book love

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #Author Joy Kluver (@JoyKluver) #JoyKluver #DIBernadetteNoel #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello. How the heck are you? It’s been a few days since we last spoke. If you celebrated, how was your Christmas? I hope, despite it not being quite what many of us initially planned, it was a good one and you received bookish delights galore. Today marks day 53 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 and the FINAL post of the 2020 season. It’s been a tough old year for many of us but the books have been outstanding and helped many of us escape what’s been going on around us. I have loved sharing your #R3COMM3ND3D2020 picks since 1st November more than ever. Thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, retweeted and commented on the posts. You make #R3COMM3ND3D something very special. But the show’s not over just yet…

Today I am thrilled to welcome a brilliant blogger and soon-to-be debut author to share three of their favourite books published this year. It’s the fabulous Joy Kluver who shares her love of (mostly) crime fiction over at Joy Kluver. It’s Joy’s birthday today so I would like to take this opportunity to wish her a very happy birthday πŸ₯³. I hope you have a lovely day. Joy is also on the brink of publishing her debut novel with Bookouture in February next year so keep an eye out for the first book in the DI Bernadette Noel series. Personally, I can’t wait to read it and it’s high on my most eagerly anticipated books of 2021 list.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are the three books Joy chose…

The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford
The Lost Lights of St Kilda is a sweeping love story that will cross oceans and decades. It is a moving and deeply vivid portrait of two lovers, a desolate island, and the extraordinary power of hope in the face of darkness.
Joy’s Review of The Lost Lights of St Kilda

Body Language by A. K. Turner
Novels set in mortuaries have been around for quite a while but there’s a new girl in town and her name is Cassie Raven. With dyed black hair, piercings and tattoos, she’s not your average mortuary technician. And thank goodness for that. A.K. Turner has breathed fresh life into a setting that has to remain within the rules of science.
Joy’s Review of Body Language

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
This is my book of the year. Chris Whitaker immerses us in the lives of Duchess Day Radley and her younger brother, Robin. Aged 13 and 5 respectively at the beginning of the story, their lot in life is pretty bad. It’s an epic tale of revenge and redemption. The writing is utterly sublime and quite honestly, it’s not just my book of the year but one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Joy’s Review of We Begin at the End

Brilliant choices, thanks so much Joy. I am absolutely over the moon to see We Begin at the End on your list as that makes it the clear winner of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 with FIVE votes. Huge congratulations to Chris Whitaker and the team at Zaffre Books. A very worthy winner as, and I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, it’s my book of the year without a shadow of a doubt (πŸ˜‰).

If Joy has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford
Body Language by A.K. Turner
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker

About Joy Kluver:
I’m a blogger and soon to be published author! My debut novel featuring DI Bernadette Noel will be published by Bookouture in February 2021. But I’ll still be sharing the book love on my blog.

Joy’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Joy Kluver | Twitter @JoyKluver | Facebook |

That’s all folks! Well, for #R3COMM3ND3D2020 anyway. I’m off to write my ‘books of the year’ post now which I may or may not get whittled down in time to post before the end of 2020 😜. If I don’t, I hope you have a very happy New Year. Thank you for your support over the last twelve months. It means the world to me. You are AMAZING!

Don’t forget to start making a list of those 2021 releases as #R3COMM3ND3D will return towards the end of next year. It might not be exactly the same as the last few years – not sure in what way yet – but it will return in one form or another. Stay safe, stay bookish and keep reading. Love ya!

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #Author Terry Tyler (@TerryTyler4) #TheVisitor #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello and welcome to damppebbles. It’s the final day of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 before Christmas and what a treat I have in store for you. Before I introduce today’s guest though I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful Christmas if you’re celebrating over the next week.

Today I am delighted to welcome author Terry Tyler to share three of her favourite books published this year. Terry’s most recent release – The Visitor – was chosen only last week by Sue at Sue’s Musings and is a compelling post-apocalyptic murder mystery set in a pandemic. Sign me up, sounds like my kind of book!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are the three books Terry has chosen…

The End of the Road by Anna Legat
This is my favourite sort of post apocalyptic story – shocking and bleak, and all about the characters. Each one is a story in itself.
Terry’s Review of The End of the Road

Nest of Ashes by G. Lawrence
I’m Tudor addicted, and Gemma Lawrence’s fictional accounts of the wives of Henry VIII are the best I’ve read. I can’t wait for Book 2!
Terry’s Review of Nest of Ashes

Plumas de Muerte: Tequila Journals and Dreams by Phil Motel
A memoir about a time when the author was living in a motel, working at a tedious desk job and drinking far too much. It’s real life, warts and all. One of those writers who can make the mundane fascinating to read.
Terry’s Review of Plumas de Muerte: Tequila Journals and Dreams by Phil Motel

Three really interesting choices and a few additions to the terrifying TBR. Thanks so much, Terry.

If Terry has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

The End of the Road by Anna Legat
Nest of Ashes by G. Lawrence
Plumas de Muerte: Tequila Journals and Dreams by Phil Motel

About The Visitor:
In 2024, a mystery virus ravages the entire world. ‘Bat Fever’ is highly contagious and one hundred per cent lethal.

A cottage tucked away in an isolated Norfolk village seems like the ideal place to sit out a catastrophic pandemic, but some residents of Hincham resent the arrival of Jack, Sarah and their friends, while others want to know too much about them.

What the villagers don’t know is that beneath Sarah’s cottage is a fully-stocked, luxury survival bunker. A post-apocalyptic ‘des res’.

Hincham isolates itself from the rest of the country, but the deaths continue―and not from the virus. There’s a killer on the loose, but is it a member of the much-depleted community, or somebody from outside? Paranoia is rife, as friend suspects friend, and everybody suspects the newcomers.

Most terrifying of all is that nobody knows who’s next on the list…

The Visitor is Terry Tyler’s twenty-second Amazon publication, and is set in the same world as her Project Renova series, while being a completely separate, stand-alone novel.

|Β amazon.co.uk |Β amazon.com |Β Goodreads |

About Terry Tyler:
Terry Tyler is the author of twenty-two books available from Amazon, the latest being The Visitor, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery set in the same world as her popular Project Renova series. She is a member of Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team, and likes to read historical fiction (12th-16th century), fiction about the collapse of society and bleak dystopian futures, and non-fiction based on travel, sociological and anthropological subject matter.

Terry enjoys a TV binge – she is a Walking Dead obsessive, and also likes South Park, political/historical/crime documentaries, crime thrillers, and series that feature Travis Fimmel and Jason Momoa striding across barren landscapes. She lives with her husband in the North East of England.

Terry’s Blog and Social Media Links:
|Β Terry Tyler Book Reviews | Twitter @TerryTyler4 |

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 is now closed. Fifty-four brilliant book bloggers and authors have shared three of their favourite 2020 books with us (I have one more post left to share on 29th December). I hope you’ve found a book (or five!) to add to your TBR. #R3COMM3ND3D will return next year in the form of #R3COMM3ND3D2021 so start making a note of any cracking 2021 releases now and keep an eye out for the sign-up form from June onwards. Thank so much to everyone who has taken part, shared, retweeted and generally supported the feature. YOU make it something special ❀️

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Julie Morris (@book_problem) #ALittleBookProblem #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello bookish friends and welcome to a brand new week on damppebbles. It’s day 51 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 and I’m sad to say that we’re nearing the end of this year’s feature. But what a blast it’s been! If you’re an author or a book blogger and would like to shout about three books published in 2020 which you love then fear not, there’s still a smidge of time left to do it. I have a mere four spaces left so if you fancy taking part, pop your details and your books on the form at the end of this post.

Today I am delighted to welcome another fabulous book blogger to share the book love. Joining me on this wintry Monday is the fantastic Julie of A Little Book Problem. Julie’s blog is absolutely superb and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Head on over and give her a follow if you don’t already. You won’t regret it, I promise!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are Julie’s three #R3COMM3ND3D2020 picks…

Fake Law: The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies by The Secret Barrister
I’ve gone with two non-fiction titles this year. For me, it has been a year of increased non-fiction reading, I think I’m trying to make sense of a nonsensical world. As an ex-lawyer, I know how important the law is to the daily lives of everyone, and it frustrates me how little understanding many people have of the law and how it protects them, and how much nonsense and fake news floats around that people take as gospel. This book seeks to address some of those myths, and inform people of why the law is important, and it does it brilliantly. It is my book of the year.
Julie’s Review of Fake Law

Hinton Hollow Death Trip by Will Carver
This book just blew me away with its originality. I sometimes wish I could have a peek in Will Carver’s mind and see how his brain works because he comes up with ideas no one else would ever dream up. Every one of his books is unique, and he outdid himself with this one. Narrated by Evil itself, its one of those book you never forget once you’ve read it. Orenda has fast become my favourite publisher, because of output like this.
Julie’s Review of Hinton Hollow Death Trip

More Than a Woman by Caitlin Moran
Another non-fiction title, this one a must read for every forty-something woman who wants to feel understood. This book made me laugh and cry, quite a feat for a non-fiction title. Like having a slightly drunken conversation about life with that friend you’ve known forever. I’d like to give a copy to every middle-aged woman I’ve ever met and say, ‘See, you ARE normal!’
Julie’s Review of More Than a Woman

Three fantastic choices, thank you Julie. This is the second time we’ve seen Hinton Hollow Death Trip by Will Carver which puts it in joint third place along with She Lies Close by Sharon Doering, The Secrets of Strangers by Charity Norman, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor and Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton.

If Julie has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

Fake Law: The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies by The Secret Barrister
Hinton Hollow Death Trip by Will Carver
More Than a Woman by Caitlin Moran

About Julie:
Julie has been blogging at A Little Book Problem for four years. She hosts three popular guest features on her blog, as well as reviewing books and rambling about various un-bookish matters. She was recently named the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Media Star for 2020.

Julie’s Blog and Social Media Links:
|Β A Little Book Problem |Β Twitter @book_problem |Β Facebook |Β Instagram @alittlebookproblem |

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Anne Williams (@Williams13Anne) #BeingAnne #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello and welcome to Sunday on damppebbles! I hope you have a good book on the go this weekend. It’s day FIFTY of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 and today I am absolutely delighted to welcome a bookish gem to share their three #R3COMM3ND3D picks with us. It’s the fabulous, award-winning Anne of Being Anne. Anne is one of the loveliest people you could meet and an absolute superstar. If you don’t already subscribe to Anne’s posts, then make sure that changes!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are the three books Anne has chosen…

Wild Spinning Girls by Carol Lovekin
A book filled with magic, and not only because of the sublime writing – and the characters are stunning. I loved this book – there’s a delicious darkness about it, but also a lightness that makes your heart sing, with a final note of hope that will long remain. Stunning.
Anne’s Review of Wild Spinning Girls

The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford
A quite remarkable dual timeline story, beautifully written: one of its threads, perhaps the most dominant one, focuses on the community eking out a living on the island of St Kilda. The descriptions of the natural world and the impact of the seasons are exceptional – and it’s also a stunning and moving love story. Quite unforgettable.
Anne’s Review of The Lost Lights of St Kilda

The Memory by Judith Barrow
This could have been a really difficult read with its focus on that emotional maelstrom that dementia brings – further complicated by the way the characters’ lives have unfolded, with a single significant memory driving an ever-present hatred that underpins the story. The way it’s structured is absolute perfection, one timeline focused on a slow-moving 24 hours, the other following all the memories. Powerful and compelling, a story superbly told, and an entirely unforgettable emotional experience.
Anne’s Review of The Memory

Three absolutely stunning books, thank you Anne. All three of your choices would make beautiful Christmas gifts.

If Anne has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

Wild Spinning Girls by Carol Lovekin
The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford
The Memory by Judith Barrow

About Anne:
Anne Williams is a book blogger and reviewer, at Being Anne: the blog is now approaching eight years old. She lives in Wetherby in Yorkshire, and took early retirement six years ago to do everything she enjoys, including reading and reviewing as many books as she possibly can, and indulging herself with exotic holidays. Life changed a little few years ago, when she became carer for her mother: the travel had to stop for a while, but nothing can come between Anne and the reading. Her blog won the Best Pal award at the Annual Bloggers’ Bash for three years running, and she was delighted to win the RNA’s Media Star of the Year award in 2019.

Anne’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Being Anne | Twitter @Williams13Anne | 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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Duncan (@ExoticCrimeFict) #ExoticFictionReader #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello bookish friends and welcome to Saturday on damppebbles. How are your Christmas preparations goingΒ  if you celebrate? Less than a week to go until the big day and I FINALLY mention Christmas πŸ˜‚.

One of the things I love most about #R3COMM3ND3D is getting to meet new bloggers. Today I am delighted to welcome another fairly ‘new to me’ blogger to share their three #R3COMM3ND3D2020 picks with us, it’s Duncan of Exotic Fiction Reader. I’m a huge fan of translated crime fiction and I’ve already found some great recommendations over on Duncan’s blog.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are Duncan’s three #R3COMM3ND3D picks…

The Coral Bride by Roxanne Bouchard
Set in the GaspΓ© Peninsula in Quebec, translated from the French by David Warriner, this is a rich and absorbing story of a Mexican detective investigating the disappearance of a fisher woman in a remote and tight-lipped community. Family feuds, misplaced loyalty and fabulous landscapes each play their part in a fabulous read.
Duncan’s Review of The Coral Bride

Summer of Reckoning by Marion Brunet
Translated by Karen Gregory, this is the story of two French sisters living in a small town near Avignon. A place where suspicion jealousy, resentment and racial prejudice lead to tragedy. The novel is so striking as Brunet accurately articulates human thought and interaction in all its inconsistencies in such a powerful and realistic way.
Duncan’s Review of Summer of Reckoning

Like Flies From Afar by K. Ferrari
One day in the life of Argentine mobster Luis Machi who discovers an unknown enemy had left him with a unsuspected problem that he urgently needs to dispose of. The prose, translated by Adrian Nathan West, is fast and unrelenting. It’s like a roller-coaster ride in Machi’s two hundred thousand dollar BMW, just don’t check in the boot!
Duncan’s Review of Like Flies From Afar

Thanks so much, Duncan. Three great picks which are going straight on the terrifying TBR!

If Duncan has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

The Coral Bride by Roxanne Bouchard
Summer of Reckoning by Marion Brunet
Like Flies From Afar by K. Ferrari

About Duncan:
A long term reader of fast paced thrillers, I gradually found myself less enthusiastic for predictable storylines and locations. Then I discovered there is another world out there as started to get my crime fix overseas. I am now a keen reader and reviewer in mainly translated crime and some literary fiction from around the world. The more exotic the location, the better, we can travel further in the literature we read.

Duncan’s Blog and Social Media Links:
|Β Exotic Fiction Reader |Β Twitter @ExoticCrimeFict |Β Facebook Group |Β Bookshop.org |

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Eva (@noveldeelights) #NovelDeelights #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello and welcome to Friday on damppebbles. It’s day 48 of this year’s #R3COMM3ND3D and my TBR is bowing under the weight of all of the brilliant new books which have been added since 1st November.Β Joining me today is one of my favourite bookish people. It’s the absolutely fabulous Eva ofΒ Novel Deelights. Eva’s blog is a treasure trove of treats for us book lovers so if you don’t already subscribe to her posts, make sure you change that right away!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are Eva’s three 2020 picks…

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
I wasn’t able to put it into words when I first read it and I’m still unable to now. Whitty is one of a kind and everyone needs to be sprinkled by his magic. (Does that sound wrong? πŸ€”)
[DP: Erm….. 😳]

I Am Dust by Louise Beech
One of the many joys in picking up a book by Louise Beech is that you never know what to expect. This extremely talented author criss-crosses and combines genres like no other. The one thing you CAN always count on is truly glorious and beautiful writing. And quite possibly the need for tissues at some point or other. I Am Dust left me speechless. I loved it. I don’t know what more I can say.
Eva’s Review of I Am Dust

Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins
In the midst of all the craziness this year brought, it took a special kind of book to hold my attention. Magpie Lane managed that effortlessly. An atmospheric and brilliantly plotted character-driven psychological thriller that captivated me from start to finish.
Eva’s Review of Magpie Lane

Three fantastic choices, thanks Eva. We Begin at the End has now streaked ahead of everyone else and is in the lead with four votes. But this is the third time we’ve seen I Am Dust so watch out Chris! I am, of course, over the moon to see all of the love for We Begin at the End as, stop me if I’ve mentioned this before, it’s my book of the year without a doubt! It’s also worth mentioning that Louise Beech’s Call Me Star Girl was joint-second place winner alongside Blood and Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson last year!

If Eva has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
I Am Dust by Louise Beech
Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins

About Eva:
Eva, reader of books (occasionally), blogger of reviews (rarely), drinker of wine (often)

Eva’s Blog and Social Media Links:
|Β Novel Deelights |Β Twitter @noveldeelights |Β Instagram @noveldeelights |

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Sue (@SueBavey) #SuesMusings #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello and welcome to day 47 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020. There are a mere six dates still up for grabs on this year’s #R3COMM3ND3D. So if you’re a book blogger or a published author and would like to shout about three 2020 releases, please complete the form below.

Joining me today is a fairly ‘new to me’ blogger – it’s the fantastic Sue ofΒ Sue’s Musings. After you’ve found out which three books Sue recommends, why don’t you head on over to Sue’s blog and check it out!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are the three books Sue has chosen…

The Visitor by Terry Tyler
This is a murder mystery whodunnit set in 2024 against the background of a Bat-flu epidemic. I found it very gripping and difficult to put down as I wanted to find out who the killer was.
Sue’s Review of The Visitor

Sentinel (Voyager #2) by Carl Rackman
This is the sequel to Voyager but works without reading the first book in the series. It is an action packed thriller with fast-paced action and excitement. There is also the added possibility of alien life coming to Earth.
Sue’s Review of Sentinel

Northern Wrath (Hanged God #1) by Thilde Kold Holdt
This debut novel is a Norse fantasy epic filled with exciting battles and interesting, well described characters, including giants, gods and dwarfs. There are also badass female characters, and plenty of Norse mythology.
Sue’s Review of Northern Wrath

Thanks so much, Sue. Three really intriguing choices!

If Sue has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

The Visitor by Terry Tyler
Sentinel by Carl Rackman
Northern Wrath by Thilde Kold Holdt

About Sue:
English woman, living in USA. Read and review most genres. Fan of alternative music and comedy.

Sue’s Blog and Social Media Links:
|Β Sue’s Musings |Β Twitter @SueBavey |

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Frankie (@ChicksandRogues) #ChicksRoguesandScandals #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello bookish friends and happy Wednesday to you! I hope your day is full to the brim of bookish treats and if you’re without something to read at the moment, well, allow me to help you with that! Today I am delighted to welcome another absolutely fabulous book blogger to share the #R3COMM3ND3D2020 book love and hopefully add a couple of books to your burgeoning TBRs. Joining me today is the marvellous Frankie who blogs over at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals. I love Frankie’s blog and her reviews are fantastic so if you don’t already subscribe, hop over to Chicks, Rogues and Scandals and change that!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are Frankie’s three books…

The Colour of Mermaids by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead
How much do I love this book?! Let me count the ways….honestly, I’m already waxing lyrical….In one word, this book is perfect!! Absolutely and utterly heart-stopping, powerful and emotionally wrenching, intoxicatingly gripping, romantic and brilliantly thrilling; perfection!! I have always known that Catherine and Eleanor are masters of emotional and witty romance, but this one shows just how impressive their writing is. The way they tackled such deeply sensitive and somewhat taboo subjects such as; depression, mental health illness, drug abuse is impeccable.
Frankie’s Review of The Colour of Mermaids

The German Nurse by M. J. Hollows
I loved this book, it’s a powerful and emotional read from the start, I was completely taken with Jack and Johanna, they pulled at my heartstring with their beautiful love story, there were times I was in tears. This is all about survival, love and family and the contradicting feeling of duty, it’s the story of what a man would do to protect those he cares about most. Once Guernsey has occupied the people of the Island have to make choices to survive, Jack finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, he has a duty to do to protect his family and yet to do that he would put Johanna in danger. What is a man to do when everyone he cares about is the danger?
Frankie’s Review of The German Nurse

Where Butterflies Go by Debra Doxer
I am completely lost for words, I could use various platitudes such as β€˜wow, stunning, breath-taking’ but to be perfectly honest there are no words that can fully do this gorgeous book justice. Nothing I can string together in form of a review will do justice to just how incredible and moving this book is, it feels wrong pinning a few overly used words to this beautiful book, this is incredibly special and a stunning tribute to those who were taken so brutally and a powerful testament to those who survived to share their stories with us all. Where Butterflies Go is a once in a lifetime book which everyone must read, it isn’t the easiest of reads at times, it’s emotional and haunting and will break the hardest of hearts, and there is hope and love and the pure unrelenting determination to survive. It will leave you feeling very emotional, I know that Meira and her family will stay with me for a long time.
Frankie’s Review of Where Butterflies Go

Three great sounding choices, thanks so much Frankie. Your wonderful enthusiasm for your three picks makes me want to read them all!

If Frankie has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

The Colour of Mermaids by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead
The German Nurse by M. J. Hollows
Where Butterflies Go by Debra Doxer

About Frankie:
Proud Yorkshire Lass, who is fond of a good cuppa and overly enthused with biscuits. Full-time carer and owner of a demonic Patterdale Pup. Avid reader and enthusiastic reviewer of many genres.

Frankie’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Chicks, Rogues and Scandals | Twitter @ChicksandRogues | Facebook | Instagram @chicksroguesandscandals |

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Shelleyrae (@bookdout) #BookdOut #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello and welcome to Tuesday on damppebbles. We’re currently – before I reveal the three books today’s #R3COMM3ND3D2020 guest has chosen – 124 unique book recommendations into this year’s feature and I’m loving every minute of it! We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is in the lead at the moment with three votes but there are five other books snapping at Chris’ heels with two votes each!

Today I am delighted to welcome another fairly ‘new to me’ blogger to share the book love. It’s the fantastic Shelleyrae of Book’d Out. I popped over to Book’d Out for a quick nose around and fell in love with Shelleyrae’s aesthetic. I subscribed, of course, and I am looking forward to getting some brilliant book recommendations!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are Shelleyrae’s three #R3COMM3ND3D2020 picks…

Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon is an exciting and absorbing novel of historical fiction based on the extraordinary wartime experiences of Australian-born, resistor/spy/agent, Nancy Wake. This is not just a story of adventure and romance, but also one of friendship, courage, tragedy, and hope.
Shelleyrae’s Review of Code Name HΓ©lΓ¨ne

Consolation (Constable Hirsch Mysteries #3) by Garry Disher
Consolation is the third excellent, compelling crime novel by Garry Disher to feature Constable Paul Hirschhausen, a country copper in rural South Australia. There’s plenty of well timed action that drives the story at a fast pace but without sacrificing suspense, or emotion. The setting is recognisably Australian, Disher’s prose effortlessly evokes the environment, character, and residents of Tiverton and surrounds. The laconic dialogue and dry wit is familiar and authentic. This is one of my favourite crime fiction series which begins with Bitter Wash Road (Hell To Pay in the US) and Peace.
Shelleyrae’s Review of Consolation
[Now, you know I’m a stickler for the rules of #R3COMM3ND3D but how do you fancy a little bit of controversy?! This book – Consolation – isn’t actually published here in the UK until next June. However, it was published this year in Australia, which is where Shelleyrae is from. So on this occasion, and because I’m now stupidly excited about reading this book and it sounds to be everything I love at the moment, I’m allowing it. BUT I have included the Australian cover and the link below will take you the Amazon AU listing. Worth mentioning though that the UK cover is GORGEOUS and this is now one of my most hotly anticipated reads for 2021! My blog, my rules πŸ˜‰]

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Anxious People is both wise and insightful, absurd and poignant. It explores a variety of themes including desperation, grief, compassion, relationships, capitalism, regret, connection and hope. It’s a comedy, a tragedy, a mystery and a wonderfully told story. I don’t know how it is that Fredrik Backman can write such wildly divergent stories with unique characters that nevertheless have all managed to make me both laugh and cry.
Shelleyrae’s Review of Anxious People

Three great choices, thanks so much Shelleyrae. I really am quite giddy about Consolation so roll on the Summer when I can get my mitts on a copy!

If Shelleyrae has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
Consolation by Garry Disher
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

About Shelleyrae:
My name is Shelleyrae, I’m a wife and mother of four living in a small regional town on the north coast of NSW, Australia. A life long reader, I started Book’d Out in 2010 to connect with other book lovers. I read around 200 books a year across a variety of fiction genres, naturally favouring Australian authors, and I enjoy reading nonfiction too (I am currently hosting the Nonfiction Reader Challenge).

Shelleyrae’s Blog and Social Media Links:
|Β Book’d Out |Β Twitter @bookdout |Β Facebook |Β Goodreads |Β LibraryThing |Β Pinterest |

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #Author Cath Barton (@CathBarton1) @LouiseWalters12 #InTheSweepOfTheBay #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

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Hello and welcome to day 44 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 and a brand new week of brilliant books! Today I am delighted to welcome a fantastic author to share three of their top picks published this year with us. It’s the lovely Cath Barton whose most recent publication is the heart-warming and emotional In the Sweep of the Bay. I recently organised a blog tour for ITSOTB and the love the book received from the bloggers was just wonderful! Scroll down to the end of this post to find out everything you need to know about In the Sweep of the Bay.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2020? 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 2020. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2020 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. πŸ˜‰

Here are the three books Cath has selected…

The Codes of Love by Hannah Persaud
I rarely give a book 5 stars. To merit that accolade, it needs to have swept me into its world and kept me captive there. The Codes of Love is one that did so. I read the final chapters before I went to sleep and they got into my dreams.
Cath’s Review of The Codes of Love

The Almost Mothers by Laura Besley
I admire Laura Besley’s writing in this flash collection for its lack of sentimentality and its directness in showing some of the many aspects of motherhood. I also very much like the way she matches style to content.
Cath’s Review of The Almost Mothers

Exit Management by Naomi Booth
There is no trace of melodrama in this taut and elegantly-written novel, but a measured weighting of what, in the end, is important in life and what is only vanity or hubris.
Cath’s Review of Exit Management

Three really interesting choices, Cath. Thanks so much for sharing them with us today.

If Cath has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books recommended above, please see the following links:

The Codes of Love by Hannah Persaud
The Almost Mothers by Laura Besley
Exit Management by Naomi Booth

About In the Sweep of the Bay:
This warm-hearted tale explores marriage, love, and longing, set against the majestic backdrop of Morecambe Bay, the Lakeland Fells, and the faded splendour of the Midland Hotel.

Ted Marshall meets Rene in the dance halls of Morecambe and they marry during the frail optimism of the 1950s. They adopt the roles expected of man and wife at the time: he the breadwinner at the family ceramics firm, and she the loyal housewife. But as the years go by, they find themselves wishing for more…

After Ted survives a heart attack, both see it as a new beginning… but can a faded love like theirs ever be rekindled?

β€œA tender and moving study of a marriage” Alison Moore, author of the Booker short-listed The Lighthouse

|Β Louise Walters Books |Β amazon.co.uk |Β amazon.com |Β Waterstones |Β Foyles |Β Barnes and Noble |Β Apple Books |

About Cath Barton:
Cath Barton is an English writer who lives in Wales. She won the New Welsh Writing AmeriCymru Prize for the Novella in 2017 for ‘The Plankton Collector’, subsequently published by New Welsh Review. Her second novella, ‘In the Sweep of the Bay’, was published on 23 November 2020 by Louise Walters Books.

Cath’s Website and Social Media Links:
|Β Website |Β Twitter @CathBarton1 |

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)