A book reviewer I’m not. I’m not here to tell you which character I connected with etc. I can tell you what books I have read and loved {Falling Blossom – loved it so much, I named my stationery business after it all those years ago!}, those I haven’t loved as much {Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine – just didn’t get it} and those that I have read a second time {The Snow Child – beautiful, loved it!}. My “reviews” would go something like this “Couldn’t put it down!”…”Loved it!” {see above…} “OMG! You would love it, read it!” etc…

I can remember a reading torch type thing I got in my Christmas Stocking when I was around 7 or 8, and flippin heck, if I didn’t bloody love that thing and still think about it when I have to switch the light off at my bedside table when Paul has to get up at silly o’ clock for work…I’ve got my kindle…but I do love a real book.

So without further ado, here’s a list of 5 books I recommend you read…{in no particular order…BUT if you have a thing for Penguins like I do…The Penguin Lessons…OOOOMAGOD, that’s the one for you!};

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens ::

For years, rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life – until the unthinkable happens.

The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell ::

Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays. What he doesn’t need is a pet. What he really doesn’t need is a pet penguin. But when he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick whilst in Uruguay he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side. Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador. Whether it’s as the rugby team’s mascot, the housekeeper’s confidant, the host at Tom’s parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets – including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . .

The Chain by Adrian McKinty ::

YOUR PHONE RINGS. A STRANGER HAS KIDNAPPED YOUR CHILD. TO FREE THEM YOU MUST ABDUCT SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD. YOUR CHILD WILL BE RELEASED WHEN YOUR VICTIM’S PARENTS KIDNAP ANOTHER CHILD. IF ANY OF THESE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN: YOUR CHILD WILL BE KILLED. VICTIM. SURVIVOR. ABDUCTOR. CRIMINAL. YOU WILL BECOME EACH ONE. YOU ARE NOW PART OF THE CHAIN

The Lending Library by Aliza Fogeglson ::

When the Chatsworth library closes indefinitely, Dodie Fairisle loses her sanctuary. How is a small-town art teacher supposed to cope without the never-ending life advice and enjoyment that books give her? Well, when she’s as resourceful and generous as Dodie, she turns her sunroom into her very own little lending library. At first just a hobby, this lit lovers’ haven opens up her world in incredible ways. She knows books are powerful, and soon enough they help her forge friendships between her zany neighbors—and attract an exciting new romance. But when the chance to adopt an orphaned child brings Dodie’s secret dream of motherhood within reach, everything else suddenly seems less important. Finding herself at a crossroads, Dodie must figure out what it means to live a full, happy life. If only there were a book that could tell her what to do…

The Heatwave by Katerina Diamond ::

One summer. One stranger. One killer…Two bad things happened that summer:
A stranger arrived. And the first girl disappeared. In the wake of the crime that rocked her community, Felicity fled, knowing more than she let on. But sixteen years later, her new life is shattered by the news that a second girl has gone missing in her hometown. Now Felicity must go back, to face the truth about what happened all those years ago. Only she holds the answers – and they’re more shocking than anyone could imagine. The heatwave is back. And so is the killer.

So there you have it. More books to add to your To Be Read List, if you haven’t read these already. Oh, hang on. If there are any of you pregnant, I have read “Milk It” by Chantelle Champs, a book on breastfeeding – I found it an easy read, full of knowledge and a great reminder for what is to come! Oh, a half decent review, well done Cer!

What are you reading?! Got any recommendations!? Let me know. I have just started “Just like the other Girls” by Claire Douglas. I was going to pack a book in my hospital bag…and then laughed at myself for being so ridiculous…fingers crossed I will get to finish a book or two over the next few months…hah!