Books For While You're Away
Whilst I was away, I managed to read 5 books — which, for someone who is mildly dyslexic, feels like a pretty big win in just two and a half weeks!
Reading has never come easily to me. Ever since I was a child, I’ve struggled to stay focused. My mind wanders, it takes me a while to get into the flow of a book and before I know it I’m five pages in with no idea what I’ve just read.
But something shifts when I’m away. I’m able to quiet my brain, slow down, and really concentrate. I get fully invested in the story, and reading becomes something I enjoy rather than something I have to work at.
My go-to genre will always be thrillers — I love a good “whodunnit,” the unexpected twists, and the moments that keep you guessing. I’m also partial to a slightly spicy romance, but only if it’s engaging, relatable, and full of strong characters. If it’s not pulling me in, I’m out.
So, here are the books I read while I was away — and my honest opinion on whether they’re worth your time or not.
Richard Osman “The Impossible Fortune.”
I love these books, the idea of four unlikely old age pensioners coming together to solve crimes just makes happy. I really enjoy all of them, they’re full of heart and fantastic characters that you can’t help but feel you know personally. You don’t have to read these books in order but I strongly suggest you do. These are characters you want to get to know, and you too will fall in love with them like I have.
This one is the 5th of the series and I really enjoyed it. In this one you are back with the gang, it all kicks off at a wedding, when a guest confides in Elizebeth that he thinks someone is trying to kill him. A great start to the murder clubs next investigations. You follow a villain who wants access to an uncrackable code and will stop at nothing to get it. The gang are then plunged back into an explosive investigation to see if they can solve the puzzle before someone else gets hurt.
If you can’t tell from my enthusiasm for this book, I highly recommend it!
Sophia Money-Coutts “The Plus One.”
When your feeling like a fun, uplifting Rom-com, Sophie Money Coutts is great. Her books are simple, funny and sometimes a little sexy escape from reality. One I loved of her’s was “Right Place” and I would highly recommend getting this on your light hearted romance reading list.
The story revolves around Polly, a journalist who is a bit all over the place both romantically and personally. With her best mate about to get married, she’s determined to land the writing job of her dreams - and find a date for the wedding. Enter Jasper, Marquess of Milton: a rich ladies’ man who charms his way into Polly’s chaotic life.
This one, sadly, didn’t really land for me. If I’m honest I’ve really had to rack my brain to remember what it was about. I felt it was a little far fetched and I didn’t love any of the characters that much. I felt we could have dived a bit deeper into them so the reader felt more connected. That said, I didn’t think it was a complete waste of time, I just didn’t love it as much as some of her others.
Holly Jackson “ Not Quite Dead yet.”
This is my first time reading a Holly Jackson book and it did not disappoint! Since reading this book, I have found “A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” Netflix series - an adaptation of her novel and it’s really good. I’ll report back with more details once I’m finished!
The story follows Jet, a young women with an attitude problem, who gets attacked in her home. Jet only to has 7 days to live and to solved her own murder. Sounds good right?!
This book had everything you could want, it starts with a bang and keeps you hooked right until the last page. I would definitely give it a read if you’re like me and love a gripping thriller!
Kia Abdullah “ Next Of Kin.”
Another first time author for me! This book promised twist after twist which is why I picked it up.
Now, I’m not saying it didn’t have some very interesting turn of events - they just don’t happen straight away, so you have to stick with it. I should also mention this book deals with the death of a child, so it might be worth reading up on it first, especially if you find this triggering.
The story is about two sisters and their complex relationship. One day Leila is asked to do a last minute favour - a decision that changes their lives forever. What follow is a heated courtroom battle that threatens to tear their family apart.
I felt very much like a bystander throughout this book. Much of the story is set in a courtroom, so at times I almost felt like a member of the jury - which I actually really liked. It held my attention right through to the last page. At times, I felt there was a slight lack of empathy which felt at odds with the subject matter. Still, it’s definitely worth a read, and I’d love to know what you thought if you’ve read it, or read it!
Andrea Mara “It Should Have Been You.”
I love Andrea Mara - I haven’t read a book of hers I didn’t enjoy. She always has relatable characters and storylines that grip you from the get go! If you haven’t watched the series “All Her Fault” you really should; it’s absolutely brilliant and does a great job of adapting the book into a nail-biting drama.
In this book, we follow Susan, an exhausted new mum who accidentally texts the wrong group - I mean we have all been there, right? Only this time, it leads to someone with the same address as Susan turning up dead.. and it spirals from there!
This is another corker from the Irish author, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! Go and read it!
Carley Fortune “One Golden Summer.”
I’m still reading this one, and to be honest, I don’t want it to end! It’s the perfect summer read … though it works for a cold January too. It’s the ultimate grown-up summer romance, which I absolutely love.
Alice is photographer who’s lost her artistic flare, so she decides to go back to where it all began one summer when she was seventeen. While her grandmother recovers from an operation, Alice thinks the old summer house where they grew up would be a perfect place to rest - and maybe even reignite her love for photography.
Then enters Charlie: the gorgeous neighbour who’s there to lend a hand… and several other things to help. OMG the sexual chemistry between these two is perfection… I just hope ends well…. To be continued! So far, I highly recommend!
I hope you found this round-up useful! Drop a comment and let me know what you’re reading, or any recommendations you think I shouldn’t miss - I’m always on the hunt for a new favourite!
Happy reading,
Love, B x