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Portobello Book Blog by Joanne - Books & Literature
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WWW Wednesday 4th December 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I'm only reading one book just now! It's the fabulous A Recipe for Christmas by Jo Thomas. I do enjoy her books which always make me hungry. I am waiting for my audiobook reservation of The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman which Borrowbox tells me will be available…
Top Ten Tuesday 3rd December: Wintry Books | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog – Portobello Book Blog
This week's topic: Wintry Books As a chimonophile (someone who loves wintry weather), I have decided to make today's freebie about books with winter or snow in the title. We rarely have snow here by the sea which is a great disappointment to me! Sometimes we drive into the countryside to go for a walk…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Verity Bright #author of A Midwinter Murder | @Bookouture @BrightVerity – Portobello Book Blog
Turning to the darker side of Christmas for today's Festive #ThreeTwoOne although albeit still with a cosy side to it! Answering the questions today is Verity Bright talking about the latest Lady Eleanor Swift mystery, A Midwinter Murder. The book is due to be published on 4th December so you're getting a sneak peek! Tell…
Read an extract from The Family Home by Lynda Stacey | @LyndaStacey @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks – Portobello Book Blog
Today I'm taking part in the blogtour for The Family Home, the latest psychological thriller from Lynda Stacey. Thanks Rachel's Random Resources for having me as part of the tour. I'm sharing an extract from the book, the very dramatic prologue! I hope this whets your appetite. You'll find more details about the book and…
A Winter Dictionary by Paul Anthony Jones | #nonfiction #winter #bookreview | @paulanthjones @eandtbooks – Portobello Book Blog
As someone who is a real word geek and fascinated by etymology, I've read several of Paul Anthony Jones' books before and am an avid follower of his Haggard Hawks alter-ego on social media. I'm also someone who loves winter and always hopes for snow. So his latest book, A Winter Dictionary, definitely appealed to…
We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey | #festiveromance #romcom #bookreview | @Stormbooks_co – Portobello Book Blog
Well, I just loved We Three Kings! It had me giggling right from the beginning and the smiles didn't stop the whole way through the book. Kristen Bailey really has a knack for witty dialogue! I really liked our four main characters, IT department colleagues stuck in a dingy basement. Although they've worked together for…
The Death at the Vineyard by Emylia Hall | #audiobook #bookreview | @emyliahall @amazonpub – Portobello Book Blog
I love The Shell House Detectives series from Emylia Hall and have recently been listening avidly to the audiobook expertly narrated by Kristin Atherton. The Death at the Vineyard is the fourth in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The series is so good though that I think you'll want to…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions with Sue Roberts #author of The Village Christmas Party | @bookouture @SueRobertsautho – Portobello Book Blog
Well it's already our last Festive spotlight for November and so we've heard about seven fantastic festove books in various genres. Today my 8th guest is Sue Roberts whose latest novel is The Village Christmas Party. I've been reading lots of great reviews of this one - it sounds fabulous! Tell me three things about…
#BookSpotlight: The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang | #historicalfiction | @JaneYangWriting @BooksSphere | #TheLotusShoes #bookpost – Portobello Book Blog
I recently received this stunning early copy of The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang. Huge thanks to Gabriella at Little, Brown for sending a copy my way. My photograph does not do the book with its shiny gold foil details justice at all! The Lotus Shoes is Jane Yang's debut novel set in 19th century…
WWW Wednesday 27th November 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I can't believe this is the last week of November already - this year has flown past! I'm currently (finally!) reading The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen for my book group on Friday night. I've left it rather to the last minute! I'm also reading The Wicked of…
Top Ten Tuesday 26th November 2024: Things I’m Thankful For | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog – Portobello Book Blog
This week's topic: Thankful/Thanksgiving Freebie It's Thanksgiving this Thursday in America so Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers! The topic this week is a thanksgiving/thankful freebie. I have chosen five things I'm thankful for and two books to go with each category. The books may have the word in the title or one of…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Helena Dixon #author of Murder in New York | @NellDixon @Bookouture – Portobello Book Blog
Today's guest author Helena Dixon is answering my #ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions about her latest novel Murder in New York which is set over the festive period. I do like that stylish cover! Tell me THREE things about your latest book 1. Murder in New York is set, rather obviously, in New York. However, this is…
#BookWeekScotland – some Scottish book recommendations for @BookWeekScot @scottishbktrust – Portobello Book Blog
It's the end of Book Week Scotland, a week long celebration of books and reading with events having taken place all across the country. I was at a fantastic event at my local bookshop on Wednesday where the wonderful Jackie Kay was in conversation about the pleasures of reading with Philippa Cochrane from the Scottish…
#ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions with Peter Taylor-Gooby #author of The Immigrant Queen | @MatadorBooks @PeterT_G – Portobello Book Blog
Taking a brief break from the Festive #ThreeTwoOne features to focus on The Immigrant Queen by Peter Taylor-Gooby today. The Immigrant Queen is due to be published next week on 28th November. Over to Peter to tell us more. Tell me THREE things about your latest book It’s a true story – the remarkable and…
Edinburgh: Our Storied Town by Donald Smith | #nonfiction #edinburgh #history #bookreview | @lovebookstours @kellyalacey @LuathPress – Portobello Book Blog
When I was offered the opportunity to take part in the book tour for Edinburgh: Our Storied Town, I jumped at the chance. As someone who is Edinburgh born and bred, I know my city to be full of stories and couldn't wait to find out more! Huge thanks to Kelly Love Books Tours for…
Escape for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley | #bookreview | @RandomTTours @PenguinUKBooks @PhillipaAshley – Portobello Book Blog
You'd think someone who used to run a year-round Christmas shop and who has cats called Jingle and Belle would absolutely adore Christmas wouldn't you? Well, Sophie used to until her relationship fell apart spectacularly at Christmas. She's built a new life for herself running Sunnyside Guest House in the Lake District and decides to…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Lisa Darcy #author of Christmas Actually | @BloodhoundBook @LisaDarcyAuthor – Portobello Book Blog
Today's festive #ThreeTwoOne takes place in Australia so it's a summer based story not winter like most of the other books I've been featuring. Lisa Darcy is answering my questions about her novel Christmas Actually. Tell me THREE things about your latest book Summer: A hot Australian summer, where even the rich and glamorous…
WWW Wednesday 20th November 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I'm just finishing off Edinburgh: Our Storied Town for my spot on the blogtour on Friday. My Kindle read is We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey. I'm not loving my current audiobook Lovelight Farms by BK Borison but I know it's been hugely popular so I'm sticking with it for…
Top Ten Tuesday 19th November 2024: Ten Books of Christmas | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog #10BooksOfChristmas – Portobello Book Blog
I'm combining two different challenges this week: Top Ten Tuesday and Ten Books of Christmas This week's topic: Ten Books of Christmas As I mentioned above, I'm combining Top Ten Tuesday (but not sticking to this week's theme) with the Twenty Books of Christmas Reading Challenge hosted by Jodie @ That Happy Reader. Since many publishers…
The Real Mackay by Helen Graham | #LBThistorical #bookreview #Edinburgh #theatre | @HEGrahamWriter @MatadorBooks @LoveBooksTours @KellyALacey – Portobello Book Blog
At the start of Book Week Scotland it seems appropriate to feature a book by a Scottish author about a real Scottish historical figure who happens to be her ancestor. I'm pleased to be re-sharing my review for The Real MacKay by Helen Graham today as part of the booktour organised by Kelly Lacey. Helen…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Rita Herron #author of The Ice Sisters | @Bookouture @RitaHerron – Portobello Book Blog
For today's festive #ThreeTwoOne I'm joined by author Rita Herron. She's talking about her wintry thriller The Ice Sisters, the latest in her Detective Ellie Reeves series. TELL ME THREE THINGS ABOUT YOUR BOOK The Ice Sisters is an intense, suspenseful read which brings you back to the world of Detective Ellie Reeves. This story…
Great British Bake Off Challenge #booktag #bookchallenge #BakeOff 🍰🎂🥞 – Portobello Book Blog
I saw on Joanna's blog (Over The Rainbow Book Blog) that she had taken part in a Great British Bake Off Challenge. I absolutely love this programme so I just had to join in! Before I watched it I couldn't see the attraction in watching people bake but it's a brilliant programme. I get so…
Hope Never Knew Horizon by Douglas Bruton | #bookreview | @PressTaproot – Portobello Book Blog
Having read a wonderful review of Hope Never Knew Horizon from fellow blogger Mairead - you can read that here - I was delighted to accept a copy when the author Douglas Bruton got in touch. The book comprises three stories told in alternate chapters which are all linked in some way by hope. One…
Celebrating 25 novels from Sue Moorcroft! Spotlight on The Christmas Promise | @SueMoorcroft @rararesources @AvonBooksUK – Portobello Book Blog
With huge apologies to Rachel and Sue for this being late (it's been a bit of a week!), I am delighted to be taking part of the celebrations marking 25 novels by Sue Moorcroft. I unfailingly enjoy Sue's books and it's a privilege to be part of this special celebration. Last week I reviewed her…
The Viscount and The Thief by Emma Orchard | #regencyromance #bookreview | @rararesources @EmmaOrchardB @BoldwoodBooks – Portobello Book Blog
I saw Emma Orchard when she was taking part in a panel on Regency Romance at the Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival earlier this year. It was so interesting hearing how her love of she Georgette Heyer's books were the inspiration for her own writing. I hadn't read any of her books before so when I…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Kirsty Ferry #author of Mirrors of the Past | @Kirsty_Ferry @JoffeBooks @ChocLituk – Portobello Book Blog
Joining me today is one of my favourite authors, Kirsty Ferry. I haven't managed to fit in her latest book so I'm pleased she's agreed to tell us a bit about Mirrors of the Past today through my #ThreeTwoOne questions. Tell me THREE things about your latest book Mirrors of the Past is book five…
WWW Wednesday 13th November 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I'm reading The Viscount and the Thief by Emma Orchard which is for my spot on the blog tour on Friday. I've just started listening to Lovelight Farms by BK Borison. I'm rather late to the party with this one as I know it's been a social media sensation! What…
A Little Place in Prague by Julie Caplin | #romanticfiction #bookreview | @JulieCaplin @0neMoreChapter_ @rararesources – Portobello Book Blog
I'm so pleased to be rounding off the blogtour and sharing my review for A Little Place in Prague by Julie Caplin today. How gorgeous is that cover? Doesn't it make you want to book yourself a winter trip to Prague immediately? And once you've read it, you'll long to go even more! Thanks to…
Top Ten Tuesday 12th November 2024: Destination Titles | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog – Portobello Book Blog
This week's topic: Destination Titles This week's topic was suggested by Rachel @ Sunny Side and it's destination titles. In other words, titles with the names of places in them which can be real or fictional. I really enjoyed looking back through my books to choose my ten books this week. I decided to choose…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Donna Ashcroft #author of A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands | @Bookouture @Donnashc – Portobello Book Blog
Joining me today to answer my #ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions about her festive novel A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands is author Donna Ashcroft. I love the snowy scene on the front cover - makes me hope once again for a white Christmas! Tell me THREE things about your latest book My book includes elements…
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore | #bookreview | @0neMoreChapter_ – Portobello Book Blog
The Dream Harbor book series has been everywhere on social media but for some reason up till now, I hadn't got around to reading it. When I noticed the first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Café, was available to borrow through my Amazon Prime membership, I thought it was a good opportunity to…
A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft | #romanticfiction #bookreview and #giveaway | @SueMoorcroft @rararesources @AvonBooksUK – Portobello Book Blog
I'm delighted to be taking part in the blogtour for A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft. This is Sue's 25th book which is amazing - congratulations Sue! Sue visited the blog on publication day to take part in my Festive #ThreeTwoOne feature - you can read that here. And next week I'll be…
Living Is A Problem by Doug Johnstone | #crimefiction #Edinburgh #bookreview #Skelfaholic | @OrendaBooks – Portobello Book Blog
The Skelf women Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah have been through a lot in the last five books of this series and Doug Johnstone isn't letting them have an easy life in Living Is a Problem either. If you haven't read any of the books (first of all, why not?) then you need to know that…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Sue Moorcroft #author of A Skye Full of Stars | @SueMoorcroft @AvonBooksUK – Portobello Book Blog
Today I'm delighted to welcome a favourite author Sue Moorcroft to answer my #ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions about her festive novel A Skye Full of Stars (yes, I'm singing the Coldplay song too!). This is the second book in Sue's Skye Sisters series and I'm on the blog tour for it on Saturday so watch out…
The Sea House by Louise Douglas | #bookreview | @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks @LouiseDouglas3 – Portobello Book Blog
The Sea House is the third in a series set in Brittany in the seaside town of Morranez, featuring the Toussaints detective agency. I haven't read the first two but it didn't stop me enjoying this book immensely. I now want to go back and read the others to find out more about Mila and…
WWW Wednesday 6th November 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I started my first Christmas read of the year last night, A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft. Sue will be my guest tomorrow on my Festive #ThreeTwoOne feature then I'll be reviewing the book on Saturday. I'm still listening to the latest Shell House detectives book, The Death…
Top Ten Tuesday 5th November 2024: Books with trees on the cover | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog – Portobello Book Blog
This week's topic: Books with trees on the cover This week Jana has asked us to come up with ten books with a particular item on the cover and we could choose whatever item we liked. I would have loved to have chosen books with fireworks on the cover since it's Bonfire Night but could…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Michelle Vernal #author of Saving Christmas at the Little Irish Village | @Bookouture @MichelleVernal – Portobello Book Blog
Yes it's that time of year where my #ThreeTwoOne feature turns festive and for the next 8 weeks or so I'll be chatting with authors about their festive releases. Kicking us off today is author Michelle Vernal whose new book is Saving Christmas at the Little Irish Village. Tell me THREE things about your latest…
#ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Alice May #author of The Mid-life Trials of Annabeth Hope | @rararesources @AliceMay_Author – Portobello Book Blog
This is one of the last regular #ThreeTwoOne features this year before I move to the festive edition next week. Today Alice Hope is answering my questions about her latest book, The Mid-life Trials of Annabeth Hope. Thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for having me as part of the tour. Tell me THREE…
#6Degrees of Separation for November 2024: from Intermezzo by Sally Rooney to The Lighthouse Bookshop by Sharon Gosling – Portobello Book Blog
I haven't read the starting book this month, Intermezzo by Sally Rooney, but it led me to think immediately of another book with the word intermezzo in the title. Coda, Fantaisie and an Intermezzo is by a local author Grahame Howard and includes three short stories which are all connected by music. Music leads me…