My top ten TBC author reads of 2017

As in all good awards(!!) these are in "no particular order".
All have received my "extra" * award- 5**

(as I write this I notice a recurring word in my reviews- hope- maybe my word of the year)

Full reviews of these are on the blog.

1. Over My shoulder-  Patricia Dixon

A story of hope, of positivity against all odds, of fighting for yourself in every way possible, and that domestic abuse doesn't have to be the end. A truly magnificent read.

2. The Boy Inside- Ross Greenwood

This is a very different “crime” novel, in fact it could belong in a different genre. .There is hope against hope, love, laughter and trauma- all as part of one young man’s life. Can he make it through and see the light? A brilliant captivating read.

3. Trust me- Gemma Metcalfe

A story of hope, of people who care. Of the traumas of life and that there is help out there whatever the situation.  Twists and turns that you really don’t  see coming. A tale to remember, a tale to make you think and shed a tear.

4. The Escape- CL Taylor

A book that grabs you from the outset and makes you not want to put it down until the end. Short punchy chapters keep the pace flowing, ever enticing you to read “just one more” (that never is just one!).

5. The One- John Marrs

4 lives, 4 stories, 4 matches. Each one told alternating with the others and every short chapter so well written you just want to know more. A book you can’t put down, a book you want to devour.

6. When you disappeared- John Marrs

John has a talent. A talent for grabbing his reader, captivating them and not letting go. A cleverly thought out brilliantly told tale that you won’t want to put down.

7. Living on a Rainbow- Calvin Wade

You can’t help but love Calvin’s characters and I am sure like me many will be reminded of those we have loved and lost. Written with such warmth that just occasionally a tear was brought to my eye. The depth to the characters oozes through the pages and you could imagine them as a friend or neighbour, so vivid are the pictures painted.

8. Just One Time- KS Hunter

Sit on the edge of your seat and prepare for the ride! This is a slightly disturbing tale that makes you rather uneasy. This is so well written you feel that it could happen to anyone- couldn’t it?

9. The End of Lies- Andrew Barrett

Do not read this book…… unless you want to be gripped from the go, spun around a few times and thrown completely off course. Think of one of those rides, say at a well known American theme park (see ch16) . You sit in a comfortable seat, feel relaxed and then wonder what on earth happened when you finally come back down to earth. Wow!

10 Lucy's Book Club for the Lost and Found- Emma Davies

This is an engaging cast of characters and some serious themes are addressed along the way. Somehow through skillful writing you end up caring for the characters and share with their emotions both up and down. This is so much more than “just another lighthearted read”. It made me laugh , it made me cry, and it made me think.  A book with a smile and a message of hope and positivity. A treasure of a book that rarely comes along.