Small Things Like These – by Claire Keegan
This international bestseller is set in a small Irish town in 1985. Bill Furlong is a coal merchant with a family. While delivering coal to the local convent just before Christmas, Bill makes a discovery that forces him to make a decision that will change his life. Beautifully written, this book has had a lasting effect on me. The story softly depicts hope and strength in the face of silent societal pressure concerning certain practices. Small but mighty. My rating is 5/5.
Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Target US
The Frozen River – by Ariel Lawhon
And if you don’t know by now that I love a good historical novel, here’s your confirmation. This is another historical novel that was also inspired by true events. Martha Ballard was a well-known 18th-century midwife whose remarkable life, sheer strength and determination (documented in her diary) earned her recognition in American history.
Her diary is a record of every birth, death, crime and major event in her community in Maine around 1789. When the dead body of a man is discovered in the river, the local midwife and healer, Martha, is called to examine the body. Martha determines the death suspicious for numerous reasons. The dead man had also previously been accused of rape. However, the local male physician claims the death was accidental. Martha then decides to investigate matters herself, refusing to give in during a time when women’s opinions were not valued. Loved this one. My rating is 5/5.
Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Target US
Strange Sally Diamond – by Liz Nugent
Sally Diamond did as her father told her and put him out with the rubbish when he died. And now she’s in big trouble and everyone is worried. After her father’s death, Sally, previously a recluse, is forced to go out into the world, meet people and live a very different life than she did before. This change triggers a few memories from her past and then she gets a message from a stranger who seems to know more about her past than she does.
Be warned – this book may not be for sensitive readers. It contains some dark subject matter and can be quite disturbing. But it’s incredibly well-written, has some interesting characters and the twists and turns never stop. It certainly leaves an impression. My rating is 5/5.
Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Target US
Related: All the books I read and loved in the 3rd quarter of 2024
The List of Suspicious Things – by Jennie Godfrey
This book blew me away. I related so much to how Jennie Godfrey described the late 1970s because I was a similar age to the heroine of this story at that time. She captures the essence of the time so well. This coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of the late 70s in Yorkshire when the Yorkshire Ripper was committing his murders.
The pre-teen protagonist, Miv, is dealing with the usual issues of her age, a family problem and the fact that the Yorkshire Ripper is out on the streets of her city. So, to gain some control in life, she starts a list of suspicious things to catch the Ripper. I adored how Godfrey describes the friendships and first loves in Miv’s life. This stirring story features many fascinating characters and delves into many complex topics. I loved it and highly recommend this one.
My rating is 5/5.
Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK
The Wedding People – by Alison Espach
Phoebe Stone arrives at the beautiful Cornwall Inn and is immediately mistaken as one of the wedding people who arrived the same day. She is, in fact, the only guest who isn’t there for the wedding. She was supposed to be here with her husband, with whom she’d planned this romantic getaway, but now she’s alone.
And even though the bride has meticulously planned her wedding, she takes this surprising guest in her stride. She befriends Phoebe, and the two quickly become confidantes. This is a heartfelt story that will make you laugh and cry. I was sad when it finished.
My rating is 5/5.
Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Target US
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman – by Julietta Henderson
Oh my goodness, this book is one of my all-time favourite reads ever. It’s honestly that good. My friend Silvia recommended this book to me two years ago, but I only recently got around to reading it because I thought it would be too sad. You see, twelve-year-old Norman Foreman’s best friend, Jax, dies. And when I read that, I couldn’t bring myself to start it. Anyway, I’m now so pleased that I did. Julietta Henderson’s writing is soothing, clever and ultimately uplifting, so don’t be put off by the initial sadness.
Norman and Jax are a comedic duo who have plans to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe, but then Jax dies and leaves Norman with some decisions to make. He eventually decides to fulfil their dream by performing solo as a tribute to his friend and finding his father, whom he’s never known. And so begins an epic road trip that’ll stay with you for a long time.
My rating is 5/5.
Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Target US
This post may contain affiliate links - if you buy something through these links, I may earn a small affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. I only feature things I truly love. Thanks for your support.
