Well, September was a busy month, but I spent just over two weeks at our apartment in Spain. The weather was glorious and it was wonderful to get some last rays of sunshine before winter sets in.
Because I was away on holiday, I had plenty of time to read, so here are some of my favourite books from the month.
Things We Do For Love - Miranda Dickinson
Lucie Hart is a fledgling actress, her confidence having been shattered by her manipulative ex. Making ends meet by performing Shakespearean monologues full of romance she doesn’t believe in, she can see her dreams getting further out of reach.
Theo Larkin has already taken Hollywood by storm and his next conquests are Shakespeare’s greatest works – and his incensed leading lady.
Always short of money, Lucie can’t afford to waste the opportunity to bring crowds to her shows. And when a well-publicised bust-up leaves Theo’s reputation hanging by a thread, he is desperate to prove his worth by taking on the most challenging performance of his life.
As they put aside their differences to save their careers, can our star-crossed lovers take their relationship to the next stage, and find themselves along the way?
I loved the characters in this book and each of their journeys, both in their careers and in their hearts. In this case the path to true love certainly does not run smoothly. This was a delightful story, and the references to Shakespeare made me want to read or watch these wonderful plays.
Tell Me A Secret - Jane Fallon
Best friends Holly and Roz tell each other everything. So when Holly gets a shot at her dream job she assumes Roz will be waiting to pop the champagne. But is she just imagining things or is Roz not quite as happy as she should be? And now she thinks about it, a few things don't quite add up... Perhaps it was a mistake to tell Roz all her secrets. Because it takes two to tango. But only one to start a war...
This was an intriguing plot with so many twists and turns that I couldn't stop turning the pages. I so felt for Holly as she became increasingly bewildered by her so-call best friend's behaviour and was willing for it to work out for her in the end.
Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure - Caroline James
When seventy-year-old Atticus Arnott drives his beloved campervan from the rainy hills of Cumbria to the golden coast of Spain, his village is left reeling. With only his loyal collie, Ness, by his side, Atticus sets out in search of sunshine and serenity—but his journey of travel and self-discovery in Spain soon brings surprises he never imagined.
Caroline James is the Queen of later in life romances. I've loved all of her books and this one was no exception. Atticus came alive from the very first page and I wanted him to achieve his dreams. Once again Caroline proves that you don't have to accept life as it is, whatever your age. Life is what you make it and Atticus definitely proves that. The descriptions of the locations were beautiful, as were the characters. Loved it!
New Beginnings at Roseford Hall - Fay Keenan
Life in London has lost its sparkle for Stella Simpson.
So when she gets the opportunity to escape to the country for a year, it seems too good a chance to miss. In the beautiful Somerset countryside, the majestic Roseford Hall has been painstakingly restored and is now ready for its grand opening. And as the writer in residence, Stella gets to see it all – from the rowdy resident peacocks, the hidden secrets of the Hall, to befriending the Lord of the Manor himself.
At the other end of Roseford, single father, Chris Charlton is facing his own refurbishment woes. Rocked by a tragedy two years previously, his plans for crumbling Victorian wreck Halstead House are as stuck as he is.
As Roseford Hall prepares to welcome a new era, and Halstead House’s future is under threat, Chris and Stella find themselves drawn to one another. Can they finally leave their pasts behind, and will Chris and Stella be able to embrace their new beginnings together – or apart…
I loved the descriptions of the Hall and surrounding area, and especially the will they, won't they? romance which slowly simmers between Chris and Stella.
Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe - Jo Thomas
Beca Valentino is ready to escape the city. When she sees the perfect house for sale in her hometown, it seems like fate. Is this her chance to build the foster family she dreams of, on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast? Returning home isn't as easy as she thought, however. Her family's beloved ice cream café is gone - turned into a soulless wine bar by her hateful ex-boyfriend. Reconnecting with her oldest friend, fisherman Griff, isn't straightforward either. And when, instead of the children she expected to take in, two wary teenage boys appear on her doorstep, Beca fears she's made a terrible mistake.
This was another will they, won't they? romance. I loved the way Beca embraced her past while trying to create a new future. I especially loved the two boys in foster care and the way her relationship with Griff slowly developed.
Somewhere Only We Know - Cathy Bramley
When Magnolia Jones finds her daughter's travel journal, she can think of no better way to honour her life than setting off on the gap year trip that twenty-three-year-old Brontë had dreamed of taking.
It was meant to be Brontë's adventure, but perhaps following her daughter's footsteps around the world is exactly what Magnolia needs to piece her broken heart back together and begin to heal.
As her travels take her further away from home, memories of a long-ago summer come flooding back. Magnolia barely recognises that girl she used to be - the dreams she had, the freedom ahead, the midnight kisses on the beach with curly-haired, brown eyed Jackson.
Maybe, just maybe, in this magical place that is somewhere only they know, Magnolia is about to discover that her journey isn't over - it's just about to begin...
I absolutely adored this book. No parent ever expects a child to die before them, and although this book explores the extreme grief Magnolia suffers from following the sudden death of her daughter, it is written in such an uplifting way that her grief adds to the emotional depth of the story, without bringing the reader down. As Magnolia tries to align the woman she has become to the girl she used to be, she wonders if she can find a different way to happiness.
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back - Fiona Gibson
When her 18-year-old twins leave for university, single mum Nadia’s life changes in ways she never expected: her Glasgow flat feels suddenly huge, laundry doesn’t take up half her week, and she no longer has to buy ‘the Big Milk’. After almost two decades of putting everyone else first, Nadia is finally taking care of herself. And with a budding romance with new boyfriend Jack, she’s never felt more alive.
That is, until her son Alfie drops out of university, and Nadia finds her empty nest is empty no more. With a heartbroken teenager to contend with, Nadia has to ask herself: is it ever possible for a mother to get her own life back? And can Jack and Nadia’s relationship survive having a sulky teenager around?
I love Fiona Gibson's novels and this was no exception. I really felt for Nadia as she adjusted to her empty nest and again when everything she had achieved was put at risk by the return of her son. Nadia is instantly conflicted with caring for her children as she has always done, and creating her own new life.
I know that's a lot, but that's the joy of holidays. There won't be as many in October as life gets in the way!
Happy reading.
