Reading is one of my guilty pleasures. Is there nothing better than curling up with a good book and a cuppa and having some ‘meeting new people” through the characters in a book? I love reading and getting lost in a book for a while. Mostly I prefer fiction because it takes me to another place and helps me to relax.
I also have to mention, that this post was inspired by one I read on my friend Debbie from Deb’s World post about the books she has been reading. Deb and I have similar tastes in books and she and another friend Donna from Retirement Reflections introduced me to Goodreads last year. I’m taking the Goodreads Reading Challenge again this year
I’m in two book clubs – one is online in a Facebook Group, Come Read with Me which is hosted by my good friend Leslie Clingan. Although I’m not an active member I do enjoy seeing what the monthly reading list is and reading what the group has voted on as the book for the month.
My second bookclub is all about the Classics which I’m enjoying. We’ve started with the Bronte Sisters collection and I am enjoying rediscovering books that I read back in school and also discovering some such as Agnes Grey that I hadn’t read before.
I’m also lucky to have two author friends, Toni Pike and Joanne Tracey and am always badgering them for their next book.
Toni is a school friend although our friendship didn’t develop until we attended our 40th Anniversary High School Reunion! She is the author of several books including exciting thrillers for adults, non-fiction, and hilarious books for children.
Jo Tracey, write stories with happy endings. isn’t that what we need in our life especially after the last couple of years? Her books are not just stories but also blend in her love of travel and food. Romance, Travel and Food a great combination.
Do you re-read books? I think it is so interesting reading a book now in my 60s that I read in my teens at school and discovering new ideas and thoughts and comparing them to how I felt reading the book back when I was much younger and more naive.
What was on my Bookshelf for June?
The Family Doctor – Debra Oswald
I was an Offspring (an Australian Television Program) tragic so when my friend Debbie Harris recommended The Family Doctor by Debra Oswald who wrote Offspring, I immediately cast aside my Current Reading and settled down for a cozy afternoon. I couldn’t stop reading and felt so many emotions. I think my overall feeling was one of anger and helplessness . The reader is hit with a devastating incident in the first chapter and so the roller coaster of emotions begins. Definitely a 5 star rating and a very thought provoking book.
The Good Sister – Sally Hepworth
This book was a surprise and I found that I couldn’t put it down. Two sisters, and they are not what they seem to be (that is hopefully not giving anything away).
Favorite quote: “Angry is just a pen name for sad.” Watch out for the twist!
The Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series – Louise Penny
Do you get caught up reading books in a series? I’ve been hooked on the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny. It is set in Montreal (which reminds me of a wonderful trip my husband and I took to Quebec) and the small village of Three PInes. There are 17 books in the series and it’s hard to imagine so many murders in one small village – a bit like Midsommer Murders LOL:)
Currently I’m reading
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
As I mentioned my book club is reading the Bronte Sisters and I’m loving returning to the Classics. This is the third Bronte Sisters book that we have read and it is very interesting comparing the writing of the three sisters – Emily, Anne and Charlotte
Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray – Anita Hess
Goodreads describes this story as Set on timeless Wiradyuri country, where the life-giving waters of the rivers can make or break dreams, and based on devastating true events, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) is an epic story of love, loss and belonging.
So, what have you been reading lately? I’m always looking for recommendations to add to my list!
I’m linking up to #WeekendCoffeeShare hosted by Natalie
26 Comments
Great choices, Sue – I must choose one of these for my next read. I love Jane Eyre, and was lucky enough to visit the village of Haworth a few years ago, and the parsonage where Charlotte Bronte lived. Thank you so much for mentioning me. Have a lovely weekend. Toni x
Oh that would be so lovely to visit where Charlotte Bronte lived. I know Jo Tracey probably has and if she hasn’t it will be on her list too. Are you working on any books currently? x
Yes, Sue – something for grown-ups this time x
Oh that is exciting Toni, I look forward to hearing more. x
Thank you for the mention. You are such a busy, productive, liver of life that I don’t know how you have much time to curl up with a book. Glad you read and enjoyed The Good Sister. I did, too. Anxious to see what the gang votes to read for July.
My pleasure Leslie. I know I’m not always vocal in your group but I always enjoy the choices you provide. x
Many thanks for the mention Sue, you have inspired me to start reading Louise Penny’s first book in this series and I think you recommended The Good Sister to me! I love that we can share our reading passion with others and sometimes we discover a new favourite author! I enjoy reading and sharing my thoughts, I know my books aren’t always everyone’s cup of tea but it just show that we’re all different. Great post and I have linked it to my post from earlier today. I’m enjoying our Bronte sisters reading group!
Thanks for inspiring me to write this post, Deb! I read yours and then thought, ‘why not?’. I love our Bronte Sisters reading group too. Let me know what you think of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache!x
The Armande Gamache series sounds right up my alley. I’ve just begun reading the Whistable Pearl series. Thanks for the shout-out!
I think you would enjoy it Jo. I love it because it reminds me of our visit to Quebec and there is a lovely B&B in the story which I know I’d love to visit and I’m sure you would too. x
A nice mix of genres, Sue! I have to agree that Toni is a wonderful author and I have read almost all of her books! I enjoy the Goodreads challenge, and I know I could read more! My favorite series now is the last book in the “Wired” series by Toby Neal who writes about strong women in various forms of law enforcement that take place in Hawaii. I also have been reading so many bloggers’ self-published works and that is exciting! Have a great weekend!
Hi Terri, yes I enjoy a good mix of genres but I do prefer fiction to non-fiction. I will definitely check out Wired thanks for mentioning it in the comment. I hope to return to Sunday Stills so don’t give up on me. x
Hi Sue, Reading is a wonderful pleasure. Like you, I read mostly fiction and love the author’s imagination. I have The Good Sister on hold. I’ve also read several of Louise Penny’s books. In June so far, I’ve finished The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen, and People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry. I’ve been using the proposed categories in Toronto Public Library Reading Challenge to read more widely. It works out great. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.
I enjoyed The Great Alone, Natalie and have read a couple of other Kristin Hannah books as well. The Refugees sounds interesting and I have already downloaded People We Meet On Vacation a few weeks ago. It is on my list to read. x
Hi Sue I agree with all you have written about reading. I’ve always loved being in a book club but unfortunately we are still in hiatus due to covid. I’ve read the Good Sister and enjoyed it. My daughter is a published author. I’m very proud of her
I didn’t know your daughter was an author, Jen. What is her name? I’m sure you are very proud of her.
Sue, sadly, I have not picked up a book in months. Reading is a hobby that has been a constant in my life, but the inclination comes and goes according to what else is going on. Being in a book club inspires me to read, but that fell apart during COVID. We are trying to get it back on track beginning in September with The Good Sister, which a couple of your readers have already mentioned. I am looking forward to it. I have read a few of Jo’s books and love her style. It doesn’t get better than reading a well-written book about food, travel, and romance!
Hi Suzanne sometimes life gets busy doesn’t it but I find reading is my escape. You should try taking your Book Club online. We Zoom our meetings and it has been a great success. I’m eagerly awaiting Jo’s next book and recipes too! x
I added Family Doctor and Good Sister to my list, thanks!
I am so glad you like Louise Penny!
Hi Jackie! I really enjoy Louise Penny books and am steadily reading the series. I hope you enjoy the Family Doctor and Good Sister, let me know your thoughts. x
Hi, Sue – I read Louise Penny’s ‘All the Devils Are Here” for a local bookclub. Initially, I didn’t think that it would be my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it. I’ve only stayed away from the rest of the series because I thought it would be too addictive for me and I wouldn’t end up reading anything else. 😀
Like you, I am greatly enjoying rereading the classics. The Bronte books take on quite a different spin when read from more mature/experienced eyes!
Hi Donna, yes if I like a series I can’t stop at the first book! I’m loving our Bronte Sisters and learning so much from the group.x
Hi Sue – interesting reading choices – I like how you’re mixing things up. I’m still going down my Nora Roberts re-reading path. I finished all her JD Robb series, then her stand alone novels, and now I’m going back to some of her happily ever after trilogies. Along with that I’m also reading “Yeah, No. Not Happening” that Leslie Clingan recommended – just for a change of pace.
I didn’t like ‘Yeah, No, Not Happening’ Leanne and didn’t bother finishing it. Something about the author put me off probably the making excuses for not doing something. I do get hooked on series and if I like the first book I will read all of the series one after the other. x
I’ll have to look into those books. I joined leslies group but haven’t been active yet in it. I also have a IRL club I’m part of and I can’t seem to balance them both. But I too like seeing the choices, and hope to join at some point. I did read one of the books….The book of lost friends that was really good. I want to read one of Joannes books but haven’t done it yet.
Right now I’m reading the book “Miss Bensons Beetle” which is really good. I’m also reading a few non fiction and my IRL book club will be picking a new book today…I think it’s going to be one called “THe last thing he told me”. I hope it’s good.
Hi Kirstin, as I said I’m not very active but I do enjoy Leslie’s group. I like to see what books are being read and the comments from the members. Thanks for the two books you’ve mentioned. I love reading and always looking for new books to read. Hope you enjoy your IRL bookclub’s book too! x