Since we last spoke I’ve barely been home. It’s been Sydney and Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney again…and as this goes to virtual print I’ll be in Melbourne again.
That means a lot of time spent on planes and (in the case of Sydney) on trains – where most of my reading has been done.
The French Agent, by Belinda Alexandra
Set mostly in post-war Paris and post-war Sydney, this one is historical fiction at its best.
A Routine Infidelity, by Elizabeth Coleman
While this cosy crime is Coleman’s debut, as a writer on the Phryne Fisher TV murder mysteries, she knows her way around a cosy. This one (set in Melbourne) is a great intro to Private investigator Edwina ‘Ted’ Bristol and her canine sidekick Miss Marple. I’m looking forward to seeing what they get up to next.
One Day With You, by Shari Low
I hated the title of this. I get that it follows a pattern Low has for her books, but this title does not work for this heartbreaking book. To tell you about it is to give spoilers so I won’t. I will say I was disappointed that my flight landed on time and the taxi to the terminal was short as I hadn’t quite finished it and had to wait until I was on the train to do so.
Falling For You, by Debbie Johnson
Debbie Johnson is an auto-buy for me and I adored this road-trip romp. And tell me, is this not a great tag:
“Single mum Jenny’s life is turned upside-down (quite literally) when her beloved cottage on the Norfolk coast falls off a cliff. “
Man, I wish I’d written that!
This one was my favourite read of the month.
Between Us, by Mhairi McFarlane
Another auto-buy for me yet this time around to begin with I was a tad disappointed. I’m not sure whether it’s me … actually, yes, I know it’s me. Anyways, it took me a bit to get into this, but once I did I was there for the ride. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, just wasn’t blown away.
My book…
Yes, I’ve been reading my new book to get it ready for editing… and here it is, a sneak peek of the cover. Preorders should be up by the end of the month once I work out a publication date. You’re the first to see the cover…
Non Fiction
Enchantment, by Katherine May on Audible.
I struggled with Wintering until it was the right time for me to read it. I suspect that’s the same issue I had with this one. Reawakening wonder in an exhausted age is such a wonderful tag, but after a while of listening to this, I just felt down…and, if at all possible, more exhausted and less able to wonder. Actually, maybe it was the narrator? Having said that, there were some passages that I noted to explore further so perhaps it will be like Wintering and I’ll come back to it again.
It’s beautiful, there’s no denying that, but? Let’s say I didn’t love it…and I didn’t hate it…but the cover is gorgeous.
Cookbooks
Bistro Cooking by Patricia Wells.
I read this one for cookbook club and honestly, I’m not sure I could love a cookbook more…well, I’m sure I can, but you get the idea. There are no pictures in it, but reading the recipes I’m taken back to the bistros in Paris and the bouchons in Lyon. I want to cook it all (except for the offal recipes) and I want to eat it all (again with those few exceptions).
Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman
Another one for cookbook club, you’ll find my review here.
Your turn…
Deb, Donna, Sue, and I would love you to share what you’ve been reading…the linky is below.
And Anyways... 
Oh love the cover of your new book. I managed to read a free blurb of the first one and am still trying to sort out a way to actually get the book! I have read one of Mhairi McFarlane’s and it seemed just a bit too over the top for me but it was an easy read and rather amusing. You’ve had a lot of train and plane time this month! You must be ready to be at home. Bernie
Hi Bernie… drop me your email address… I might have a solution for you…
Hi, Jo – I absolutely LOVE your new Philly cover. It looks amazing!!
Welcome back home. Hopefully you’ll get to stay there for at least a little while. 😀 The only books that I’ve read from your above list are the two cookbooks — both of which I quite enjoyed. But, wait, shouldn’t ‘Alice’ be on your shelf as well?
Well, I’m away again at the moment… back Monday night & then (hopefully) back to normal. As for Alice, I haven’t finished it yet… it’ll be on my list next month.
If I get my act together I might join this link-up (not sure the link is there on your post btw) but I love the cover of the new Philly!
I knew I forgot to do something ie add the link…
It is now!
Hi Jo – it’s interesting how much a cover and a title influences our book choice isn’t it? It’s a shame Enchantment didn’t live up to your expectations – but I’m sure the new Philly book will exceed and excel (I’ve heard the author is fabulous!)
Falling for You sounds fabulous and I can’t wait to pre-order the next Philly Barker!
Love the variety of books! It must be very exciting to see the cover of your new book. All the best with it!
Thank you!
Hi Jo, as always some great reading suggestions from you and congratulations on Philly #2 I love the cover! xx
Hi Jo, I’m so looking forward to reading Philly #2 and you are to be congratulated getting it written with all you have going on – work, travels, family, cooking….I’m in awe of you. Thanks for the reviews you’ve listed here, I’ve added a few to my ‘want to read’ list. Can’t wait to catch up when we discuss Alice xx
My goodness you read a lot of books! I took one book away with me on holidays and did not even open it once. It was a full on busy holiday and I loved every minute. When I need a new book to read though – I know where to look for some recommendations. Congratulations on your new book too. You are amazing! xo
Love the cover of your new book! I’ve had your first one on my TBR list for awhile now – I really need to get to it. Good luck with the launch!
Is that Bistro Cooking really old? I’m sure we published that book back when I was in Trade. That was 30 odd years ago! And congratulations on another book!
What a great catch up…and I love how you make use of travel time…books, reading AND writing. Thank you for sharing your post on Denyse Whelan’s Wednesday’s Words and Pics Link Up this week.
The community we share is a very special one and I am grateful for your presence in it as a fellow blogger.
Warmest of wishes, Denyse.