2020 : A little round up (and massive SO LONG to this year!)

 

As we come to the end of 2020, I wanted to take a moment of reflection and express gratitude. It's been quite the year hasn't it - you do not need me to remind you of why. We've lived through something unprecedented, the history books will talk of this time and despite the absolute awful dark days, the heart breaking losses, the pain, anxiety and desperation - there has been love. Love and kindness. I've seen people coming together like never before, going above and beyond expectations, pushing through their own circumstances and doing things for others without hesitation. I've seen that people are...good. 

My 'day job' is in a secondary school and to see this year through the eyes of those 11-18 year olds has been astounding, the way they see things very clearly and adjust to situations has warmed my heart. They talk about their worries, they speak out against what they believe is wrong, they come up with solutions that, quite frankly, leaders of the country should take some notice of and mostly without fuss. I've often thought along the rocky road of 2020 that some adults could do with the approach our young people have had. They have struggled, some more than others but this year has impacted them all in one way or another. For some damage done may be tough to overcome but I have no doubt that we as educators and pastoral teams can support them and their families, that our communities can ensure these young people continue to grow and learn while feeling secure and cared for. 

As for me, this year I've turned to what I love the most to get me through the tough times. BOOKS!!  I've sought escape from the reality we faced and the constant barrage of news, updates and scaremongering in the covers of some absolute wonderful reads. Two hundred and seventeen of them in fact - wow. 

I think many of us had a period of time where we couldn't pick up a book or couldn't concentrate long enough to get into anything properly but I'm SO pleased it didn't last long, books have really helped keep me sane. Books have eased anxieties and filled time where I over thinking and worrying; they've transported me to different times, places and allowed an escape from reality. 

I've been seeing many people pull together lists of Top Ten books etc but I'm not 100% sure I can narrow them down. I recently posted a pic on Instagram (@comfychairblog) of some of my "Top Reads" and already feel like I should include so many more. Take a look at my selection:

I want to say THANK YOU to authors. 

Thank you for giving us readers the chance of escape, for creating worlds for us to 'exist' for periods of time and just relax, enjoy and be free of the every day stresses and worry we have felt.  Books are always a brilliant way of educating ourselves - seeing new things, experiencing other cultures and lifestyles. They are entertainment and fun, action packed, heart warming. We can be on the edge of our seat or cosied up, crying with emotion. 

In November I had many authors take part in a Q&A and it was brilliant to be able to highlight so many lovely, talented people. Using the tiny little platform I have to shout about these hard working authors is something I will continue into 2021. If you follow me on Twitter (@TheComfyChair2) you will see me regularly banging on about wonderful authors, new releases as well as old favourites. I'm very lucky to have met some wonderful book loving people, made booktastic friends and been able to communicate with the very authors I've loved reading. What a gorgeous community to be involved in. 

I'm going to end this by saying I hope you all have a great New Year. I'm looking forward to the great new books, the brilliant old books, the authors, the friendships and hopefully a lot more events "in person." 

Leaving you with the full 217 books I read this year - Any bets on how many I will read in 2021?

 

Christmas at the Little Waffle Shack - Helen J Rolfe

 

Heritage Cove is in full swing for the festive season and as the temperature dips, who will be lucky in love this Christmas?

It's December in Heritage Cove and along with the village Christmas tree, frosty mornings and the promise of the most wonderful time of the year, the new waffle shack is about to open. And its owner isn't a stranger to the Cove, because after all this time, Daniel is back to make amends with his brother Harvey – as well as a few other locals he might have offended along the way.

Fairly new to the village, local blacksmith Lucy has kept up the pretence of being with her ex for the sake of his gran but she’s fed up with all the lies. Determined to come clean and live the life she wants to live, she’s devastated to find that her attraction to Daniel is tainted by the fact he’s hiding a few things of his own. And his secrets are ones she isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to get past.

Heritage Cove is full of friendship and community; it’s a welcoming place people visit and never want to leave. But will it work its magic for Daniel and Lucy?

A festive read packed with Christmas romance, love and second chances, this is Book 2 in a series of standalone novels set in Heritage Cove, the little village by the sea…

My Review:

A return to Heritage Cove and a festive, winter delight. Although this is the second book in a series by Helen, it can be read as a standalone (but I do urge you to read ‘Coming Home to Heritage Cove’ too!)

Now lets just address this straight away... waffles are just everything. Reading this book my mouth was watering constantly. They sound divine, I swear I could almost smell them as I read about the delicious sounding flavours. Memories of being able to roam Christmas markets came flooding back and *drool* - so yeah, you may fancy grabbing something to snack on whilst reading.

Lovely to hear Lucy’s story, she popped up briefly in the first book, and she is great, hard working, sensitive and caring. She gives people chances and isn’t one to shy away from making her feelings known, in some ways. I was finding myself getting cross at her for listening to idle gossip and not following her own instincts, although given the situation with her cousin I can understand her feelings towards Daniel.

Now Daniel sounds dreamy to me, although I may be biased because he makes the delicious sounding waffles…

He is returning home, and this isn’t met with a very warm welcome from his brother, who goes out of his way to warn Lucy all about Daniels past. He has been through a lot and I was swept up in his tale and immediately on his side, I was getting annoyed that he was regularly unable to explain himself but with a little bit of meddling this was soon rectified.

 Perfect for the festive season with miracles, special moments and heart warming family reunions; cosy up to read this great book by Helen J Rolfe – just ensure you have a stack of waffles to hand!

Purchase Link - mybook.to/ChristmasWaffleShack

Author Bio: 

Helen J Rolfe writes romantic fiction and contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community.

Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.



Social Media Links:

Helen loves to hear from readers so please don't hesitate to get in touch. She can be found at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfewriter
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/  

Helen recently took part in a Q&A on The Comfy Chair Blog - Take a look HERE!

Recent Reads - Round Up Reviews

A very brief review round up for some recent reads...

The Berlin Girl - Mandy Robotham
Avon

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Having read the authors previous books I was anticipating another fantastic historical fiction read and I wasn't disappointed at all. I always get swept away by Mandy Robotham’s storytelling and characters. Our lead, Georgie, is gutsy and very aware of her abilities. She hasn’t and doesn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way and I admire that, even though in gets her in some precarious positions! The people she meets, the relationships she establishes during her time in Berlin will change her life and vice-versa.

A fast paced read, it will have you intrigued, appalled and championing the innocents. It has heart and emotion. I often wonder what happens after ‘The End’ so the inclusion of the epilogue here really completes the journey for us

Highly recommended.

Publication Date: 29/10/20

The Ringmasters Daughter - Carly Schabowski
Bookouture - Published 07/07/20

1940 and as the war rages, Michels home, Paris, is threatened and he reluctantly flees. Finding himself within a group of colourful and dramatic characters, he joins the circus, Le Cirque Neumann. The circus becomes his haven, finding somewhere he can belong. He builds friendships, finds love, believes this life could be the making of him.

A great historical read, highlighting more difficulties of war. It has moments of lighthearted, beauty but also heartache and suffering. As with many novels of this genre, it is a story of hope; a belief in better things to come and in a life that would not be governed by fear or the need to escape or watch over your shoulder.

War is not the overriding theme though, merely a backdrop to this romantic tale. I enjoyed that we focus on the characters, their stories, and lives. Michel is quiet, charming in his own way and happy just to go along with things. Frieda is a breath of fresh air and I’m not surprised he falls for her in such a way. She is the one that keeps things together and her care for others shines through.

I think the plot was nicely paced, characters were well written and established, although I have to say there were a lot of them to keep track of!! I found it to be a gorgeous read, I got through it very quickly.

I enjoyed this book immensely but I was a little surprised that the author went from third person to first person towards the end. I felt the last part was rushed and jumped through time too much. I had anticipated a different ending, I was pleasantly surprised but I was very satisfied with how it was resolved.

To be a great debut from this author, I will look forward to more.

The Cottage of Curiosities - Celia Anderson

HarperCollins - Publication Date: 17/09/20

Having read and adored 59 Memory Lane I could not wait for this return to Pengally. I do think if you haven’t read 59 Memory Lane you should read it first (a) because its wonderful and b) it will give some clarity to this story.

Celia Anderson is brilliant; her writing is gorgeous and the way she tells these stories, brings her characters to life is wonderful.

With ‘The Cottage of Curiosities’ we have a lovely tale of self discovery, love, hope and acceptance. Friendships and relationships play such important roles within this story.

We meet Grace who is searching for information on her biological parents, and finds herself heading to the coastal village of Pengelly. Here she effortlessly fits into the community, making friends as she uncovers the truth about where she came from. All of that on top of managing and utilising an extremely special, maybe magical, skill to help those she gets close to.

An absolutely heart-warming and uplifting book, a real curl up, get cosy kind of read. I cannot recommend this enough.

Do not Disturb - Claire Douglas
Paperback published August 9th 2018 by Penguin

Having read this author latest release and loving it and so did what every book lover does when discovering a new author they like…Set about going through every book they have written.

This thriller had me hooked from the start, I couldn’t read it fast enough if I’m honest. What a page turner.

I think the structure of the book is good, first part is leading up to the “main event” and then the second part being the aftermath and consequences of what happened. This story covers many topics murder, violence, marital problems, mental health issues and the woes of being a parent.

There are some red herrings thrown in along the way to keep you guessing, I really felt quite sorry for Kirsty. She is a woman with a lot on her plate, she doesn’t want to add any burden or stress on to her husband Adrian so keeps a lot from him; she worries about making her business a success as well as having a whole host of family drama turn up at her door. She is overprotective of her children but could this be for very good reason?

This secluded village location, the vivid descriptions added to the atmosphere of the book which is incredibly well written.

A tense thriller that I would definitely recommend. 

Dear Emmie Blue - Lia Louis

“A delightful story about how the things we imagine to be best for us usually aren’t. The reason you will love Dear Emmie Blue is because you’ve probably *lived* Dear Emmie Blue, in some small part of your own journey to adulthood.” —Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In this charming and poignant novel, teenager Emmie Blue releases a balloon with her email address and a big secret into the sky, only to fall head-over-heels for the boy who finds it; now, fourteen years later, the one thing Emmie has been counting on is gone for good, and everything she planned is up in the air.

Emmie Blue is about to learn everything she thinks she knows about life (and love) is just that: what she thinks she knows. Is there such thing as meant to be? Or is it true when they say that life is what happens when you are busy making other plans? A story filled with heart and humor, Dear Emmie Blue is perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Evvie Drake Starts Over.

My Review: 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and I am so thankful I did. What a gorgeous read. To my detriment I had not read the authors debut book so I went in with anticipation. By the end of that first chapter I knew I would love it and that Emmie would be a character I take to my heart.

Emmie is the kind of character I would imagine being friends with, she puts her all into friendships and relationships of all kind, she has heart and spirit even if life hasn’t always been that kind. I think all the characters are well written and love how they change and develop throughout the book – the ones I thought wouldn’t be good turned out great and the ones I had all my hopes pinned on didn’t really become the characters I initially thought.  

Rosie and Fox are the fun characters bringing some light and perspective for her. I loved their relationship from the start, they are really good friends to Emmie and provide some lovely comedic moments.

It is beautifully written and I sat for hours taking in every page. I could not put it down, wanting to see Emmies journey through and discover that her ending would be.

I think we all have sent secret messages out into the world at some point, haven’t we? Notes on balloons or messages in bottles? What a cute, simple start to this story but a truly significant symbol of following your destiny and that things may happen for a reason.

I loved this one, it’s emotional, endearing and a rollercoaster ride of opinion. An absolute delight of a read that I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to read.

One that will not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Purchase here.

The Saturday Morning Park Run - Jules Wake

This is the story of two women.

One old, one young.

One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.

Both needing a friend.

And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking).

Some people come into your life when you need them the most.

                                      

My Review:

No matter under which guise she is writing as, Jules (or Julie) is one of my absolute top ‘read-their-book-above-all-others-ASAP’ authors. I will happily toss all other books aside to read the latest one from her.  Favouritism? You bet but when the books make you as happy and a million miles away from real life problems as these do me then you’d be the same.

Following Jules on social media I know how she has been involved in park runs, all credit to anyone who does them because I couldn’t but I love the idea of them and the whole social/spirit of them. Jules’ love of park run shines through this whole book. The positive light shed upon the finer details, the inner workings of getting these events put together really does wonders and almost made me want to head out in trainers… It is a wonderful side to this special story that really is about making people appreciate their lives, skills, and opportunities in a different way.

With some wonderful characters that will cement a place firmly in your hearts, The Saturday Morning Park Run would not be the same without the treasure that is Hilda. Everyone will rave about her but its deserved, she is a powerhouse and the one that ties everything so nicely together. I wish I had a Hilda in my life... maybe I should hang around a park bench a little more often!

I love Claire and Ash. Our lead characters: we meet them at a place in their lives where both seem on top. They are both killing it career wise, they have the flirty, hot chemistry and both know what they want from life. Typically, everything changes, both end up in unexpected positions and through some helpful Hilda intervention they start to realise their previous lifestyle may not be all their hearts desired.

Claire gets to look after her nieces Poppy and Ava, whilst providing some fun moments, their relationship develops and becomes so special that, in parts, it almost had me in tears.

With overriding ideas that family can be made up from those you chose to have in your life; this heart-warming read will leave you feeling happy, emotional, and potentially ready for a run.

I always champion Jules’ books, they are brilliant and I recommend them as I genuinely love each one. I wouldn’t pick a favourite but this is up there.

A gorgeous, engaging, charm of a read.

Pre-order Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peony-Place-Jules-Wake-ebook/dp/B07K2MGMN9/

https://www.amazon.com/Peony-Place-Jules-Wake-ebook/dp/B07K2MGMN9/

Author Bio

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her writing and creative skills penning copy on a vast range of subjects from pig farming and watches, sunglasses and skincare through to beer and stationery. 

She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and under her pen name Julie Caplin, she writes the Romantic Escapes series. 

Between them, the two Js have written fourteen novels, The Saturday Morning Park Run being the latest. 

Social Media Links 

Twitter @Juleswake

https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor

The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts - Alison Sherlock

A feel-good story of new beginnings set in a gorgeous country village, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson.

After losing her job in New York, Amber Green isn’t looking forward to visiting her godmother in the sleepy village of Cranbridge. With its empty lanes and rundown shops, it’s hardly a place to mend her lonely heart.

But when Amber discovers that Cranbridge Stores, owned by her godmother Cathy and son Josh, is under threat of financial ruin, she realises that her skills as a window dresser might just be able to help save the struggling shop.

When disaster strikes, Amber and Josh must unite to save both the shop and the village from flooding.

Can Cranbridge Stores become the heart of the village once more?

And as the village begins to come back to life, perhaps Amber will discover a reason to stay…

My Review:


My first read by this author but definitely not my last. A cosy, uplifting tale, full of community spirit and heart.

The story is based in the wonderful sounding village of Cranbridge,  revolving around its inhabitants and the focal point - Cranbridge stores; one of those one stop shops that has everything and anything you may (or may not actually) need.

The store is past it’s best in some ways, it needs a declutter, a clean an overhaul but there is a reluctance to make changes. Something needs to change soon as they need to start making money to survive.

Amber was working in her dream job in New York. After being made redundant she decides to head to her parents via a pitstop to visit her godmother in Cranbridge. After a memorable reintroduction to Josh, her Godmothers son, can she use her creative skills to do some good?

It’s a story with ups and downs, some drama and a host of characters that you will take to your heart.

It’s well written by Alison Sherlock, it flows nicely and is a quick read. I will look forward to a return visit in the future to see what other adventures await residents of Cranbridge.

Purchase Links - https://amzn.to/2VPGfzh


Author Bio

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed

reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her new series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold Village and the first title will be published in July 2020.



Social Media Links –

Twitter https://twitter.com/AlisonSherlock

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alison.sherlock.73

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-sherlock

The Secret Seaside Escape - Heidi Swain

Escape to the seaside with the brand new novel from Heidi Swain, the Sunday Times bestselling author of feel-good women’s fiction!
 
Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .   The Secret Seaside Escape  is the perfect read this summer, promising sandy beaches, stunning rockpools and breath-taking romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Sarah Morgan.

My Review:


I’m a #swainette through and through...
This fantastic new book from Heidi Swain is perfect for a mental break away, given current circumstances this is the perfect read if you want to escape for a little while.
After reading (devouring) the book I just wanted to go and escape to the seaside myself (I wish), I’d love to fall into a community with characters like Heidi creates. All of Heidi’s books have such wonderful communities – as you may know if you’ve read any of Heidi’s other books – but this is a brand new one with wonderful new people who feel like friends by the end.
Tess is fed up working hard for her father and not getting the appreciation she needs. She takes herself away to the seaside, Wynmouth, the place she spent so much time growing up. Awakening old memories and secrets, Tess has decisions to make about her future but will the heart rule the head, especially when she realises her feelings for a certain local.
I love Tess. She’s sweet, kind and gets involved in the community straight away which I like. She soon settles into place and its clear she feels at home there with some brilliant friendships made early on. A great character! There is a whole host of supporting characters who add to the fun, George and his meddling, Sophie, Hope, Joe and of course, Sam.
Easy to be charmed by the amazing writing and descriptions, you will feel like you are part of the idyllic seaside neighbourhood. I loved the development, the twists that were unexpected but interesting. It’s a wonderful tale of friendships, community spirit, forgiving the past and learning to accept what is meant to be. Romance is as always a theme running throughout the book, but it isn’t the main focus, personal development and fixing relationships is in my opinion – although in my opinion a little bit of romance is always welcome.

I cannot recommend this enough, as I would any Heidi Swain book. A feel good, cosy read that will entice you in and leave you wanting more. Treat yourself to a trip to Wynmouth, you won’t be disappointed. Fingers crossed for a return trip!!
Available to purchase NOW: Amazon

About the Author:

Sunday Times Best-selling author with a passion for vintage, hearth & home.

Creating wonderful communities and characters. Find out more -

Website: https://heidiswain.co.uk/

Check out the blog: http://heidiswain.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterHeidiJoSwain