Favourite Read of the Month: October 2019

During the month of October, my plan was to focus on thrillers. I did read a few – though I veered a little from the TBR pile next to my bed. Even though I went on vacation, I did not read as much as I thought I would as I spent time walking on the beach and chatting with my husband.

Below is the list of books that I read. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title and you will be able to svisit my post:

  1. Thomas Fenske The Fever – Adult Contemporary ⭐️ 1 star
  2. Gayle Woodson After Kilimanjaro – Adult Contemporary Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  3. Rick Mofina Missing Daughter – Thriller, Suspense ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  4. J.P. Delany The Perfect Wife – Thriller, Suspense ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  5. Dave Patterson Soon The Light Will Be Perfect – Young Adult Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  6. Hannah Mary McKinnon The Neighbors – Thriller, Mystery ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  7. Ruth Ware In a Dark, Dark Wood – Thriller, Mystery ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars

During the month of October, I managed to read a total of 7 books – not bad for a person who works full time. Most of what I read, I enjoyed. Only two books stand out for me though – The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney and After Kilimanjaro by Gayle Woodson. I loved Delaney’s thriller as it was an unusual story that kept surprising me. My favourite, though, would have to be Gayle Woodson’s novel. Her contemporary story is not mainstream and I loved that it took me to Africa and made me think of women’s issues that are so important in that part of the world. Her novel is definitely my favourite for the month of October.

I hope you enjoyed a number of novels in October. What was your favourite read? Share your choice, or the link to your post, in the comments below.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

Book of the Month: January 2019

Book of the Month: February 2019

Book of the Month: March 2019

Book of the Month: April 2019

Book of the Month: May 2019

Book of the Month: June

Book of the Month: July 2019

Book of the Month: August 2019

Book of the Month: September 2019

Favourite Read of the Month: September 2019

I know, September seems to have passed such a long time ago! My intention had been to post my favourite read of the month before going on vacation. However, all the preparations to go away took away the time I usually spend on blogging.

Below is the list of books that I read. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title and you will be able to visit my post:

  1. Nina Varela Crier’s War – Young Adult science fiction/fantasy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  2. Laura E. Weymouth Treason of Thorns – Young Adult Fantasy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  3. Brian Francis Break in case of Emergency – Young Adult contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  4. Margaret Rogerson Sorcery of Thorns – Young Adult Fantasy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  5. Rena Barron Kingdom of Souls – Young Adult Fantasy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  6. Jessie Kwak Pressure Point – Science Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

With the start of the new academic year, time was taken away from reading. I did manage, however, to read 6 books. During September I focused on reading my favourite genre – fantasy fiction. The fantasy books I read were excellent though my absolute favourite was Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. Not only did I enjoy the story but the writing and imagery were absolutely beautiful. I have no hesitation in making this novel my favourite read of the month.

I hope you enjoyed a number of novels in September. What was your favourite read? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

Book of the Month: January 2019

Book of the Month: February 2019

Book of the Month: March 2019

Book of the Month: April 2019

Book of the Month: May 2019

Book of the Month: June

Book of the Month: July 2019

Book of the Month: August 2019

Favourite Read of the Month: August 2019

As I am writing this, August seems to be a long way away as my days filled with reading have been replaced by the routine of the new school year. Squeezed in between my obligations at work, I have been trying to finish off the book reviews of the ARCs I read during the final month of my Summer Break. I managed to read an astounding fifteen novels and experienced a number of delightful stories.

Below is the list of books that I read. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title and you will be able to visit my post:

  1. Misa Sugiura This Time Will Be Different – Young Adult, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  2. Catherine McKenzie I’ll Never Tell – Thriller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  3. Jodi Thomas The Little Teashop on Main Street – Women’s Fiction, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  4. Abdi Nazeman Like A Love Story – Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  5. Sam J. Miller Destroy All Monsters – Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️ 2 stars
  6. Mhairi McFarlane Don’t You Forget About Me – Women’s Fiction, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
  7. Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry Hello Girls – Young Adult, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️ 2 stars
  8. Rachel Lippencot Five Feet Apart – Young Adult, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  9. R. Zamora Linmark The Importance of Being Wilde at Heart – Young Adult, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️ 2 stars
  10. Samra Zafar A Good Wife – Memoir, Adult Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  11. Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite Dear Haiti, Love Alaine – Young Adult, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  12. Meg Waite Clayton The Last Train to London – Historical Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  13. Sophia Money-Coutts What Happens Now? – Women’s Fiction, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  14. Jennifer Chiaverini The Christmas Boutique – Women’s Fiction, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  15. Dave Connis Suggested Reading – Young Adult, Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

I still cannot believe I read fifteen novels during August – no wonder it took me so long to to complete the reviews! There were a number of 5 star reviews for me, making it difficult to choose my favourite:

  1. Abdi Nazeman’s novel Like A Love Story took me back to the past with the story’s conetnt. In addition, I enjoyed reading about his characters and their coming-of-age story.
  2. Samra Zafar’s memoir A Good Wife was such an interesting and inspiring read. This is one book all girls and women should read.
  3. Meg Waite Clayton’s The Last Train to London really pulled my emotional strings. Not only did I learn something new (about the kindertransport that saved thousands of children) but I very quickly became invested in the characters of the story.

Once taking some time to reflect, I feel that The Last Train To London by Meg Waite Clayton should be my pick of the month. Even a month after reading it, the story still resonates in my mind.

I hope you read as many wonderful stories as I did in August. What was your favourite read? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

Book of the Month: January 2019

Book of the Month: February 2019

Book of the Month: March 2019

Book of the Month: April 2019

Book of the Month: May 2019

Book of the Month: June

Book of the Month: July 2019

Favourite Read of the Month: July 2019

As expected, my summary of last month’s reads is late – just when I think I am on top of my reviews, I spend my time reading 😀 That is the best thing about my Summer Break – my routine is fluid and there is no need for me to stick to a schedule.

Below is the list of book that I read. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title and you will be able to visit my post:

  1. Alafair Burke The Better Sister – Thriller, Suspense ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  2. Margaret Stohl Red Vengeance – Young Adult, Marvel ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  3. Jessie Kwak Crossfire – Science Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  4. Marissa Stapley The Last Resort – Thriller, Suspense ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  5. Alexander McCall Smith The Second Worst Restaurant in France – Contemporary Women’s Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  6. Christina Lauren The Unhoneymooners – Contemporary Women’s Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  7. Cecelia Ahern P.S.I Love You – Contemporary Women’s Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  8. Cecelia Ahern Postscript – Contemporary Women’s Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  9. Joe Siccardi My Name is Sam – Christian Fiction ⭐️⭐️ 2 stars
  10. Laura Dockrill My Ideal Boyfriend is a Croissant – Young Adult Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  11. Uzma Jalaluddin Ayesha At Last – Contemporary Women’s Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  12. Kimberley Belle Dear Wife – Thriller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

Twelve reads! That is a record for me – but easy to do as I was at home resting. The heat encouraged me to sit in front of the fan and, therefore, encouraged my reading. I re-read a favourite as a buddy read with my friend (Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin) as well as Cecelia Ahern’s beloved title P.S. I Love You. I enjoyed my science fiction read during July, as well as some excellent thrillers. My favourite book, though, would have to be Ahern’s Postscript. The novel is a heartwarming tale about personal growth and helping others accept the loss of life. For me, it was the perfect sequel to a story that I have enjoyed in the past.

I hope you read as many wonderful stories as I did in July. What was your favourite read? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

Book of the Month: January 2019

Book of the Month: February 2019

Book of the Month: March 2019

Book of the Month: April 2019

Book of the Month: May 2019

Book of the Month: June

Favourite Read of the Month: June 2019

Book of the month in mid-July. I know – the only excuse that I can give is that I am in holiday mode and I am unable to sit for too long in front of the computer. 🙂 During the month of June I read 10 books in spite of it being a busy time. I was tired and would often come home and read to relax with a cup of warm tea. The last book in June, I devoured in a day as it was the first day of my Summer Break and I wanted to do nothing but read.

Below is the list of book that I read. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title and you will be able to visit my post:

  1. Anna Bright The Beholder – YA Fantasy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  2. Miriam Toews Women Talking – Women’s Contemporary Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  3. Blair Thornburgh Ordinary Girls – Young Adult Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  4. Erin Davis The One – Thriller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  5. Kurt Kirchmeier The Absence of Sparrows – Middle Grade ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  6. Roselle Lim Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune – Women’s Contemporary Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  7. Laura Steven The Exact Opposite of Okay – Young Adult Contemporary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  8. Alisha Rai The Right Swipe – Romance ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  9. Linda Lael Miller The Yankee Widow – Historical Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  10. Beth O’Leary The Flatshare – Romance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

During the month of June I read a number of good stories but the one that stood out for me was Women Talking by Miriam Toews. The book was more than just a story but a commentary on the way in which women are treated in a patriarchal society. The novel describes a conversation between women as they decide what to do in response to a number of rapes that had taken place in their community. As I was reading Toews’ writing, so many of the lines in the book struck a place deep in my heart and mind. Women Talking is definitely my Book of the Month for June.

I hope you read as many wonderful stories as I did in June. What was your favourite read? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

Book of the Month: January 2019

Book of the Month: February 2019

Book of the Month: March 2019

Book of the Month: April 2019

Book of the Month: May 2019

Favourite Read of the Month: May 2019

I cannot believe how many books I read during May – thirteen! I did spend the long weekend sick and I had no interest in watching TV, so I guess that accounts for it.

The first books I read were the ones I had grabbed from the library. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title in the following list:

  1. Phaedra Patrick The Library of Lost and Found – Contemporary Women’s Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  2. Jessica Barry Freefall – Thriller ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  3. Kathy Wang Family Trust – Contemporary Women’s Fiction ⭐️ 1 star

The rest of the books I read in May were either novels I had bought or ARCs I had received from Harper Collins Canada.

  1. Maya Motayne Nocturna – YA Fantasy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  2. Dev Sonali Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavours – Romance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
  3. Kaira Rouda The Favourite Daughter – Thriller ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  4. Erin Davis Mourning Has Broken – Memoir ⭐️ 1 star
  5. Farah Heron The Chai Factor – Romance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  6. Amy Lloyd One More Lie – Thriller ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
  7. Sophie Kinsella I Owe You One – Romance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  8. Jessie Kwak Double Edged – Science Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
  9. Anouska Knight Since You’ve Been Gone – Romance ⭐️⭐️ 2 stars
  10. Kirsty Manning The Song of the Jade Lily – Historical Fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

I read so many good books during May (with a couple of disappointing ones). My favourites were The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning, The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick, and Dev Sonali’s Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavours. Even though I loved the historical fiction and contemporary novel, my choice for the title Book of the Month has to go to Sonali’s Pride and Prejudice retelling. She did justice to Austen’s story and added her own spin to it. This is definitely a story I will re-read in the future.

I hope you read as many wonderful stories as I did in May. What was your favourite read? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

Book of the Month: January 2019

Book of the Month: February 2019

Book of the Month: March 2019

Book of the Month: April 2019

Favourite Read of the Month: April 2019

It was not surprising to me that I was able to read 10 books during the month of April as the Easter weekend gave me two extra days in which to stay in and immerse myself in stories. As well as a poetry collection, I read some contemporary romance, an historical novel, one young adult story, and a number of thrillers. Of the ten books I picked up, I was disappointed with only one.

The titles I read in April are listed below. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title in the following list:

  1. Joy Fielding All The Wrong Places – Thriller 4 stars
  2. Sonya Lalli The Matchmaker’s List – Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction 4 stars
  3. Falguni Kothari The Object of Your Affections
    Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction – 3 stars
  4. Michael Thomas Ford Love and Other Curses – Young Adult Contemporary – 4 stars
  5. Amy Stuart Still Mine – Thriller – 3 stars
  6. Stacey Halls The Familiars – Historical Fiction – 3 stars
  7. Minnie Darke Star-Crossed – Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction – 4 stars
  8. Jude Devereux A Willing Murder – Cozy Mystery – 5 stars
  9. Karen Cleveland Keep You Close – Thriller – 4 stars
  10. Julie McIsaac We Like Feelings. We Are Serious. – Poetry – 2 stars

I read so many wonderful stories in April but there are two that really stick out in my mind: Jude Devereux’s cozy mystery and Minnie Darke’s debut novel. As much as I loved Star-Crossed, the first in the Medlar series gave me much joy. A Willing Murder, therefore, is my favourite Read of the Month.

I hope you read as many wonderful stories as I did in April. What was your favourite read? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

Book of the Month: January 2019

Book of the Month: February 2019

Book of the Month: March 2019

Favourite Read of the Month: June 2018

During the month of June , I managed to read 7 books for this year’s Book Pledge, bringing my total for read books this year to 40 books.

 

The titles I read in June are listed below. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title in the following list:

  1. Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner – women’s fiction ⭐⭐ 2 stars
  2. Sofie & Cecilia by Katherine Ahenburg – women’s fiction, contemporary fiction ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
  3. Sofia Khan is not Obliged by Ayisha Malik – women’s fiction, humour ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
  4. How to Stop Time by Matt Haig  – fantasy, science fiction ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
  5. Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark – thriller ⭐⭐ 2 stars
  6. The Boat People by Sharon Bala – contemporary fiction⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
  7. Still Water by Amy Stuart – thriller ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars

I took pleasure in reading many books during the month of June even though I was disappointed with two writers that I had previously enjoyed (Jennifer Weiner and Mary Higgins Clark). My choice for the book of the month has to be The Boat People by Sharon Bala. This well written novel touched my emotions in so many ways; and encouraged me to think deeply about the plight of the refugees fleeing their birth country. This story was her debut novel and I will be looking out for another tale written by her.

What was your favourite read in June? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

Favourite Read of the Month:

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2018

Favourite Read of the Month: April 2018

During the month of April, I managed to read 7 books for this year’s Book Pledge.

The titles in April are listed below. To read my reviews (if you haven’t already), click on the title in the following list:

  1. Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer. A YA fiction novel.
  2. My Secret Mother by Phyllis Whitsell. A memoir.
  3. The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie. A thriller.
  4. Blink by K. L. Slater. A psychological thriller.
  5. The Bookshop on Rosemary Lane. by Ellen Berry. A feel-good novel.
  6. The Little Bakery on Rosemary Lane by Ellen Berry. A feel-good novel.
  7. The Storm by Arif Anwar. A literary type novel.

With the exception of My Secret Mother by Phyllis Whitsell, I enjoyed reading all of the stories I had chosen during the month of April. Looking back, I saw that I had managed to read 7 titles which does suggest that I had read a couple of novels that I could not put down. The Good Liar definitely falls into that category as does Blink. I did enjoy my introduction to Ellen Berry’s writing and savoured her feel-good stories – so much so that I went out and bought the next title in her Rosemary Lane series. I am now eagerly waiting for the next in the series.

For my favourite title this month I cannot help but choose The Bookshop on Rosemary Lane by Ellen Berry. The story may not be as literary as Anwar’s The Storm, or as nail-biting as Slater’s Blink, but I loved it. I moved through the pages quickly, loved the humour in the story, and the connection I felt to the main character. Berry’s story is definitely one I will read again.

What was your favourite read in April? Share your choice, or the link to your post, below.

Favourite Read of the Month:

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2018
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