Helena Connelly
helenaconnelly.bsky.social
Helena Connelly
@helenaconnelly.bsky.social
Retired NHS Nurse Manager. Now a lady who lunches and Gran who loves to read and look after the garden. MBE for services to Heathcare.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan is a poignant story set in a small town in Ireland in 1986. Despite the personal cost to him and his family, one man’s actions make a real difference in bringing about huge changes. Well worth a read.
March 8, 2025 at 4:42 PM
My successful bid from @childreninread.bsky.social The Secret Shore by @lizfenwick.bsky.social was so descriptive; it played out in my head like an old black & white war movie. I loved the characters & the many interesting historical facts throughout added to the story. A throughly enjoyable read!
February 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Got round to reading the first of my successful @childreninread.bsky.social bids,The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson. The book was well researched and informative of the plight of Hungarian Jews during WW2. The characters and storyline were captivating and I particularly liked Kirsty and Jean.
February 4, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I enjoyed Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine albeit it felt a bit repetitive in places. It is a ‘time slip’ and the characters and storyline of the historical figures were much more interesting to me than the contemporary ones. Some of the modern storylines jarred a bit but overall an interesting read.
January 22, 2025 at 3:36 PM
My first read of the year was A Western Heart by Liz Harris @lizharris.bsky.social
It was a delightful story which transported me back to 1880s Wyoming. It gripped me from the start & I would love a sequel to see what happened next in the lives of the characters who were both likeable & believable.
January 5, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan is an amazing book! It should be compulsory reading for every health professional, social care worker, educator. police officer - everyone really. It highlights how as a society we fail our most vulnerable. It is told so honestly that it’s harrowing but essential reading.
December 31, 2024 at 9:48 PM
The Art of Deception by Liz Harris @lizharris.bsky.social was an enjoyable read which transported me to Italy. It made me want to relax and feel the sun on my face. The characters were interesting, and the story moved along at a good pace. I enjoyed the ending, altogether a great read.
December 31, 2024 at 12:49 PM
The Garden of Memories by Amanda James @amandajames.bsky.social is a lovely ‘feel good’ read. It perfectly captures the nostalgia felt, by those of us in the autumn of our years, when looking back at our lives with mixed emotions. It also portrays the wonderful joy being in a garden evokes.
December 30, 2024 at 5:51 PM
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a wonderful tale which got better and better as the story unfolded. The writing style is unique, and the story intriguing and moved at a good pace. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way all the strands were brought together to create an exciting climax.
December 26, 2024 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
Not long now!! THE WOVEN LIE will be published 13 February. The third standalone novel in Three Sisters, this is Violet's story. It's now available for preorder at a price of 99p. If you'd like to preorder it, here is the link. mybook.to/TheWovenLie
December 22, 2024 at 7:13 AM
This Is Where I Am by @writerkcampbell.bsky.social Karen Campbell is funny, harrowing and thought provoking. Set in Glasgow it tells the story of a Somali refugee and his recently widowed mentor. I loved this novel which would make an excellent film or TV series. A book worth reading!
December 22, 2024 at 9:33 AM
To Tell a Tale or Two: A collection of short stories by Kelly Florentia @kellyflorentia.bsky.social is an excellent choice for those who like a quick read. Each tale is interesting and has a thought-provoking twist. Well worth a read!
December 12, 2024 at 11:34 AM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
Another World and other family stories: Eleven beautifully written short stories

amzn.to/2hv8xOb

#shortstories
Another World: and other stories
Another World: and other stories eBook : Blackadder, Kate: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
amzn.to
December 10, 2024 at 4:14 PM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
PUBLISHED TODAY - A WESTERN HEART. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Liz Harris’s vivid portrayal of 1880s mid-west America as a place ruled by the elements where neighbourly trust is essential to survival, is another sure hit.” (Daily Mail). Only 99p. mybook.to/AWesternHeart
December 10, 2024 at 6:17 AM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
THE WOVEN LIE is to be published 13th February 2025. I absolutely love the cover!! The third standalone novel in Three Sisters, The Woven Lie is Violet's story. It's now available for preorder at a price of 99p. If you'd like to preorder it, here is the link. mybook.to/TheWovenLie
December 8, 2024 at 3:58 PM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
Chergui’s Child: How far would you go to find your lost child? Set in London, France and Morocco.

www.amazon.co.uk/Cherguis-Chi...

www.amazon.com/Cherguis-Chi...

#missingchildren.
December 6, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
Death on the Lake: When a young woman is found drowned, DCI Jude Satterthwaite is deeply concerned when his boss refuses to let him investigate the matter to avoid compromising a fraud case.

www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Lake-D...

www.amazon.com/Death-Lake-D...

#crimefiction #detectivefiction
December 6, 2024 at 5:32 PM
The Lost Daughter of Venice by @charlottebetts.bsky.social is a fast-moving tale that captivated me from the very start. Phoebe returns to Venice and once there, old family secrets are revealed. This heartbreaking story swept me along and I could not put it down. A truly excellent read!
December 6, 2024 at 7:08 PM
The Gutted Haddie by Dorothy Finney is an interesting read. As the plot increased in complexity, the pace of the book also increased and rather than the family saga of the early narrative it becomes a whodunnit reaching an unexpected and tense conclusion. Well worth a read.
November 30, 2024 at 2:57 PM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
A secret that could tear apart a family. Will it?
Daughters of the Lake: Contemporary drama set in Switzerland.
www.amazon.co.uk/Daughters-La...

www.amazon.com/Daughters-La...

#FamilySecrets #womensfiction
November 27, 2024 at 3:52 PM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
Welcome to the Helensburgh Book Festival, a literary festival on the West coast of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Please give us a follow to keep up to date with all our news, we’ve got some very exciting panels to tell you about! 28th-30th March 2025 💙📚
November 25, 2024 at 9:11 PM
Reposted by Helena Connelly
Meet the residents of Erin Cara who are desperately trying to rid themselves of quirky conditions. Laugh and cry with them.
amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DB9D98YF
amazon.com/dp/B0DB9D98YF
# humor #humour
November 23, 2024 at 5:31 PM
An Irish Promise by Isabella Connor @Livbet.bsky.social is an intriguing story of deception and revenge. Set in an Irish village the former bullies are about to get their comeuppance as the class reunion approaches. However, nothing is straight forward as secrets are revealed. An excellent read!
November 23, 2024 at 2:48 PM