Hello and welcome to damppebbles on this chilly December day. It’s Sunday and I hope you have some exciting plans in store. It’s also day 33 of #R3COMM3ND3D2021 and things are really hotting up in the race to be this year’s winner. Eighty-nine books have been chosen so far – is your favourite amongst them? I’m struggling to chose a favourite read this year as there have been so many crackers published. Decisions, decisions, decisions…

Joining me today is a brilliant book blogger, it’s Sarah Swan of Sarah’s Vignettes. If you don’t already follow Sarah’s blog then you’re doing it all wrong. Pop over and have a mooch around. Whilst you’re there, make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on anymore of Sarah’s fantastic posts.

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 Sarah recommends…

An Act of Love by Carol Drinkwater
For me, An Act of Love is a novel that has it all. From the elegant cover, the considerable amount of research, the skilfully crafted plot to the sophisticated writing, the believable characters and an incredible sense of place. In my opinion, this is Carol Drinkwater’s best book yet. I have loved all her previous work, but there is something about the depth in this novel that is more profound. I mean all her fiction novels are excellent, but An Act of Love has raised the bar.
Sarah’s Review of An Act of Love

Waiting for the Miracle by Anna McPartlin
I have been a fan of Anna McPartlin’s writing since I read The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes. Her writing always manages to break me and Waiting for the Miracle is no exception. I love it when an author has the power to do this to a reader.

One thing I love about Anna McPartlin’s writing is that I’m crying one minute and then laughing the next at the Irish wit and humour. I can hear the Irish accents of these characters in my head as I read. Anna McPartlin has a great ability to include just enough humour to make it as true to life as possible. She shows real humanity in her stories.
Sarah’s Review of Waiting for the Miracle

When The World Was Ours by Liz Kessler
When The World Was Ours is a YA book that has left a lasting impression on me. It is a heartbreaking, gut wrenching, raw, and powerful novel. It is about friendship, family, hope, love, and kindness. It is beautifully and sensitively written. It is appropriate for readers aged 12 years and above but this would appeal across the generations and it is necessary that it does. It is imperative that we keep Holocaust history alive to prevent persecution and genocide today and in the future.

When the World Was Ours is a story that will stay with me forever. And that is the point. We must never forget and we must keep the truth alive.
Sarah’s Review of When The World Was Ours

Three gorgeous choices, thanks so much Sarah. Of course, this is the second time we’ve seen When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler which puts it in joint third place along with This is How we are Human by Louise Beech and No Honour by Awais Khan.

About Sarah Swan:
Hi, I’m Sarah. I have been reading from a very early age and before I could read, I was always flicking through picture books – I’m sure I was born with a book in my hand!

I read a wide range of genres and I am willing to try most genres once, but I do keep going back to both contemporary and historical fiction more than anything else.

Books are a big part of my life and I started my blog, Sarah’s Vignettes, in 2017 so I could share my love for them.

Sarah’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Sarah’s Vignettes | Twitter @Sarah_Swan2 | Facebook | Instagram @sarah_swan22 |

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 ❤