I've managed to have a really good reading month in July - I may have added quite a few books to my shelves through library checkouts and ebook deals but I've read 10 books and really enjoyed most of them.
I feel like July has been the month of discovering Kate Morton - I've read three of her books this month and absolutely loved all of them. They've all received a 5 star rating from me which speaks for itself. I've absolutely adored the blend of mystery, history and Morton's exceptional writing. I have found myself so wrapped up in the worlds of each book, and considering none of them are short, I've flown through them.
Here are all the books I've read this month with the star rating I've given them:
1. The Evidence Against You - Gillian McAllister
5 stars
One of my favourite authors, this one didn't disappoint. She's also one of my favourite authors to follow on social media - her Instagram stories are a joy to watch! See more of my thoughts
here on Goodreads.
2. The Lake House - Kate Morton
5 stars
As already mentioned, it was an absolute pleasure to be finally acquainted with one of Kate Morton's books. It was also the first time I realised how much she can break my heart.
3. Nine Perfect Strangers - Liane Moriarty
3 stars
Liane Moriarty is one of my go to authors - I've read all her books apart from one, and normally I love everything she writes. With this one, however, I was left disappointed, and I think it never stings more than when it happens with one of your most-loved authors. You can read more of my thoughts
here on Goodreads.
4. A Gift for Dying - M.J. Arlidge
5 stars
I'm a huge fan of Arlidge's Helen Grace series, so I was definitely intrigued by his first standalone novel. I'll admit, I went into this hesitantly. I really didn't need to worry though - it was fantastic. Full of Arlidge's perfect pacing and dark storytelling that I've come to know him for, but with a bit of a twist. He's proving himself to be an author I will always have my eye out for what he's writing next.
5. Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessican Knoll
3 stars
This was another I went into hesitantly this month. On Goodreads it seems to have very mixed reviews, but I found myself sat in the middle with it. I found it quite entertaining and it did keep me interested but I wasn't in love with it. I was left wanting a bit more from the ending - it seemed to just end and I was left wondering if I'd missed something, or wasn't picking up on some subtle hints. However, it did have some unexpected turns earlier in the book that made me a lot more invested in the characters.
6. Anything You Do Say - Gillian McAllister
5 stars
Another fantastic book from this author. This one dealt with two timelines that follow two different decisions the main character could make after she pushes a man who was following her down some steps. You see the different outcomes unfold and the impact both decisions could make on her life. Just like Gillian McAllister's other books, this was a thriller with heart. She writes such moving words, all tied up in a pacy plot. I have just one more of Gillian's books to read before I'm all caught-up with her current publications, and I'm positive I will love it just as much as her others.
7. The Clockmaker's Daughter - Kate Morton
5 stars
My second Kate Morton of the month, and her newest release. This follows many characters whose stories interweave in ways you don't always see coming - in what I'm finding to be classic Kate Morton style. I loved this just as much as The Lake House, and I'm so excited to be finding my way through her other titles.
8. Good Me, Bad Me - Ali Land
5 stars
This blew me away - I picked this up at the library because I'd seen it around the internet, and when I read the blurb I was immediately intrigued. I'm so glad this lived up to everything I thought it would be. More of my thoughts are
here on Goodreads.
9. The Temp - Michelle Francis
4 stars
I haven't read Michelle's first book, The Girlfriend, but I definitely plan to now. This was very entertaining, and I loved seeing the insights into a TV production career. If you're looking for a lighter thriller/suspense novel then this would be a great pick.
10. The House at Riverton - Kate Morton
5 stars
So I ended the month on an absolute high - this was Kate Morton's debut which I can hardly believe! It's so well-written and deftly plotted, I think this might even be my favourite so far. Like the description reads - it's perfect for fans of Downton Abbey (one of my all-time favourite shows). I love how Morton delves so deeply into the character's lives - they are all so complex and detailed. When you're getting to point where the mysteries are coming together and you're working things out, you're so invested in these characters that you feel everything along with them. I truly cannot wait to read the other three books currently in publication.
I read some truly amazing books this month! Here's hoping August has the same in store.
What was one of your favourites this month?
