My Reading - August 2021

So, I haven't forgotten about my ebooks! In fact, it's nearly all I've been reading as it is soooo much easier to hold my phone on the treadmill than a book. Books are good when I'm in the middle of them as they stay open. But it's almost impossible to read the beginning or end of a book on Teddy the Tready. And since that's where I do most of my reading, it seems ebooks may be the way to go to keep me walking!

I probably didn't read a lot this month as I've been very busy writing, but I did get through some interesting, and long, books!

New Authors I Read

Erin Grace, Anna Foxkirk, Rebecca Raisin, Sam Michaels, and Desney King

Books I Read in August

Love in Ruins by Erin Grace
Why I read it: I've been meaning to for a while now as Erin was on my list of authors to read. The boxset was on sale, so I finally bought it.
What I liked: Good writing! I started this after starting a few other books I just couldn't get into and it captured me straight away. The story was marvellous and very well told. I looooved Ewan and I'm always a sucker for archaeologists. I had a very Jamie vibe, except Ewan is a few centuries older than Jamie and therefore a lot more rugged. Hotter? Maybe...
Other Comments: I went straight into book 2!

From the Ashes by Erin Grace
Why I read it: It was book two and, see above, I enjoyed the first.
What I liked: Just as good as the first. Full of exciting characters and intrigue. I loved Callum talking about his time 700 years into the future, missing things like fish and chips. It was very fun.
Other Comments: I'll read more of Erin, I think!

Holly Ever After by Anna Foxkirk
Why I read it: It was a short novella I received from a newsletter signup and it caught me when I was flipping through Kindle.
What I liked: Locking two people in a closet? Yeah, that was fun! This was a short quirky novella and a great intro to this new author. Plus, Christmas stories are always fun!
Other Comments: Anna has a fun voice and I'd be keen to read more when her books come out.

The Garden of Hopes and Dreams by Barbara Hannay
Why I read it: Ahh...cos it's Barbara's new book! And I wanted to at least have a bit of it read before attending her book launch - I was halfway through!
What I liked: It was such a warm and comforting story! I loved both Vera and Maddie and the touch of romance in their lives. There were so many different people of various ages and backgrounds, which made for an interesting read. I enjoyed seeing them all come together and build their community garden on the roof.
Other Comments: I bought more plants after reading this. Hopefully I'll be able to keep my peace lily alive!

Aria's Travelling Book Shop by Rebecca Raisin
Why I read it: I follow Rebecca on social media and was excited that she had her first print book in Australia, so I thought I'd buy it.
What I liked: For some reason, I'm drawn to widows and grief. I don't know why. So I really enjoyed this story. But Aria was also an awesome bookworm character, and that's always fun too!
Other Comments: I may have to read the other Travelling Nomads!

Trickster by Sam Michaels
Why I read it: Just another one of those things you see on Facebook, a series by a friend and the first book was only 99p, so I gave it a go!
What I liked: It was so different to what I usually read - itty gritty gangland crime in the early 1900s. There were some things that made me recoil, but that's good! It was contemporary to the time, place, and made for a very interesting read. There were plenty of characters and despite the horrible things that happened, there was a satisfying ending. 
Other Comments: I have book two, Rivals, waiting!

Transit of Angels by Desney King
Why I read it: I heard there was a dog in it and liked the free sample. Again, a widow dealing with grief! So I read it.
What I liked: It was different and captivating in it's way it spoke about dealing with grief. I did enjoy the little dog Tashie and the setting of the remote little river community. This was a lovely story.
Other Comments: An interesting read, probably great for fans of literary fiction.

A Kiss for Carter by Davina Stone
Why I read it: I love this series and can't believe I forgot to pre-order! But I got it on release day and devoured it.
What I liked: There's just something refreshing about this series. I don't know how to describe it. The previous book The Polly Principle is set over the same timeline as this one, so there were hints about Judith and Carter and therefore, I was already sold. But I guess what I liked the most was that the characters had not just psychological worries about sex, but physical concerns and I don't see that a lot. I just loved this book.
Other Comments: I'm now a loyal fan and can't wait for The Felicity Theory!

Deadly Falls by Phillipa Nefri Clark
Why I read it: I was scrolling through my Kindle after trying to start a few other books and decided to see what Charlotte was up to. At least this one hooked me!
What I liked: I wanted to catch up with what Charlotte was doing as I really enjoyed the first of the Charlotte Dean mysteries last month. This book jumped straight on in. I loved the mystery and intrigue of this story - murder, stalkers, secrets, and trust. Plus, a brewing romance. I couldn't put it down!
Other Comments: Book one was good, but this one made me a fan. I don't want to read anything else until Charlotte is done, although I'm also in the middle of a few other books.