It's that time of the year where I give you, Wellspringers, a wrap up of some fabulous holiday reads. They may all not to be to your liking but either way, I'd love to chat books anytime with you!
What happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan
This was a Wellspringer suggestion (thanks Kandy) and I had requested this book from the library. It must be popular as I was number 649 before Kandy said "I have this book, read it". And I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I read it in less than 2 days. This is the story of a young woman who goes on a weekend away with her boyfriend and never returns. This book takes unexpected turns and makes me think about what I would do as a mother if my child went missing. It's a gripping novel, definitely not a light read but worthy of holiday reading.
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
This is a quirky book and I LOVED it from the first chapter. Another Wellspringer suggestion (thank you Sioban!) This is the story of neurodivergence and dealing with society. A woman in her 40s with autism takes everything literally so when her aging father who is dying says "just take my body out with the trash" she literally does just that. What starts is a story of finding out her history as a child, learning to be a part of society and finding one's place in the world. It is dark at times, also uplifting with some triggering storylines (child abuse, kidnap amongst other things). Don't let that deter you - it's well worth the read.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This was a random book I picked up at the library and it was very intriguing. The story of a woman with a criminal background who can't get a job anywhere until she becomes a nanny/housemaid for a rich woman. Living with this perfect family, in a picturesque town - all is not as it seems. A psychological thriller, there are twists and turns with this book that keep you guessing! I was delighted to see there are more books in this series for future reading. For fans of Girl on the Train, you'd like this book. Highly recommend.
Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild
Shock and awe at this book - I'm going to call it a bit like a female version of Dexter (serial killer with a heart). This woman is responsible for three out of four deaths - and never been caught. Yet the final death could be her undoing (which she may or may not have done, you'll have to read the book to find out). This woman should be horrible yet her character is so likeable and you can't stop reading! The story starts with her as a five year old and she sees a young boy in trouble in the ocean. Instead of trying to help him, she swims underwater and holds his leg down so he DROWNS! HORROR. Shock. But why... you need to read the story to understand more. I wasn't sure where this book would go but I promise you, it is well worth the read. Another psychological thriller that you won't be able to put down.
Here one moment by Liane Moriarity
This is a lighter book that some of the other picks but still with a compelling story. An older woman on a plane goes around and starts declaring "age of death, cause of death" to every passenger on a plane. Eg pointing to a 50 year old and saying "63, pancreatic cancer" or to a man "100, pneumonia". The fascinating part is that some of the deaths start coming true. It's not a dark story though - it has a beautiful human component and makes you wonder what you would do differently with your life if you knew when and how you were going to die. I'm calling this her best book yet. Get it. Stocking stuffing - definitely.
A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J. Maas
If someone had of told me that I'd be reading faerie fantasy genre earlier this year, I would have laughed in their face. Yet somehow, I have become addicted to this world of ACOTAR. There are five books in the series and I'm currently on book 3. The first book is about a human who kills a wolf as she was starving and needed to feed her family. She is then taken by a faerie to live in the faerie realm as her punishment. I'm calling this a bit Hunger Games combined with Beauty and the Beast and True Blood. For fans of the Fourth Wing (sexy dragon tales), you'll enjoy the faerie genre as well. This series gets quite spicy if you are after something a bit different ;) Please read this book so we can talk about it. A lot. I am obsessed and you might be too!
I absolutely love talking about books and appreciate any recommendations Wellspringers give to me. Our book nook has been very popular this year so I encourage you to take a book, leave a book over the summer break!
Send me your book recommendations, Wellspringers. I need to find something to replace the hole that will be ACOTAR in a few weeks.
Till next blog Wellspringers,
Love Holly
xx
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