Guest Post: My Top 5 Reads This Year by Clare Dowling

Today it's my stop on the blog tour for Clare Dowling's latest novel, A Special Delivery, which I'm excited to be a part of as I am a huge fan of her writing having read all of her previous books.  Clare has given us a glimpse into the type of books she likes to read by telling us what her top 5 books she's read this year are.

So many good books are out this year that my to-read pile is bigger than ever!  I have a weakness for big emotional stories, and also a bit of humour and suspense, and my top five reads of this year have their fair share of all of them.  

I’ve been a huge fan of Jojo Moyes since the wonderful ‘Me Before You’, so I was first in line for ‘The One Plus One’, out earlier this year.  A story about a wonderful group of personalities, and their gassy dog, who go on a road trip from London to Scotland, this is a thoughtful, deep, and sometimes unexpected book that I just loved.  

‘The House Where It Happened’ is a novel by Irish writer Martina Devlin and it has major spook factor!  Inspired by a true but little-known story about the last conviction for witchcraft in Ireland, it’s told through the eyes of Ellen Hill, a housemaid in a seemingly haunted house. Full of strong female characters, it may keep you awake at night.  

‘The Memory Book’ by Rowan Coleman.  What can I say?  A deep, touching, heartbreaking read about a woman in the prime of her life who must confront early-onset Alzheimer’s. Don’t be put off by the grim-sounding theme – this is ultimately an uplifting story full of humanity. 

‘The Secrets Sisters Keep’ by Sinead Moriarty.  Sinead is one of my favourite writers, and her books are always about people and situations you can relate to.  This book is about the Devlin sisters, featured in an earlier book, and when we meet them again, life has changed and brought a whole set of new challenges. 

‘The Woman Who Stole My Life’ by Marian Keyes – which I haven’t read yet but I just know I’m going to love!  I’m a massive fan of Marian’s writing – she has a totally unique take on life, along with a wonderful sense of humour.  This book is about Dublin mum Stella Sweeny, whose good deed is about to change her life. I can’t wait to get my hands on this just in time for Christmas. 

Every family has its ups and downs ... 

Aisling Brady is miserable. So is her husband Mossy. The three kids are too. Yet nobody dares say a thing. Instead the Bradys keep their heads down and grimly look forward to another miserable Christmas in Dublin. 

What Aisling doesn't know is that this year, they will get the most unexpected gift of all. One that will bring joy and heartbreak, hope and a string of sleepless nights. 

As their world is turned upside down, questions have to be asked. But are the Bradys ready to face the truth about themselves? And what each of them has done?

Thanks to the lovely France at Headline Review I have a copy of A Special Delivery to give away, sorry open to UK & Ireland residents only.
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