Summer Reading

The summer has allowed me to read a variety of books: 2 for books groups that I belong to: Bring out the Bodies by Hilary Mantel & Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner, as well as trying out some yet to be published titles from Netgalley. I managed to read 3 pre-publication titles whilst on holiday plus another couple of titles as the e-reader is much easier to put in a bag than a book at times! The only problem I found was actually on the plane when you have to switch off the technology for take-off and landing. - sometimes you can't beat old tech!

Review 1: Rose harbour in bloom by Debbie Macomber

This is another title in the Cedar Cove sequence of books and the second title in the Rose Harbour Series. These can be read independently which is great as I have on read a few. They are pure escapism and a good excusee to curl up with a good read that will entertain.
Jo Marie is  coming to terms with the desth of her husband in Afghanistan, setting up a new business as a B&B owner, as well as  dealing with a grumpy handyman with his own issues, which I am sure will be covered in another title. She is also getting involved in the lives of her guests:some have come to celebrate a long marriage or escape a bad relationship and one to face up to a decision made in the past whilst battling serious illness in the present. This series is great to dip into a bit like a hot chocolate - a great comfort read that is not too challenging.

Review 2: The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler

Being a bookworm I was attracted to the premise of this book. Esme a British student studying in New York discovers an independent bookstore staffed and patronised b a host of kooky characters - only in NYC! The shop becomes a lifeline when she discovers she is pregnant by her older boyfriend. who quickly deserts her when faced with responsibilities. I initially liked Esme as a character but did become annoyed by her  but did wonder if some of this was down to the author's wish to show off her own art history knowledge.
I was in New York when I was reading this and the author has captured the atmosphere of the city.
This is a bittersweet story that would appeal to chicklit fans. there is no clichéd happy ending but a possible hint at one which did make me feel more positive towards the story

Review 3: Love Overdue by Karen Morsi

I wanted to read this as the main character is a librarian and as one myself wondered how the author would tackle that stereotype of the single librarian. The story started well with DJ moving to a small town to take over the running of the library currently stuck in the dark ages. It is only when she arrives that she realises that she has moved to the one place in the country where the man from the one wild time in her life lives. To her relief he has no memory of their previous encounter. As DJ battles with difficult staff, a budding romance, and trying to raise the profile of the library in town, memories of that time resurface. A meddling mother, a host of characters make this a  fun summer read.
The biggest problem was the ending, the story had been building up to the big reveal which never happened instead it jumped forward 8 years. Did the author get bored?

On the whole a good summer of reading but the start of term beckons. This coming year will be interesting as my first batch of EPQ students will be submitting their projects and I will be working with the Literacy Coordinator to raise the profile of reading with the students.