I've read quite a few books this month but there are only two out of five I've given 4/5 stars and the rest are 3. There is also a book that I started but didn't finish that book is Traces by Patricia Wiltshire. It is a memoir of her time as a forensic scientist and criminal investigator. It had really great potential and what I did read had some interesting insight into forensic ecology however the parts about her life were boring and I just couldn't continue to read on. However lets move onto what I have read this month.
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
Vex King shares inspirational messages and universal wisdom to help you manifest positive vibes. I had high hopes for this book having read some positive reviews, however it just wasn't for me. I found it to be quite repetitive and I personally feel there are better self help books out there.
The Memory Wood by Sam LloydElijah has lived in the Memory Wood for as long as he can remember. It's the only home he's ever known.Elissa has only just arrived. And she'll do everything she can to escape.When Elijah stumbles across 13 year-old Elissa, in the woods where her abductor is hiding her, he refuses to alert the police. Because Elijah has never had a proper friend. And he doesn't want Elissa to leave. Not only that, Elijah knows how this can end. After all, Elissa isn't the first girl he's found inside the Memory Wood. As her abductor's behaviour grows more erratic, Elissa realises that outwitting strange, lonely Elijah is her only hope of survival. If you are wanting a fast paced thriller with twists and turns this one is a must. I was gripped almost straight away and finished the book within a day.
The End of Her by Shari LapenaStephanie and Patrick are recently married, with new-born twins. A woman from Patrick's past arrives and makes a horrifying allegation about his first wife. He always claimed her death was an accident - but she says it was murder. He insists he's innocent, that this is nothing but a blackmail attempt. But is Patrick telling the truth? I've read quite a few of Shari Lapena's books and this one although I enjoyed isn't as good as her previous work I have read. Still an enjoyable read though.
Conversations with friends by Sally Rooney
Frances is twenty-one years old, cool-headed and observant. A student in Dublin and an aspiring writer, at night she performs spoken word with her best friend Bobbi, who used to be her girlfriend. When they are interviewed and then befriended by Melissa, a well-known journalist who is married to Nick, an actor, they enter a world of beautiful houses, raucous dinner parties and holidays in Provence. But when Frances and Nick get unexpectedly closer, the sharply witty and emotion-averse Frances is forced to honestly confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time. Unfortunately I didn't like the storyline or connect with any of the characters so it was a disappointing read for me plus no speech marks was really frustrating.
You'll never see me again by Lesley PearseYoung Betty dreams of settling down to an ordinary life in Hallsands with her fisherman husband. But when he returns broken and haunted from the Great War, she finds herself persecuted by his distraught mother - and yearns to escape. It is only when a storm devastates the village that Betty sees her chance. Fleeing to Bristol and changing her name to Mabel Brook, she seeks a new life - only to discover destiny has other plans. When it comes to historical fiction Lesley Pearse is one of my go to authors. This one wasn't my favourite by her but definitely an easy read and I liked the characters.
