I’ve read some really, really fantastic books over the last few months so thought I’d share a few of my favourites in case you’re looking for a new story to sit down with. If you’re looking for more book recommendations, check out the post I did of my favourite summer reads of 2017.

The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

I avoided picking up this book for a long time as I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction and I knew this one was going to be heavy. But, after getting over my reservations, this book has become one of my favourites of the year and has turned me into a pretty huge Kristin Hannah fan. Based in WWII Europe during the German occupation of France, it’s a story of sisterhood, love, the strength of womanhood, vulnerability and perseverance. This book is not a light read and had me sobbing at times, but it’s such a fantastic story that completely sucks you in. Since finishing The Nightingale I’ve also read Firefly Lane and Home Front, and am halfway through The Winter Garden right now.

 

Bear Town – Fredrik Backman

My sister-in-law had told me about A Man Called Ove and that it was a must-read. When I went to find it at the library though, I was about 100th in line and so I started looking for other books by the same author. I found Bear Town in the express section, which means that you can only borrow it for a week and can’t renew. I usually avoid the express section as I hate the pressure of having to finish a book and not being able to renew it, but I took a chance on this one. Well, I had no problem finishing it in time and ripped through it in only a few days. Bear Town is based in a small Swedish town and centres around a hockey team, but don’t let that deter you. The deeper story is about relationships and discovering yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gaile Honeyman

If you liked The Rose Project then I’m guessing that you’ll also enjoy this book. It took me a while to get into as I felt Eleanor, the main character, was just a bit boring and rude, but I kept reading and then absolutely fell in love with her. This

.book will make you laugh and cry, and will have you cheering for Eleanor at the end.

The Sound of Gravel – Ruth Wariner

I never thought a memoir would be the type of book that I couldn’t put down, but the Sound of Gravel proved me wrong. The story is about Ruth, who is a child growing up in a Polygamist compound in Mexico and how she navigates her feelings and the world while living in a very different culture. It’s a book that manages to be completely heartbreaking and also so full of hope at the same time.

 

The Husband’s Secret – Liane Moriarty

I always check books on Goodreads before I start reading them and this one had really mixed reviews – love it or hate it. I’m so glad I gave it a chance as I really enjoyed it. Liane Moriarty’s books are easy reads that are entertaining and often full of quick wit. The book can be picked up and put down quite often without losing the flow. This is a story about how you may think you know a person but then one day discover that you don’t really know them at all.

That’s it for this round of my book picks. How about you? Have you read anything recently you think I’d enjoy? I’d love to hear about it – post a comment below.

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