Some of these books were sent for the purpose of review – these will be clearly marked. This post also contains affiliate links.
So we are off with a bang and I am here with my first five books that I’ve read. I set my reading challenge at 80 books this year after managing 64 last year – let’s see if I can manage it! For now, here’s books 1-5.
The Friday Edition by Betta Ferrendelli – 4/5
This was my first book of the year and it started with a bang. Samantha’s sister supposedly committed suicide on Christmas Eve but Samantha is not convinced. Soon she finds herself drawn into the seedy goings on in her town that no one knows about – and that plenty of people she knows are involved. This was an interesting read and it kept me guessing as to who would be revealed as involved next. You can buy the book on Amazon here {affiliate link}
The Other Woman by Jane Isaac – 4/5 (ARC sent via Netgalley for the purpose of review)
This was a thrilling read – I didn’t guess the perpetrator at all although it makes perfect sense!
I found Beth a really interesting character and her relationship with her sergeant Nick something that could really be built upon. I loved Beth’s close relationship with her niece but found Beth’s sister Eden quite frustrating and not just for the reasons that come to light later in the book.
This was a great introduction to this author for me and I’ll definitely check out more of their work. You can buy the book on Amazon here {affiliate link}.
The Beach House by P.R Black – 3/5 (ARC sent via Netgalley for the purpose of review)
I found this book really difficult to get into but as you get further in, it becomes quicker, more fast paced and more gripping.
I knew that some of the people the main characters met would be dodgy but you didn’t know exactly who until quite late on. I know you have to suspend belief a little when reading fiction but the fact that Cora seems so much of a superwoman and manages to survive as much as she does was quite astounding and perhaps just a little too far fetched.
I found the ending a little confusing – were the main characters bluffing the whole time or are they just as bad as the others themselves? Despite my misgivings about the book, such as the farfetched actions of Cora and the slow start, the latter end more than made up for it even if it did leave me a little confused. A solid three stars for this one. You can buy the book on Amazon here {affiliate link}.
Becoming: Sex, Second Chances & Figuring Out Who The Hell I Am by Laura Jane Williams – 4/5
I hadn’t yet got round to reading any of Laura’s non-fiction but did enjoy her debut novel so thought I’d give this a try, being a fan of her blog. After the biggest betrayal, Laura explores the world and figures out who she is with the help of her friends and a few men along the way. The sexual references may not be for everyone but this was a great read. You can buy the book on Amazon here {affiliate link}.
Mum’s Big Break by Louise Emma Clarke – 4/5 (ARC sent via Netgalley for the purpose of review)
I am on the blog tour for this book so a full review can be read then. Here is my brief review:
As a blogger myself, I could relate to much of the stuff contained within. The emails from PRs, the expectations when on a press trip, the bickering and drama that can only come from a female dominated career. Like my own experience, Jess has a few bloggers she’d rather avoid and some really close friends.
I will admit that I did think the social media mishap would be something different to what it was – a non blogger would still probably have to Google to find out what it all means – I expected her to do something a little more – extreme, perhaps?
However I was really impressed with the book and will definitely check out the author’s other work – especially knowing she is a blogger herself whose blog I actually love! You can buy the book on Amazon here {affiliate link}, the book will be released on the 23rd of April 2020!
So here’s my first five books – how are you getting on in 2020?
You have chosen some very different books to read. As a blogger myself, I would like to read Louse Emma Clark’s book, that would be the most interested for me from all 5 titles.
I’d really like to check out the bloggers books.
I’d be really interested to see the blogging world depicted in a novel.
Thank you for the recommendations x
I definitely want to read more this year so your list is a great start. From the books you mentioned, perhaps I would prefer Mum’s Big Break as it is more similar to the life of a blogger.
All these sounds like what I would like to read. Good on you for conquering that reading goal. I haven’t even read one book. I need one that I just cannot put down so I read for the passion and not for the sake of reading
Mum’s Big Break sounds like a good read for my mummy and would be great timing for a Mother’s Day present!
Some really good books, great reviews. There are a couple that my wife, whos into books, that would really like here.
There are some great sounding books here I would love to read Mums big break as I don’t get much chance to read so have to pick carefully my books of choice
Ohh the Laura Jane Williams book sounds interesting and right up my street as I do love non fiction. I can’t believe how much you manage to read! 64 last year is incredible x
I think I’m going to set
Myself a reading challenge as I rarely get time anymore . I love the look of most of theses especially mum gets a break!
Looks like you have a nice selection of different genres to choose from
I quite fancy reading Mum’s big break
I love reading and try my best to read a couple of book a month, both the Beach House and Mum’s Big break sound like my kind of books, will add them to my reading list for next month
I have read 2 books this month which is really good for me as I don’t have much time to read with the job I have. I’m hoping to complete the Fairlight books 2020 reading challenge this year so I need to read at least 25 books to complete that although the challenge is mainly about leaving your comfort zone. I think it will be a challenge but I’m up for it.
The Friday Edition by Betta Ferrendell looks like the perfect read for me
The Friday Edition sounds like my kind of read. I love to get lost in books, well done for reading so many last year.
I have a couple of these on my list now, Becoming sounds really good. I’ve read one of hers before!
I’ve been looking for some new book suggestions, these all look fab! I’ve read 1 so far this year!
Looks like lots of great reads.
looks some great books, mums big break looks fantastic
Mums big break might be humorous The other one could be something I could totally immerse in something gritty to get into but all sounds different great choices
Sounds like a good selection I think I’d like to read Mum’s Big Break
I keep meaning to read some more books.
A varied selection, my choice would be The Beach House
I love reading, but I have lots of different thriller books in my bookcase and I want to read at least one a month