July is all about one of my favourite authors - Josie Lloyd or Joanna Rees as she's also known - as everything I've read this month is by her. Two very different books but both equally good in their own way.
The Sister Returns by Joanna Rees (7 July 2022)
It's 1929 and after running away from her family in Lancashire, becoming a dancer in London and having had a riotous time in Paris with her best friend Nancy, would-be fashion designer Vita Casey is living a more sedate life in New York with her baby son. When the disastrous events of the Wall Street crash change their destinies, Vita and Nancy flee to Los Angeles, where Nancy is determined to make it in the talkies. Schmoozing their way into the Hollywood elite, Vita is starting to think that can begin to fulfill her fashion ambitions. But when the love of her life, Archie is hired as a writer on Nancy's new movie, and her evil brother Clement exacts his ultimate revenge, Vita’s past and present collide.
In my opinion: ★★★★
This is the last in a trilogy set in the 1920's following the adventures of Vita and her best friend Nancy from a #RunawayDaughter to #HiddenWife and finally a Returning Sister. Although I'd read the first in this series I haven't read the second but it didn't matter as it was easy to fill in the gaps and would also work just as well as a standalone. And whilst I loved catching up with the vibrant yet troubled characters, it's the insight into a fascinating period of time (the glamour, fashions, energy and parties) that truly captivated me. This is a great book and a great series by a great storyteller who can do it all from epic historical trilogies such as this to contemporary romcoms and even children's books.
What the Flock by Sally Urwin (7 July 2022)
From high heels to welly boots – one woman’s misadventures in becoming a farmer. Sally imagined herself wafting around High House Farm in floral dresses followed by a bevy of rosy-cheeked children. The reality is quite different. Sally is usually wearing a jumper covered in sheep poo, chasing Gladys the grumpy pony or caring for a ewe who has ingested a poisonous plant while her kids are moaning about being dragged outside. But with a mix of grit, humour and the love of family, Sally shows us that it’s never too late to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
In my opinion: ★★★★
I really enjoyed this entertaining but also refreshingly honest memoir of life as a farmers wife. I loved the stories of rats mingling with wedding guests, badly behaved coach parties, blasphemous waitresses and nappy wearing lambs. But found the sobering realities of financial hardship, depression and virus outbreaks just as interesting. I'm also always inspired by stories of creative entrepreneurship and so found the different diversification projects Sally took on such as weddings, glamping, beer-brewing, tours, tea shops, etc totally fascinating. Whilst a memoir, chapters follow a theme rather than strictly chronological order and it reads more like fiction due to Sally's wonderful storytelling. I'll definitely be checking out Sally's socials now.....
The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove by Jaimie Admans (15 July 2022)
Having moved into her mum’s spare room after a disastrous break-up, Kayleigh Harwood is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees an opening for a new beekeeper at Elderflower Grove she jumps at the chance – despite not knowing a thing about bees. The abandoned manor house holds a mystery of its own - and Kayleigh is shocked to find drop-dead-gorgeous gardener Carey living inside! Carey explains that the house and surrounding land is at risk of being demolished, endangering the bees, and he has been staying there to protect it. But is she ready to find her own happy-ever-after too…?
In my opinion: ★★★★
I really enjoyed this. I love a contemporary story yet one that is also charmingly sweet and pure - and this totally delivered on that. For example, it starts with main character Kayleigh being interviewed online by a computerised bee. There's lots of banter, humour and cult references as an 80s kid (ie Fraggle Rock) but its also about beekeeping, rural crafts, kisses (not sex) and community. The little bee facts that start each chapter were also a really nice touch ie dud you know that bees communicate through dance or beat their wings 12,000 times per minute. It's a bonkers story - a 'talking' house, a missing octogenarian and dastardly villain - but its fun and easy reading with the modern day romance playing out against the history of the house and its previous inhabitants.
The Last to Varnish by Megan Miranda (28 July 2022)
Ten years ago, Abigail Lovett fell into a job she loves, working at the Passage Inn, a resort nestled in the Appalachian mountain town of Cutter's Pass. Cutter's Pass is a place famous for its outdoor offerings - and its tragic history. Now, the string of unsolved disappearances that haunts the town is again thrust into the spotlight when a journalist investigating the story himself disappears. When she finds incriminating evidence that may bring them closer to the truth, Abby soon discovers how little she knows about her co-workers, neighbours, and even past lovers.
In my opinion: ★★★★
This had real potential - a small isolated town in the mountains where the residents all have secrets and will do anything to protect their own. Sadly though it took a while to get going and then the most intriguing characters were left largely underdeveloped somewhat irrelevant to the plot. Whilst I never guessed the perpetrator until pretty much the same time as main character Abby I think that was perhaps because in my opinion it was a disappointing choice being one of the bit characters rather than main players. Not really getting to know of the characters I was also none the wiser really on the 'why'. A nice enough but somewhat underwhelming read and definitely not one of my favourites by this author.
Lifesaving for Beginners by Josie Lloyd (21 July 2022)
After her twenty-year marriage suddenly implodes, Maddy Wolfe heads to Brighton to search for her estranged son, Jamie. For the first time, she's totally alone. That is, until she meets the Salty Sea-Gals, a group of feisty sea-swimmers. Seventy-two-year old Helga is determined not to slow down, while thirty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Bereaved Dominica is trying to find a reason to carry on, and busy mum Claire is learning to put herself first for a change. As their regular cold-water plunges become a lifeline for them all, Maddy starts to realise that these brave women might just help her find both Jamie and herself.
In my opinion: ★★★★
This is a character driven read featuring a group of sea swimmers in Brighton. The five 'Sea-Gals' range in age from seventy something Helga to Tor who's in her twenties but all are struggling with different life challenges including grief, coming out, infidelity, aging, illness and the menopause. I liked the different story lines and positivity of friendship and sea-swimming in helping the characters deal with any challenges. The sensitive topics were also sympathetically and authentically done. But, I found the "earthy, happy energy" of the women a bit much at times. So, a great feel good story that I liked but didn't love as much as the author's other books.
Anything Could Happen by Lucy Diamond (21 July 2022)
For Lara and her daughter Eliza, it has always been just the two of them. But when Eliza turns eighteen and wants to connect with her father, Lara is forced to admit a secret that she has been keeping from her daughter her whole life. Eliza needs answers - and so does Lara. Their journey to the truth will take them on a road trip across England and eventually to New York, where it all began. Dreams might have been broken and opportunities missed, but there are still surprises in store...
In my opinion: ★★★★
This was my first read by this author and I enjoyed it. A nice (predictable) story, which was gently humorous albeit a little slow in places. I liked that it wasn't a pure romance and more of a family drama really with a variety of well developed characters. Definitely worth a read but more of 'nice' read than 'must read' in my opinion.
