Devotion by Hannah Kent was released about three weeks ago. I had been waiting impatiently all year for its release, so made a special trip into town, to pick up a copy. I have this thing, where I can’t go into a book shop and come out with just one book. Without fail, I always come out with a pile. It’s rare that I go into a book shop these days, as I buy most of my books online, or borrow them from the library. I feel quite ashamed to admit this, as I’d love to be more of a support to authors, but I really can’t justify the ridiculously high prices of books in Australia.
I have to say though, that there is nothing like the joy of browsing in a real bricks and mortar book store. That day, that I excitedly collected my copy of Devotion, was no different. Before I knew it, three other new releases had jumped into my arms. I paid the huge prices for them, and I was leaving the store with a big smile. Yes, I could have bought all four books much more cheaply online, but this time I was craving the joy of the book store. I’ve since read three of those four books, and am saving the fourth, The Three Sisters by Heather Morris. I just know it’s going to be a special read and I’d like to look at it and wonder for a while before diving into it
Monthly Highlights
This month, I’ve read seven books and listened to six audio books. The highlights are listed below.
Hannah Kent’s third book didn’t disappoint at all. Perhaps I’m biased as for me, her first two books, Burial Rites and The Good People, were unforgettable and I gave them both 5 stars. Devotion is historical fiction, as were the first two books, but it is totally different. Devotion is a love story with a difference and with a little fantasy thrown in. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trent Dalton set up a fold up table, two chairs and an old Olivetti Typewriter in a mall in Brisbane, and asked passers by ” Can you please tell me a love story”. He had a sign on the table “Sentimental writer collecting love stories. Do you have one to share?” How could I resist? Some of the writing in this book is the most beautiful I’ve ever read, and I couldn’t resist reading sentences over and over. However, not all love stories are happy stories and I was brought to tears more than once. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Wild Place is the third novel for Christian White. I really loved the first two, but was a bit disappointed by this book. It’s a crime story, that had enough going on, to keep me interested, but I felt it was nothing out of the ordinary. Christian White is well known for the unexpected twists in his first two novels, The Nowhere Child and The Wife and the Widow, so I had huge expectations for this story, and was waiting for the twist which didn’t come. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is Ann Cleeves second book, in the Matthew Venn series. I read the first and really enjoyed it, so was pleased to see the second on my audio book app. Set in Devon, this is the story of Detective Matthew Venn and the cases he has to solve. I’ve only recently come to reading Ann Cleeves novels, as I don’t read much crime. She now has me hooked, as her books that I’ve read so far, have been believable crime stories, with great characters, mystery and suspense. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Other Bookish News
In other bookish news, I have joined a book challenge for 2021, which is quite exciting. More to come on that later. Of course, I will still be joining the Goodreads Challenge for 2022. Happily, I’m only two books off reaching my Goodreads reading challenge target of 75 books. I really didn’t think I’d make it this year, so I’m very pleased to reach it in November. I’m planning on reading Christmas books in December so would appreciate any suggestions you have. I can’t think of a modern day Christmas book I’ve read, that I’ve really enjoyed, so my challenge is to find a few.
Have you read a book that you’ve loved this month? I’d love to hear what it was and promise to reply to all comments.
My November book corner post is linked to the monthly #whatsonyourbookshelf challenge hosted by bloggers Deb, Sue, Donna, and Jo.
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This is a great list of books Jen. Ive asked for Trent’s Love Stories for Christmas so I’m hoping I’ll get it. I’ve been so tempted to just buy it but am holding back! I also enjoy Ann Cleeves books via her TV show Vera and Shetland (I think). I visited a proper bookshop a few weeks ago and had a lovely time too 🙂
I was just looking at the Hannah Kent book yesterday (online) and wondered if I should get it as I have enjoyed her others immensely. Thanks for your reviews, it’s great to see what others are reading and finding new ones to add to my never ending list. Thanks too for joining in with our monthly #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
Hi Deb I’m really interested to read Ann Cleeves Shetland series as I have family history interest in the area. I hope Santa bring Love Stories for you. I’m sure you would enjoy Devotion.
Hi, Jennifer. I love absolutely everything about this post — especially the image of you excitedly walking out of your local bookstore with four new releases in your arms…and a big smile on your face!
I have heard great things about Trent Dalton’s new book and have it on my “Santa, please bring…” list.
I hope Santa bring Love Stories to you Donna. I’m sure you would love it
Hi Jen, thanks for joining the #Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge I love all of the books you have reviewed. I’ve not read Trent Dalton’s books but I did listen to an interview with him about how he wrote Love Stories. I’m a huge fan of detective stories so will definitely be adding the Heron’s Cry to my list. I really overestimated my goal for Goodreads so alas won’t be achieving my target I don’t think. A lesson learned. I’m also starting on my Christmas books to get me in the mood for Christmas. Look forward to you joining us next month.
I’ll look forward to seeing what Christmas books you’ve read Sue.
I’ve been wondering about Hannah Kent’s book so glad to read you gave it 5 thumbs up. My daughter has just read Three Sisters and enjoyed it too. As for Ann Cleeves, I love her Vera and Shetland series but wasn’t aware there was a new (Devon) detective in town too. One for the TBR pile. Thanks for linking up!
I’m keen to get in to the Shetland series as I have some family history there.
I tend to get most of my books from the library too as I read so many I just can not justify spending money on all the books I would need in a year. I’ve already started sprinkling in some cute and cheesy Christmas stories into my reading this month.
I think Christmas books have to be cute and cheesy Joanne
Great going there. I admit I buy physical books for the cheapest price…and so click and collect. I bought Trent’s book way in advance of publication and it is a signed copy. As you probably know I “am” a fan.
I am listening to Love Stories is chapter doses. He has such a way with words, and the content is a mix of emotions so I am taking my time over it.
I am so glad books and reading are a great hobby for you.
Thank you so much for linking up your blog post for Life This Week. I hope to see you next week, for the last of my Taking Stock posts. Do join in, with a post on or off prompt. Denyse.
I’ll definitely read Love Stories again Denyse. I found it quite upsetting at time, which I think you said also.
I hope you share your Christmas reads. I can’t think of very many modern Christmas books either, other than the annual Deathlehem anthology, which is wonderful if you like horror.
I’ll see if I can find Deathlehem Janet. I can handle a bit of horror.
I’ll add Hannah Kent and Ann Cleeves’ books to my TBR list. I’m currently reading Gone by Midnight by Candice Fox, so far so good. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your book suggestions with #weekendcoffeeshare.
Candice Fox is Australian Natalie. She’s a great crime writer.
Those sounds like great books. I love the sound of the one where the author collected love stories. I only seem to manage one book a month. 🙁 I’m currently reading Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah. And the bookshop of yesterdays.
I’m a big fan of Kristen Hannah. I enjoyed the Winter Garden, but really loved The Great Alone. Give it a try if you haven’t already