January 2025
This month I have gone with a summertime theme, with a strong dose of new beginnings and starting over, from the city to the beach, island feels to Olympic medals.
The first one I’ll mention is The School Run by Ali Lowe. It's all about getting your child into the prestigious school and the lengths you’ll go to; think wealthy mums with way too much time on their hand. One of the main characters is a recently widowed mum starting fresh, but I am not telling you anymore.
I adored That Island Feeling. Karina May is a go to author for me and spending time on Pearl Island was just such a pleasure! It also had lots to say about starting over and being true to yourself – you know, surrounded by oysters, wine and beautiful beaches!
I didn’t love Sandwich by Catherine Newman when I first tried it. I don’t have kids nor aging parents who need me, but then I could not stop thinking about it so I reborrowed it and honestly cannot work out what my problem was… I loved it! It takes place over a week at the Cape. There is so much love for adult children that don’t need a mother like they did, love for parents who do need a daughter like they didn’t before, love for the memories, the sandwiches, the beach, the family. It is a great read which also has new chapter and starting over feels.
I’ve just finished Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson and it’s definitely another one I’ll be recommending this month. It is another starting over themed novel. Sophie creates a new life for herself after her husband dies an hour after telling her their marriage is over. For all the grief and betrayal, it’s also a very beautiful novel.