Part One: Easy Reads
Amazon has selected The Runaway Children of Chennai as a special discount ebook for the whole of December! (The ebook is available for 99p - don't miss out if you haven't read it!)
To celebrate the event, I'm thrilled to announce a special treat for all my readers: a literary advent calendar!
For the past 31 years, I've made advent calendars for all my children. That's 120 tiny gifts before Christmas even begins! I blame my mother-in-law. She started the tradition, but very quickly asked me to take over. I actually love making the advent calendars, and they have become easier, now that a variety of herbal teas are rather well received, plus the odd chocolate.
Throughout the month of December, I'll be unveiling a selection of captivating book suggestions, plus some very personal reflections.
I'll be sharing my recommendations across various platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. However, understanding that daily emails might not be everyone's cup of tea, I'll also be releasing the books in categories on this blog throughout December.
So, join me on my literary adventure! Let's make this December a month of heartwarming stories, captivating characters, and unforgettable journeys through the pages of books.
First up are the 'Easy Reads'.
Sweet Sweet Revenge Ltd – Jonas Jonasson
Very few films, and even fewer books make me laugh out loud, but Jonas Jonasson’s do. This is my favourite so far – it appeals to my ‘apparently’ warped sense of humour. Victor Alderheim has heartlessly tricked his young ex-wife, Jenny, out of her art gallery inheritance, and also abandoned his son, Kevin, to die in the middle of the Kenyan savanna. When Kevin and Jenny happen to meet up, they begin to plan their revenge. It’s very funny! 😊
The School Inspector Calls - Gervaise Phinn
Clever title, and I really like “An Inspector Calls” by JB Priestly too (it nearly made the list). As a teacher, this is a book I wish I’d thought of writing. Full of anecdotes about school, all totally relatable, and in this book, Phinn reveals how even a jaded school inspector can be left speechless by straight-talking children.
A Prisoner of Birth - Jeffrey Archer
A couple of months ago I had Covid for the first time. It completely knocked me out, and the only thing I was able to do was read. A Prisoner of Birth is a family favourite, and it didn’t disappoint, even third time round. Thrilling from the first page, it’s perfect for taking your mind away from, well, anything really. My favourite of all Jeffery Archer’s books. How I would love to meet that man and talk plotting techniques! Does anyone know him?
Toujours Provence – Peter Mayle
I actually wanted to show A Year in Provence, but I couldn’t find my copy. Both books make you want to up sticks and move to the South of France. Gentle, humorous story-telling at its best.
Life of Pi – Yann Martel
Sometimes I read books and think, “well I could have written a better story than that!” Life of Pi definitely isn’t one of those. The story really makes you think, and the ending… well I won’t spoil it, you have to read this book. I saw it at the theatre recently and couldn’t believe how they made us all believe we were right there in the boat with Pi.
That concludes the first five reviews. Look out for the next group in a few days.
If you haven't read The Runaway Children of Chennai yet, please do - the sequel will be out in January. Also, it would make a great Christmas present :)
If you know anyone who might enjoy my blogs or my books, feel free to forward.
Happy Advent!
Caroline