𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 @clairedouglasauthor [ 𝙰𝙳 | 𝙿𝚁 ] ⬅️ Swipe for the synopsis 💭 𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 - The Wrong Sister has a complex narrative full of intrigue and misdirection. Believe me, you'll never guess the twists in this book. I sat down to read a few chapters, and the next thing I finished the book. Claire Douglas has a way of pulling you into the mystery before slamming you with a mad crazy plot twist at the end. The characters were likeable and well developed throughout, I thought Jeanette was hiding a few things, and I was eager to read more of her POV. It's definitely a hard recommend for any mystery lovers out there! Thank you to Tandem Collective for my spot in the mailout. ❓️ 𝗤𝗢𝗧𝗗 - Do you have any siblings?? ➡️ 𝗔𝗢𝗧𝗗 - I have 2 brothers, and both are younger than me. One has 3 children, and the other I actually have guardianship over as he lives with extra needs. He lives in a residential / supported living setting, but He comes to stay with me several times a year. 🩵 🏷 #thewrongsisterreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemcollective #tandemreadalong #clairedouglas #bookreview #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreviewer #bookphotoaesthetic #bibliophile #bookengagementgroup #bookhoardersunited #bookstagram #ukbookreviewer #ukbookstagrammer #ukbookreview #ukbookstagrammers #ukbibliophile #readersofinsta #readtheworld #readersofinstagram #readtheworld24 #readersofig #igbooks #igreads #igbookreview #igbookstagram #mysterybooks #thrillerbooks #bookish
Days 3, 4, and 5 of #TempleofFortunaReadalong with @tandemcollectiveuk ✨️ I haven't had time or the mental fortitude to do dag 3 and 4 of the creative challenges, so I'm catching up today on the last three days catch up in a semi-detached way. Forgive me. Day 3 - Bird 🐦 🐦⬛ ✨️ I have lots of books featuring fierce female leads, and many are ancient hist fic or myth retellings! A few that come to mind are Medusa by Jessie Burton, Elektra by Jennifer Saint, Atalanta by Jennifer Saint, Ariadne by Jennifer Saint, and The Peneliopiad by Margaret Atwood. I'd have to add Cassandra from Homer's The Illiad and Dido from Virgil's The Aeneid also! Day 4 - Ring 💍 ✨️ I think Felix is a big danger to Amara's business and family, but to her actual life, I would say Domintian is the biggest danger! Day 5 - Snowflake ❄️ ❄️✨️ As a qualified classicist who specialises in Ancient Rome and Egypt, I know a lot about Ancient Rome, and nothing in this book is new to me factually. Although I'm having fun spotting the errors and exaggerations Elodie Harper has littered now and again. Not to say there are many errors - her sourcing is bold but consistent, but the exaggerating is funny in places. #TempleofFortuna #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemcollective #TandemReadalong #currentlyreading #histfic #historical #historicalfiction #ancientrome #ancienthistorian #ancienthistory #ancient #classics #classicist #classicialreception
Challenge accepted👇 Comment below with your current read… but here’s the twist: type it with your eyes closed! And using autocorrect is cheating btw 😉 I (Natasha) gave it a go with a stack of some recent Tandem Readalong titles - swipe to see if you can guess them and swipe again for the reveal I’ll try and guess your current reads in the comments! Let’s go, Natasha xx #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #tandemrecommends
So I’m completely aware that I’m insanely behind on the #thetempleoffortunareadalong as I’m just starting day three and most people have finished. But you know what? I’m totally okay with that. I love this series so much and I really don’t want it to end. Amara is such an amazing character and I have loved seeing her rise from the brothel to an elegant Courtesan. I’m looking forward to her getting back to Pompeii though - even though I know what lies ahead. The descriptions of Rome are so vivid I can actually picture it in my head, but it’s just not the same as Pompeii. I need that back!! . Todays challenge is to show a stack of books that I would recommend that are similar to this series. These books are some of my favourite historical fiction books and I had to include a couple of Greek Mythology retellings. Because Amara is Greek, there are a lot of references to the Greek Gods and their stories, so I think if you enjoy this you’d definitely love some good old mythology books!! . . . #tandemcollective #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #thewolfdentrilogy #thetempleoffortuna #elodieharper #headofzeus #bookstack #greekmythology #pompeii #ancientrome #history #historicalfiction
✨ a new TBR addition that I am SO excited for! ✨ The Men Who Where Sherlock Holmes by Daniel Smith tells the story of the real-life origins of the fictional Sherlock Holmes and how crime fiction and crime fact collided in a case that gripped Victorian Britain. ad-pr Thank you so much to @tandemcollectiveuk, @omarabooks for this book. . . #tmwwshtandem #recommendation #tandemcollectiveuk #bookstagramuk
🪷 Dry Spells Readalong Q4 & Review 🪷 I felt the ending left some stories unfinished for me. There was a lot of build up to the relationship between Rajesh/Sheila/Vini but the reveal was a little anticlimactic. Given the discussion on Pramila and her decision to return, I would have welcomed a chapter on that too, how her relationship with Dev and Shyamala progressed and her thoughts once she returned to America. That said, I really enjoyed reading this book, there was some great chemistry built between a number of the characters and it was easy to see the role most people had in the story. I would recommend Dry Spells if you like something a little outside of the standard fiction boxes. It is well written and shares a little about the culture/history in Bombay which I found a lovely touch. #ad #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #booksaremybag #lovetoread #bookstagram
📮 Book Mail 📮 AD/PR Thank you, @tandemcollectiveuk, for my copy of The Men Who Were Shelock Holmes by Daniel Smith. 💫 Book Description 💫 In 1893, young army officer Cecil Hambrough was murdered at the sprawling Ardlamont estate in Scotland, unleashing one of the most gripping court cases Victorian Britain had ever known. Even more remarkably, the case brought together two pioneering forensic experts – Joseph Bell and Henry Littlejohn – two men upon whom Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes happened to be based. It is their involvement in the Ardlamont affair that reveals how the world’s most famous detective came to the worlds of crime fiction and crime fact were about to collide spectacularly.In this extraordinary book, Daniel Smith outlines the key roles of the two men whose powers of deduction had so inspired Doyle and explores the real-world origins of Sherlock Holmes through the prism of a mystery as engrossing as any case the Great Detective ever tackled. #tmwwshtandem #bookmail #AD #tandemcollectiveuk #bookstagramuk #bookcommunity #bookworm #booklover
Happy publication day to @authornataliejenner @allisonandbusby for the brilliant Every Time We Say Goodbye. I read this with a great group of bookstagrammers a couple of months ago with @jenny_readss and @tandemcollectiveuk and loved it. Thanks to @allisonandbusby for my gorgeous finished copy. I knew having loved The Bloomsbury Girls that I’d be in for a treat with Every Time We Say Goodbye. Natalie Jenner has such a lyrical way of writing that draws you into the story. From Rome to the Italian countryside we are taken on an emotional rollercoaster of tales of the Italian resistance to the fact that in the 1950’s so many were still fighting for truth and justice. The links between the two storylines so cleverly showed the impact of the Nazi occupation and the damage still felt by those who survived, and reading of the power and censorship held by the Vatican was fascinating. Reading Levi and Tabitha’s stories was so humbling and showed that it was so important to share the history and understand that it should never be forgotten whether through the medium of film or page. Vivien’s story and that of all the characters had such depth, so much emotion - each step they take is shared with us with compassion. This is a story of love, of grief, of the horrors of war and the fact that there is still hope. #everytimewesaygoodbye #tandemcollectiveuk #allisonandbusby #nataliejenner #adpr #publicationday
》》》 READALONG REVIEW 《《《. . . AD/PR. Readalong hosted by @tandemcollectiveuk . . DRY SPELLS by ARCHANA MANIAR @archanamaniar @amazonpublishing . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the readalong hosted by Tandem Collective UK. Dry Spells is a thought-provoking story about heartbreak, heritage, and choices we make in life and the after effects of these choices. We follow Shyamala, who is left at the altar on her wedding day and left heartbroken. Shyamala is half American and half Indian, and when her job sends her from New York to Bombay, her life starts to take a new path. Her mothers sister, Vini, invites her to stay with her in her home whilst in Bombay, and Shyamala sets down a path to uncovering and learning things about herself and her heritage. She's had a rocky relationship with her mother growing up, and the book alternates between then and now. The author did a great job of bringing Bombay to life to me as a reader, and I could hear and smell everything described through her vivid and detailed descriptions. If you enjoy stories about different countries, cultures and discovering who you are and where you came from, I would highly recommend giving this a read. . . QOTD. This or that: Indian food/Chinese food, Street food/restaurant, Starter/dessert, meal at a friends/cook for friends, wine/champagne, formal dress/casual dress. . . #dryspells #archanamaniar #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #review #myreview #reeadalongreview #amazonpublishing @goodreads #ireadandreviewbooks #honestreviewer #honestreview #bombay #culture #heritage #relationships #family #qotd #dualtimelines #thankyouformycopy #readerandreviewer #India
I had studied a bit about Roman life, in school, studied myself and read a bit about it, but I was by no means a well of knowledge. I had not realised that people were often given their freedom from being a slave or a pleasure worker to become proper lovers to the higher ups, I had not known about the wax models of the buildings that went along with the effigy to be burned and hadn't known about the celebrating and free food and drink after, and that it went on for days. Honestly, this is such a learning read and I am loving it, though the ever growing danger has me worried. #readalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #thetempleoffortunareadalong #thetempleoffortuna
Wanna play Truth, Truth, Lie? We cannot wait to celebrate a #TruthTruthLieReadalong with you later this month, so firstly - here’s a little sneak peek into the vibe you’re getting into… Looking forward to it, Lex & Zuzanna x #ClaireMcGowanMarathon
Dry Spells by @archanamaniar is a compelling debut weaving together a story of family secrets, cultural identity, and personal growth against the backdrop of a drought-stricken Mumbai. The novel tells the story of Shyamala Mehta, a young woman navigating the complexities of life and love after moving from Los Angeles to her ancestral home in India. Maniar's narrative is atmospheric and vivid, drawing the reader into the bustling streets of Mumbai and the quiet tensions of family dynamics. Her protagonist, Shyamala, is not just well-crafted, but also remarkably relatable, making her journey of self-discovery and acceptance all the more engaging and poignant. The contrast between Shyamala's progressive Aunt Vini and her traditional mother, Pramila, adds depth to the story, reflecting - in some surprising ways - the deeper themes of individuality versus societal expectations. The author's background and knowledge of the US and India enrich the narrative. Maniar's prose is evocative and fluid, with a strong sense of place that transports the reader to India in the 1960/70s and 2000s, offering a detailed exploration of its beauty and complexity while giving consideration to how the country stays the same and how it changes. I think the book Maniar is working on next is the follow-up to this one. If it's set in the present day, I'd love to see her show us again how Mumbai has changed in the nearly twenty years since the story's conclusion. UPFATE: The tandem collective website author interview has Archana sharing that book 2 is set in 1920s Bombay (dual timeline) - I'm so there for that! I was provided with an ARC as part of the @tandemcollectiveuk read-along, and this is an honest review. When Tandem Collective asked all the read-along participants to share their dream cast, I thought: Perfect! This book has a cinematic quality, and I loved thinking about who I would cast in each role. I really liked this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐ #DrySpells #ArchanaManiar #DrySpellsbyArchanaManiar #contemporaryfiction #recentlyread #recommendedreading #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemcollectiveukreadalong
Day two of #TempleofFortunaReadalong with @headofzeus and @tandemcollectiveuk ✨️ Snowflake ❄️ 🌨 ❄️ So, Amara is an ex-prostitute, come (very loosely) courtesan and moved from the lowest corner of Pompeii to the heights of Rome. She's used her brains, body, and wit to scrape herself a better life and raise money to build a future for her child. And yet, she is still at the wiles and whims of men that own her and could send her crashing back unto slavery at the click of their fingers. To ask if she would use her heart or her head is rhetorical, surely. In a world where opening up and raising your voice as a lowborn woman, you're going to only ever be able to use your head. #TempleofFortuna # #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemcollective #TandemReadalong #historical #historicalfiction #ancientrome #ancienthistorian #ancienthistory #histfic #currentlyreading
🪷 Dry Spells Readalong Q3 🪷 I think after reading that letter I would feel absolutely devastated. It would definitely take some time to overcome that and see Pramila's perspective in the same way Shyamala has. When Dev read this I am sure he was probably angry and heartbroken but I think, at the same time, it seems like he had some clue what was wrong with Pramila and was quite understanding. There is clearly some life altering event that occurs and for es Pramila to reconsider her decision, perhaps related to the loss of someone that kicks home how much she has to be grateful for. #ad #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #mumbai #bombay #family #Bookstagram #lovetoread #booksaremybag
I'm worried so much for her daughter and true family and friends. I do think that will potentially lead to the utmost danger, purely because she will always lead with her heart, with them, and she will happily do absolutely anything for her daughter and former lover. #readalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #thetempleoffortunareadalong #thetempleoffortuna
#TempleofFortuna #TandemReadalong with @headofzeus and @tandemcollectiveuk ✨️ ☆~Day One~☆ Bird 🐦 🐦⬛ 🦜 🦚 Here's my daily sections dog-earred and my annotating essentials at the ready. It's rare I annotate books that aren't for research, work, or uni, but as the Wolf Den Trilogy is based on actual historical events I've found myself annotating as I've read them with a classicists eye, either picking errors or oversights apart or praising Harper's attention to fact. I've started three days late for the #TempleofFortunaReadalong but hopefully my reading group will forgive me. Do you read historical fiction? What period do you like your historical fiction based on? #tandemcollective #tandemcollectiveuk #groupreading #historical #historicalfiction #ancienthistory #ancientrome #romanhistory #classics #classicists #classicist #ancienthistorian
AD/PR The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh by Ingrid Persaud - Review I read this book while listening to the audio, and I really enjoyed it, especially the first 3 parts. It was great listening to the Trinidadian dialect, getting immersed in the authentic Trinidadian experience. This is a historical fiction about Boysie Singh, a notorious gangster that terrorised Port of Spain and the four women in his lives. We get to read about his rise and fall from each of the women's POV. Popo - an ex prostitute who gave him the money and help needed to launch his business. She also tried to be free from his control. Mana lana - Boysie's childhood sweetheart and Baby Mama, who loves him so much to the detriment of herself and others. Doris - The Catholic woman who grew up in Toco but eventually made her way to Port of Spain where she met and was relentlessly wooed by Boysie. As soon as they got married, they made their way to the top of the social ladder of Port of Spain with Doris plan. Rosie - a store owner who pays "rent" on her own store to Boysie and his gang. She really wants nothing to do with him, but their paths keep crossing. These women's relationship with Boysie was such a fascinating one. They have a distinctive manner of speaking that made for an entertaining read. Their stories, even though they came off as highly flawed, were engaging. The way they were committed to getting Boysie to love them back, especially Mana Lana, was very intriguing. After reading this book, I went down a rabbit hole reading more about Boysie Singh, and one can glean that the research that went into the writing of this book was brilliant! I also loved that it was written in Trini dialect, which I struggled with at first, but as soon as I got the hang of it, It was an enjoyable read, listening to the audio version helped as well. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I'd recommend 👌. Thanks to @tandemcollectiveuk for selecting me to be part of this readalong. @faberbooks @ingpersaud_author #tandemcollectiveuk #tllsobsreadalong #boysiesinghreadalong #Boysiesingh #readcarribean #carribeanbooks #Bookstagrammer #Bookstagrammeruk #Books #Bookrecommendations #Bookreviews
• Dry Spells • By Archana Maniar @archanamaniar Thanks again to @tandemcollectiveuk for including me on this tandem readalong and to @amazonpublishing for sending me a copy of the book. ad/pr product •thoughts• There were so many things I really enjoyed about this book. This story is built around family, cultural diversity, personal journeys, class divisions, secrets and a bit of mystery. Told across multiple timelines we learn about Shyamala, her mother Pramila, and her aunt Vini. Shyamala takes a job that has her relocating from Los Angeles to Mumbai. She’s leaving everything she’s ever known to have a fresh start after a breakup. Luckily her aunt Vini lives in Mumbai and has invited Shyamala to live with her. Shyamala isn’t entirely on her own but she’s in for a culture shock as everything is different. The lack of water from a horrible drought is one thing that remains a constant throughout this story as it highlights the division between class. Shyamala assimilates well at work and makes friends with a few of her colleagues. She also meets Arjun who’s the son of her aunts neighbour. While in Mumbai she learns more about her mother, Pramila, from Vini. Which answers some questions but also gives her a new perspective on her mother. While the majority of the book is Shyamala’s story we’re taken back in time to Pramila and Vini as teenagers and the paths they thought their lives would take compared to where they ended up as adults. The adventure Archana takes us on in this book is one I wouldn’t mind continuing. I’m a bit hopeful as this book was left open ended that there might be a second book as I’m curious to see what’s next for Shyamala and Arjun. #dryspells #dryspellsreadalong #archanamaniar #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #readalong #amazonpublishing #culturaldiversity #familydrama #multigenerational
✨Temple of Fortuna✨ Happy Sunday! I’m a little behind as this read along started a couple of days ago but… Please join as myself and other #bookstagrammers take part in the @tandemcollectiveuk Temple of Fortuna by @elodielharper read along! I’ll be sharing by my thoughts and answers in my stories so if you’re interested keep an eye out there! Book Description: The final instalment in Elodie Harper’s Sunday Times bestselling Wolf Den Trilogy. Amara’s journey has taken her far; from a slave in Pompeii’s wolf den to a high-powered courtesan in Rome... though her story is not over yet. While Amara plays for power in Rome’s imperial palace, those dearest to her remain in Pompeii. But it is AD 79, and mighty Mount Vesuvius is about to make itself known... #ad #prproduct #thetempleoffortuna #thetempleoffortunareadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #readwithme #elodieharper #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookblogger #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #readersgonnaread #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram #booksoutofdoors #arcreader #bookdragon #booksandtea #teaandbooks
🇬🇷 📖 READALONG DAY 1 📖 🇬🇷. . . Gifted. AD/PR. Hosted by @tandemcollectiveuk . . THE TEMPLE OF FORTUNA (Book 3 in the Wolf Den series) by ELODIE HARPER @elodielharper @headofzeus . . . BLURB: The final instalment in Elodie Harper's Sunday Times bestselling Wolf Den Trilogy Amara's journey has taken her far; from a slave in Pompeii's wolf den to a high-powered courtesan in Rome... though her story is not over yet. While Amara plays for power in Rome's imperial palace, those dearest to her remain in Pompeii. But it is AD 79, and mighty Mount Vesuvius is about to make itself known... . . QOTD. Predictive text game: finish the sentence using predictive text; "At the Temple of Fortuna you will find ______". . AOTD. Here's mine: AT the Temple of Fortuna you will find the woman of the heart story ♥️. . . #elodieharper #thetempleoffortuna #thetempleoffortunareadalong #tandemreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #reviewercopy #ukreviewer #headofzeus #readalong #day1 #readalongday1 #book3 #thewolfden #thewolfdenbook3 #thankyouformycopy #ukbookreviewer #Reviewer #Greek #Greece #ancientgreece #QOTD #predictivetextgame
The countdown continues... What does destiny hold in store for the Second Saint? The Curse of Sins, the anticipated sequel to The Curse of Saints, is coming out in June. Meanwhile, we are all really excited to bring you a Readalong for this second book in the series, a whole month before publication date. Romantasy fans in our community will be diving into the world of Aya and Will. Here are some delicious quotes from the book, to whet your appetite! You can pre-order your own copy of the book right now. Can’t wait to hear what you think! #CurseofSins #CurseofSaints #SecondSaint #tandemreadalong #thecurseofsaintsreadalong
📖CURRENTLY READING📖 Started reading Clear the other day and I am loving it so far! Think this one will be a quick read after my two-month-long reading slump! AD - PR PRODUCT #currentlyreading #clear #clearreadalong #tandemreadalong #clearbook #bookmail #carysdavies #tandemcollective #tandemcollectiveuk #readalong #scottishbooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookstagram #booklover #bookaholic #bookblogger #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #scottishbookstagram #bookblog #books
Happy May everyone! How's the weather where you are? I think the UK has leapt straight into summer! ☀️ For this month's #AlmanacWithTandem task, we got to ask the wonderful @lia_leendertz some questions, and the lovely chat is up on @tandemcollectiveuk with @littleredlibrary 💚 I took a trip down to my local ancient woodland to see the wild garlic and it did not disappoint! The smell was incredible and it looked so beautiful. I loved seeing the spikes of Archangel through it too. (ad - pr product) @octopus_books_ #TheAlmanac #TheAlmanac2024 #TandemCollectiveUK #TandemReadalong #AncientWoodland #WildGarlic
📚Book Review📚 ✨The Lost Love Songs Of Boysie Singh by Ingrid Persaud {AD-PR PRODUCT} ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ •The book is such an amazing and bingeable read filled with characters you will scream at, cheer for and won’t ever forget. •This is a fictional story inspired by the true life of Boysie Singh. In case you didn’t know , Boysie Singh was a notorious Trinidadian killer who was eventually hanged for murder in the mid-1950s. He was charged three times for murder and on the third time he was convicted and hung. This historical fiction book is the story of four women who were charmed or should I say in love with Boysie Singh. The book is told from the perspective of the four women and how their love for Boysie impacted their lives and the life of those around them. So we have: •Mana Lala - She will do anything to be the last one standing with Boysie and his son. •Popo - A prostitute who is very smart, until she isn’t! •Doris - Known as the red light skin Catholic woman who Boysie literally chases down. •Rosie - she has known Boysie from childhood and is involved in Boysie’s businesses. •Out of all the women, I was most interested in Mana Lala’s and Popo’s chapters. There were so many instances where mana Lala annoyed me so much because she was willing to do everything to get Boysie which I found very disturbing. And Popo, oh my poor Popo, I still can’t believe she met that fate. I was really rooting for her. •This book is all sorts of amazing. It is so clear that the writer did her search into the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago during that period. The writing style is amazing and the Trini dialect oh my, it brings each character to life. •I learnt so much about the culture, Hinduism and the spiritual methods which some would seek to control their lives. Overall it was a great read just a bit frustrating at times. I just wanted to call these women and shake them up. I felt so sorry for them like please STAND UP SIS!! You would definitely love this one🥂 Thank you to @tandemcollectiveuk @ingpersaud_author and @faberbooks for having me on the read along 💙 #boysiesingh #boysiesinghreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #readalong #listenalong
Scroll along with us... 📸 Don’t mind us, we’re just having a scroll through the camera roll of #KeepItInTheFamily by @JohnMarrs.Author Could we convince you to read a book based on this vibe? Team Tandem x #TheStrangerInHerHouseReadalong #KeepItInTheFamilyReadalong #WhatLiesBetweenUsReadalong #JohnMarrsMarathon
Snowflake QOTD: I think she has done well to navigate things this far. Whilst she has a wonderful heart, I think she is logical and her mind will win out, even if it hurts her heart to make the decisions. I also want to do the moon challenge and do a video with storm, so I will post that tomorrow morning! #readalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #thetempleoffortunareadalong #thetempleoffortuna #roman
I adored the ending. It left me craving more and I love that feeling. Nothing shows you the sign of a good book like that sense of loss after you finish. I loved the new information we got on the pasts and the mindsets of both Pramila and Vini. It showed us an open door to what their lives and choices are like and leaves us wondering what may happen with both of them and with Shalu and Raj. I am excited to see what happens with Shyamala and Arjun, especially whether Shyama can truly learn to let go and love free. The sheer weight left on Natalia is thought provoking. Honestly, I need and hope for more to this tale. I think this book is perfect for anyone aiming to diversify their shelves and reading line up. It is great for multicultural readers, women's fiction lovers, multigenerational readers, honest, heart pounding but slower burn romance lovers and anyone who just wants to sit and enjoy a book written so beautifully, so vividly that you truly feel present in the moment. #readalong #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #india #indianbooks #multicultural #diversifybookstagram
The Temple Of Fortuna Readalong Day 1 we had to read to chapter 4! We had few challenges to choose from today and I chose to show you my annotation materials. I'm loving this book so far and I'm struggling to not read ahead 😅 #qotd do you ever annotate when you read? (Ad/pr product)
AD PR PRODUCT 📚 Starting The Temple of Fortuna @tandemcollectiveuk readalong today in the sunshine. It's super warm in Newcastle, my poor brain is so confused it was so cold here a few days ago now I need my hand fan! I can't wait to find out what's going to happen to Amara now she's living in Rome as Demetrius's courtesan and her daughter Rufina is back in Pompeii with her father Philos, the only man Amara ever loved. Join me and other #bookstagrammers in thie readalong 📚 💭 Are you taking part in the readalong? If not what are you reading at the moment? Big thanks to @tandemcollectiveuk @headofzeus and @elodielharper for gifting me this beautiful copy and for having me on the readalong 🎉 🙏🏼 🏷️ #Bookstagram #BookishCommunity #ReadAlong #BookClub #BookRecommendations #NewRelease #HistoricalFiction #BookLovers #ReadingCommunity #theTempleOfFortuna #TandemCollectiveUK #tandemcollectivereadalong #elodieharper #thewolfdentrilogy #TheTempleofFortunaReadalong
[ad-pr product] . Today is the start of the #tandemreadalong for ‘The Temple of Fortuna’ by @elodielharper which coincides with the release of the Paperback version. This is the third book in the Wolf Den Trilogy which I absolutely love!! If you haven’t read any of these books yet, you’re in for a real treat. The description of Pompeii and it’s ‘everyday’ life is so vivid, the city almost jumps off the page!! It has definitely renewed my interest in Pompeii and now I feel like I just have to visit! . Over the next week I’ll be updating my stories with challenges from the readalong as well as sharing posts from my fellow bookstagrammers who are also taking part!! . I cannot wait to start this… . . . #headofzeus #tandemcollectiveuk #thetempleoffortuna #thetempleoffortunareadalong #tandemreadalong #ancientrome #pompeii #thewolfdentrilogy #elodieharper #historicalfiction #ancienthistory
It is interesting that she is being sent away and with so many very marmite about the situation. Perhaps she will return though. HEART: I am getting to know the characters, but I was drawn to Berenice. She is strong, willful, intelligent and doesn't seem to back away from what she wants. It may be that we don't see her again, but I really like her at present. #tandemuk #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #thetempleoffortunareadalong #thetempleoffortuna #rome #bookstagram
Happy publication day for paperback! {ad/pr product} I'm so excited to start this readalong. I really need to post my review for The Wolf Den and The House With The Golden Door. I'll try and post those tomorrow! After the ending I'm glad I didn't have lo mg to wait, I really felt for people having to wait a year. I still need to post my April reading wrap up... That'll be posted, eventually. 😅 #qotd what is your favourite mythology novel? #thetempleoffortuna #thetempleoffortunareadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #readalong #tandemreadalong #thetempleoffortunareadalong
I think I would feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. Funnily enough, this is similar to my life. I was adopted. I ended up with a wonderful mother, but a drunk and abusive father. On many occasions it left me wondering why my birth mother left me. When I was nearing 18, I found a letter from my birth mother. My father had hidden it and never let me see it. I read it and it offered a similar response, and instead of hurting, it gave me peace and understanding. I think this is the same. I think Pramila had something happen and I think it is linked to her overall feeling about life and to Shalu. I am excited to see what it was and why. #readalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #indianbooks #bombay #mumbai
AD PR PRODUCT 📚 Current Reads: Dry Spells by Archana Maniar, Make The Dark Night Shine by Alan Lessik AND The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper 💝 They are 3 historical fiction novels but very different stories. 🔯 I am taking part @lovebookstours Make The Dark Night Shine tour, so look out for my review next Tuesday (14th May). I am going to be a tinker and say I won't say any more about it you will just have to check back on my grid 🤭🤭 🇮🇳 Our @tandemcollectiveuk Dry Spells is nearly at its end and after lunch I am going to crack on and get it finished. I am thoroughly enjoying it at the moment. 🏛️Today is the start of @tandemcollectiveuk The Temple of Fortuna readalong and I am super excited as I adored the first two in the trilogy. 💭 Are you taking part in any readalongs or book tours? I would love to follow your progress.. Big thanks to @lovebookstours @rebelsatori @the_troubleseeker @tandemcollectiveuk @amazonpublishing @archanamaniar @headofzeus @elodielharper for gifting me these books 🏷️ #Ad #giftedbook #freebookreview #tandemcollectiveuk #TandemReadalong #lovebooktours #dryspellsreadalong # #TheTempleofFortuna #TheTempleofFortunaReadalong #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #makethedarknightshine
⭐ Hera - by @jennifer.saint.author ⭐ I won this stunning #Gifted proof copy of Hera from @tandemcollectiveuk Growing up I loved Greek Mythology but it never made sense to me how Hera could be so vindictive, how she could punish women Zeus had affairs with and the children that resulted. She wasn't one of the Gods or Goddesses I rushed to read about, I only ever considered her in broad terms as a teen the villain who was bitter and punished Heracles for merely existing even though he was the hero. I thought this was a beautiful novel exploring how Hera may of ended up the villain of the story, robbed of her right to rule as an equal by her brother, forced to marry him and become a goddess responsible for marriages, forced to sit and hold her tongue while he rubbed affairs in her face and filled the palace of Olympus with those children who were born as gods or rubbed his mortal children in her face. I loved the way we see Hera progress from Warrior free to roam, to Wife forced into a role she never wanted becoming embittered and vengeful as a result of her husband's actions, feared by mortals for the revenge she might take. I enjoyed reading about Hera the mother the struggle she felt when she couldn't relate. Hera in this novel is rightly angry and must feel incredibly lonely. I understood her and I love this take on her legend. The closing chapter the final realisations she comes to made this all the more fantastic and something I think we can probably all relate to. I really need to read Ariadne which has been sitting on my shelf for an age along with more of Jennifer's work I really don't understand why I haven't already. #BookCommunity #BookstagrammerUk #BookNerd #Hera #TandemFandom #TandemCollectiveUk #AdvancedReadersCopy
Cut and Thirst - @therealmargaretatwood AD/PR PRODUCT I was gifted a copy of this book by @tandemcollectiveuk to read and review. Thank you for allowing me to join you! This is a fab short story, following a group of 3 ladies seeking revenge on behalf of their friend. It is super quick and I read the whole thing in about an hour. BUT don’t let that put you off… I laughed lots and fell in love with Myrna, Leonie and Chrissy as they nattered, drank and plotted murders... I can totally see myself and my besties doing this when we get old (although maybe not the murders bit 🙈)! 🥰 This was such a fun read and set my day off perfectly! If you’ve read the Handmaid’s Tale I’m sure you’ll love this! (I haven’t.. it’s quickly been added to my TBR pile!). QOTD:: what’s your favourite short story? #whatlauraread_ #bookstagram #tandemreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #cutandthirstreadalong #cutandthirst #margaretattwood @amazonpublishing
Two of these I had already shared, but here are more of my dream cast, for the main characters, of Dry Spells. Seriously, I'm hooked on this book. You need to add this to your tbr ASAP. It should easily be the next viral read. QOTD: What do you think to my cast? Who would you change? Who would you add? #readalong #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #indianbooks #mumbai #bombay #diversifybookstagram
AD PR PRODUCT 📚 Book Review: Cut & Thirst by Margaret Atwood 📚 The blurb Swipe image to read. My Bookish Thoughts 💬 Diving into "Cut & Thirst" by Margaret Atwood was a refreshing journey into the realm of short stories, especially with the allure of Atwood's penmanship and my fondness for The Handmaid's Tale. Despite the compactness of the narrative, it didn't hinder the depth of character exploration; quite the opposite, I found myself quickly invested in the lives of the protagonists. Their sharp wit, reminiscent of The Golden Girls I cherished watching with my nan in the '80s, and their hilarious revenge plots against the male poets who shattered their friend's confidence in her writing skills were both entertaining and thought-provoking. However, as much as I enjoyed the swift pace, I couldn't shake the feeling that the ending needed more depth for a truly satisfying conclusion. If you fancy reading Cut & Thirst it's available on Kindle Unlimited, and on Prime Reading it you don't have Kindle Unlimited. 🏷️ #CutAndThirstReadalong #CutAndThirst #MargaretAtwood #KindleUnlimited #TandemCollectiveUK #TandemReadalong #BookCommunity #Bookstagram #BookReview #ShortStory
I'm so excited!!! I just grabbed the bestselling book Curse of Saints, by @katedramis , for only 99p! I'm starting it tonight, ready for the upcoming @tandemcollectiveuk readalong of Curse of Sins! Keep an eye on my grid for the start and my review of Curse of Saints. #curseofsinsreadalong #curseofsaints #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong
🪷 Dry Spells Readalong Q3 🪷 Arjun seems like a convenient choice for Shyamala at the moment, plus knowing who his mum is makes it seem unlikely that he is all that he seems. I think Shyamala is also wary of being hurt again so if she does decide to pursue a relationship I think she will do so slowly. For Natasha and Daniel, I want them to get their happy ending. Just because he has left Bombay doesn't mean they can't/won't end up reconnecting in the future 🤞 #ad #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #freebookreview #bookstagram #lovetoread #booksaremybag
Honestly, yes. We all reap what we sow and sometimes that is good and sometimes it is bad... My thoughts: I was drawn to this book by the vibrant and interesting cover and by my need and want to diversify my book shelf and reading life. I saw the blurb and was drawn to what appeared to be a very unique and exciting read, but I was not at all prepared for what I was about to listen to and read. I took turns listening to the audiobook and reading this book, and it is such a unique way to consume the book, and one I would highly recommend. I absolutely loved the narrator of the book, and how they truly brought to life each of the people. There is such a unique cast of characters, throughout the read and the narrator honestly gave each of them their own unique vibrancy. I did get annoyed with them for their way they all fell for Boysie, with nomregard for themselves and only cared about making him happy. Maybe this is slightly cultural, but it was as of Boysie was magic. It was nice to see them start to find their own voices and really come out of the Boysie shadow a bit. I did, however, really really dislike Boysie. This is likely linked to him being similar to a character in my own life, and that person was horrible as well. Boysie is no good. You will have a love to hate relationship with him and it drives the core of this book and will really get you thinking. It gets you souch so that when the end comes, it makes you stop and take stock and question whether you feel ok with it, and he earned his ending. Overall, I really loved this book. It is vibrant, lively and really brings out thought provoking emotions. Give it a listen and read. You will really enjoy it. #prproduct #bookstagram #bookreviews #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #boysiesinghreadalong #tllsobsreadalong #thelostlovesongsofboysiesingh
Retreating 💚 There are times in life when things get hard and overwhelming. In those times I find it best to retreat. In the past I’d have fought hard to keep on top on everything. Keep all those dates in the diary, update social media regularly and push myself to the limit until I came out of the other side. But recently things have been hard and I decided to take a step back and embrace a slower pace. I weathered the storm and I learnt that slowing down is beneficial. I’d been accepted on The Almanac readalong at the end of 2023 and I was kindly sent a copy. It’s been a beautiful companion and it’s really helped me to notice the life around me on the dreariest of days. Sat in nature in the cold months I’d usually think the plants were dead, the trees bare and most animals nowhere to be seen. But with this inspiring book by my side I noticed everything retreats and needs rest and there are signs of life all around. And in these past couple of months both myself and nature have come back to life again. We all need to retreat at times. It’s good for the soul. Keep those you love close to you and let the rest go 💚🌳☀️🪻 AD/PR @lia_leendertz @littleredlibrary @tandemcollectiveuk #thealmanacreadalong #tandemreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #lialeendertzalmanac2024 #nature #naturephotography #retreating #takeitslow #mentalhealthmatters #adhdwomen #bookworm #bookstagram #naturelover #flowers
I hope so. Life is short and fleeting, and these two.have the instant draw to each other, that romantic tension that is palpable. They seem so drawn to one another, that they need to explore what could be. Yes, it may not end well, but why not experience the joy and excitement whilst you can? At present, Natasha and Daniel seem very final, but for some reason I feel there is such a draw, a connection between them, that one of them will visit the other and try to see if they can rekindle the romance. It is a hard one though as there is so much cultural tradition to deal with that it may just be the end of their deep love. I honestly cannot wait to pick this book back up. Seeing Shyamala grow and experience things, as well as learn about Vini and Pramila, it is just such an easy book to connect with. #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #indianbooks
{AD/PR PRODUCT} Book Review for: The Lost Love Songs Of Boysie Singh. Storyline: ★★★.𝟝 Narration: ★★★★ Overall rating: ★★★★.𝟟𝟝 Book prettiness: ★★★★ We had the choice of listening or reading the book, I mainly listened as I felt it told the story better to hear the voices. You can tell that Ingrid Persaud did so much research into the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and this was very obvious. I felt a lot of pity for the women in this story, they seemed utterly besotted with Boysie, and would do anything for him. I really enjoyed hearing their stories, although it took me a few chapters to get into it I definitely enjoyed it and will look into more of Ingrid's work in the future. This book is definitely better being an audiobook in my opinion. I feel to get the full experience you need to listen to the stories they tell. I'm keeping this review here spoiler free but check out my StoryGraph for the full spoiler review. Thank you @ingpersaud_author @tandemcollectiveuk @xigxag_official and @faberbooks for having me be part of the group who read this stunning book.🩷 #boysiesingh #boysiesinghreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #readalong #listenalong
❔️What was the last book you finished? AD - PR Product I'm currently working my way through the children's non-fiction shortlist for the British Book Awards a.k.a The Nibbies. I picked up Stolen History first and it was brilliant! This had a very mature tone to it that emphasised the severity of the topic, but was written in child friendly language with plenty of explanations and detail. I learned a variety of new information, and I was surprised to discover how many favourite British foods aren't originally British at all, or wouldn't have been created without the influence of other cultures and countries. There is always more to learn about history. This is the perfect read for any child, teen or adult with an interest in Britain's colonial past. Bookishly yours, Hâf • • • • #BritishBookAwards #thenibbies #BritishEmpire #Empireland #StolenHistory #sathnamsanghera #tandemcollectiveuk #bookstagramuk #bookreviewer
I feel more of a connection with Rosie, perhaps partially as I have been tuned into her, as I am team Rosie, but I also think she has a certain insight into things and it makes me like the way she is. Like all the women, she needs to stay away from Boysie though, no matter this trial. As for the QOTD, do I think the trial was as fair. Not really, however, I am a firm believer in karma, and I think Boysie gets his karma as it comes. He has earned a lot of karma clap back, over the way he treats people and, unfortunately, sometimes these things get you really badly, when they do bite back. Harsh, I know. #readalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #tllsobsreadalong #thelostlovesongsofboysiesingh #boysiesinghreadalong #bookstagram
A perfect reading set up for @therealmargaretatwood’s new short story Cut and Thirst! This is a really fun story about three ‘older’ women (in their words!) who over gin and cheese, plot revenge on the academics who black listed their friend back in the day. But it turns out murder is actually quite hard… Thanks to @tandemcollectiveuk for the digital copy and readalong. You can find Cut and Thirst on Kindle now! #cutandthirst #cutandthirstreadalong #kindlebooks #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemcampaign #tandemcollectivereadalong #margaretatwood #kindleoriginal #kindle #readingwomen #shortstories #crimestories #bookstagram #tandemcollective
When you live in Northern Scotland, it rains, a lot. Why not make the most of a nice day and read outside, especially when you are surrounded by beautiful blossoms, buzzing bees and children playing. Trade the beauty at home for imagining the beauty of Mumbai, and its colours glowing round you. Want to know what I mean? Read Dry Spells and watch Shyamala find her path, with me. #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #scotland #spring #outdoorreading #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #india #indianbooks #mumbai #bombay
I'd love to believe it is a permanent new outlook, but I do think maybe he is starting to see that the temperament he had and the way he regarded others is not sustainable for the rest of his life. I think maybe some reflection has happened, but because I have a love to hate relationship with him, as a character, I'm not sure I can ever really believe or trust him. QOTD: Have you ever had someone in your life that you loved to hate? Any reason why? #readalong #tllsobsreadalong #thelostlovesongsofboysiesingh #boysiesinghreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #bookstagram #carribean
Cut and Thirst, by Margaret Attwood ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a (very) short story at only 35 pages, so I read it in one sitting in the garden 😂 I enjoyed it, especially the witty banter between the friends (see my stories for some favourite quotes). I do wish it was longer, as the ending felt a bit anti-climactic and abrupt. Still, this little story of revenge gets you thinking about women's literature, art in general, and feminine rage. It also gives off cosy crime vibes, a little like TTMC.
🪷 Dry Spells Readalong Q2 🪷 I think the dinner party started awkward and ended with Natasha's parents making their feelings clear in a subtle way how they felt about a potential relationship between Daniel and Natasha. I imagine this would have left Shyamala feeling quite uncomfortable but also quite sorry for Daniel. It will be interesting to see what his next move will be. I still can't quite decide what I think about Pramila's timeline. Part of me thinks that there is an unexpected surprise that forces her to settle down... #AD #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #mumbai #bombay
A lot has happened, over the last few chapters and it has really opened up thoughts on what is about to happen, in both the stories, for Shyamala and Pramila. I cannot wait for more! #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong
All this was #gifted from @tandemcollectiveuk , thank you, I'm very lucky to receive these unexpected gifts in the post. The revenge club is available from 9th May. Get your hands on it this week. I haven't quite finished it yet but I think it's great. Don't mess with women, we know how to do revenge. ... @kathy.lette #grateful #tandemcollectiveuk
What May book releases are you looking forward to? 👀 These are some of the team’s top UK book releases for May. Do you have any of these on your wish list? Have we missed any off this list you think we should know about? Comment letting us know what’s on your May book release list 👀🤩📚 Team Tandem Xxx #maybooks #bookreleases #anticipatedreads
Dry Spells - what can I say. I am completely falling for this book. The way she is finding herself and discovering her true mother. The easy flow of the writing and the way the story feels like family. Today's challenge- I've created the cast for Pramila and Shyamala, with two very lovely and well known ladies. They are vibrant and flowing on film and would fit nicely. #dryspellsreadalong #dryspells #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemuk #tandemreadalong
I'm very lucky to be teaming up with @tandemcollectiveuk and @vasundrajay to host a giveaway of The Promise of Rain! Throwing in my copy as well so two of you can enjoy this book like I did. "A treasured necklace that could unlock a family mystery. But why has it been hidden away for sixty years?" Intrigued? To enter: 🫶 Follow me, @tandemcollectiveuk and @vasundrajay 🫶 Like this post, sharing to your stories and tagging us 🫶 Tag a book bestie below ✨️ UK only. In no way affiliated with Instagram or Meta. Closes Wednesday 8th May @ 12pm, winners drawn the same day. Good luck! ✨️ #ThePromiseOfRain #TandemCollective #TandemCollectiveUK #BookGiveaway #BookstagramGiveaway #Bookstagram #Booksta #Giveaway #BookFlatlay #BookLover #Bookworm #BookDragon
Here are my May hopefuls! Im going big again, not sure I’ll get through all of these but here are the ones I really want to complete out of this stack: 📕 The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner - kindly sent to me by @tandemcollectiveuk , have started this already and loving it so far. 📕 I died on a Tuesday by Jane Corry - kindly sent to me by @penguinukbooks . Really wanted to get to this last month but have started a new job and it’s been a bit hectic so this is priority for this month. Sounds amazing! 📕 Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman - recommended as one of my 12 books by 12 friends challenge from @mrskp_reads . Has meant to do this one in April too but didn’t get chance. 📕 Kill for me kill for you by Steve Cavanagh - reading with #sarasbookclub run by @all_of_our_books . 📕 Mad honest by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan - reading as a buddy read with @ashleyreads13 @heather.rose91 @readingrelaxation @leona_leabharlann @mrskp_reads @shortieheartbooks @snapshot.intime and @fold.the.page 📕 The housemaid is watching by Freida McFadden - received a digital copy from @poisonedpenpress and I am beyond excited to start this one!! The remaining books are ones that I would love it get it if I manage to complete the ones above. They’re ones I’ve heard a lot of good things about so hopefully get to read one or two of them. QOTD: What book do you really want to read in May?
GIVEAWAY ALERT!! The brilliant creators at @tandemcollectiveuk are having a giveaway of this brilliant book by @vasundrajay that I was lucky enough to be on the readalong for! 🤗 There are 7 copies to be won by you lucky lot(UK only I'm afraid my lovelies) and the giveaway closes midweek next week. So how do you enter? 🚩 make sure you're following @tandemcollectiveuk @vasundrajay and myself 🚩Like and save this post 🚩 Comment below with why you'd love to win a copy 🤗 Good luck lovelies!! #tandemcollectiveuk #omcbookclubnottingham #thepromiseofrain #giveaway
Looking forward to getting stuck into the short story tonight with a @dunkcookiesuk biscuit! Thank you @tandemcollectiveuk for letting me join you on this readalong ❤️ Is this on your radar? AD/PR PRODUCT #whatlauraread_ #bookstagram #shortstory #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #cutandthirstreadalong #dunkcookies
📖REVIEW📖 Let Me In by Claire McGowan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Thank you so much to @tandemcollectiveuk for sending me this book as part of their Claire McGowan readalong! I had so much fun reading and hearing what everyone else was thinking. Synopsis: For Helen and George, the remote fixer-upper in Cornwall was supposed to be a dream home, and a way to leave behind the problems they’re both running from. But something about the place feels wrong from day one. And why does Helen have a creeping feeling she’s seen this house before? Her unease only deepens after renovations begin, when the builders find sinister dolls hidden in the walls. As Helen digs into the house’s past, she discovers that the previous owner was not only rumoured to be a witch; she was also imprisoned for a brutal triple murder thirty years earlier. Thoughts: First of all - George is a self-obsessed man child and I was actively hoping he would die through the entire book. Aside from my George induced rage, I did really enjoy this. I liked the witchy, occult twist to it and I wish this had been more developed as it didn't seem to actually play that much of an important role in the story. The book didn't have chapters, but was split into sections, one for each main character. Janna's POV was by far my favourite and I wish there was more from her and from that timeline. The writing was good at setting up an uneasy feeling throughout and when the plot took a dark turn (check trigger warnings), I could really feel the anxiety and sense of urgency from Janna. This was my first Clare McGowan book and I will be checking out her other thrillers! I'm also going to look into some other witchy books, as I didn't realise that would be something I would really enjoy reading! Send me any witchy recs! Have you read this, or any other Clare McGowan? AD-PR PRODUCT #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemreadalong #clairemcgowanmarathon #LETMEINreadalong #letmein #letmein #bookstagram #bookreview #review #books #bookrecs #bookcommunity #bookclub #thrillerbooks #thriller #thrillerreads #thrillerrecommendations #read #readmorebooks
🪷 Dry Spells Readalong Part 1 🪷 Settling down in the sunshine to read whilst waiting for the little guy to finish school 🏫🎒 Perfect timing really as I have been lucky enough to bag a spot on the Dry Spells Readalong I think in Shyamala's position I probably would have made the same choice and accepted the 'promotion'. My reasons would have been different though and it would have been more likely a position I wanted rather than taking because there was no real reason to stay where I am. My initial thoughts are Pramila is possibly Shyamala's mother, it seems reasonable from the dates and fits with how I imagine the story might continue but it's early days yet and time will tell. Some similarities exist between the two where they both seem to have a naturally curious nature but perhaps keep their wonderings to themselves and neither one seems to want to upset the applecart so to speak. #ad #tandemreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #dryspells #dryspellsreadalong #lovetoread #booksaremybag #bookstagram
✨ℬℴℴ𝓀 ℛℯ𝓋𝒾ℯ𝓌✨ 𝐂𝐮𝐭 & 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 is the new short story by Margaret Atwood and one of the new Amazon Original Stories from @amazonpublishing. At only 35 pages long this is a quick read but one that still tells the important event that changed a woman’s life. Myrna, Chrissy and Leonie are retired professors who meet every Thursday evening to eat posh cheese, drink G&Ts and gossip. Their usual chatter takes a more serious turn when they decide to avenge their friend Fern, who many years earlier was the victim of a nasty smear campaign which knocked her confidence and triggered a decline in health. The men behind the literary attack on Fern were all mediocre writers themselves, who found a non-existent slight against their ringleader reason enough to destroy a woman’s career. After a long debate on the best method of taking care of the men that ruined Fern’s career, the women find a new respect for murderers deciding that ‘it’s not easy, this murdering business’. Sarcastically known as ‘poetlings’ by the scheming women the most easily accessible of the men is picked as their first target. Of course, nothing ever goes smoothly and their plan goes wrong. This was a quick and thought-provoking tale of how the literary world is full of people who take offence at the smallest things, feel the need to belittle and put down women’s literature in particular, and think that only one type of art is the right art and anything else is worthless. To me, the women’s desire for revenge is as much for slighted women in general as it is for their close friend, and shows that feminine rage never truly dies but is always simmering just below the surface. 𝐂𝐮𝐭 ＆ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 is available now on Kindle and is part of the Prime First Reads and Kindle Unlimited selection or on Audible. {AD-PR Product} 🏷️ #Book #Bookrecommendations #Bookreview #Bookstagrammer #FantasyBookstagrammer #FantasyBooks #RomanceBooks #GirlTherapy #CutandThirst #KindleUnlimited #TandemCollectiveUK #cutandthirstreadalong
Fancy a look at our April 2024 wrap up!? ✨📚 We just LOVE sharing these wrap up posts with you at the end of the month, and we know that you enjoy them too! 🥰 There are stats for the most popular from March; the most engaging and the readalongs where the most content was created. All with fantastic numbers because you are all just so brilliant! 🙌 Did you take part in any of these readalongs? Let us know in the comments! Please remember that we really do appreciate every single one of you - whether you take part in our readalongs and share lots of gorgeous content every week, or every now and again. Thank you so much for signing up to our newsletter, following us on social media and supporting our content 🧡 You are all amazing and Team Tandem feel so lucky to have this special community! We can’t wait to see what’s to come in May ✨ Want to join our Readalongs? Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletters via the link in our profile so you receive our emails! Team Tandem xx #tandemreadalong #readalongs #monthlywrapup #tandemfandom #tandemcollectiveuk
No. I mean I can completely hope she will change him, but I sincerely think he is too far stuck in his ways to change. He has had so many years where all the ladies loved him and have just put up with his ways, forgiven everything and still offered him everything they are, even when they know he has loads of other women. I just don't think they can change him. QOTD: How do you feel, can people change for love? What does it take? #thelostlovesongsofboysiesingh #boysiesinghreadalong #tandemuk #tandemreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk #bookstagram #carribean #tllsobsreadalong
Dry Spells by Archana Maniar Day 1 of the #dryspellsreadalong from @tandemcollectiveuk I have been looking forward to reading this book as I decided to try reading different genres and it has been good to read new authors. Swipe to read the blurb Publication Day: 01 May 2024 AD-PR Product Thank you to @tandemcollectiveuk and publishers @amazonpublishing for sending me a copy of Dry Spells by @archanamaniar #dryspellsreadalong #archanamaniar #amazonpublishing #tandemreadalong #tandemcollective #tandemcollectiveuk #contemporaryfiction #booksindia #bookstagram #booklover #lovebooks #ilovebooks #whatiamreading #bookreview #readersofinstagram
A short one for this readalong! Thank you for having me @tandemcollectiveuk 🍸 I was able to sit in the garden and read this one today ☺️ If you’re looking for a short but packed book, this is available on Amazon unlimited at the moment. Happy reading! #book #readalong #tandemcollective #tandemcollectiveuk #kindle #kindleunlimited #bookstagram #kindlebookstagram #bookcommunity #bookish #shortstory #shortstories #bookblog #bookblogger #cutandthirst #cutandthirstreadalong
• Dry Spells Readalong • Today is the start of the 10 Day Tandem Collective Readalong for Dry Spells by Archana Maniar (@archanamaniar). Thank you to @tandemcollectiveuk for including me on this readalong and to @amazonpublishing for sending me a copy of the book. ad/pr product •synopsis• A devastating drought. A city ripe with secrets. A family with a past just waiting to be discovered. Recently, Shyamala Mehta’s life in LA feels stagnant: she’s undervalued at work, newly single, and constantly clashing with her marriage-obsessed mother. So when she’s offered a transfer to Mumbai, she travels halfway around the world to the now drought-stricken city her parents left behind. Staying with her mother’s sister Vini, Shyamala is struck by the contrast between them. How did Vini become such a joyful, unconventional soul while Pramila drifted quietly into traditional life? Far from home and surrounded by echoes of the past, Shyamala finally has a chance to learn more about the mother she barely knows. With Arjun, the neighbor’s wild-haired son whose love for India pierces through the oppressive heat, she starts to see the city of Pramila’s youth in all its beautiful complexity. But as the taps run dry, Shyamala finds herself at the crossroads of her family’s history and her own destiny. The air is heavy with secrets, but when the deluge finally comes, will she be ready for what it might reveal—about her mother, herself, and the maddening city she’s starting to think of as home? Where to buy: https://tandcoll.com/1L3TKy #dryspells #archanamaniar #amazonpublishing #tandemreadalong #dryspellsreadalong #tandemcollectiveuk
April reading wrap up! Feel like this was a struggle this month, I think I set my expectations too high as I had days off so thought I’d get through more of my tbr but didn’t. However, still managed 9 books and there were some brilliant ones amongst this pile! My quick one liner thoughts on each one below: 📕Conviction by Jack Jordan - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brilliant moral dilemma and court room drama 📕 Every smile you fake by Dorothy Koomson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of my 12 by 12 friends challenge, nominated by @who_gives_a_book . Loved this book, new author for me and will be reading more of hers 📕 Keep it in the family by John Marrs - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ad:pr product. Thanks @tandemcollectiveuk for including me in this readalong, this was such fun. I was obsessed with this book. Absolutely gripping and crazy twists. 📕 The stranger in her house by John Marrs - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bit slow to start but picked up, great twisty thriller 📕 Don’t swipe right by LM Chilton - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dark humour, witty, loved the FMC, brilliant read 📕 Gone to pieces by Rachel Cosyns ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ad/pr Product. Thanks @hqstories for sending me a copy of this. Quite different to what I expected, emotional, quirky, slightly random at times, character driven. 📕 As good as dead by Holly Jackson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gripping, darker than the previous books, fast paced, shocking twists! 📕 Star survivor by Lisa Brace ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks to @instabooktours for having me on the tour. Would be a great beach, Celebs, gossip, drama whilst trapped on an island 📕 One of our own by Lucinda Berry- (audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gripping, shocking, absolutely had me hooked I think my favourite reads had to be Keep it in the family and don’t swipe right. QOTD: What was your favourite read of April?
Today is the start of the @tandemcollectiveuk readlong today of #cutandthirstreadalong by @therealmargaretatwood Can not wait to read this nice short story of keep an eye on our stories to see what we think and will post a review later in week. The fellow readers will be listed below in the comments. Myrna, Leonie, and Chrissy meet every Thursday to sample fine cheeses, to reminisce about their former lives as professors, and lately, to muse about murder. Decades ago, a vicious cabal of male poets contrived—quite publicly and successfully—to undermine the writing career, confidence, and health of their dear friend Fern. Now, after Fern has taken a turn for the worse, her three old friends decide that it’s finally time to strike back—in secret, of course, since Fern is far too gentle to approve of a vendetta. All they need is a plan with suitably Shakespearean drama. But as sweet and satisfying as revenge can be, it’s not always so cut and dried. #margaretattwood #tandemcollectiveuk #tandemcollectiveukreadalong #cutandthirstreadalong #lovetoread #bookreader #Bookstagram
🖤 Let Me In By Claire McGowan @amazonpublishing I took a picture today to share my favourites for April, and then realised I’d forgotten to include this thriller. So it’s getting a post of its own. @tandemcollectiveuk are hosting a reading marathon to celebrate @clairemcgowanwriter books and this was the first readalong that they hosted. I was thrilled to be on it and that was before I started the book! Now the book, was brilliant. Thrillers aren’t my go to, yet this one was, for about 5 days. Yes, I read ahead as I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed reading the story from the three different points of view of Helen, George and Janna and found each narrative full of intrigue. Even though it had these longer entries rather than smaller chapters, it was very pacy and an easy read. Full of mystery and suspense. I’d recommend this one if you are a thriller fan. I’ll definitely be looking into the other books featured in the readalong. Thank you to @tandemcollectiveuk for asking me to take part in the #letmeinreadalong. #readalong #review #bookreview #thrillerread #suspense #horror #mondaybookpost #mondaybooksta #booksta #bookstagram #booostagrammer #bookishpost #bookishlove #booklove #booktalk #lovebooks #lovereading #letmein #clairemcgowan #tandemcollectiveuk