Hello, hello, hello! A very warm welcome to damppebbles on this, the second day of December 2021. It’s also a Thursday and day 30 of #R3COMM3ND3D2021. Which, and I hope you’ll agree, makes it a rather fine day indeed. So far we’ve had 80 glorious books recommended to us since 1st November, and there are currently four books vying for the top spot with The Last House on Needless Street in pole position. With just over two weeks of #R3C21 left, I wonder how things will change between now and then…?

Joining me today is a fabulous blogger and an all round lovely person. It’s Lisa from OwlBeSatReading. I love Lisa’s blog. Partly because we have similar-ish reading tastes and Lisa likes fiction on the darker side of life, and partly because it’s just a brilliant blog. If you don’t already subscribe then please make sure that changes ASAP!

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 😉

Here are the three books Lisa recommends…

Life on Other Planets by Matt Cook
This story really surprised me! I wasn’t expecting a heartfelt story that was full of life, even though the plot is predominantly about death. Matt Cook sees humans “humaning” as it were, through a very different perspective. Life on Other Planets delivered humour, great characters and an intriguing plot. It’s relatable to everyone because we all have families, we all have mixed feelings, we all put up with people, and ultimately, we will all have experiences of death. Written so fluently, Matt’s an author I will definitely read more from.
Lisa’s Review of Life on Other Planets

Immortelle by Catherine McCarthy
Catherine has such a way with words. I am delighted to have discovered her quiet, atmospheric horror stories. They pull you in gently, you get all comfy in her story-telling, then she delivers this kind of electric WOW that you never see coming.
Lisa’s Review of Immortelle

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
Nightbitch is possibly the most whackiest, wonderfully messed up story of motherhood that I’ve ever read. Motherhood stories always tempt me and this one shook me about, chewed me up and spat me out. It was relatable and frightening and hilarious and brilliant. Couldn’t fault it!
Lisa’s Review of Nightbitch

Three fantastic choices, thanks Lisa. And because they all sound so good, they’re all going straight on the wish list!

About Lisa:
A book-mad (late) forty-something British Book Blogger with a penchant for tales of horror, darkness and oddities 🖤

Lisa’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| OwlBeSatReading | Twitter @OwlBeSatReading | Instagram @owlbesatreading | Goodreads |

Sadly submissions for #R3COMM3D3D2021 are now closed (posts will be running until mid-December so we’re not quite done yet). Shortly after the last post I will be inviting you all to attend the virtual after-show party, which should be a giggle, where we can cast our eyes over the marvellous and majestic beauty of 2021’s books. We will also crown 2021’s winner (or joint winners, if that’s the case 🤔). So I expect it to be a jolly good ol’ knees up! Until then stay tuned as we have lots more bookish loveliness heading your way ❤️