It’s the 15th of November which means we’re two weeks into #R3COMM3ND3D2018. How are we all coping? How many books have been added to your TBR? I’m trying to be strong……but failing miserably!

Today I am delighted to welcome another favourite book blogger to damppebbles, the fabulous Jen Lucas of Jen Med’s Book Reviews. This is another case of ‘if you’re not following Jen’s blog then we need to have words…’. Jen won’t blow her own trumpet so I’ll do it for her. If you want beautifully written, enthusiastic book reviews written by someone who puts their heart and soul into books, reading and promoting the authors she loves, then Jen’s your gal. A must-read blog for all book lovers.

So this #R3COMM3ND3D2018 lark, what’s that all about? #R3COMM3ND3D2018 is where I invite book bloggers, authors and publishers to recommend three must read titles. There are no rules (which is a blatant lie because there is a rule, one very important rule. All books must have been published in 2018).

Here are Jen’s choices…

We Own The Sky by Luke Allnutt
This book made me cry. Ugly cry. In fact it nearly killed me as I had a bad cold when I read it and could barely breathe for tears. A thoroughly moving story of a family beset by tragedy when the young son develops a terminal case of cancer. There are so many moments in this book which moved me to tears but one especially poignant scene when he is with his friends that nearly did for me.
https://jenmedsbookreviews.com/2018/02/02/blogtour-we-own-the-sky-by-luke-allnutt-lukeallnutt-trapezebooks/

Palm Beach Finland by Antti Tuomainen
This book just made me chuckle from start to end. Very Fargo-esque in its styling, it is full of murder and comedy and the most unlikely setting for a beach resort you could ever imagine. I love Antti Tuomainen’s writing and this is another example of his incredible wit at work.
https://jenmedsbookreviews.com/2018/10/03/palm-beach-finland-antti-tuomainen/

The Way of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but the premise of this one intrigued me and given the pedigree of the authors, husband and wife writing team Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman, I couldn’t resist. Set in Edinburgh in the mid 1800s this book engages the reader from the off. The story was compelling and the central characters of Raven and Sarah absolutely brilliant. The writing style and language was just so accessible and it just held my attention to the very last page. And the book is so pretty!
https://jenmedsbookreviews.com/2018/09/05/the-way-of-all-flesh-ambrose-parry/

Thanks for your brilliant choices, Jen. Both Palm Beach Finland and The Way of All Flesh are on the wish list. (I’d be adding We Own the Sky too if I read outside of the crime genre!)

If Jen has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books she has chosen, please see the following links:

| We Own the Sky by Luke Allnutt | Palm Beach Finland by Antti Tuomainen | The Way of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry |

About Jen:
Forty something year old grump I’ve been blogging for two and a half years. Used to spend all of my time travelling around the country keeping drivers in check but now spending it all in front of a laptop, laughingly trying to write (failing miserably). Often to be found attending book events when not walking around Shropshire or cuddled up with my kitty, Luna, and a good book.

Jen’s Social Media Links:
| Jen Med’s Book Reviews | Twitter @JenMedBkReviews | Facebook | Instagram |

Normally at this point I would be inviting you to sign up for #R3COMM3ND3D2018 but it’s full. Actually full. All 57 spaces have been allocated so I’m afraid you’ve missed the bus. #R3COMM3ND3D will be returning next year in the form of #R3COMM3ND3D2019, YAY!! Keep your eyes peeled for the new form, coming soon….(although you may want to wait a while before filling it in 😉🤣)