April - Book Review

April was very busy. Considering I spent a lot of time creating two anthologies for the TWPC, I hardly know how I found the time to read! But I did manage and had the pleasure of indulging in some amazing stories written by some fantastic authors.

Books I read in April

The Beast Within by Serena Valentino
I've been quite intrigued in these Disney stories and retellings. I bought this book at Disneyland in 2016, so it has been sitting around for a while. It was interesting and made sense in line with the movie considering there were added plots surrounding the witch that cursed the Beast. But I wouldn't say I enjoyed it all that much ... it's definitely for a younger audience with a distant POV. At least it passed away my time on the treadmill though.

The Gift of Life by Josephine Moon
I had seen this book was coming out, but I didn't know what it was about until I flipped it over in Big W when it was released. The blurb caught me immediately and I enjoyed the first chapter, so I bought it. I was very busy this month so it took me a while to get through, but that doesn't mean it wasn't good. I enjoyed Gabby and Krystal's story as there was a lot going on in their individual lives while they worked together to uncover the secret of Krystal's husband, who had died and donated his heart to Gabby. I loved the paranormal side of this story as, if you believe these things are possible, it was realistic and made the story more interesting. Plus, I always love a happy ending.

A Life of Her Own by Fiona McCallum
The title of this book was what intrigued me the most as it's what I'm currently seeking myself. Fiona's books are always different from my mainstream reading, but this one has been one of the best books I've read for a while, probably because it really spoke to me personally. The struggles the character Alice experiences with work and narcissistic people are real and very relatable. It was quite a therapeutic read, actually, and perfect for everyone who struggles to identify their ideal career choices or their place in the world. All I can say is this book made me very hopeful for the future.

The Nowhere Child by Christian White
I bought this book as it sounded intriguing and was on sale for ten bucks at Target. And I must say, it was interesting as who wouldn't keep reading to find out who kidnapped the child and why? But while it was an entertaining read and I enjoyed it well enough, and I guess it does have an ending you weren't expecting, the many point of views and going back and forth in time did help to drag you out of the story a little. But nonetheless, it was a good book.

The French Photographer by Natasha Lester
I quite enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and the war setting was interesting to learn about. But while the historical story was good, I was drawn more to the contemporary storyline and the mystery surrounding what happened in the past. A very gripping read and very much a Natasha Lester novel with the twists and ending. Loved it.

Books to Read in May

The Country Wedding by Barbara Hannay
I started this book on the plane at the beginning of May and am enjoying it already. I haven't read a lot of Barbara's latest with the historical and contemporary storylines as they weren't my thing when they were released, but now I am loving them so I was very keen when I picked this one up in Big W the other day.

The Nature of the Lion by T.M. Clark
I have started this book...but bad me got sidetracked. I'm loving the different setting and culture as I don't read or don't mind may books set in South Africa, so it's going to be fun!

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F$%K by Mark Manson
Let's just say I'm curious. And it might be helpful to learn what to care and not care about.


Let's see how I go!

See you in June,

Rachel  -   xxoo