5 Interesting Books to Read

I am an avid reader. I had bookshelves and e-readers full of unread books and I just keep buying more books. Books are worth the time and money in my opinion. But sadly, although there are so many, so very many books that I want to read, I don’t always have the time to read. Hopefully that changes now that I am no longer wedding planning because as you’re reading this, I am honeymooning. We’ll see, but here are five books I want to read before this crazy year is done.

The Bell by Iris Murdoch

I found this author by total chance in the bookstore, as she is not one I had ever heard of even though she is a rather well known novelist. I found some of her books and I decided to pick one up and that book was The Bell. From the back of the novel,

“Imber Court is a quiet haven for lost souls, a utopia for those who can neither live in the world, nor out of it. But beneath the gentle daily routines of this community run currents of surpressed desire, religious yearning and a legend of disastrous love. Charming, indolent Dora arrives in their midst, and half-unwittingly conjures these submerged things to the surface.”

It sounded interesting, and I’m guessing there is a bit of mystery to this novel, and that definitely intrigues me so my plan is to read this before we ring in 2021.

The Haunting of Hill house by Shirley Jackson

Since watching the series on Netflix, I have been curious about the novel. I have heard its very different from the show, however that is likely a good thing as the book is always better. I do expect it to throw me for a loop though, as I think the Netflix series really departed from a lot of the novel, but again, I think that could be a good thing. From the back of the novel,

“Four seekers have arrived at the rambling old pile known as Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of psychic phenomena; Theodora, his lovely and lighthearted assistant; Luke, the adventurous future inheritor of the estate; and Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman with a dark past. As they begin to cope with chilling, even horrifying occurences beyond their control or understanding, they cannot possibly know what lies ahead. For Hill House is gathering its powers-and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.”

Oh yes, this draws me in BIG TIME. I purchased this novel largely because it is on the reading list of a book club I’m in, and while I don’t usually purchase novels just for the club, I was interested enough in this one to jump at the excuse to buy this novel. I plan to read this in October even if my book club is not reading it that month.

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

So I did read this novel when it was first released, but I want to read it again before I read the sequel. I remember this novel being lyrical and an excellent read, so I am excited to be doing a re-read. From the back,

“All her life, Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, dangerous Goblin King. They’ve enraptured her mind, her spirit, and inspired her musical compositions. Now eighteen and helping to run her family’s inn, Liesl can’t help but feel that her musical dreams and childhood fantasies are slipping away.

But when her own sister is taken by the Goblin King, Liesl has no choice but to journey to the Underground to save her. Drawn to the strange, captivating world she finds—and the mysterious man who rules it—she soon faces an impossible decision. And with time and the old laws working against her, Liesl must discover who she truly is before her fate is sealed.”

Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones

A sequel to Wintersong? Of course I am reading it! I loved Wintersong so much that reading Shadowsong is obviously something I want to do very much. So I hope I can get to both of these very soon, but definitely before this year is over. I love it when a novel makes me feel like I’m ten years old again because it draws me in so utterly that I am transported to an entirely new world. From the back of the novel,

“All her life, Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, dangerous Goblin King. They’ve enraptured her mind, her spirit, and inspired her musical compositions. Now eighteen and helping to run her family’s inn, Liesl can’t help but feel that her musical dreams and childhood fantasies are slipping away.

But when her own sister is taken by the Goblin King, Liesl has no choice but to journey to the Underground to save her. Drawn to the strange, captivating world she finds—and the mysterious man who rules it—she soon faces an impossible decision. And with time and the old laws working against her, Liesl must discover who she truly is before her fate is sealed.”

Hello, Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Lisa Kleypas remains one of my favourite romance authors, and I have been behind in her newest historical romance series for too long now, and I intend to start getting back on track before the new year. That means it is time (soon) to pick up Hello Stranger, the fourth novel in the series. From the back,

“A woman who defies her time

Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.

A man who breaks every rule

As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett’s skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he’s ever known.”

I have been really impressed by this series. I feel it’s a more realistic portrayal of the times than some other novels and I love that the author has matured enough to highlight the norms of the time period that are unpleasant, while still writing some of the best romance novels you can read.

Final Thoughts

I really am keen to get back into reading more often than I do. It’s something I really miss and it’s time to dive back into the books. So look forward to some book reviews in the future *wink wink*

Are there any books you are really looking forward reading? Share in the comments.