book love

#R3COMM3ND3D2020 with #BookBlogger Sarah Swan (@Sarah_Swan2) #SarahsVignettes #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello and welcome to damppebbles. Before I go any further I would like to wish all of my American followers a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day!

It’s day 26 of this year’s #R3COMM3ND3D and what a gorgeous collection of books we’ve had so far. Adding to the #R3C masterpiece today, I am delighted to welcome another brilliant book blogger. It’s the lovely Sarah of Sarah’s Vignettes. If you don’t already subscribe to Sarah’s blog make sure you head on over 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. 😉

Here are Sarah’s three #R3COMM3ND3D2020 picks…

R3C20 below the big blue sky

Below the Big Blue Sky by Anna McPartlin
Below the Big Blue Sky is the sequel to The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes – one of my all time favourite books. It follows Molly Hayes and her family as they navigate life after Rabbit dies from cancer.

The story was everything I had hoped it would be: big-hearted, amusing, compassionate, emotional, and truly Irish. You will laugh through the tears and feel the warmth, compassion and love of the Hayes family radiate from the pages.

Although it is a sequel, it could be read as a stand-alone as Anna McPartlin has carefully weaved enough back story in for each character. However, I do think that it’s worth reading The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes or listening to the audio version to understand this family and their quirks. It will make you appreciate the story even more.
Sarah’s Review of Under a Big Blue Sky

R3C20 the life we almost had

The Life We Almost Had by Amelia Henley
The Life We Almost Had is not a typical love story but it is Adam and Anna’s love story. It is beautiful, heartbreaking, poignant, and sprinkled with a bit of magic.

It is a page turner and could easily be read in one sitting. It has short chapters, which keeps up the pace of the story and some longer ones where it is necessary. There are some heart pounding moments. Just when you think you’ve worked out where it’s going, Amelia Henley pops in a plot twist and bam! You’re off in a completely different direction. The intricacies in the plot and the rich level of detail show that Amelia Henley knows her characters and their stories inside out. This makes for a brilliant read!
Sarah’s Review of The Life We Almost Had

R3C20 under a wartime sky

Under a Wartime Sky by Liz Trenow
Set mainly in Felixstowe, Under a Wartime Sky starts in 1936 and tells the story of how radar was developed at Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk, in the run up to WW2. It is told through the eyes of 2 characters: Kathleen Motts, a local girl, and Vikram Mackensie, a scientist recruited to work on the radar. The story also follows their friendship and slow burning love story whilst telling Bawdsey’s story.

I love books and films set in World War II and I thought I knew a lot about it. However, before reading Under a Wartime Sky, I had never heard of Bawdsey Manor and knew nothing about the important work of the scientists, engineers and WAAF radar operators did there during WW2 and how they helped Britain to win the war.

I loved how Liz Trenow brought Bawdsey’s story, Kathleen and Vikram’s friendship, and the social history of the time together into an enjoyable and important historical read.
Sarah’s Review of Under a Wartime Sky

Some lovely choices, thank you Sarah. I’m delighted to see The Life We Almost Had on your list as, although I haven’t read it myself, I’m a huge fan of the author under another guise.

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

Below the Big Blue Sky by Anna McPartlin
The Life We Almost Had by Amelia Henley
Under a Wartime Sky by Liz Trenow

About Sarah:
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, and my social media pages 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 |

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 Veronika Jordan (@cookiebiscuit) #CookiebiscuitsBlog #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello my bookish friends and welcome to another cracking day of #R3COMM3ND3D2020. Today I am delighted to welcome a blogger I discovered earlier this year. It’s the very lovely Veronika Jordan of Cookiebiscuit’s blog. I am such a huge fan of Veronika’s blog and reviews. If you don’t already subscribe then that must change! You won’t regret it.

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. 😉

Here are the three books Veronika chose…

R3C20 the miseducation of evie epworth

The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor
For someone like me who grew up in the sixties (though I am quite a bit younger than Evie) I found this book absolutely hilarious. Laugh out loud at times. The characters are richly drawn often to the point of caricature, but not enough to be unbelievable. And some of Evie’s ‘misadventures’ will have you crying with laughter. But one of the stand-out things for me about the book is how the author has managed to capture perfectly the ‘playful’ (his word) voice of a 16 year old girl in the sixties.
Veronika’s Review of The Miseducation of Evie Epworth

R3C20 miss benson's beetle

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
This story will stay with me for a very long time. It’s warm and funny and sad and evokes every emotion you can think of. I loved it.
Veronika’s Review of Miss Benson’s Beetle

R3C20 when the music stops

When the Music Stops by Joe Heap
Every now and again I come across a book that is so unique, so different, that I am left reeling. When the Music Stops is one of those books. Towards the end I was totally overwhelmed and had to take a break or I would have started crying and not been able to stop. Even writing the review made me cry. It is rare for a story to have such a profound effect on me and make me feels so happy and sad at the same time. This is one book I will definitely read again (and I almost never do that).
Veronika’s Review of When the Music Stops

Wonderful choices, thank you Veronika. That’s the second time The Miseducation of Evie Epworth has been chosen (and twice in two days!) so that makes it the joint leader with She Lies Close by Sharon Doering. Woohoo, the race is on!

If Veronika 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 Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor
Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
When the Music Stops by Joe Heap

About Veronika:
My name is Veronika Jordan. I live in the Cotswolds with my husband and an elderly Jack Russell named Pancake. I have two sons and three beautiful granddaughters. I write poetry and short stories and have published a book of short stories and a novella. I also paint a bit which seems to take up much of my free time. I am also an avid book reviewer as you can see from my recent posts. I review on Goodreads, Amazon, NetGalley and here on my blog. I hope you enjoy my reviews.

Veronika’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Cookiebiscuit’s blog | Twitter @cookiebiscuit | Facebook | Instagram @cookiebiscuit10 |

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 Kate (@TheQuickandthe4) #TheQuickandtheRead #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Happy Tuesday and welcome to day 24 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020. Time for a quick TBR check: mine is groaning under the weight of the last 23 days but it’s holding out. How is yours doing? Today I am delighted to welcome another brilliant book blogger to share three of their favourite reads published in 2020, it’s Kate of The Quick and the Read. I love Kate’s blog so if you don’t already subscribe, head on over and correct that now!

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. 😉

Here are the three books Kate chose…

R3C20 cows can't jump

Cows Can’t Jump by Philip Bowne
This was one of my surprise treats of 2020 – a coming-of-age story with lots of laughs and a real emotional punch. Suicidal cows, a European road trip set against a Brexit backdrop and a brilliant cast of characters – this one stayed with me long after the final page.
Kate’s Review of Cows Can’t Jump

R3C20 the miseducation of evie epworth

The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor
I was totally unprepared for this glorious, funny and sweet story with one of the most fabulous (and gorgeously naive) heroines of the year. Evie is a wonderful guide to her 1960s Yorkshire world and her dysfunctional family – I could not put this down.
Kate’s Review of The Miseducation of Evie Epworth

R3C20 a tomb with a view

A Tomb With a View: The Stories and Glories of Graveyards by Peter Ross
Far beyond a simple visitors’ tour of graveyards, Peter Ross explores the stories behind various burial grounds – from ossuaries to formal Victorian cemeteries, war graves to the rituals surrounding death in different belief systems. It sounds like it might be depressing, but this is a book absolutely bursting with life, interesting stories and plenty of food for thought.
Kate’s Review of A Tomb With a View

Thanks so much, Kate. I love the look of all three of your picks. Particularly A Tomb With a View which sounds fascinating.

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

Cows Can’t Jump by Philip Bowne
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor
A Tomb With a View by Peter Ross

About Kate:
New(ish) to book blogging but life-long bookish. Always on the look-out for my next read!

Kate’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| The Quick and the Read | Twitter @TheQuickandthe4 |

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 ChopperCrimeBooks (@chopcrimebooks) #ChopperCrimeBooks #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello and welcome to a brand new shiny week on damppebbles. Lots more brilliant #R3COMM3ND3D2020 books heading your way over the next seven days but first, let’s meet today’s participant. I am delighted to be welcoming another fairly ‘new to me’ blogger to share their three #R3COMM3ND3D2020 picks. It’s Ben from ChopperCrimeBooks. Let’s face it, you can never have too much crime fiction in your life so head on over and hit subscribe.

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. 😉

Here are the three books Ben has chosen…

R3C20 bad people

Bad People (Tom Nolan #1) by Craig Wallwork
Has a mixture of Crime, Horror and Thrills. Such a fantastic read.
Ben’s Review of Bad People

R3C20 mr nobody

Mr Nobody by Catherine Steadman
Again a fantastic debut. Completely screws with your mind. Loved it.
Ben’s Review of Mr Nobody

R3C20 pine

Pine by Francine Toon
Really well written for a debut. The story is chilling and eerie and to be honest I found it haunting.
Ben’s Review of Pine

Great choices, thanks Ben. I have Pine on my terrifying TBR and the other two are going straight on the wish list!

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

Bad People by Craig Wallwork
Mr Nobody by Catherine Steadman
Pine by Francine Toon

About ChopperCrimeBooks:
Ben Thomas ChopperCrimeBooks. Reviewer of Crime, Mystery, Thriller and Horror Reads. Husband, Dad and Mental Health Nurse.

ChopperCrimeReads Blog and Social Media Links:
| ChopperCrimeBooks | Twitter @chopcrimebooks | Instagram @choppercrimebooks |

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 Jo Robertson (@jocatrobertson) #MyChestnutReadingTree #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello and welcome to the blog on this autumnal Sunday. It’s day 22 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 and today I’m delighted to welcome one of my favourite people in the book world to share three of their top 2020 picks with us. It’s my #blogbestie and all-round fabulous person, Jo of My Chestnut Reading Tree. If you don’t already subscribe to Jo’s blog then that must change (right now!). You won’t regret it!

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. 😉

Here are the three books Jo recommends…

R3C20 the silent daughter

The Silent Daughter by Emma Christie
This book totally blew me away! The Edinburgh setting and the themes of family, forgiveness and identity delivered a tale of multiple twists and turns with one of the most unexpected endings I’ve come across recently. I’ve not stopped thinking about this beautifully crafted book since I finished it.
Jo’s Review of The Silent Daughter

R3C20 she lies close

She Lies Close by Sharon Doering
I’ve always been drawn to a missing child mystery but this psychological thriller is a much darker themed novel than it initially appeared. The theme of obsession features strongly throughout the narrative and challenges our ideas of motherhood and how far would you go to protect the ones you love. Brilliant characterisation for this fabulous debut novel really made it a 5 star read for me.
Jo’s Review of She Lies Close

R3C20 someone's listening

Someone’s Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass
Another debut psychological thriller that I absolutely loved. It had a unique feel to the storyline with an unlikable and unreliable narrator and some truly shocking twists. It’s an unputdownable and compulsive read that picks you up in its whirlwind of a plot and spins you around till it spits you back out again, breathless and full of awe for such a cleverly complex read.
Jo’s Review of Someone’s Listening

Thanks so much, Jo. All three of your picks are going straight on the wishlist! Plus, very exciting, this is the second time we’ve seen She Lies Close by Sharon Doering so we have a leader!

If Jo 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 Silent Daughter by Emma Christie
She Lies Close by Sharon Doering
Someone’s Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass

About Jo:
I’m a psychological thriller loving Nana who loves blogging about the books I have read. My Chestnut Reading Tree was 4 years old this year and although my circumstances have changed and I now work full time as a Teaching Assistant, I still love sharing my thoughts about the best twisty books on the market!

Jo’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| My Chestnut Reading Tree | Twitter @jocatrobertson | Facebook | Instagram @jojororomaman |

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 EmmabBooks (@EmmabBooks) #EmmabBooks #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello my bookish friends and welcome to damppebbles. It’s Saturday and the weekend is finally here…phew! I’m delighted to welcome a brilliant book blogger to share three of their favourite 2020 releases with us today, it’s the lovely Emma of EmmabBooks. I love Emma’s blog so make sure you give her a follow if you don’t already.

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. 😉

Here are Emma’s three #R3COMM3ND3D2020 picks…

R3C20 american dirt

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
I recommend this novel to everyone as it gives an insight as to why people risk their lives for an uncertain future in a different country. It is a well written and moving story, though caused controversy when it was first published.
It has made me appreciate how lucky I am to have grown up in a peaceful and safe country.
Emma’s Review of American Dirt

R3C20 away with the penguins

Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior
I recommend this uplifting book because the characters were interesting and very different to each other, and their story was beautiful. I enjoyed learning about Adélie penguins, and it made me dream of being able to visit them myself (unlikely to happen). Veronica changes her life, in a wonderful way, at the age of 85 – and that was inspiring.
Emma’s Review of Away with the Penguins

R3C20 how to disappear

How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister
This exciting psychological thriller shows how anyone’s life can change in a moment; in this case Lauren’s daughter is a witness to something that makes them go into witness protection, and leave everything and everyone (including the dog) behind. An exciting, tension building story!
Emma’s Review of How to Disappear

Thanks so much, Emma. I love the sound of all three books.

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

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior
How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

About EmmabBooks:
I have been reviewing books since 2015, and love the discipline of stopping and thinking about a book for my review. I try to read a range of genres, but for me the most important thing about a book is that I learn something new from it. If I also start talking to friends about it, it’s guaranteed to get a 5* rating from me.

EmmabBooks Blog and Social Media Links:
| EmmabBooks | Twitter @EmmabBooks | Facebook | Instagram @emmabbooks |

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 Rajiv Ganesan (@RajivsReviews) #RajivsReviews #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello and happy Friday! It’s almost the weekend and I hope you have some wonderful bookish plans in store. It’s day 20 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 and today I’m delighted to welcome another brilliant book blogger to share three of their favourite 2020 releases with us, it’s Rajiv of Rajiv’s Reviews. I discovered Rajiv’s blog earlier this year and I love it. Make sure you subscribe if you don’t already.

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. 😉

Here are the three books Rajiv has chosen…

R3C20 whispering pines

Whispering Pines by Heidi Lang & Kati Bartkowski
A creepy, atmospheric middle grade tale that would beat some adult horror stories out of the competition.
Rajiv’s Review of Whispering Pines

R3C20 written in blood

Written in Blood (Robert Hunter #11) by Chris Carter
The story is gripping and intense, and one of the best crime fiction/thrillers I have read recently.
Rajiv’s Review of Written in Blood

R3C20 Mexican gothic

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This is easily one of the best books I have read this year, and probably the best ‘Haunted House’ book I have read EVER!
Rajiv’s Review of Mexican Gothic

Excellent choices, thanks Rajiv. I’m a hugh Chris Carter fan (although I have fallen a little behind with his Robert Hunter series) and Mexican Gothic is absolutely superb! I’m also very intrigued by Whispering Pines.

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

Whispering Pines by Heidi Lang & Kati Bartkowski
Written in Blood by Chris Carter
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

About Rajiv:
Avid Book reader and reviewer 😀

Rajiv’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Rajiv’s Reviews | Twitter @RajivsReviews | Facebook | Instagram @rajivsreviews |

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 Jo B (@tiny_ickle_jo) #JosBookBlog #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello and welcome to damppebbles. I hope your week has been full of books so far! Today I’m delighted to welcome another fantastic book blogger to share their three 2020 book recommendations, it’s the lovely Jo of Jo’s Book Blog. I love Jo’s blog and her reviews are brilliant. In fact, Jo is responsible for a number of my own book purchases – including one from her #R3COMM3ND3D2019 picks! Make sure you subscribe if you don’t already.

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. 😉

Here are Jo’s three #R3COMM3ND3D2020 books…

R3C20 Coming up for air

Coming Up For Air by Sarah Leipciger
I was blown away by this moving novel which shows three intertwined lives across the ages. Partly inspired by true events, it’s a fascinating and beautifully told tale.
Jo’s Review of Coming Up For Air

R3C20 how uch of these hills is gold

How Much of these Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang
This is a fantastic novel that I read in two sittings. It features an element of American history that doesn’t get much airtime and is a beautifully told tale of two siblings which touches upon themes of gender and identity.
Jo’s Review of How Much of these Hills is Gold

R3C20 tender is the flesh

Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
Part dystopian, part horror, this is fantastically dark little novel with a chilling “what if” at its core. I loved every page.
Jo’s Review of Tender is the Flesh

Some wonderful choices, Jo. Thank you. I wholeheartedly agree about Tender is the Flesh. Quite an astonishing novel which I also loved.

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

Coming Up For Air by Sarah Leipciger
How Much of these Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

About Jo B:
I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child, and have always had an inclination towards darker stories – as a friend once pointed out, if I describe a book as bleak then I probably really enjoyed it.
This started as a fascination with fairy tales and myths when I was younger, and has developed into a love for post-apocalyptic / dystopian fiction now that I’m older – something that started when I read 1984 and Brave New World at A-level.
I also read a lot of crime, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, horror… honestly, I’ll give most things a go!

Jo’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Jo’s Book Blog | Twitter @tiny_ickle_jo |

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 Yvonne – Me And My Books (@yvonnembee) #MeAndMyBooks #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello and welcome to Wednesday on damppebbles. It’s day 18 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020 and my TBR is already near breaking point! Today I am delighted to welcome a favourite book blogger to share the #R3COMM3ND3D2020 book love, it’s Yvonne of Me And My Books. I’m a huge fan of Yvonne’s blog. Make sure you subscribe if you don’t already.

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. 😉

Here are Yvonne’s three picks…

R3C20 east side hustler

East Side Hustler (Alex Cohen #2) by Leopold Borstinski
I have been ready this series as part of the Blog Tours and I have been really enjoying it.To be fair I could pick any of the books from this series because they are all excellent reads. They follow the life of Alex Cohen, a likeable rogue set in the time of mobs, prohibition and racketeering. Brilliant series and one I would definitely recommend for hist/fic readers.
Yvonne’s Review of East Side Hustler

R3C20 the little teashop in tokyo

The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin
This was such a wonderful read and one that I absolutely adored. The author well and truly transported me into life, culture, ceremonies and traditions as I was taken along with the story. It is such a gorgeously described book and the storyline was very addictive. I loved everything about this story.
Yvonne’s Review of The Little Teashop in Tokyo

R3C20 the trials of koli

The Trials of Koli (The Rampart Trilogy #2) by M.R. Carey
This is the 2nd book in the Rampart Trilogy and it is such a great read. The earth in the future is not a place where I would fancy living when everything, even the trees want to eat you! The author has done such a great job of building the world for Koli and others to live in. If you have read anything by this author then you know you are going to get a cracking read and this book is no exception. Not too full of jargon or tech terms and very accessible to many readers. I can’t wait for the final book, but I am also gutted that it will be the final book.
Yvonne’s Review of The Trials of Koli

Wondeful choices, thank you Yvonne. I’m delighted to see East Side Hustler featured as it’s a series I love.

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

East Side Hustler by Leopold Borstinski
The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin
The Trials of Koli by M.R. Carey

About Yvonne:
I am a bookaholic and live in Cornwall. I’ve been blogging for three years (I think, it might be nearly 4 I can’t remember). I am a genre butterfly and flit around most things and have been surprised by enjoying things I didn’t think I would like. I have an un-finish-able TBR as I keep adding to it 🙂 Picking 3 books is almost impossible as I look back over the year so far ( it is mid oct as I write this), so I am going to pick three books from different genres. It doesn’t make it any easier!

Yvonne’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Me And My Books | Twitter @yvonnembee | Facebook | Goodreads |

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 Nicki (@nickisbookblog) #NickisBookBlog #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #publishedin2020

/ damppebbles / Leave a comment

Hello and welcome to day 17 of #R3COMM3ND3D2020. I hope you’re enjoying the bookish delights so far (and your TBR/wish list isn’t groaning under the weight of the new additions too loudly!). Today I am delighted to welcome the fabulous Nicki of Nicki’s Book Blog to share three of her top picks from 2020 with us. Make sure you give Nicki’s blog a follow if you don’t already!

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. 😉

Here are the three books Nicki recommends…

R3C20 all the lonely people

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle
Where do I begin? I had not read any of Mike’s books before but knew I was in for a treat from the blurb. I wasnt prepared for how much this touched me. In part poignant , in part topical and as whole just blew me away. Whilst reading this I got a new cockerel- who is now “Hubert Bird” it seemed so appropriate and I wanted to remember this book as it it so very special. It made me stop and think, laugh and cry and so life affirming. A book I have taken to my heart. Loved it really doesn’t
cover it.
Nicki’s Review of All the Lonely People

R3C20 #MeToo

#MeToo by Patricia Dixon
This is partly based on a true story and is dedicated to all victims. It rang bells with me- loud ones and resonated all the way through. I’ve not been through this but anyone who has suffered any type of abuse or coersive control will totally get it. Its cleverly written and very well thought out as with all of Patricia’s books and was another book to make me stop and think about how I have been treated in the past and gave me a determination that it won’t happen again- ever. A brave subject matter handled incredibly well and senstively written. One maybe all women should read.
Nicki’s Review of #MeToo

R3C20 what we leave behind

What We Leave Behind by Anna Mansell
A story of a secret and of “the little girl you once were”. A book that you feel comfortable with and then want to turn ever faster- I couldnt get enough and although wanted to find out what happened I really didnt want this one to end. Of twists and turns and past lives. A stunning read, one to reflect on life and those around you and on not taking things for granted. It made me smile it made me cry, it made me remember. A book to truly remember. 5* all the way.
Nicki’s Review of What We Leave Behind

Part of the reason I love #R3COMM3ND3D is that I get to feature books outside the crime and horror genres. Thanks for sharing your picks with us, Nicki.

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

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle
#MeToo by Patricia Dixon
What We Leave Behind by Anna Mansell

About Nicki:
I began reading to take my mind to a better place when I needed distraction from what was going on in my head. I’ve read some wonderful books that have taken me to places I would never have imagined. I’ve read genres that I thought I wouldnt touch- and loved them and the world is a better place, all thanks to 26 little letters.

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/kHTQeQdiUNZTsW4d6)