In February I sort of fell off the reading my own books challenge, but as a result I was introduced to some wonderful stories and so all feels good in my little reading corner. I read superb thrillers, moving memoirs and returned to one of my first reading loves, fantasy.
Review books
The Forcing by Paul E Hardisty
It is utterly compelling, grimly plausible and terrifying because of this. A Government of youth, angry at the mess made of the world, takes power in North America, forcing everyone over a certain age into exile, in an attempt to save the earth from total disaster. When we watch the news and see the mess we are making of our world and the protests by young people like Greta Thunberg, it doesn’t take a massive leap of imagination to envision that events in The Forcing, could one day become our reality, or more likely for the generations that follow us.
Expectant by Vanda Symon
There is something innately comforting about returning to a character and a familiar series of books! Like cwtching up with a hot drink, sunk into your very favourite chair. The Sam Shephard series is one of those books, for which any other plans are dropped and the world outside ceases to exist. All that matters is the words and the story. Don’t misinterpret this to suggest that it is a cosy drama, it isn’t, but it is consistently welcoming and both the characters and story are compulsive and engaging. The minute I open the page, I know that me and Sam Shepherd are going to face danger, navigate tricky relationships and face evil.
The Space Between Us by Doug Johnstone
The Space Between Us by Doug Johnstone is an extraordinary novel about friendship and the power of connection. The first contact between a teenager, a grieving mother with cancer, a pregnant women fleeing abuse and an alien race. That all sounds very Sci Fi and there is nothing wrong with that, but it’s not a book that will just appeal to fans of this genre, but to readers all types, because stories about friendship are universal.
Love and Care by Shaun Deeney
Love and Care is a beautiful story not just about his love for his mother, but the love others had for him and her. Not just an account of the challenges they faced, but the rewards they gained. Caring is an immense act of generosity, of love and Shaun Deeney writes about it with humour and veracity.
Books from my own bookshelf
The House on the Cerulean Sea by T J Klune
This is without a doubt one of my very favourite books this year and saw me return to one of my first reading loves, fantasy. It is also a love story and a tale about friendship, new chances and acceptance.
Seed to Dust by Marc Hamer
This is a book about finding peace in the natural world around you and it is written by an author with the soul of a poet. It a meditation on how to live with less and yet still feel whole.
I am looking forward to March and reading exclusively from my books. The first time in many many months.
booksaremycwtches 
Even if only two were from your own TBR, there are some good books there! Not a bad reading month at all but I hope you enjoy your reading freedom to the fullest in March. Happy Reading!
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Thank you xx
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