Emily Paull

 It's that time of year again... the doldrums between Christmas and New Year (which I heard someone describe the other day as 'Betwixtmas') when no one really knows what day of the week it is, and people start making plans for self-improvement as if such tasks can only be undertaken in January.  Don't get me wrong, I love making lists. I love setting goals. Most importantly, I love planning my reading year and looking at publishers' websites and blogs and vlogs and whatnot so that I can make myself a list of the most anticipated books for the coming year. I've done just that, and today I thought I would share some of my excitement with you! My Best Friend's Murder by Polly Phillips This one is out in about a week, so if it takes your fancy, get on the phone to your local bookseller and place your pre-orders, folks. I met Polly at a writers' group at my local library, and was very excited to learn she had a book coming out with Simon and Schuster, particu...

I had a lot more time to read in 2020, and according to Goodreads, have read 152 books this year. It wasn't just because of the pandemic. 2020 was the year that I discovered audiobooks. It was also a year in which I reassessed my priorities, and found that reading was an activity that brought me a profound sense of joy and comfort. I took six months away from writing seriously in order to let myself fall back in love with my novel, and instead, consumed every book that took my fancy, reading in any spare moment that I could. These were the best of what I read, though on the whole, it was a very excellent year for books. These are in no particular order, and should all be available to purchase through your favourite indie bookstore.  Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane Salt Slow by Julia Armfield The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow Olive by Emm...