Book clubs in Hertfordshire

While some of the characters stories can feel incomplete, or forgotten, the story of Cleo & Frank's relationship is one that has sat with me for quite some time. There are many beautiful moments I think about often, and a fun mixture of people squashed into this story!

In the midst of reading this, I kind of hated it but also in awe of it. But looking back, there is so much of this story that sits on my mind and I NEED to talk to someone about this novel!

Last book I read so fresh in the mind, a fantasy roman adjacent setting that got me out of a reading slump

It describes in lyrical detail both the awfulness, but also the brilliance and liberation, of the sense of alienation

It's rare that I find that MM genre romance set in an ancient world time-frame. I enjoyed the slow burn, the character development, the time period and how appropriate the language and plot are to the time period.

Awesome graphic novels that are tender and sweet. Just leaves you with a big smile. Graphic novels aren't usually my thing but I enjoyed these.

Historical gay romance set in the UK. Wonderful character development and plot that comes across as authentic.

It's rare that I find that MM genre romance set in an ancient world time-frame. I enjoyed the slow burn, the character development, the time period and how appropriate the language and plot are to the time period.

Awesome graphic novels that are tender and sweet. Just leaves you with a big smile. Graphic novels aren't usually my thing but I enjoyed these.

Historical gay romance set in the UK. Wonderful character development and plot that comes across as authentic.

I love how this book tackles quite difficult subject matters with as much honesty and acceptance as possible. Ozeki is able to go so incredibly far to the edge that it feels like there is no hope left, to then save you, trying to bring back some comfort. I especially enjoyed the leaning into some magical realism elements towards the end and how she plays with time and space.

O'Farrell uses the historical facts of Shakespeare's life to compassionately explore themes of grief and the passing of a child. Her writing is so captivating that it easily flows you through the text, even holding your hand and the hardest of times. I recently read her memoir and can see how her own experiences with poor health have massively impacted the way she views human life, this insight really adds to her storytelling.

It's a really good romance series, all books link together. So you get the background to the 6 main characters. A really good read if you like to switch off and get lost in a romance story.

A story of extreme hardship and suffering, in Brooklyn tenements and Limerick slums – too many children, too little money, his mother Angela barely coping as his father Malachy's drinking bouts constantly brings the family to the brink of disaster. It is a story of courage and survival against apparently overwhelming odds.

It's a classic spy thriller written by a former CIA analyst - so someone who has first hand experience of the 'great game'.