December is such a busy month in our family. Not only the lead up to Christmas, but also the month of two family birthdays. My daughter was born on Christmas Eve, and my brother-in-law on Boxing Day.
Every year at this time, I encourage everyone I know to read this lovely poem in order to get into the spirit of the season.
“A cup of Christmas tea” by Tom Hegg
I received three titles from NetGalley in November
I received ONE title from Edelweiss in November
An anthology of twenty short stories from the wonderful Peter Robinson.
AND
I was invited to read and review Peter May’s latest novel!
(love this author!)
Blurb:
Husband and wife Niamh and Ruairidh Macfarlane co-own Ranish Tweed: a Hebridean company that weaves its own special variety of Harris cloth, which has become a sought-after brand in the world of high fashion. But when Niamh learns of Ruairidh’s affair with Russian designer Irina Vetrov, then witnesses the pair killed by a car bomb in Paris, her life is left in ruins.
Along with her husband’s remains, she returns home to the Isle of Lewis, bereft.
The Paris police have ruled out terrorism, and ruled in murder – making Niamh the prime suspect, along with Irina’s missing husband, Georgy. And so French Detective Sylvie Braque is sent to the island to look into Niamh’s past, unaware of the dangers that await her.
As Braque digs deeper into the couple’s history, Niamh herself replays her life with Ruiairidh, searching her memory for those whose grievances might have led to murder. And with each layer revealed, and every unexpected twist uncovered, the two women find themselves drawn inexorably closer to a killer who will not turn back.
So FIVE more review commitments in November. I am valiantly trying to get my TBR under control and I’m working toward my 80% NetGalley badge.
I was excited enough about these two new titles that I just HAD to share them with you!
The fabulous Sharon Bolton has a new thriller coming out in April 2018! I am highly anticipating this title as I have loved everything she has written thus far…
Blurb: Devoted father or merciless killer?
His secrets are buried with him.
Florence Lovelady’s career was made when she convicted coffin-maker Larry Glassbrook of a series of child murders 30 years ago. Like something from our worst nightmares the victims were buried…ALIVE.
Larry confessed to the crimes; it was an open and shut case. But now he’s dead, and events from the past start
to repeat themselves. Did she get it wrong all those years ago? Or is there something much darker at play?
AND…
William Shaw (author of “The Birdwatcher“) has a new title coming out in May 2018! This novel is the first in a series featuring DS Alexandra Cupidi, and is set on the Kent coast.
Blurb:
No-one knew their names, the bodies found in the water. There are people here, in plain sight, that no-one ever notices at all.
DS Alexandra Cupidi has done it again. She should have learnt to keep her big mouth shut, after the scandal that sent her packing – resentful teenager in tow – from the London Met to the lonely Kent coastline. Even murder looks different in this landscape of fens, ditches and stark beaches, shadowed by the towers of Dungeness power station. Murder looks a lot less pretty.
The man drowned in the slurry pit had been herded there like an animal. He was North African, like many of the fruit pickers that work the fields. The more Cupidi discovers, the more she wants to ask – but these people are suspicious of questions.
It will take an understanding of this strange place – its old ways and new crimes – to uncover the dark conspiracy behind the murder. Cupidi is not afraid to travel that road. But she should be. She should, by now, have learnt.
Early in the month of November I received some fabulous book post!
I was the lucky winner of a giveaway hosted by Kerry Parsons at “Chat About Books“.
My win? “The visitors” by Catherine Burns published by Legend Press.
(“The visitors” is posing on my newly completed lap blanket which I made for reading at the cottage on chilly days)
Fictionophile 
My interest has been piqued by The Girl I Used To Know. I love premises of finding oneself in books, it reminds me life is about self-discovery. I also like books with people who seem to have it all together but don’t, it reminds me not to take everything at face value. Happy reading this month!
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Every time I “visit” you, my TBR grows. 😉
I’m interested to hear what you think of The Visitors. The cover is quite different from my digital copy (I know they issue different covers for UK vs. US; is that true for CA as well?). I always wonder about that. Are the audiences really so different? Sorry, my mind wandered there for a bit…:)
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Myndi it always irks me when the covers are different. Sometimes even the titles are different. I just don’t think the audiences from country to country are that different for this to be merited. See: https://fictionophile.wordpress.com/2017/03/18/same-book-different-title-a-bookworms-gripe/
Regarding “The visitors”, I won it from a giveaway hosted in the UK, so I guess this is the UK cover. I just checked on Amazon.ca. If I ordered it in Canada it would have a cover of a wall with peeling yellow wallpaper.
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I can’t wait for The Craftsman!! I’m almost hesitant to read it because I loved Dead Woman Walking so much…I always wonder if she can do it again…and then she does:) So glad you got The Chalk Man!
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Thanks Renee. I know what you mean about Sharon Bolton. How DOES she keep up the stellar quality of writing?
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That cover for ‘Then She Was Gone’ is stellar! December is crazy here as well. 3 birthdays and a lot of work and traveling. I am hoping I can keep up haha. Love the “Peeing MY Pants with Book Anticipation” haha. Have a lovely weekend ❤
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Thanks for your continued support of my blog Danielle. Take the time to enjoy your busy December.
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I am only sorry I am not on as often as I used to be! It is hard having to set limits. I hope December is very kind to you 🙂
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I hear so many lovely things about Sharon Bolton, I really must try her out!
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If you’ve never read Sharon Bolton, I recommend you begin with her novel “Little black lies”. My review: https://fictionophile.wordpress.com/2015/06/10/little-black-lies-by-sharon-bolton/
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Looks like a fab bookish month for you!
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Sure does Nicki. I’ve been trying to keep my hauls low in number so as to get a firm grip on my overloaded TBR.
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I hope you’re right to be excited about the Bolton. I have been increasingly disappointed in her latest books and after Dead Woman Walking almost decided to give up on her, something I could never have imagined myself saying two or three years ago. I hope this will be a return to form, in my eyes at least. I am, though, very much looking forward to the new William Shaw, who I think has gone from strength to strength.
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I’m so pleased to hear that you are a William Shaw fan! His writing is top notch. Sorry you were disappointed with Sharon Bolton’s last title. I really enjoyed it – but hey, it wouldn’t be interesting if we all agreed all the time.
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Birthday presents as well as Christmas presents, December is a busy and expensive month, haha!
I didn’t really like Then She Was Gone when I read it so I really hope you have better luck with it than I did – The cover is gorgeous, much better than the UK cover. And can you believe, I still havent read a book by Peter May, although I have one on my shelf. 🙂
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Janel, I suggest you start Peter May reading either “The blackhouse” (The first of a great trilogy), or “Entry Island” (a stand-alone). He is FAB!
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I went and read the poem and it’s fab! And just what I needed to read to be honest.
I read the Girl I Used to Know during the week and it’s a really good read. I also have The Chalk Man on my list.
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So glad you liked the poem Trish! Looks like our reading tastes are quite similar. 😉
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Yay Can’t wait for The Craftsman!!!
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Yes Annie. “The Craftsman” is one of my most anticipated reads for 2018. Thanks for letting me know you are waiting for it too. 😚
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