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Happy New Year’s Eve! On the final day of 2020, I have decided to compile a top 20 of the 120+ books I have read this year. They will appear in no particular order and have all been awarded 5* and come highly recommended 😊

1. With or Without You by Drew Davies

An original and poignant read with a mix of quirky, unique characters. A heart warming tale about how Mrs Dixit’s life and perspective changes when an accident causes her husband to end up in a coma.

2. The Child Who Never Was by Jane Renshaw

The dramatic story of two identical twins and a missing toddler. This was like a rollercoaster I did not want to get off – completely gripping and twisty.

3. The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood

Based on and inspired by the incredible and heart breaking true story of the brave and talented Frau Alma Rose, this was my book of the month for November and had me in floods of tears.

4. Seven Year Itch by Lyndsey Gallagher

This was one I really identified with. Centred around a woman who is getting frustrated and fed up with her marriage, she goes on a hen weekend in search of fun and laughter but doesn’t expect to find love…

5. The Secret Seaside Escape by Heidi Swain

This book has it all – a gorgeous British setting, mysterious characters and it was much more twisty and complex than I was expecting. I loved it.

6. Hungry by Grace Dent

An eye opening and heart breaking memoir that focuses on so many important issues including gender roles, social class, family dynamics and dementia.

7. The Almost Perfect Holiday by Lucy Diamond

A dramatic and emotional read about the struggles faced by many women every day, including anxiety, mum guilt and the pressure to project the perfect family image!

8. Under Your Skin by Rose McLelland

A sophisticated, gripping and emotional tale about a missing woman, by a completely awesome rising star writer!

9. The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor

This has just been the perfect escapist read for 2020. Evie is a unique, multifaceted and inspirational character that shines throughout this book.

10. The Memories We Bury by H A Leuschel

An original and breath taking book with serious scenes around the psychological impact of memories and the loneliness of motherhood, as well as light hearted scenes focusing on friendship, romance and family bonding.

11. Longhand by Andy Hamilton

An original, epic and touching tale written completely in the author’s own hand writing. This is one you definitely have to check out!

12. The Boy Between – Amanda Prowse

An emotional, inspirational and honest memoir, completely unique in its telling of a son’s descent into the grey world of depression and his determination to get back out of it.

13. The First Time We Met by Jo Lovett

An epic love story spanning 15 years, as the writer creatively and organically delves into the psyche of the characters and analyses and develops their relationships.

14. Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls by Holly Martin

Holly writes beautiful, simple romance fiction and this book is no different. It is like drinking sunshine from a cup – completely joyful, evocative and immersive.

15. The School of Starting Over by Lisa Swift

The highlight of this one has to be the wonderful, thoughtful, selfless Xander, who has established himself as my new top fictional crush. An absolute masterpiece in romantic fiction.

16. The Hidden Beach by Karen Swan

I really feel like Karen’s style is so original and clever, it is a bit like Marmite. I am definitely in the love camp. A sensational and gripping tale about what you might do when you’re just moving on with your life, and your husband who has been in a coma for 7 years wakes up?!

17. Love Songs for Sceptics by Christina Pishiris

A charismatic, emotional, touching book by another rising star of romantic fiction writing. I absolutely loved this one – so much drama and substance!

18. The Lost Children by Shirley Dickson

A beautiful yet heartbreaking story about love, loss, hope and war. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to read an emotional, historical page turner.

19. The Wife by Shalini Boland

This book is simple yet intricate, sophisticated and easy to follow. Boland builds believable, complex characters and provides some crazy twists. A must read from an absolute queen of psychological fiction!

20. 15 minute parenting 0-7 by Joanna Fortune

A fantastic, realistic, easy to read and practical parenting hand book. This is not a book that tells you how to parent or lies blame at your door, but guides you through easy ways to meet your child’s needs whilst maintaining your sanity and life balance!

1. Read more physical books 🧡

In 2020 I have read 130 books (as of 28/12, anyway!) But only 24 of these have been physical books. Considering the fact that I have acquired or bought probably 100 physical books in the past year and I’m running out of space, I definitely need to balance this out more.

2. Read more memoirs and historical fiction🧡

Some of the best books I’ve read this year have fallen in one of these two categories. My book of the month for November was a historical fiction book, and for December is going to be a tie between a memoir and an original Christmas romance. However, the majority of books I read do not fall into either of these genres and therefore I look forward to delving more into them in 2021. I was gifted Ant and Dec’s memoir for Christmas, so I may well start with that!

3. Balance blog tours and TBR/mood reading 🧡

In the first half of 2020, I was new to the social media bookish world, Netgalley etc and almost all my reads were mood reads or Netgalley deadline reads. However, I then got involved in the mad world of book blogging and there were times, especially in October and November, where for weeks the only books I had time to read were my book blog reads. This is great in that I get exclusive first looks and get to shout about new books by authors that I love, but it also became quite pressured at times. In 2021, I am being more strict with myself about how much I take on!

4. Continue to share the book love🧡

I have absolutely loved doing my book blog and getting involved in Bookstagram and Book Twitter, and though I have many other personal goals for 2020 (including getting my fitness back up and making the most of my time with my family if/when the world opens up again), I am pledging right here, right now to keep sharing the book love on Instagram, Twitter and right here on my blog.

Well, that’s it from me for now. I think 4 goals is plenty! Thank you to everyone who has followed my blog this year. Here’s to a bigger, better, and even more bookish 2021!

Love, Ceri xx

I was drawn to this one as I recognised the name of the writer and thought it would make for an interesting read, focusing on her working class background and how she made a name for herself in the very high class world of Michelin star restaurant criticism & Master chef professionalism. Grace is a humorous and talented food critic, writer and comedian and her talent in all three of these areas shines through in this book.

This is a book I have completely devoured in just a couple of short sittings. It is an easy read, but Grace’s talent as a writer is clear. The narrative is peppered with a humour and honesty so real and raw, you feel as if you are having a therapeutic catch up with an old friend over dinner. I expected her childhood stories to be ones I could relate to, but I did not expect for that relatable voice to stay with me throughout. The way the memoir is told – not strictly chronologically – is also very original and striking, bringing the themes and focus of the book to the forefront, for example, social class.

There is much debate and observation in this country over class divides and how easy it is to go “up in the world”. Grace includes some very important social commentary on the issue of class and self development, which I have found totally refreshing and interesting. It is clear that her roots have remained part of her, and in fact at the end of the book she feels impelled to go back and discover those Cumbrian roots again…

Her observations around family, gender roles and familial love in relation to food are also very original and thought provoking. It is clear that for Grace, the three things – food, love and family – live in a triangulation that cannot be separated and I completely agree with this view.

The powerful voice that speaks to me through the pages of the book is an honest, wise, determined, affectionate, loyal person and I have loved learning about her life and her road to success.

The end of the memoir is absolutely beautiful – heart warming and heart breaking. I felt as if I had been on a rollercoaster of a journey. I have really enjoyed this wonderful memoir and already recommended it to so many people. This is a definite contender for my book of the month.

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I was drawn to this one by the gorgeous, artistic, crisp cover and the author’s name, as she is one that has been recommended to me many times by friends and Bookstagrammers! I have a few waiting on my Kindle but I was eagerly anticipating reading this one…

This definitely did not disappoint. I knew from the first few pages and the festive atmosphere and community spirit shown that this would be one I would love. I was immediately transported from the rather bleak reality of a tier 4 lockdown Christmas to the beautiful, nostalgic Nutcracker Lane…

I really struggled to put it down and eventually finished it at 3am having read 34% in one sitting (this is highly unusual for me!)

The writer’s skill shines through in this book. The romance is delicately balanced and developed as the narrative is also peppered with tension- the romantic and sexual tension that exists between the two main love interests, and the tension that exists within the community as they wonder whether this Christmas on Nutcracker Lane will be the last one as they know it…

I have been totally invested in this story and I was rooting for the main characters, Nia and James throughout. Nia especially, I could identify with as someone who is hard working, determined, a romantic at heart but also realistic and quite guarded at times… Jaimie creates such realistic characters you could imagine them becoming your friends or living next door to you!

This has undoubtedly been a 5 star read due to its originality and creativity, and one I would highly recommend to fans of festive reads or romantic fiction! I am really looking forward to reading more by this author in the New Year!

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This was shamelessly stolen from a few #BookTwitter pals, so thank you!

 THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE.

The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favorite stand alone?

This is one of my favourite books of all time and such an important one, exploring race, religion, class and prejudice. It is also a literary masterpiece.

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: TWO TURTLE DOVES.

Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?

If dreams could come true, I’d snap Xander up from this funny, heart warming, romantic read.

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: THREE FRENCH HENS.

In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?

Totally cheating as I’ve not read them all (though I own them all) but I absolutely love the main character and the writing style, so I’m going to say this one.

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: FOUR CALLING BIRDS.

Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favorite series?

Again, I’ve not actually read them all but there are some great fun, fiesty, confident female characters and I love the fact that each book takes you to a new place. Books 4-8 are sat on my TBR.

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: FIVE GOLDEN RINGS.

One ring to rule them all! Who is your favorite Villain/Antagonist?

I’m not sure it’s fair to call Freddie from this series an outright villain. In some ways he is, in others he is a loveable rogue. I love his character.

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: SIX GEESE A LAYING.

Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favorite world/world-building?

Again, a little bit of a cheat but seen as I don’t really read books where fictional “other worlds” are created, I’m going for this one. I’m about half way through it at the moment, and I totally want to visit Nutcracker Lane!

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMING.

Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who’s your favorite animal sidekick?

There was no competition here – it had to be the guinea pig in this fabulously original cozy mystery. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try out this genre.

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING.

Milk is so 18th century. Which book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?

I am also reading this one at the moment as part of a Tandem readalong, and I love how she intertwines food into the narrative and the social commentary. Food in this memoir is about nostalgia, family, memories, self improvement and so much more. It’s an excellent, honest and unique memoir. I love it so far!

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: NINE LADIES DANCING.

Dancing is just one skill of a Lady! Who is your favorite kickass female lead?

Kimberley in this story is a baulchy, brave, clever detective and mum. I absolutely loved following her development through this crime thriller.

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: TEN LORDS A LEAPING.

How about your favorite leading lad?

I love the character of Andy Bellows in this one. He is hilarious, honest, self depricating and he totally fills the narrative with his bright personality. Brilliant!

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: ELEVEN PIPES PIPING.

What is your favorite book or bookish thing with musical influence? (It can be about music, reference music a lot etc.)

This is a totally original (though in some ways very factual) take on the journey of an Auschwitz victim. It clearly highlights the importance of music to everyone – no matter your class, gender or life circumstances. It is a beautiful, heart breaking, important story and I urge you to read it.

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: 12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING.

Drum roll please…what is your favorite read of this year?

I have read over 120 books this year and it is difficult to pick just one. However, I absolutely loved this one. It is heart breaking, hilarious, beautifully written and the characters are so unique and three dimensional. I had high expectations of this book and once again, Drew did not let me down.

Thank you for checking out my 12 days of Christmas book tag! Merry Christmas everybody!

Love, Ceri xxx

The first thing that got me hooked on this book was the tag line and the intriguing image on the cover. The house clearly has significance – what is it? What’s the big secret?

The second thing that hooked me in was the talent of the writer. The writer uses some carefully crafted imagery and creative language within the book to create a subtle eerie atmosphere. This really made me sit back and take stock, realising that with many of the authors I read, they rely or sometimes over rely on the plot or the characters to fill the narrative and create the atmosphere, but this writer has a fantastic set of tools and makes use of them all.

We come next to the ensemble of characters. Each one is described and developed thoroughly. A sense of secrecy and unease surrounds each of them, but the author carefully crafts one out to be the villain. I won’t say who, for obvious reasons, but it is unexpected and cleverly done!

This has been one of the best psychological thrillers I have read this year. It has been difficult to predict and impossible to put down, hence writing this review currently at 3am. This is definitely an author I will look out for in future!

Thanks to Bookouture for allowing me to be involved in this blog tour.

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Unlike others who may feel that they have to avoid anything that is related to the current pandemic, either fictional or non-fiction, I have felt comforted knowing that there are authors and writers out there who have been inspired in some way by it and created works off the back of it. Especially if these works are light hearted and humorous.

Maggie Aldrich has certainly delivered on that front. The world is dark and uncertain at the moment, so it was great to read a story that is predictably romantic and hilarious at the same time.

Kinsey is a great character. She is quirky and likeable. She is hard working, kind, generous, head strong and impulsive. I really like how the writer brought to life her inner monologue as it reminded me of some of the internal worries and judgements I’ve had during the pandemic, which you don’t really share with anyone. Worries and judgments about where people have been, who they have with, why they’re wearing a mask or not wearing a mask, whether they’re standing too close or why they’re randomly coughing. The worry about Covid is everywhere and this author puts a light hearted spin on it whilst driving the main narrative of a blossoming romance, which I have loved.

The author has helped to hold a mirror up to as a society and make us realise that yes things are difficult, they’re abnormal, but we are also completely privileged to have found some solutions, some semblance of normality and to of course have technology and pure human interest to help us continue to feel connected.

I have laughed out loud at some of the events in this book, as the author’s writing style really brings the funny moments to life. The ending is very heart warming and it looks forward, as I am sure we all do, to a brighter, more loving 2021.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, romantic, relevant chick lit novella.

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I thought we could all do with a bit of cheering up so I decided to compile a list of my favourite festive reads of 2020! Hoping one of these will tempt you and get you into the spirit. ♥️

The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas by Cressida McCaughlin: A romantic festive tale, set in a picturesque Cornish village and centred around food and mystery. What more could you want? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Christmas Swap by Sandy Barker: A fictitious novel version of the wonderful festive film, “The Holiday” and a chance to escape with the characters to three beautiful settings. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss: Clearly a pun on the song title and a fun take on a festive romance story. Kate has invested both financially and personally into a scheme of 12 organised dates. Will 12 dates be enough to find the one? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Christmas Rescue by Diane Michaels and Kirsty McManus: An original take on a Christmas romance. It is difficult to predict who will be the hero of this one, but it all comes good in the end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas at the Little Waffle Shack by Helen J Rolffe: A Christmas story with more depth – characters with authentic and complex back stories. Can love overcome it all? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Kiss In The Snow at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green: Another faultless gem in this wonderful series. Follow Carrie’s story as she embarks on an unforgettable and eventful Christmas. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas at the Cornish Confetti Agency by Daisy James: A mysterious and entertaining festive read. Daisy’s books are always full of comfort, romance and gentle laughter. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas: A cosy and heart warming book, full of sensory imagery that brings the Christmas markets to life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas Cookie Cozies by Laina Turner et al: Quick, mysterious, festive and light hearted reads that will keep you hooked. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Winter We Met by Samantha Tonge: Full of vibrant, likeable and relatable characters, plus the mysterious and charming Nik. Is he too good to be true? ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If Everyday was Christmas by Donna Ashcroft: A quick, charming, festive read set in cold and picturesque Lockton. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Together by Christmas by Karen Swan: By far the most original Christmas romance I read this year. Covering topics such as single parenting, PTSD, war and depression, it is both a heavy hitter and an absolute joy to read. I loved it.⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Very Covid Christmas by Maggie Aldrich: I’ve not long started this one, but I think it’s important to have something that shines a mirror up to reality and makes us realise, that for some of us things could be a lot worse. This is not a cancelled Christmas, simply a very Covid one.😂🙈

A big thank you to these wonderful authors for writing and releasing these wonderful tales in such challenging times. Stay safe, keep reading and Merry Christmas everyone! 🌲♥️

Yay! I absolutely love Kirsty McManus’ books and Diane Michaels is an original and entertaining writer of chick lit. Imagine my excitement then, when I discovered then they’ve teamed up to write this beauty of a Christmas story.

Hannah’s eccentric Grandma needs  rescuing She has hurt her shoulder in an accident while travelling in Indonesia. Hannah begrudgingly agrees to travel from Michigan, US to Noosa, Australia to look out for her grandmother over the festive period. When she gets there, she realises that her grandmother is far stronger and wiser than anyone in the family gives her credit for…

When Hannah arrives in Australia, she begins to re-evaluate her life from a distance and finds that she may be just existing, taking the easy route rather than ‘living her best life.’ Does Hannah need rescuing to? And will handsome, caring, scatty Xavier be the one to do the rescuing?

I have absolutely loved this book and found it difficult to put down, devouring it in just over 24 hours. Both these authors build such brilliant characters. They are realistic characters, with flaws or quirks that make them intriguing. Hannah is talented, hard working and selfless but has clearly been a little bit naive and gullible when it comes to issues of the heart. Brett could well be taking advantage of Hannah’s patience and good nature, but will he get his comeuppance?

This has been a great Christmas read that has truly rescued me from a rather bleak and stressful reality and helped me escape to the beautiful shores of Australia, where I have got lost in the descriptions of Noosa’s wildlife and scenery as well as heart warming descriptions of Christmas celebrations, Aussie style!

I would highly recommend this book, and these authors, for anyone looking for a fun and original chick lit read. I have loved it!

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I was drawn to this one due to recommendations by bookish friends, and with thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture I received copies of both book 1 and 2. After finding the first book completely gripping and unputdownable, I was very excited to get stuck in to book 2.

I absolutely love the character of Morgan and feel that she is a great detective. She is determined, ambitious, self deprecating and honest. I have loved seeing her confidence grow as she is trusted with big cases.

In this instalment, Morgan is investigating the brutal murder of a young murder and it leads her to back to a cold case that might lead her closer to home than expected…

I love how the writer manages to make the story lines intriguing, complex, unpredictable but also maintaining an effective simplicity.

I usually love crime thrillers but have struggled to get through or focus on many this year, as I have been finding there are too many characters or cases and it’s slowing the plot down and causing me to become disinterested and a little lost.

This is definitely not the case with Helen’s books and I am pleased to report that she has renewed my love and excitement for crime thrillers, which has made for a great bookish conclusion (almost) to 2020. I look forward to reading more by this author (hopefully book 3 in this series?!) In 2021.

A fantastic read and series for all crime thriller fans! I have loved it.

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