth of secrets from the surrounding community start coming to light. And it seems everyone has something to hide.

For Detective Sergeant Andrea Lawrence, the case is a painful reminder of the tragedy that tore her family apart over twenty years ago. She is convinced there is more to Sophie’s disappearance than teenage rebellion.

But is the past clouding her judgment, preventing her from seeing a truth that neither she, nor Sophie’s family, would ever want to face?

Please pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Too many books - not enough time.

The Travelling Tea Shop by Belinda Jones has been on my to be read pile for quite some time. If it involves tea and cake what is there not to like? It is a bit of escapism (escaping from the festive preparations!) just like one of her previous novels Winter Wonderland that I read last year.

A delectable tale of love, friendship and cake...
Laurie loves a challenge. Especially if it involves tea-time and travel. So when British baking treasure Pamela Lambert-Leigh needs a guide on a research trip for her new cookbook, she jumps at the chance.
The brief:Laurie and Pamela - along with Pamela's sassy mother and stroppy daughter - will board a vintage London bus for a deliciously unusual tour of the USA's East Coast, cruising from New York to Vermont.
Their mission:To trade recipes for home-grown classics like Victoria Sponge and Battenburg for American favourites like Red Velvet Cake and Whoopie Pie.
All the women have their secrets and heartaches to heal. As well cupcakes galore, there's also the chance for romance...
But will making Whoopie lead to love?

Please pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Another new author for me this week as I am reading Ivy Lane (Spring) by Cathy Bramley which is the first book if 4 in the Ivy Lane series. The last book came out last month and all of them are under a pound each on the Kindle.

I am 30% in and already love the main character of Tilly and the stories are based around the allotments on Ivy Lane. Garening and reading - what is there not to like??

Friendship blossoms at Ivy Lane...

Tilly Parker needs a fresh start, fresh air and a fresh attitude if she is ever to leave the past behind and move on with her life. As she settles in to a new town seeking peace and solitude, taking on her own plot at Ivy Lane allotments seems like the perfect solution. But the vibrant, friendly Ivy Lane community has other ideas and endeavour to entice Tilly into seedling swaps and Easter egg hunts. Can Tilly let new friends into her life, or will she stay a wallflower for good?

Ivy Lane is a serialized novel told in four parts – taking you through a year in the life of Tilly Parker – beginning with Spring.

When I have finished this series I fancy reading her Abbleby Farm ones too.

Pop over to The Book Journey see what everyone else is reading.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Still reading a couple of books - one is a proper book and the other is on my Kindle. I have to say I do prefer a proper book - but there is something to be said for the instant gratification of downloading a book as soon as you see it :)

I am reading The Heart Whisperer by Ella Griffin who is a new author to me - I do love a book with a pretty cover.

At thirty-three, Claire's mother had everything to live for. But she died in a tragic accident. And it was her daughter's fault. Now Claire is the same age. A floundering actress with a broken heart. Her life is going nowhere in the company of her gorgeous best friend, ex-rock star, Ray Devine.

Her estranged brother, Nick, is back from America with his perfect wife. But Dublin is full of dark memories and he is already planning his escape.

What will happen when another accident throws brother and sister together and a lifetime of secrets come to light?

But now we are into December I think it is time to start reading some Christmassy titles.

Please pop over to the Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading today.