Portobello Book Blog

And finally I can reveal the two books I’ve read this year which are my absolute favourites and I have been recommending to people ever since I read them. First of all, and this will come as no surprise to anyone I’m sure, is Patrick Gale’s wonderful Take Nothing With You. I am a huge … More #TopReads2018 – My top two of the year – Patrick Gale @pnovelistgale @tinderpress and Fionnuala Kearney @fionnualatweets @fictionpubteam

Getting close to the end of my round-up of my twenty favourite books of the year. Today I have two books which were very emotional to read. This is not the first time that Louise Beech has appeared on my Top Reads recommendations and this book I think is her best yet. So far anyway, … More #TopReads2018 Louise Beech @LouiseWriter @OrendaBooks and @ShariLow @aria_fiction

We’re getting nearer to the end of my Top Reads list for 2018 and my next two choices are both books where loss was significant in different ways for the main characters.  The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes is full of memorable characters, many of whom have endured great loss and sadness in their lives. … More #TopReads2018 @ruthmariehogan @tworoadsbooks and @Sophiestenduffy @legend_press

Well, first of all can I just say how much I love that stunning snowy Edinburgh Castle cover by Mark Blackadder? Inside are four short stories, perfect coffee break reading, all very different but all reflecting a love of Edinburgh and all, of course, set in the festive season. The first story is Christmas Witches  … More Capital Christmas Stories by Kate Blackadder, Jane Riddell, Anne Stenhouse and Jennifer Young @reekiewriters

Choices 13 and 14 in my Top Reads list for 2018 see me choosing a book set very close to home, right down to the main character using my local Chinese takeaway, and one set very far away. All The Hidden Truths was a gripping book set in the aftermath of a fatal college shooting … More #TopReads2018 Claire Askew @onenightstanzas @hodderbooks and @Isabelle_Broom @michaeljbooks