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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

The first of my successful bids from @childreninread.bsky.social arrived today. The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson and I’m really looking forward to reading it.