Hello you, and welcome to Thursday on damppebbles. Before I go any further I would like to wish my American followers a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day, full of the things you love the most.

It’s day 23 of #R3COMM3ND3D2021, hoorah! Joining me today to share their three #R3COMMN3D3D picks is the fabulous Nicki of Nicki’s Book Blog. Nicki is a brilliant blogger and I strongly recommend you subscribe to her blog, if you don’t already. You’re bound to add a few (a lot!) of books to your TBR thanks to her awesome reviews.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2021? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors, book bloggers and bookstagrammers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2021. To make things interesting there are a couple of teeny, tiny rules; 1) the book must have FIRST been published in 2021 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes 😉

As this is the fifth year of #R3C, things are going to be a smidge different this year. There’s a scary deadline involved *shudder*. The #R3COMM3ND3D application form will only be open until midday (GMT) on Wednesday 1st December. If you would like to take part in #R3C this year (and I would LOVE you to!) then please get your three choices in sooner rather than later. Any posts scheduled for later in December will be brought forward and I will close the series early if I’m not able to fill all of the available dates. The form is at the bottom of this post if you fancy taking part.

Here are the three books Nicki recommends…

Coming Home by Patricia Dixon
A book that very much resonated with me for many reasons. Christmas is made out to be wonderful but not everyone either has it that way or it may trigger memories of ones past that we may want to forget or even treasure the memory one way or another. It’s about treasuring what we have and it is those around you that matter- not the material things and putting the past where it should be- in the past- we should look forward not “over our shoulder” (another wonderful book by Patricia). This would make a wonderful tv drama. One life- live it.
Nicki’s Review of Coming Home

Fear on the Fens (DI Nikki Galena #13) by Joy Ellis
I love all of Joy’s books- but this one had that extra something special. Its a very well thought out and researched plot and I learnt something along the way (the starget project). There is such a warmth of character with Joys books (despite being crime novels!) if that makes sense. The lead characters have a background, a sense of humour and that “realness” that we can associate with. To me this is such skilful writing and I always look forward to immersing myself in another of Joy’s books- they really are a joy to read. If you enjoy ” Vera” etc this could be for you. Would be a brilliant drama series.
Nicki’s Review of Fear on the Fens

Dear Grace by Clare Swatman
“A book that wrapped itself around me like a hug in a blanket”. There was a special endearing quality about this and for me a memory of a treasured friend. It’s bringing tears to my eyes just writing this- this book moved me so very much. A strong woman who had gone through her own adversity and was there for others despite everything. I’d read this again in a heartbeat. A wiseness of life experience and a good heart. What more could we wish for? My only wish is I’d love to see this as a film.
Nicki’s Review of Dear Grace

Three great choices, thanks so much Nicki. As a crime blogger I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t yet read a book by Joy Ellis. I will make sure that changes in 2022!

About Nicki:
My strap line is “The books I read reviewed with honesty. I read many genres and these are my thoughts on each book. Pure and simple.” Reading takes my mind to another place- something I need for several reasons. I find reading relaxes me and takes me through the gamut of emotions . Something from 26 little letters can transform an imagination and takes us to many different worlds. ❤

Nicki’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Nicki’s Book Blog | Twitter @nickisbookblog | Facebook |

If you’re a book blogger, bookstagrammer or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/pHinvKCHGP89wumn9)