What I’ve been reading lately

Last year, I set myself a challenge to read a book a month, and I managed to do it. I then fell in love with reading again, as my Instagram following will know. I mean, I read to Alfie every evening, but never really made time for myself, let alone to read. We have kept our two reading nights a week, which I love – just sitting in bed with no screen time.

I have the biggest pile of books on my bedside table. This hero image is an old one, there are now two piles of six books I need to get through. But I literally cannot help but buy more. Recommendations on Insta are usually pretty good, as well as new authors that I have ended up loving.

I’m currently reading The Holiday by TM Logan. But what else have I been reading lately?

The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary

Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they're crazy, but it's the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy's at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.

I was so late to jump on the bandwagon with this book, and I can categorically say it IS worth the hype. If you’ve not read it yet, you won’t regret it. I love an easy read, and not only was this one – it was one I was unable to put down.

Written from the points of view of the two main characters, Tiffy and Leon, each chapter alternates between the two, explaining their stories and situations and just like that, you feel as though you know them. It’s enthralling and it’s this back-and-forth that has you hooked – forever wanting to know what will happen next.

And it wasn’t completely predictable. There were twists and surprises, and characters arriving unexpectedly. I was gripped. At the end of the novel, there was a teaser for the next book – The Switch – and I just couldn’t help but purchase it right away.

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

Ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, Leena escapes to her grandmother Eileen's house for some overdue rest. Newly single and about to turn eighty, Eileen would like a second chance at love. But her tiny Yorkshire village doesn't offer many eligible gentlemen... So Leena proposes a solution: a two-month swap. Eileen can live in London and look for love, and Leena will look after everything in rural Yorkshire.

Much like The Flat Share, The Switch ‘switched’ between the two main characters, Eileen, and her granddaughter Leena (also an Eileen!). I have to admit, this wasn’t as exciting as the previous book, in the way that I could put this down. It was quite slow-going to begin with and didn’t have me hooked early on. But when the drama hit, it was compelling.

I love the way that Beth writes, it’s that easy style, but makes you feel like you have a connection with the characters, as you get sucked into their lives. There are moments I found relatable, while I think I felt every emotion – sometimes I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!

The Catch by TM Logan

The doting father – Ed finally meets his daughter's boyfriend for the first time. Smart, successful and handsome, Ryan appears to be a real catch. Then Abbie announces their plan to get married. The perfect fiancé – There's just one problem. Ed thinks Ryan is lying to them. Who would you believe? All of Ed's instincts tell him his daughter is in terrible danger - but no-one else can see it. With the wedding date approaching fast, Ed sets out to uncover Ryan's secrets, before it's too late…

I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever read a thriller. It’s not that I’m not into them, it’s just that I’ve always read easy-reads (the kind you take on holiday), chick lit and other trashy titles. I mean I’m not fussy, I just know what I like. But I received this book in a monthly subscription box and heard good things.

And wow, it’s a thriller alright! I was well and truly gripped almost immediately. I simply couldn’t put it down because each chapter left you wanting more – so many cliff-hangers or unanswered questions. I just needed to know what was going to happen next.

While it didn’t end in the way that I expected or wanted, I still enjoyed it regardless. So much so, I went online and purchased The Holiday – and here we are. I’ll definitely look to read more by TM Logan in the future!

Even though I have so many books to get through, I’m always after recommendations – so drop me a message on an Instagram, or any of my other social channels. I’m always up for reading some new – or unexpected.

What are you reading at the moment?

Love, Lucy xx