The Battle of the Bookshops - Poppy Alexander

If the word 'bookshops' is in the title - then I want to read it! I worked many years as a bookseller.

Poppy Alexander bring us a wonderful tale in her latest book, The Battle of the Bookshops.

Jules is back home as her Aunt Flo can't manage the one hundred year family store. Jules has to make it work! She is doing okay until someone else opens a new modern book store....

Karen Cass was the narrator. She a great job in presenting Alexander's work. I find sometimes that I become more enamored of the story when listening. That was the case in The Battle of the Bookshops. Cass created believable voices that easily let the listener know who's talking. Cass uses her voice to easily depict the emotion, anxiety and ..... I'll let you find out wins the Battle!

The Art of a Lie - Laura Shepherd-Robinson

I found author Laura Shepherd-Robinson a couple of years ago with her previous novel, The Square of Sevens. I was thrilled to see that she had a brand new book called The Art of a Lie.

The author takes us back England 1749. This isn't a time frame I usually read -  but there's not a Royal to be found. Instead, our lead character is Hannah who runs a confectionary shop with her husband. They're not making much, but a new recipe for something called Iced Cream could help. (YUM!) 

But her husband I missing. And those who say that they can help her? They are referring to themselves.

Everyone has their own agenda. And given the year this is set in, Hanna has to 'behave'. She is dismissed 'as only the wife'. Literally every last character is a liar. Can you find the truth?

I loved the deep look at the setting, the society, a woman's place, the  skullduggery and more. 

Shepherd-Robinson kept my attention from first to last. I encourage you to read the author's notes at the  end of the books. They're fascinating. Read an excerpt as well. 

The Devil's Advocate - Steve Cavanagh

Have you read Steve Cavanagh already? I've read three of his books so far and will absolutely be reading the others.

Why do I like his books so much? I'm a fan of suspense fiction, legal battles, and twists and turns. Cavanagh bring those three things together again in The Devil's Advocate. 

That cover catches your eye - with the font and the colors used. But it is the one sentence that seals the deal. 

"He's won every trial...because he's planned every murder." Creepy eh?

There's a group that work for and with lawyer Eddie Flynn. It's easy to 'meet' the supporting cast. You can easily jump in without having read any of the previous books.

I hope you enjoy them as well! 

Lime Juice Money - Jo Morey

I loved the cover of Jo Morey's first novel - Lime Juice Money.

You'll find out what that phrase means - and travel to Morey's setting in Belize. She has done a fabulous job of building her "world" in the jungle. The plants, orchids, predators - both animal and human, the indigenous people, those who are hiding and those who come for holidays. And more....

The book is told from two time lines and two characters. Laelia and Ellis - father and daughter. Laelia's sister plays her part well. There are many other characters - many are toxic. I was surprised at the direction Laelia's life went. I tried to be not judgmental. Another factor is her tinnitus - she cannot hear well. And some persons might take advantage of that...

The plotting, the setting, the characters - kept me engrossed from first page to last. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Lime Juice Money.

The Homemade God - Rachel Joyce

Rachel Joyce is an author who has had me in tears with her writing - some happy - some sad, but always engaging and thoughtful.

The title, The Homemade God, was a bit of an enigma. I have my own thoughts on the who and why but I'm going to let you discover your own ideas. I do like the cover image and it houses much of the book.

Four adult siblings have wonderful rapports with each other. But an

episode changes everything in their world. Nothing will ever be as it was again.

Joyce has created wonderful, detailed characters. You'll have your favorites and those you detest. You'll question their options, intents,  goals, actions, and thoughts and more.

The Homemade God is another fantastic read from Rachel Joyce. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Homemade God. 

The Peculiar Gift of July - Ashley Ream

I've taken to looking, really looking at book covers before turning the first page. My latest is the Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream. 

The figure could be a woman, but I thought it was a teenage girl. She's holding a small building gently in her hands. And I think the lights are fireflies.

The book is set in a small island where you know everyone and they know your business as well. I love quirky characters - and there are many in this tale. I think Malcom was one of my fave characters - and July as well.

July's interventions are very subtle the first time. Common things and actions that nobody really notices. Until others do. And the tone changes. The past needs to leave and let the now in. I think Ream really caught the emotions of the players. I enjoyed her writing very much. See for yourself - read an excerpt of  The Peculiar Gift of July.