In between all of that, we managed to read 16 books between us! Some books we both read but several were different so we decided to do a round-up of everything in one post, so, here we go...
Our Castle by the Sea - Lucy Strange
Set in WWII in a lighthouse on the south coast of England, the book tells the story of Pet (Petra), her sister Mags & their Pa and Mutti (their German mother). As war begins, their mother is arrested simply because of her nationality; however, she is then accused of passing information to the Germans. Pet's life is turned upside-down - her mother can't be guilty; but if she's not then who is?
This is a wonderfully written story and you'll find yourself questioning Pet's family. With an utterly gripping final few chapters, this book will have you on the edge of your seat!
When We Were Warriors - Emma Carroll
I love Emma's books so was thrilled when an early copy of these 3 short stories landed on the door mat. Set during World War II, it was lovely to be able to revisit some of the old haunts and discover new stories lurking there. Definitely a good read & a great book for children who prefer shorter stories. It's released on the 7th February so there's not long to wait now!
The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods - Samuel J. Hapin
When Poppy temporarily moves in with her grandmother in the town of Sudds, she quickly becomes aware that something is not right. After she makes friends with Erasmus, the pair decide it is up to them to discover why children have been disappearing and why peculiar things keep happening.
With just the right amount of darkness thrown in to the mix, this is a thrilling debut novel which has been beautifully written (I love the description that's woven into the plot). Erasmus is a quirky character I warmed to but it was Gran who stole my heart: her quirky habits; her sense of self and her love for her family.
You will love this book!
Against All Gods - Maz Evans
See our separate review here: https://kandobonkersaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2019/02/against-all-gods-maz-evans.html
The Day I Was Erased - Lisa Thompson
Things aren't going too well in Maxwell's life: his parents are always arguing; he's constantly in trouble in school and then he upsets his best friend. Fed up with everything, he visits his elderly neighbour, Reg, and whilst looking through his cabinet of curiosities, he manages to somehow erase himself from his life! He quickly discovers what life would be like if he'd never been born and then begins the desperate race to see if he can reverse what has happened and return to his old life.
Lisa's books are always brilliant reads: the characters are relatable; you're easily absorbed within their lives and they are incredibly popular in school! The Day I Was Erased reminds us of the importance of valuing family and friends; of making sure we consider others and of appreciating what we have. It's a feel-good book (think It's a Wonderful Life for children) and a must-read.
The Skylarks' War - Hilary McKay
We've been blessed with great novels based around war this month (see above) and this book is no exception. Set during WWI this time, the book centres around Clarry and her brother, Peter. With their mother dead and their father barely able to show any emotions towards them, the siblings live for their summer holidays with their grandparents and their cousin, Rupert, in Cornwall. When WWI breaks out and Rupert enlists, everything changes and we follow all of the ups and inevitable downs of their lives during such a turbulent time.
The writing in this book has all the hallmarks of a classic whilst covering some strong themes: war, friendship and sexism, all in a sensitive way. With so many strong characters in this book, we found it difficult to chose a favourite; however, O loved Clarry's independence (she's such a champion of her own life and fiercely determined) and I couldn't help but want to hug Simon: his dedication and loyalty were heartbreaking.
Wonderfully written with thought-provoking descriptions, this is a one to read - we both loved it.
When Good Geeks Go Bad - Catherine Wilkins
Ella is struggling with her parents' separation and with the fact that her father won't buy her the right shoes, let her stay up as late as her classmates, she starts to rebel ... and the more she rebels the more she likes it; however, her best friend is far from happy.
This is a great book about family, friendship and what happens when you forget what is important to you. A great read for those looking for an older MG book.
Hour of the Bees - Lindsay Eagar:
This book is based in New Mexico in Latin America, around a character called Carolina, who visits Serge, the grandfather she's never seen before, in his ranch for the summer. Serge has had dementia since his wife, Rosa, died 12 years ago. At the ranch, she finds that bees have a tendency to follow her around. Soon, she becomes transfixed by Serge's stories and never wants to leave. But when the time comes, will she be able to leave him at his care home, and the end of the story with him?
I was given this book for Christmas, after showing interest in it at a well known book shop. I immediately started to read it and found I couldn't put it down! K still hasn't read it and I am begging her to do so! This book is AMAZING! Thank you, Lindsay!
The Dog who Saved the World - Ross Welford:
Another fabulous book by Ross! This one, set in Whitley Bay, Newcastle, has main characters Georgie and Ramzy befriending an eccentric scientist who lives in the Spanish City. They discover she has made a 3D VR system that can transport the user anywhere! But suddenly a deadly disease breaks out that will kill every dog in the world. When Georgie's dog, Mr Mash, gets sick, they must try to save the world without leaving the room...
WOW! What a book! I constantly fall in love with how Ross finds a different way to entice me to read his novels every time and this one is no different. I love the way he captures the atmosphere perfectly in each book and how I am always hooked whenever I am reading them. What's next, Ross???
Skullduggery Pleasant Last Stand of Dead Men - Derek Landy:
This is the 8th book in the series, so it's hard not to spoil anything in it. An amazing book in an amazing series that follows Valkyrie Cain and Skullduggery Pleasant on their adventures across Ireland that is still going after 12 years! I am always hooked when I get another one, and after reading this one, I was not disappointed. Well done, Derek - keep writing!
Alex Rider Scorpia Rising - Anthony Horowitz:
Another late-in-the-series book, so really hard not to give anything away. I've almost finished this series, and it's been fun to read and follow Alex's adventures through the 9 books I have read so far: I am itching to read the 10th! What a series; I can't imagine life without it.
O also read an other Agatha Christie (Black Coffee this time) before heading to the theatre to see a friend who was performing in it. He loves all things Christie and is planning a solo blog-post about this at some point.
So there we have it: our January round-up, and February is looking good too, with releases from Michelle Harrison (A Pinch of Magic), Sinead O'Hart (The Star-Spun Web) and Maz Evans (Against All Gods)!
Happy reading everyone!
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