Portobello Book Blog

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading Rebecca Ryan’s My Extra-Ordinary Life for a blogtour next week. I met Rebecca at the Team BATC showcase in November and heard her reading from this, her debut novel. I’m really enjoying it so far.

Have you ever wondered how normal you are? 
What if you were perfectly average? 
More than anyone else. 

For Emily – it’s true. When she watches a documentary on the average human she sees her life. Her job, her hair, her favourite food. All of her – plainly, horrifically average. Even her blood group. Right there and then, she decides she wants more. 

She’ll travel the world (i.e. venture out of her hometown)

She’ll become a vegan (it’s interesting to hate cheese, right?) 

She’ll do something daring (As long as it’s safety tested) 

Nothing will stand in the way of Emily living her best life. Not even Josh and his dimples. Because she absolutely can’t fall in love… that would be too ordinary. 

And from now on, Emily is going to be extraordinary. 

What have you finished reading?

The last book I finished was Milly Johnson’s latest, Together Again, which is about three sisters brought back to the family home following the death of their mother. I’ll be reviewing it on Friday so won’t say much here except that it was a great way to start off my new reading year.

Sisters Jolene, Marsha and Annis have convened at their beautiful family home, Fox House, following the death of their mother, the tricky Eleanor Vamplew. Born seven years apart, the women are more strangers than sisters.

Jolene, the eldest, is a successful romantic novelist who writes about beautiful relationships even though her own marriage to the handsome and charming Warren is complicated.

Marsha, the neglected middle child, has put all of her energy into her work, hoping money will plug the gap in her life left by the man who broke her young heart.

Annis is the renegade, who left home aged sixteen and never returned, not even for the death of their beloved father Julian. Until now.

So when the sisters discover that their mother has left everything to Annis in her will, it undermines everything they thought they knew. Can saying their final goodbyes to Eleanor bring them together again?

Together, Again is the story of truths uncovered and lies exposed, of secrets told – and kept. It is a novel about sister helping sister to heal from childhood scars and finding in each other support, forgiveness, courage and love.

What will you read next?

Nest up is Jane Lovering’s forthcoming novel, There’s No Place Like Home. It’s due out next week when I’ll be reviewing as part of the blogtour. I see it’s currently just £1.89 to pre-order the Kindle edition. I am a big fan of Jane’s writing quirky, warm and emotional writing so really looking forward to this one.

Isabel, Izzy to her friends, has got nothing left to lose when she makes the bravest decision of her life. 

A month living under canvas on the Yorkshire Moors with five strangers wouldn’t normally be her idea of a good time, even if there is prize money to be won at the end of it, but she’s all out of options.

Joining her in this wild goose chase, being filmed for a TV show, are farmer Seb, whose marriage is creaking but who is desperate not to lose his family. Sheltered Ruth who needs an opportunity to show she can make her own decisions. Glamorous socialite Kanga, who has been living a lie. American Junior who has his own secret that has led him there. And last but not least, mysterious and brooding Mac, who Izzy can’t help but be drawn to.

As the fickleness of nature tests them all to their limits, this disparate group come together to face the challenge. But when Izzy finally tells them the truth that has brought her out on the Moors, will that be the end of their adventure, or the beginning of her future? Because what Izzy really needs is a place to call home, and someone to share it with could be even better…

So that’s WWW Wednesday complete. Have you read any of these books? Do any catch your fancy? Let me know in the comments and if you take part yourself, pop a link to your post in the comments too. I do like to see what everyone is reading!