Alba in bookland: My 2018 Favourite Books

One Day in December, Josie Silver's debut novel, is vert special love story about what happens after you meet, or rather, don't meet the one. A story that completely captivated me, and here is why:

Title: One Day in December

Author: Josie Silver

Published: October 18th 2018 by Penguin

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic...and then her bus drives away.

Certain they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It's Jack, the man from the bus. It would be.

What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered. One Day in December is a joyous, heartwarming and immensely moving love story to escape into and a reminder that fate takes inexplicable turns along the route to happiness.

Review: One Day in December is the kind of story I absolutely love. It's warm and hopeful but also hard and complex, just as real life. It spans over ten years and it follows the lives of two very close friends, Laurie and Sarah. When we meet them, they are roommates, both fresh out of university and looking for that special person that might or might not be the one.

The story is told from Laurie's point of view and it starts with her falling in love at first sight with a stranger one day in December. It's almost a year later when she finally meets him, Jack, and he becomes a huge part of both hers and Sarah's lives, just not as Laurie had hoped. Since that first scene, I felt a huge connection to Laurie and I was completely invested in their story and with every scene and every passing year, I really had no idea where the story was going to take us.

What I enjoyed the most is seeing these friends grow up. I think Josie Silver made a fantastic job with these characters. They evolved, made mistakes, got stuck, fought for what mattered, challenged themselves, made some really bad decisions and some really good ones... just as any of us has done in the last ten years, and by the end of the book, I really felt like they were really close friends of mine.

I have no doubt that One Day in December will resonate with many readers and its story will steal your hearts, as it did with me. I will definitely be going back to it for a re-read, to enjoy every detail again, very soon. It is one of the books that have touched me the most this past year.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins is out now, a brand new and brilliant emotional family drama for fans of Jojo Moyes and Dorothy Koomson, from the bestselling author of Fractured.

Title: While I Was Sleeping

Author: Dani Atkins

Published: August 23rd 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: What if someone else was living your happy ever after?

When Maddie wakes up in a hospital bed, she can't remember anything about what happened to her or what has changed.

She just remembers she was about to be married and had everything to look forward to.

But it seems life has become a lot more complicated while she has been asleep...

Review: Dani Atkins' stories should come with a warning: This book will break your heart. Every single one of her novels has stolen a tiny bit of mine.

In While I Was Sleeping we meet Maddie, who is about to get married to the most wonderful guy. I liked her since page one and during the first part I really warmed to her character. But then, she had an accident and went into a coma. I really had no idea how the story was going to unfold after this but Dani Atkins had so many surprised in store for us that I was glued to the pages of this book for hours.

I felt so many emotions while reading Maddie's story. I went from rage to tears and from tears to joy and then back again to tears several times. I think I hadn't felt so strongly about a book in a long while. All the characters felt real, like the story was happening to close friends of mine, not to fictional characters. This story really got under my skin.

If by now you are wondering, why would I pick this if it is only going to make me suffer? Well, the story telling is beautiful and the character development is stunning. You are going to step in their shoes and your opinion about them will change. You are going to wonder, more than once, what would you do in their place? And above all, you are going to share all little joys and the tender moments with them. This book will make you cry, yes. But it will also bring you so much joy.

If you have loved Dani Atkins' previous books, then you are in for a real treat, as this is, without a doubt, her best and most emotional story yet. If you are new to her stories, then grab some tissues, some comfort food and enjoy, you are in for quite an eventful ride!

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Cathy Bramley is spoiling us this year. The lovely Hetty's Farmhouse Bakery came out earlier this year and now we have the serialized enovel A Match Made in Devon finally out as a whole. Here are my thoughts on her latest story:

Title: A Match Made in Devon

Author: Cathy Bramley

Published: Published July 26th 2018 by Corgi

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: A Match Made in Devon was published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

Sometimes you have to play a part to realise who you really are…

Nina has always dreamed of being a star. Unfortunately her agent thinks she’s more girl-next-door than leading lady and her acting career isn't going quite as planned. Then, after a series of very public blunders and to escape a gathering storm of paparazzi, Nina is forced to flee from London.

Her plan is to lay low with a friend in Devon, in beautiful Brightside Cove. But soon Nina learns that more drama can be found in a small village than on a hectic television set.

And when a gorgeous man (and his adorable dog) catch her eye, it’s not long before London and showbiz start to lose their appeal. Will Nina choose to return to the bright lights or has she met her match in Brightside Cove?

Review: A Match Made in Devon is a gorgeous novel. I fell completely in love with the story, the characters, the location and with every little detail. I love Cathy Bramley's books but this one might be my new favorite.

The story follows Nina, who is an actress in London, on her temporary move to Devon. After a few unfortunate events, she decides to escape the big city and lay low for a few weeks. She ends up in the beautiful Brightside Cove, helping a past love interest with his new business.

I liked Nina instantly and with every passing chapter, I liked her more and more. She was a box full of surprises, she was lively, had a great heart and always tried to find the funny side in everything. I loved her attitude towards life and how much she cared for what she loved.

The cast of secondary characters was also delightful. They all had their own story and their own dreams and insecurities and I loved how they all added to the main plot. I definitely had a soft-spot for mermaid-to-be Eliza. I loved her energy and her crazy ideas. She was such a breath of fresh air and she definitely created some hilarious moments.

A Match Made in Devon is a great read that has a really positive vibe around it. I was grinning non-stop during the whole book and it left me in such a good mood. But the story also had some more serious issues, which really touched my heart. Definitely another winner by Cathy Bramley!

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

On her latest book, Isabelle Broom takes on an amazing tour around Sri Lanka. There are monkeys aplenty, wild elephants and stunning views all around. Are you ready for your next adventure? This is why you should read this amazing book:

Title: One Thousand Stars and You

Author: Isabelle Broom

Published: August 23rd 2018 by Michael Joseph

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: One spark will light up both their lives

Alice is settling down. It might not be the adventurous life she once imagined, but more than anything she wants to make everyone happy - her steady boyfriend, her over-protective mother - even if it means a little part of her will always feel stifled.

Max is shaking things up. After a devastating injury, he is determined to prove himself. To find the man beyond the disability, to escape his smothering family and go on an adventure.

A trip to Sri Lanka is Alice's last hurrah - her chance to throw herself into the heat, chaos and colour of a place thousands of miles from home.

It's also the moment she meets Max.

Alice doesn't know it yet, but her whole life is about to change.

Max doesn't know it yet, but he's the one who's going to change it.

Review: Isabelle Broom is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her stories are getting better and better with each new book and she always takes us readers to the most wonderful places. In her latest book, she takes us on a stunning tour of Sri Lanka.

Full of magical moments, heart-melting romance and intense emotions, One Thousand Stars and You is unmissable. I fell completely in love with this story and its characters and I am now 100 % obsessed with Sri Lanka. I even cooked a Sri Lankan Chicken Curry this weekend and made Chicken Kottu Roti with the leftovers. I cannot wait to go there myself and try the real thing.

Also, don't you just loved it when you get to a scene in a story and then boom! The title makes so much sense and is so perfect? This happened here and I loved it, so much.

Alice is such and interesting and intriguing character. I really couldn't wait to discover all her secrets. I enjoyed it so much reading about her friendship with her two child-hood friends and how they interacted with each other. And then we had Max. He stole a tiny be of my heart and kept it to himself.

This is one of those reads that makes you remember what is important in life and that there's always the possibility of an adventure around the corner if you are willing to turn the corner. Definitely a story that I will be re-reading soon to enjoy all the little details again.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Days of Wonder is the stunning follow-up to Keith Stuart's much-loved debut A Boy Made of Blocks - and a book to fall in love with. Here are my thoughts on this stunning story:

Title: Days of Wonder

Author: Keith Stuart

Published: June 7th 2018 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: A story about family, love and finding magic in everyday life, Days of Wonder is the most moving novel you'll read all year.

Tom, single father to Hannah, is the manager of a tiny local theatre. On the same day each year, he and its colourful cast of part-time actors have staged a fantastical production just for his little girl, a moment of magic to make her childhood unforgettable.

But there is another reason behind these annual shows: the very first production followed Hannah's diagnosis with a heart condition that will end her life early. And now, with Hannah a funny, tough girl of fifteen, that time is coming.

Hannah's heart is literally broken - and she can't bear the idea of her dad's breaking too. So she resolves to find a partner for Tom, someone else to love, to fill the space beside him.

While all the time Tom plans a final day of magic that might just save them both.

Review: The first thought that came to my mind after finishing this book was, wow what a magical story this was. I am pretty sure I won't make this book justice with my review but I'm gonna try.

Days of Wonder is a stunning story. It's an ode to theater and fairytales. To the magic of stories and how they inspire people and change lives. It's tender, it's sweet, it's funny and it's heart-wrenching. I haven't felt such deep emotions with a story in so long.

I was completely enthralled with Hannah's story. She was such a strong character. I loved her dark humour, her strength and her determination. The story was narrated in alternated chapters by both Hannah and her father, Tom, so as a reader you got to know them both quite well. Tom was also a fantastic character. His love for her daughter and his theater shown through the pages of this book.

Supporting these amazing main characters, there was a whole cast of secondary characters. The amateur theater group was like a little family, they all supported each other and were always there to celebrate their joys but also to mourn their loses. And then, there were Hannah's friends from high-school and the comic book store. They all added their own touch to the story and I came to love them all too.

Days of Wonder stole a tiny piece of my heart that I don't think I'll ever get back. After I finished reading it, all I wanted to do was start all over again and go back to these characters. It's one of those rare books that make you feel privileged to have read it. I definitely recommend this story to everyone looking for a bit of magic.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

I had the pleasure of hearing Paige Toon talk about this beautiful story (and get my copy signed) at the Spring Blogger Evening organized by Books and The City (have a look here). It sounded like a very special one and I was not wrong. I absolutely loved it:

Title: Five Years from Now

Author: Paige Toon

Published: May 17th 2018

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: ‘One day, maybe five years from now, you’ll look back and understand why this happened…’

Vian and Nell are thrown together at the age of five when Vian's mother and Nell's father fall in love. At first archenemies, the two children soon become the best of friends. But five years later, tragedy rips them apart, and 10-year-old Vian is sent to Australia to live with his real father.

Fast-forward five more years and Nell is still angry at her dad for not trying harder to keep Vian with them. When her father finances a Christmas trip for Evan to visit, Nell soon discovers that the boy she once knew is now a wholly different creature. Vian is now ‘Van’ – a wild and carefree teenager who surfs with dolphins and dives with sharks. Chemistry crackles between them, but once again, they’re separated.

For the next two decades, Nell and Van cross paths every five years, but fate and circumstance continuously intervene to keep them apart. Will they ever find true happiness? And will it be together?

Review: What a beautiful story. In fact, is it just me or do Paige Toon's books keep getting better and better every time? She comes up with the most interesting and original premises and develops them in the most unexpected ways. In Five Years from Now, we meet Nell and Van when they are only 5 and then follow their lives by checking on them every five years.

I think that getting to know the main characters so young is a very rare treat and you somehow feel closer to them. You grow up with them, feel their pain and their joy and root for them even more. I was completely enthralled with their story and since finishing this book, I have been talking about them as if they were my own friends.

As usual with Paige Toon's stories, the setting for this novel is also a very special one. I loved discovering both Cornwall and Australia and some of the experiences these characters describe sound amazing. Definitely two places to discover myself.

Five Years From Now stole a bit of my heart and I have no doubt that it will be on my top books of the year. It made me both laugh and cry and as soon as I finished reading it, I was already missing these characters. Definitely a very special story that will capture your heart.

Rating: 5 stars

Thanks Books and The City for the proof copy and to Paige Toon for signing it.

Today I am over the moon to share with you my review for Sunshine at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson. This is the fourth installment in the series, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite series ever. And this story is a real treat:

Title: Sunshine at the Comfort Food Café (Comfort Food Café #4)

Author: Debbie Johnson

Published: March 8th 2018 by HarperCollins

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Perched on a windswept cliff on the stunning Dorset coast at what feels like the edge of the world, the café and its warm-hearted community are a haven for lost souls who happen to wander by with a heavy heart and a story to tell.

Serving up the most delicious cream teas; beautifully baked breads, and carefully crafted cupcakes, there’s nothing a cup of tea and a delicious treat won’t fix. For tourists and locals alike, the ramshackle cafe overlooking the beach is a beacon of laughter, companionship, and security – a place like no other; a place that offers friendship as a daily special, and where a hearty welcome is always on the menu.

So make yourself at home, catch up on the gossip with old friends, meet new ones and fall in love at the Comfort Food Café.

Review: I love the Comfort Food Café. I've completely fallen in love with this series, its characters and of course, the cosy setting. I am so glad that Willow, who has been a secondary character in all other stories, gets the spotlight in this one. Like the other three, this book can be perfectly read as a stand-alone as it has its own independent story, but I would highly recommend reading all the books, as each one of them is a real treat.

Willow works part-time at the café but also runs her own cleaning business, although this gives her enough flexibility to care for her mother, who suffers from Alzheimers, she doesn't have time to have any kind of social live. A new arrival though makes her question if she really is coping with everything going on as well as she thought.

The relationship between Willow and her mother is portrayed in a very special way. Debbie Johnson paints a very clear picture of what it entails to care for a loved one that more often than not forgets who you are, with all its ups and downs. And as you get to know Willow better, you soon realise what a strong woman she is.

But she is not alone at all, once again, the tight knitted community of Budbury is always there, ready to help and comfort with tones of delicious food. This means we get to catch up with some old favourites and see how they are doing, which I enjoyed immensely.

I think that Debbie Johnson gets even better with every new book she releases and Sunshine at the Comfort Food Café might be my new favourite of hers. A beautiful and touching story that will steal many hearts, perfect escapism.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

When I first heard one of my favourite authors, Jane Costello, was releasing a new book under a brand new name, I was really curious to find out more about this novel. I was lucky enough to get a very early copy and I soon discovered what a special story this was. Here are my thoughts:

Title: You Me Everything

Author: Catherine Isaac

Published: April 19th 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: You and me, we have history.

We have a child together.

We have kept secrets from each other for far too long.

This summer, in the beautiful hills of the Dordogne, it is time for everything to change.

You Me Everything is a heartfelt and unforgettable story about the lengths we are prepared to go to for those we love. Guaranteed to make you laugh and cry, this is novel you will never forget. Rights have sold in over twenty-two countries internationally and a film is in progress with Lionsgate.

Review: You Me Everything promises to make you both laugh and cry that is exactly what I did while reading it. What a gorgeous story this is. I loved the plot, I loved the characters and I loved the setting. Well, I loved everything.

The story is about single mum Jess and her ten-year-old son William and their summer in France, where William's father lives. Jess thinks it's time for William to get to know his father but the man himself seems to have many other priorities in his life.

What started like quite a simple story soon developed into an amazing one with plenty of surprises, secrets and unexpected twists. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and their back stories and I'm already missing them terribly. I felt like they all grew up during that summer and I grew up a bit with them.

But this story is not only about a kid reconnecting with his father, it is about so much more. About love, about family, about friendship, about life... It reminds you how frail life is and how important it is to cherish both the little things and the big ones too.

I could keep going on and on about how beautiful and amazing and heart-wrenching and up-lifting this story is but I'm gonna stop now and let you discover it for yourself. Let me tell you one last thing though, I'm quite sure I've already found a firm contender to book of the year. And I am already looking forward to what Catherine Isaac has in store for us next.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

On a bright January morning in the London suburbs, a family moves into the house they’ve just bought in Trinity Avenue. Nothing strange about that. Except it is your house. And you didn’t sell it... How intriguing does this sound? Well, Our House is THE book you need to be reading right now! Original and unexpected, these are my thoughts on this fascinating story:

Title: Our House

Author: Louise Candlish

Published: April 5th 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE.

When Fi Lawson arrives home to find strangers moving into her house, she is plunged into terror and confusion. She and her husband Bram have owned their home on Trinity Avenue for years and have no intention of selling. How can this other family possibly think the house is theirs? And why has Bram disappeared when she needs him most?

FOR RICHER, FOR POORER.

Bram has made a catastrophic mistake and now he is paying. Unable to see his wife, his children or his home, he has nothing left but to settle scores. As the nightmare takes grip, both Bram and Fi try to make sense of the events that led to a devastating crime. What has he hidden from her – and what has she hidden from him? And will either survive the chilling truth – that there are far worse things you can lose than your house?

TILL DEATH US DO PART.

Review: Our House is my first book by Louise Candlish and I think I have no words to describe how good and unexpected this story was. The premise might seem a bit far-fetched, how can you arrive at you own house and find another family moving in? But as you discover the story behind this, it all seems disturbingly plausible.

Our House focuses in the Lawson family and it is narrated by both Fiona and her ex-husband Bram so you get both sides of the story. The alternating narrative works really well and you soon feel like you are in their heads, living their lives, stressing about their problems and celebrating their little joys. And although there are not that many things happening, the pace is fast and the story quickly grabs your attention. I probably read the last quarter of the story holding my breath and what an ending! It left me completely speechless.

Both Fiona and Bram are really interesting and complex characters and their story is fascinating. By the end of it, I found myself really caring for their family. And although some of their choices were more than questionable they felt like real people, imperfect and quite prone to rush decisions.

Our House is a really original and unique story that stretches the boundaries of a family to the limit. It's domestic noir at its best and the writing is exquisite. I can only applaud Louise Candlish for coming up with such a fascinating idea and executing it so well. I can already tell you that this will definitely be in my top books of the year.

Rating: 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.