May turned out to be a productive month – reading wise, probably due mostly to the fact that Nova Scotia is still in lockdown. In the past month I’ve read thirteen novels.  I had aimed for a dozen, but managed to fit another one in.

My ‘Book of the Month‘ is a re-released title, “The Winter Sea” by Susanna Kearsley.

This book will be loved and appreciated by all fans of historical fiction, most especially by those readers who appreciate the unexplained, and those who enjoy the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.  Some would term this book a ‘romance’, but I disagree. It is no more a romance that “Outlander”. It is a love story overshadowed by some turbulent and often tragic Scottish history.

Love, genetic memory, déjà vu, serendipity and a history-rich Scottish castle. What more could you ask for?

I have four other favourites of the month – each highly different, but excellent reads. They are:

“How The Penguins Saved Veronica” by Hazel Prior

A story about caring, moral values, the ravages of war, environmentalism, human-animal connection, and love. It explores the possibility that even a heart that has been rusted shut for seventy years can be opened to love and connection. This is a ‘feel-good’ novel that will stay in my heart for years to come.

“Just What Kind Of Mother Are You?” by Paula Daly

The novel is primarily about parenting. Those who do it well, those who are struggling, and those who seem to be doing well, but are anything but. It explores how we never really know what goes on behind closed doors and how a person’s facade can be misleading. How parents, especially mothers, push themselves to be all things to all people. Perfect parents, perfect partners, perfect employees. The attempt is seldom, if ever, successful. All in all, this was an enjoyable, character-driven read.

“Looking for Leo” by J.A. Baker

Over the course of the book we come to know four neighbours of a small village in North Yorkshire. Two are in late middle-age and are best friends. Two are younger and don’t know each other very well. These women all have secrets and flaws, and their reactions to an eight-year old boy who goes missing in the next village are all unique to themselves.

Told from the points of view of several different characters, the narrative is well-rounded and rife with red-herrings. Just when you think you know what has taken place, you are forced to reassess your beliefs and ponder the next likely scenario.

I loved the North Yorkshire setting and the pacing of the story was just perfect. The ending revelations were memorable.

I urge all domestic thriller lovers to add this book to their TBRs. The sooner the better!“Outside, Looking In” by Michael Wood

Michael Wood has once again written a crime thriller that had me feverishly turning pages. With a somewhat complex plot, he brilliantly tied it all together in a seamless fashion.

I enjoyed getting to know DCI Matilda Darke just that much better since reading the prequel and first novel in the series. This is a series that I highly recommend to all fans of the genre. If I had to compare him to another author, then I would say his writing reminds me of the work of Angela Marsons, and coming from me that is high praise indeed. I intend to complete this series as soon as time allows. Highly recommended!

I feel very lucky to have access to so many wonderful books. All the books above are reviewed here on the blog if you want to take a look.