February was a full month as I finished a few books I had been reading through January, as well as having my first visit to a local library and borrowing six books I hadn’t read before. This, of course, meant a flurry of reading and a neglect of the books at home I had already been reading.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Can I have a moment and say I guessed who the killer was before it was revealed? Vaguely impressive, perhaps. Agatha Christie’s are always enjoyable; I like that they are not gory and involve elegance and class. Poirot in a dressing gown will never stop being an incredible addition to the stories. 4 stars.
Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
A fun Christmas read that switches between the previous years of a friendship that builds into a romance in the present. This happens as two friends miss their flight, and one of them does all she can to get him home for Christmas. 4 stars.
Under a Dancing Star by Laura Wood
As you may have noticed from my last two posts with my reviews, I have been devouring Laura Wood’s books. She has such an engaging, fun way of writing, and I love the descriptions as they are set in 1930’s England. While I didn’t like this story line as much, it was still a delightful glimpse into a beautiful world. 3.5 stars.
The Switch by Beth O’Leary
Beth O’Leary has a way of writing true characters that are relatable yet different. This book switched between a Grandmother and Granddaughter, and both of their stories were entertaining and worth investing in. The pair swap houses for a time, naturally welcoming in new romances, friendships, and growth. 4 stars.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Any book that features reading is an absolute delight. About an introvert who happily sticks to her schedule and works in a bookshop (sound familiar?) finds her life changing drastically as the father she never knew dies and leaves her with a massive family who won’t leave her alone. This book was a great example of an engaging third person narrator with their own opinions. 4 stars.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
I read this partly because it’s a classic and partly because the premise sounded promising; a young woman who wants to be a writer… but the content wasn’t enjoyable and the none of the characters likeable. 3 stars.
Home. by Emma Blomfield
A non-fiction book about decorating the home that featured lovely illustrations. 3.5 stars.
Night at the Crossroads by Georges Simenon
At points this detective story lost me and I didn’t know what was going on, but overall it was an interesting look into the world at that time. I particularly liked how the entire novel is mysterious (confusing?) and then it all unravels in an almost comical way at the very end. 3 stars.
A big month! An enjoyable month. I might need to wait a few more weeks before going back to the library though; my books at home are looking rather desolate…
Sarah xx
the softest words 