June - Book Review

I read a lot in June, however, as I moved house and no longer have a treadmill, my reading time did get absorbed by walking out on the streets. But never mind. Health comes first.

I managed to read some great books while tucked away in my new old Queenslander home. My reading this month was quite diverse as I caught up on some of my freebie ebooks, discovered new authors, and absorbed some new releases.

June's Book of the Month

Wimmera by Mark Brandi
This book truly gripped me and it's the best novel I've read in ages. I sometimes say I couldn't put a book down, but that's usually a lie. I can put it down to eat ...  to go to the toilet ... to go to sleep and read after work the next day. But this one ... I was not going to sleep until I finished it, which caused me to have to take breakfast to work the next morning so I could sleep in.

I was drawn to this book because Mark Brandi is coming to Townsville in July for Festival of Stories. I often like to read an author's work if I'm going to be attending one of their workshops, so I read the extract online on Friday ... and considering I was in the middle of a dance show, I had to wait until Sunday to get to the shops for a copy. But I got my hands on this book and had it read by that night. Because I seriously could not put it down! With a unique voice and gripping suspense, I had to know what was going on, and it sure wasn't the ending I expected. While I understand where it wouldn't be for everyone, I loved this book and cannot wait for my workshop with Mark on 'Hooking the Reader' next month - because he sure hooked me in!

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Books I read in June

Secrets of Silvergum by Mandy Magro
After Along Country Roads came out a couple of years ago, I've been buying all of Mandy's books and usually find them to be quite gripping reads. This one wasn't any different, filled with blackmail, murder, and sizzling hot romance. I enjoyed reading this book for the suspense and to find out what secrets were being kept. And I think it was a better secret than Mandy's last book with a 'secret', A Country Mile​. It was an enjoyable book to pass the time by, anyway.

The Dairy Farmer's Daughter by Sarah Williams
I got this simply because it was free on Kindle and I read it in downtime on my phone when I didn't have a book. This was a short, quick story that really seemed to capture the essence of Maleny and the Hinterland, even though I've never been there. But as for the romance, it was quite simple and predictable with no twists or surprises. The happily ever after the characters would have expected rather than fight for. Another book to simply pass time away with.

A Killer Whale can't eat Kale by Matt B. Lewis
I don't usually review the picture books I might flip through, but I loved this one. A Killer Whale Can't Eat Kale is ultimately about a killer whale who likes to eat healthy food instead of everything his friends keep pushing on him. As a health and weight loss professional, I fully support this story! It's great for kids and adults alike, and as I also enjoy a good rhyme, this book is excellent. Not to mention, the illustrations are also fantastic and visually appealing on the blue ocean setting with cute seals, turtles, and my favourite whale of all - the Killer Whale!

​Wildflower Ridge by Maya Linnell
I bought and read this book to support Maya's debut release and I wasn't disappointed. This rural romance captures the essence of the city vs country struggle for Penny, who is torn between returning to her fast-tracked city career or staying on her family farm to fulfil her father's hopes that she will run it. The best thing about this book was that it is written in short, sharp scenes, which makes it a quick and easy read. Perfect for killing time backstage in the middle of a dance show, which was where I read the first half of the book. The only negative was that Penny's father's accident, that's mentioned in the blurb, happens at the halfway point through the book, so I spent the first half pretty much just wondering when that would happen so I could find out how Penny would deal with that. But we're rewarded with a very gripping ending and a strong family story that is essentially also about sisterhood.​

Books to Read in July

Under Currents by Nora Roberts
It's the new Nora Roberts book released on July 9th, need I say more? I haven't even read what this book is about, I just know I need to have it. So I will give my bookstore until lunchtime to unpack the boxes ... and God help them if they haven't by the time I get there!

Untouched by Anna Campbell
This was a book I was supposed to read in June ... but sadly I got side tracked. I'm back into it now and will have it finished very soon!

The Country Wedding by Barbara Hannay
Again, I will finish this book too, but I was distracted by Untouched and then all the books I read in June ... I really need to focus. Because I'd just got up to the discovery of bones on the farm and I need to know how that mystery is solved!

Nature of the Lion by T.M. Clark
I am partway into this one too, but got sidetracked by something ... I can't remember what now. But I better get it finished before my workshops with Tina at the end of July!