Kirsten

The first book I read this month, was the winner of the 2020 Joan Hessayon award, The Rebel Heiress And The Knight by Melissa Oliver (published by Mills and Boon). The award was open to any writer whose debut novel had been through the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme was published this year and I am immensely proud and honoured that Another Us was also a contender. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the Rebel Heiress And The Knight. It is set in the reign of King John – a period of history I really love – and is just a rollocking good read with twists and turns aplenty. It is also a proper romance – the chemistry and tension between the main two characters is fabulous and I loved the fact that Hugh is kind and honourable from the start. A marvellous debut and a worthy winner of the Joan Hessayon award.

Another book I have enjoyed this month is If I Can’t Have You by Charlotte Levin (published by Mantle). This is a real page turner and exquisitely written and explores themes of obsession, heartbreak and unrequited love. I was expecting our protagonist, Constance, to be simply bonkers – and can’t love make us all thus?! – but she is also variously vulnerable, lovely and hilarious. This book really stayed with me and I highly recommend it.

And, finally, I am rather late to the party with Hamnet, written by Maggie O’Farrell (published by Tinder Press)  – but, just, WOW! Staggering beautiful and heartbreakingly poignant, this exploration of love and loss deserves every accolade and award …

Jane

I do love a dual timeline novel, and since writing one myself am even more in awe of writers who make them work. Clare Marchant’s stunning debut, The Secrets of Saffron Hall, is one such book. The level of research the author has undertaken shines almost as much as her gorgeous prose, and put together they make the book a thoroughly satisfying read.

I normally enjoy the historical strand of a story more, so wasn’t remotely surprised when I became more and more lost in Eleanor’s world at the cusp of the dissolution of the monasteries. That I read it on holiday while visiting ruined abbeys was undoubtedly a factor, but Tudor life in rural Norfolk was so richly drawn I just loved falling into it. I felt the chill winds sweeping across the fens, saw the saffron swaying gently in the dawn.

It took me longer to relate to twentieth century Amber although in the end I was rooting for her happy ending. The fact hers isn’t a traditional boy-meets-girl love story was brave for a debut and I loved it. Credit must also go to Aria for not dumbing this book down, as sadly seems to be so fashionable in romance publishing at the moment.

Kitty

Cornwall: Misfits, Curiosities and Legends
A Collection of Short Stories and other scribbles

This anthology combines all sorts of storytelling in the one book, with the spirit of Cornwall infusing each piece. It moves from moor to coast, from past to future and covers a multitude of genres including historical, fantasy, romance, magic realism and sci fi. Additionally, there is poetry and a script alongside the short stories and with such a wide variety of styles, I defy any reader not to be able to find a piece that resonates with them. Cornish history and mythology are bought to life, illustrated and built upon and I greatly enjoyed reading this anthology from a group of writers whose love of Cornwall shines through their work.