I’m going on a Blog Break! PLUS a look at some exceptional reads of 2017…

Posted in Other News & Features by Little Bookness Lane

BLOG BREAK ALERT!

Given the title of this post I can’t imagine it would take Sherlock Holmes to deduce its content! Yes, I’m planning to divert my attention away from Little Bookness Lane for a while.

Due to existing commitments with my day job, and also after experiencing some minor (but majorly annoying) health problems, it’s my intention to take an extended blog vacation.

Although today is the start of my official blog and Twitter holiday it goes without saying that I’ll still be reading and visiting Goodreads from time to time, I just won’t be excavating the caverns of my already depleted brain to try and forge something vaguely resembling a blog review!

Talking of reviews, you can read my thoughts here for the final ARC on my TBR that has been waiting to make its appearance on the blog. I’ve also contacted as many publishers as I can think of to divert possible #bookmail away from my shelves (never expected, but hugely appreciated). Have no fear, all reviews will be posted to Amazon UK on their respective publication dates as promised.

As for all those marvellous books sitting on my own TBR pile? Well, I’ve got all the time in the world…

A QUICK THANK YOU

I honestly can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness and generous support since starting this little blog back on 1st March 2015. I have been granted early access to some amazing titles and “met” some smashing people along the way.

I’d love to mention people individually but I’m afraid I’ll miss someone out! So big hugs to every reader, blogger, sharer, re-tweeter, follower, visitor, publisher and author. THANK YOU xxx

JUST BEFORE I SIGN OFF…

It’s been a wonderful year for great books already. So, before I 🎵 pack up my troubles in my tote book bag 🎵 I’d like to share a few of my exceptional reads of 2017. The ‘chosen ones’ have either been published or simply discovered this year and I have no hesitation in ~~hugging~~ recommending them to everyone I meet.

Here goes – in no particular order …

SWIMMING LESSONS by Claire Fuller

Published by Penguin / Fig Tree on 26th January 2017

“Swimming Lessons has a distinctive grace – the enchanting quality of such exquisite writing is nothing short of an emotional ambush. It’s so tragically beautiful, flawless, magnificent even, I’m confident that when the cover is closed all of the words must huddle together in the dark to comfort each other.”

(Click on the cover to read my full review)

DEEP DOWN DEAD by Steph Broadribb

Published by Orenda on 5th January 2017 [Paperback]

“Seriously, how outrageously good is Deep Down Dead?! It buzzes with an intensity that’s so feverish by the time I’d finished reading I’d forgotten how to blink….

What. A. Ride.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

GREATEST HITS by Laura Barnett

Published by W&N Books (Orion) on 15th June 2017

“It’s confirmed. Laura Barnett is a storytelling virtuoso, and I feel blessed to have Greatest Hits sitting on my bookshelf. This glorious melody of words and lyrics will take you by the heart and walk you through a sublime pilgrimage to heal a soul.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

THE SONG OF THE STORK by Stephan Collishaw

Published by Legend Press on 1st March 2017

“Distinctive, memorable and poignant. How such a slim volume can pack this much emotional punch, I have no idea. Its vivid, life-shattering horrors seized a little more of my heart with every passing chapter.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

THE NIGHT BROTHER by Rosie Garland

Published by The Borough Press on 1st August 2017

“Once again I find myself lost in the reverie of Rosie Garland’s exquisite writing. Extraordinarily enchanting, The Night Brother’s emotional bounty caresses each page to boldly pursue the trials that can divide and conquer…

All that remains is for me to offer a thunderous round of applause for what is simply an expressive, breath-taking wonder.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

THE RED NOTEBOOK by Antoine Laurain

Published by Gallic Books on 2nd March 2015 [Read in 2017]

“The Red Notebook is a thoroughly delightful and uplifting book and I could have happily have spent more time in its company. Wonderful!”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

SOCKPUPPET by Matthew Blakstad

Published by Hodder Books on 26th January 2017 [Paperback]

“I consumed this addictive book in one deliriously awesome sitting, it was that good.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

THE CONSTANT SOLDIER by William Ryan

Published by PanMacmillan on 1st June 2017 [Paperback]

“Feel the partisans’ breath on your neck, the boot of an SS guard, and the rattle of the window panes as an underestimated opponent grows near – then feel the impression The Constant Soldier will leave on you.

HIGHLY (& ABSOLUTELY) RECOMMENDED.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

BROADCAST by Liam Brown

Published by Legend Press on 15th September 2017

“A streaming theatre without the prospect of an intermission becomes mind-cabaret for the masses, an innovation giving new meaning to the phrase ‘airing’ your thoughts.

Not only is this book highly imaginative, it’s also one of my favourite reads this year.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

BLAME by Paul Read

Published by Legend Press on 15th April 2017

“Blame opens the door to the agony of life and invites its caustic and destructive challenges in. It’s so astutely written that have no hesitation in highly recommending it.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)

THE CHALK MAN by C J Tudor

Published by Michael Joseph in January 2018

Reviewed today:

“The Chalk Man is highly compelling, the ordeals utterly convincing, and its delivery so captivating I was going nowhere until I had drained the words from every page.

It’s awesome, and then some.”

(Click on the cover to read my review)