I feel like everyone’s lives get more hectic towards the end of the year. Mine always seems to. I didn’t get to visit my family again, for the third year in a row, but I spent Christmas doing the best I could. My partner is still in another country to me with very little chance of being allowed into mine, so a lot of my books this time are romantic in nature. You’ll have to forgive me.
Some of the books will be ARCs but I will mention when that is the case!
Normal People – Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney has a very raw and intimate style that gripped me tightly and refused to let go. It was difficult for me to read this at times? I think so. That feels right. There were moments where I had to put this down and decompress. Not that I wouldn’t recommend it, but I think it struck a chord with me.
The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett
This was a wild ride of a book. From beginning to end as the lives of the twins unfolded in front of me I was entranced. Brit Bennett has a very enrapturing style and her prose is amazing. I’m actually thinking of adding this book to the curriculum for my older kids.
Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets – Chelsea Ichaso (ARC)
This ARC was given to me courtesy of Net Galley. The story was a twisty mystery thriller with a focus on interpersonal relationships between flawed teenagers. There were certainly some predictable moments, but also some surprises to be had. Character was clearly important. If you’re looking for a character-driven story with thriller elements, this might be the one for you.
Tessa Dare – A Week to be Wicked, Any Duchess Will Do, A Night to Surrender, The Wallflower Wager, A Lady by Midnight, The Governess Game, The Duchess Deal
When I said I got really into romance I meant it. Particularly I was craving Regency romance and after my first Tessa Dare novel, I just kept going. I was hooked! I love her heroines and their foibles.
Hannah Brown Author 