First of all I’d like to thank all of you for taking the time to look at my blog posts over the past year, and for retweeting them. I wish all of you a 2021 full of hope, success, great books and above all good health!

I reviewed 5 books in December – 1 thriller, 1 memoir,  1 romance with oomph and 2 historical novels (1950s and 60s).  Below is a little information on each of them, for my full review, follow the links, or go direct to EmmabBooks.com

My Name is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde

This is the 4th book that I have read by this author and, as usual with this author, I found myself fully involved with the main character, Anton.  The novel follows Anton from the age of 18 (in 1965) until he is in his 70’s, through his loves and traumas and his positive and not so good times.    

A book that I found great “in the moment” reading. The Book Club Questions at the end will certainly bring about lively and interesting discussions.

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Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

A courtroom thriller which I listened to as an audiobook, and which kept me guessing right up to the end.   Two sisters, but which of them is the murderer?  Part of a series, so I felt I missed out by not having met some of the characters before.  Still a great stand alone read. 

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The Cat with Three Passports by CJ Fentiman

The only book I gave a 5* rating to this month. 

Quite a short memoir (under 300 pages), but I found it completely wonderful.  CJ Fentiman moves to Japan to teach, and tells her story of living there in an uplifting, fascinating way.  There is even suspense, and of course a few cats. 

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The Man I Loved Before by Anna Mansell

Another audiobook listen for me.  This is a romance with a kick.  The main character is upbeat, chatty and fun, and still getting over her ex-boyfriend.  Then she meets up with an old school friend, romance blossoms and all is perfect – or maybe not. 

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The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins

A novel (published before her best selling novel American Dirt) about Christy, a 12 year old boy, who is part of a Irish Travelling family, and his hopes and dreams.  Set around 1959 this is an enjoyable read, with mystery and a big twist. 

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 Wishing you all the best for 2021.  Emma