2018 Book Highlights

Books and I just really didn't gel last year. There were literally only a handful of books that I really enjoyed. I'm not saying that 2017 was a rubbish year for books but it was a rubbish year for me and books. This year however there a ridiculous amount of books I can't wait to read and here are just some of them.
Iron Gold by Pierce Brown I have waited and waited and waited for this! I did such a happy dance when the lovely people at Hodderscape gifted copies at a blogger event last year. I have started to read it, but almost want to savour it. If you have not heard of the Red Rising series, firstly where have you been? And secondly why haven't you read it yet?! Seriously though if you love sci fi and fantasy, I cannot recommend this series enough! Iron Gold can be read as a stand alone, but I think you would be missing out if you didn't start from the beginning.
The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet I was gutted that I missed going to Transworld's debut fiction evening last November, but the lovely people there sent me some of the copies that I liked the sound of and nearly missed out on. The House Swap was one of the ones that caught my eye. This is about a couple who do as the title says a house swap from the city to the countryside and they jump at the chance. As they begin to settle in, a neighbour starts to show too much interest in their lives and soon clues begin to surface in the house telling Caroline that the person they swapped houses with is someone she knew, someone she is desperate to forget... Honestly cannot wait to start this one, especially as really getting back into my thrillers this year.
Never Greener by Ruth Jones Missing out on the Transworld debut fiction event also meant that I missed the opportunity to see Ruth Jones! Her debut is out this year and it sounds like such a heart-rending read! In her early twenties Kate had an intense affair with a married man which ended in tears and Kate never thought she would get over it. Seventeen years later Kate is a successful actress and married with a child. The past is well and truly behind her, that is until she meets the man again. Second chances are rare, but that doesn't mean that you should always take them... Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon This is a book I have been hearing loads about, so when I was asked if I would like a copy to review. I said yes in a heartbeat.There are three things you should know about Elsie.The first thing is that she's my best friend.The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better.And the third thing... might take a little bit more explaining. 84-year-old Florence has fallen in her flat at Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. As she waits to be rescued, Florence wonders if a terrible secret from her past is about to come to light; and, if the charming new resident is who he claims to be, why does he look exactly like a man who died sixty years ago?
The Beast's Heart by Leife Shallcross I was so excited when I took this book out of my goody bag after the Hodderscape event. Beauty and the Beast is one of my all time favourite fairytales, so any type of retelling out there and I'm so going to be adding it to the to-be-read pile. This is the Beast's side of the story and I eager to see what this retelling will be like.
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan I can't believe how long ago it was that I heard about this book. This is Sarah's first thriller and the reviews received so far have been nothing but amazing. This is a courtroom thriller where a high profile marriage is thrown into the spotlight when the husband is accused of a terrible crime. I should have started this one ages ago, but I will be starting soon!
The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale I already know that this book is going to be magical simply by its title and of course the following. The Emporium opens with the first frost of winter. It is the same every year. Across the city, when children wake to see ferns of white stretched across their windows, or walk to school to hear ice crackling underfoot, the whispers begin: the Emporium is open! Can't wait to get lost in the world of The Toymakers. Our House by Louise Candlish Another house themed book this year. I was so delighted to receive this from the wonderful Books and the City team in December last year. I read some of it on the train home from their annual Xmas event and I have high hopes for this one. A family move into their new house that they have just bought- nothing unusual about that, except it isn't their house, it's yours! Those are just some of the wonderful books I am looking reading this year and they look set to be amazing. Let me know what books you are looking forward to reading!