Historical Fiction Reading Challenge: June stats and mid year update

Every month I share some of the statistics related to the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge. I try very hard to visit every post which has been linked (time permitting) and I find it interesting to see what are the books that people are reading and reviewing! I often end up adding a couple of books to my never ending TBR list.

In terms of the books read in June, there were 54 reviews linked up for the challenge, shared by 18 participants. There were 53 individual titles reviewed, written by 53 different authors. There were 2 reviewers who reviewed 5 or more books each. Thank you to everyone who shared their links whether it be 6 or just 1.

If you recall, last month we didn't have any titles that were reviewed more than once, which was very month. This month was similarly varied, although we did have one book that was reviewed twice

The Palace of Lost Virtue by Australian author Anthea Hodgson is a dual timeline set in both 1890s and 1920s Kalgoorlie, a mining town in remote Western Australia. I reviewed this book as did Shelleyrae at Book'd Out!

There were no other authors who had more than one book reviewed this month!

Given that we are now more than halfway through this year's challenge, I thought I would share some stats about the year....so far!

In terms of the books this year, there were 295 reviews linked up for the challenge, shared by 25 participants. There were 280 individual titles reviewed, written by 248 different authors. There were 4 reviewers who reviewed 20 or more books each. Thank you to everyone who shared their links. I appreciate everyone who participates in the challenge!

When I look at the book that has been reviewed the most throughout the year so far, there is one book that has been reviewed 3 times so far.

I am surprised and pleased to see that it is another Aussie author. A Far Flung Life by M L Stedman has been reviewed by Shelleyrae at Book'd Out, by Tracey at Carpe Librum and by Helen at She Reads Novels. I think it is interestesting because M L Stedman had a huge hit with The Light Between Oceans, but it that book came out in 2012 so it has been a very long time between books! I am planning to read this book soon, as long as I can get to it before it has to go back to the library!

There are five other authors who have been reviewed more than twice. Agatha Christie leads the way with 6 reviews, followed by Elizabeth Camden with 4 and then Colleen Cambridge, Ellis Peters and Lee Strauss have all been reviewed three times.

Whenever I do this milestone reviews I also like to share how bloodthirsty we are as readers. This year so far there have been 23 books read where the title includes the words murder, fatal or death in some form or another!

I look forwards to see what everyone reads during the second half of the year!

If you enjoy reading Historical Fiction why not join us? You can find all the details here.

I am sharing this with Sunday Salon hosted at Readerbuzz and A Good Book and a Cup of Tea hosted at Hopewell's Library.

Weekend Cooking/Paris in July: Piglettes by Clementine Beauvais

At some point in the last couple of years I thought I saw this book on a Paris in July post but I couldn't find it anywhere when I was looking for it again recently. Wherever I heard about it, I have borrowed the book from the library a couple of times before finally picking it up to read recently. I couldn't return it without actually reading it again!

Mireille is somewhat disappointed to learn that she has only come third in the annual Piglettes competition which is the online competition for the ugliest girl at school. After all, she has won it for the last two years. Whilst Mirielle is, of course, hurt by this title she now does her best to own it in defiance of the bullies, especially Milo, the boy who started the contest who also was one of her close friends when they were much younger. She puts on a great show of defiance, but still. 

The other two finalists, Astrid and Hakima, have more understandable reactions to the "honour". Astrid has only moved to the school in the previous year and Hakima is a couple of years younger than the other two and both are very hurt. When Astrid visits Mirielle, they decide to approach the other girl and so a new friendship is born.

The three girls live in the small town of  Bourg-en-Brasse. Mirreille lives with her mother and her step-father but her greatest wish is to meet her real father who happens to be married to a very important politician. When she finds out that her father is going to be at the Presidential picnic in Paris on July 14 she decides that she wants to go Paris and crash the picnic. Astrid and Hakima both have their own reasons for wanting to be at that same party. For Astrid, it is the opportunity to meet her all time favourite rock band, Indochine, and for Hakima it is to confront the general who sent her soldier brother into danger while on active military service. Whilst 10 of his men were killed, her brother survived but is now wheelchair bound and no longer leaves the house.

Decision made, the challenge is to decide how to get to Paris and how they are going to fund their trip. In answer to those questions, the girls decide to ride bikes pulling a trailer from which they are going to sell three different types of home made sausages, including a vegetarian version in honour of Hakima's religious beliefs.  And so begins a grand adventures which will challenge them, build their friendships, provide new adventures and life lessons. Of course, three young girls can't undertake this kind of journey by themselves. They are accompanied by Hakima's brother, who Mireille calls The Sun, who completes the journey in his wheelchair.

Whilst the sausage selling is a key foodie aspect of the story, it's not the only one. Mireille's grandparents own a successful restaurant and so good food has always been important to her. There are plenty of other food restaurants and there was even a destination that the girls visited en route purely because of the love of one particular type of cheese.

One reason why this is an unusual read for me is that this is a YA book. Once upon a time I would read the occasional YA novel but according to my statistics this is only my second YA novel in more than 10 years. 

I really enjoyed a lot of things about this book. I really enjoyed the road trip aspects with visits to several different towns, riding through the Loire valley and different adventures along the way. I did love the way that the girls were able to build their friendship and support each other. 

I did struggle a little bit with the whole premise because it was so cruel. And it wasn't only just the initial contest. As the trip continues, the media attention increases and there were plenty of comments from other people about the girls being fat and ugly.  It is something that you can see on social media everywhere these days, especially when you read the comments on posts and articles.  I also didn't love the way that Mireille spoke to and about her mother and stepfather, but I guess I am viewing that through my lens as a mother rather than through the eyes of a 15 year old girl who is hurting and who just wants to be acknowledged by her father. 

This book was a real mixed bag. There was so much to like about it with adventure, humour, food and friendship!

One interesting thing about this book is that it was originally published in French under the title Les Petites Reines, and the author did her own translation into English!

I am sharing this review with Paris in July hosted by Emma at Word and Peace, with the Books in Translation challenge hosted at The Introverted Reader and with Foodies Read hosted at Based on a True Story. 

Weekly meals

Saturday - Chilli (new)
Sunday - Steak Eggs and Chips
Monday - "Fired" Chicken, mash, broccoli and gravy
Tuesday - Bacon, Vegetable and Risoni Soup
Wednesday - Salad Dressing Chicken and Rice
Thursday - Spaghetti Bolognaise
Friday - Takeaway

Paris in July: Cartier at the NGV

Every winter the National Gallery of Victoria (known as the NGV) hosts their Winter Masterpieces series where they bring internationally renowned art to the city. I have been a number of times and have shared posts about these visits as well. Coincidentally a few of these have fitted the Paris in July theme too from French Impressionists to Monet's Garden to an exhibition all about Napoleon.

There are some really famous names that come immediately to mind when you think of French luxury goods from fashion brand like Chanel and Yves St Laurent but if we are talking jewellery, then the name of Cartier must surely be right up near the top of the list. This year's Winter Masterpieces is called Cartier and the exhibition features around 400 glittering individual pieces. 

Maison Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 and from there has gone on to become a global powerhouse. The exhibition covers many of the inspirations that have helped create the brand, some of the famous names and pieces associated with the brand, the use of colour, Cartier in Hollywood and so much more, including both historical and contemporary pieces. 

One of the major themes of the exhibition was the way that different cultures influence fashion and designed. For example, there were pieces that reflected the interest in Egyptology which came into vogue in the late 1800s. Other influences included Japanese, Chinese, Russian and Indian gemstones, shapes and culture. For example, the photo above is part of what is now known as Tutti Frutti collection (so named in the 1970s) but when it was first made in the 1920s it was inspired by Indian gems and nature. These different inspirations weren't only seen in jewellery. There were many opulent cigarette cases, and other accessories, including clocks and other time pieces on display.

Fun fact: Did you know that Louis Cartier was the designer of one of the first wrist watches specifically designed for men? In 1904 his friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont who was a pilot, asked him to design a watch that would enable him to check the time while still being able to control his plane.

Other themes is the role of nature in providing design inspiration, from flowers to animals including the iconic panther designs that are synonymies with the name Cartier

It is hard to talk about a brand like Cartier without talking about the famous people who have worn iconic pieces from Elizabeth Taylor to Princess Grace of Monaco, to Princess Margaret and many other royals and wealthy people. There was a fun montage of films where the brand's jewellery was featured starting from the 1920s right through to 2025 and featured films such as High Society from the 1950s to more recent movies like Oceans 8. 

One of the most spectacular aspects of the exhibition were the tiaras. While there were lots of tiaras throughout the exhibition, the final room was all about tiaras with many different styles displayed in glass cabinets on the outside of the room and glass columns in an inner circle. There were so many absolutely gorgeous examples of tiaras on display.

I could share dozens of photos with you all but I am limiting it to just a few. I thought the image on the top right was really interesting as it is made of black steel. It feels like that could be contemporary although it was influenced by Russian style and was made in the early 20th century. I must confess that the Sun tiara on the bottom right absolutely took my breath away when I saw it! It was made in 1907 although the yellow diamond was added in 2014. 

If only I had an unlimited jewellery budget and somewhere to where something so beautiful! For now, I will have to be content with just looking. 

The exhibition was beautifully staged, and the accompanying soundtrack by composed by Japanese electronic artist Ai Yamamoto and Finnish composer Erkki Veltheim was the perfect accompaniment

When granting the royal decree to Cartier, King Edward VII said Cartier was "Jeweler of kings . . . and king of jewelers" and having spent some time at this exhibition, it is obvious why!

Finally, I thought I would share a very short video of one of the pieces, the fully articulated snake necklace. It really shows the glittering nature of the diamonds. 

I am sharing this post as part of Paris in July, hosted at Words and Peace.

Don't Brake My Heart by Leonie Mack

 

Last year I read and really enjoy Leonie Mack's book Head Over Wheels which is set in the world of professional cycling (my review). It was always a given that I was going to read the follow up book!

Leesa Kubicka used to be a professional rider. In her mind, it was not a particularly successful career but she wasn't quite ready to give up. However, when injury forces her to retire, she needs to find a new career. She joins a sports marketing agency with only one proviso. She doesn't want to go anywhere near any cyclists. But when you are desperate to secure a contract, sometimes you just have to go where the work is. And so it is that she finds herself back in the world of professional cycling. It doesn't help that Leesa was often the recipient of Colin's many pranks.

Australian professional rider, Colin Gallagher is a man who has the hopes of his team on his back! As one of the successful Gallagher's there is a lot of expectation for this year's Tour de France. His sister, who was the main character in the first book, is a successful cyclist, his dad is the team manager and everyone thinks that he should be a favourite for the most prestigious and famous bike race in the world. The last thing he needs is a sports marketer following him around, filming his every move to give the team sponsor more exposure.

While Colin is driven to succeed, he is also known as a prankster and he has been known to take things a bit far. And that's especially true of his interactions with Leesa. The thing is though, part of the reason that he pranks her is that he really likes her, as in really likes her, and has done every since the first time he met her. And Leesa has no idea that this is why!

Colin needs to focus so he can't afford to be distracted from his preparation and Leesa also needs to just do her job well to increase her chance of keeping her job. Of course, that means that the more time that they spend together the more their simmering attraction keeps getting in the way.

This week was the perfect time to read this book given that the Tour de France is now underway. I do enjoy Le Tour although to be fair I do watch it more for the chateaux, cathedrals, scenery and the 5 minute cooking show which showcases the areas that the riders are racing through. I have, however, picked up some of the more technical terms which helped with reading these books. However, if you don't watch any professional cycling this is still very readable. The author does a great job of showing the gruelling physicality that the racers face, and that's before they accidentally hit the ground!

The first half is set in training camp but the second half of the book is actually set during the Tour, which is very cool!

With Colin being a prankster there is plenty of humour in this book, and the spice level is high! The chemistry between Leesa and Colin is scorching! I did find myself reading some very spicy bits while I was sitting in the café at lunchtime at work! I hope I wasn't blushing!

I have read a lot of Leonie Mack novels over the last few years and I find them very enjoyable and this was no exception! I am not sure if there will be any more books set in this world, but I hope so. In the mean time, the next book in her Adventure Wedding series is out in August so not long to wait for her next book!

Given that this book is set against the background of the Tour de France, I am counting this read for Paris in July hosted at Words and Peace! It also counts as a read for the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog

Rating 4/5

Blog Tour: Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse by Sue Moorcroft (includes UK giveaway)

 

The last trilogy from Sue Moorcroft featured three sisters living in Scotland on the Isle of Skye. Her new trilogy, of which this is the first book, again features three sisters but this time it is set on the shores of beautiful Lake Como

Jade was raised by her grandparents after being basically abandoned by her parents. Through out her life she has had nothing to do with either of her parents. One thing that she did know that under Italian property law, her father would have been the rightful heir of the guesthouse that Jade and her grandmother had run for many years. Jade has poured her whole career into the guesthouse, so it is a relief to find out that her father has foregone his right to inherit.

Fast forward many years, and the time has come. With Jade's grandmother's passing, Jade expects to inherit everything. It is therefore a complete shock when she finds out with her two half-sisters that she never even knew existed. Her grandmother knew about Rosalie and Erin and made provisions for them, even though she never met them.

Jade is standoffish with the two women as she realises that she is going to have to come up with a new plan for her future. Erin was raised by her mother and never knew their father either whereas Rosalie's mother had died when she was young but was raised by their father. With their different personalities and history, it is easy for feelings to be hurt, intentionally or not. 

If navigating new familial relationships where everyone is on edge isn't difficult enough, Jade's first love, Leo, is back in town. Sixteen years previously Leo had devastated Jade by announcing he was moving to England and just expected to go with him. Heartbroken, Jade said no, and so that was it. But now Leo is back after his relationship, which was both romantic and business, disintegrated in spectacular fashion. He is now at a loose end trying to work out what to do next.

I really enjoyed that Leo had his own storyline, and that he wasn't just there to be the love interest. His family also played an important part in the story. His parents had long been friends to Jade and her grandmother, so they provide support, but their lives are also changing. They are now semi-retired with Leo's brother taking over the management of running their own boutique hotel. Is there a place for Leo back in Italy or will he return to England to forge his new life?

As always Sue Moorcroft brings the setting to life on the page through the scenery, the food, the vibe. While I have visited Italy a couple of times, I have never made it to Lake Como and she had me wishing that I could visit there to see the amazing beauty for myself. 

There are two more books in the Italian Legacy series, one for each of the remaining sisters. I am looking forward to learning more about their stories, and seeing how this cobbled together family can truly unite and make up for all of the lost years!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. It was also one of the books I nominated for the Twenty Books of Winter. The theme for my read on a theme book club this time is Secrets, so given the title even has the word in it, this will be one of my book club selection. Thanks to the publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour below too!

Rating 4/5

About the Book

Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse

Two sisters she's never met
A first love who's impossible to forget...

For Jade, life in Lake Como is la dolce vita. Until her beloved grandmother passes, leaving Jade not just the family's bustling guesthouse to run, but two life-changing secrets to confront...

The pensione hasn't just been left to Jade, it's also been inherited by her sisters - who she had no idea existed. As Erin and Rosalie arrive in Italy, Jade is forced to face the heart-wrenching prospect of sharing her last remaining tie to the woman who raised her.

Jade is desperately trying to hold on to the past, but there's one person she would prefer to leave firmly behind: her first love, Leo. He's back in the city that is filled with the memories they once made together. But as Jade fights to take control of her future and her heart, why do all cobbled roads lead back to Leo?

Lose yourself in the first, utterly romantic novel in a brand-new trilogy, filled with new beginnings and second chances. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Milly Johnson.

Purchase Link - https://geni.us/ItalianGuesthouse

About the Author


Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author. Her novels have reached #1 on Kindle UK and Top 100 on Kindle US, Canada, Germany and Italy. She’s won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Novel of the Year, Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award, two HOLT Medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She’s the president of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Her novels, short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses have appeared around the world.

Social Media Links –

Amazon page: Sue Moorcroft

Audible page: Sue Moorcroft

Website: www.suemoorcroft.com

Facebook author page SueMoorcroftAuthor

Twitter: @SueMoorcroft

Instagram: @SueMoorcroftAuthor

Linked in: Sue Moorcroft

Link Tree: linktr.ee/SueMoorcroft

Bookbub: SueMoorcroft1

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse and a Sue Moorcroft pen (Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Win a signed copy of Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse & Sue Moorcroft pen (UK Only)

Top Ten Tuesday: Book That Include the Word Paris in the Title

Welcome to this week's edition of Top Ten Tuesday which is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week the theme is Book Titles That Include the Word “[insert word of your choice here]” (Pick a word and share ten book titles that include that word!).

Given that I am currently participating in Paris in July, my favourite annual blogging event, my word of choice is Paris! I have done this type of Paris post before but it has been a couple of years, and I have read more than 10 books that fit this prompt since then so there will be no double ups!

Here are the last 10 books I have read with the word Paris in the title.

In the Paris Fashion by Sophie Beaumont - I have really enjoyed all three of Sophie Beaumont's books. My review for this one will be posted in a couple of weeks.

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl - I liked quite a lot about this book but there was one thing that bothered me. Here's my review.

A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K Runyan - A bakery? In Paris? Yes, please. Here's my review from last year.

A Secret Garden in Paris by Sophie Beaumont - Yes, another Sophie Beaumont book. Here's my review.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods - This one is a bit deceptive because it is set in France, but not in Paris. (my review)

The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner - This is a dual timeline WWII novel set in Paris. (my review)

The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted by Rebecca Raisin - I love the way that Rebecca Raisin writes about food, books, and yes, Paris. (my review)

The Paris Chapter by Victoria Walters - This is another contemporary novel set in Paris. (my review)

Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey - Gillian Harvey writes a lot of books set in France. This is one of my favourites. (my review)

Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel by Rebecca Raisin - I forgot Christmas on my list of things I like about her list. 

Check out more Paris in July posts by visiting the host, Emma from Words and Peace.

This week....

I'm reading

Well, it's been a week! We have just gone through end of financial year which means it has been pretty full on. There are still some final tasks to be done, but we are definitely nearly there. Having said that, I still managed to get some reading done.

I finished The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak. As I mentioned last week I was really pleased that this book is predominantly set in the city of Konya in Turkiye which is a place that we visited a couple of months ago. I found this book a bit dense, but it was extremely interesting with lots of layers. I do enjoy this author's books and have already requested the next one from my library.

Next up I read In the Weeds by B K Borison which is the second book in the Lovelight Farms series. This is a very different read to the last book but it one that I found hard to put down!

Next up, I finished The King's Jewel by Elizabeth Chadwick. I count Chadwick as one of my favourite historical fiction authors and yet I hadn't read any of her books in years. It was so nice to be back reading one of her books. 

Next up, I started reading The Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse by Sue Moorcroft. I am on the blog tour for this book so my review will be up in a couple of days. If you are in the UK there is also a giveaway for this book so keep an eye out for the post which will be up on Wednesday. 

You would think that with all those books on the go I would know better than to just start another book that isn't a review book, isn't due back at the library, doesn't count for the Goodreads Summer Challenge or isn't on my 20 Books of Winter list. Apparently, my brain doesn't work that way so I started reading Don't Brake My Heart by Leonie Mack. Good thing it will at least count for Paris in July!

Last week I said that my next audiobook would be the latest Before the Coffee Gets Cold book. I did listen to the intro but now I have decided that I am going to listen to Unruly: The Ridiculous History of the Kings and Queens of England by David Mitchell. I have chosen this book for the Fact or Fiction prompt on the Goodreads Summer Challenge. I'll go back to the other one once I have finished this book

I am not sure how, but I managed to get through 16 books in June, and 9 of those counted for the 20 Books of Winter challenge. I gave several novels 4.5/5 but there was only one that I gave a 5/5 rating to and that was First Time Caller by B K Borison. Looking at the list now, I could probably have given one other book 5/5 which was This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page.

Books let our imaginations travel where our feet cannot - Nora Nguyen

Bookish travel

Here's where I travelled too through the pages of books during May

Europe

Ireland - Three Bags Full 

France - Piglettes

UK - This Book Made Me Think of You

Russia - War and Peace

Turkiye - The Forty Rules of Love

North America

First Time Caller, The Maid, Atmosphere, The Frozen River, Project Hail Mary

Australia

Queensland - Charlie's Last Angel

NSW - The Model Murder, Careful, He Might Hear You

WA - The Palace of Lost Virtue

SA - The Couples Retreat

Asia

Japan - We'll Prescribe You Another Cat

I'm watching

I started watching Eva Longoria: Searching for France over the weekend! So far we have watched 3 episodes and it is good, although she's no Stanley Tucci. Here's the trailer!

A couple of months ago we went to watch Project Hail Mary at the movies, which then prompted me to listen to the audiobook. We decided to watch the movie again while the movie was fresh in our minds. It has been really interesting to do this as there were things that I definitely didn't remember seeing the first time around. Of course, the book is more detailed than the movie and has more depth, but I do see myself watching this movie over and over!

The Tour de France has started! That means a few weeks of seeing beautiful scenery, amazing chateau's, big churches. Oh, and a few cyclists as well!





Life

Yesterday a friend and I went to see the Cartier exhibition which is currently on at the NGV. It was an absolutely gorgeous exhibitions of all things that glitter! Fabulous!

I will have a post up about the whole exhibition later in the week but here's a taster. And yes, that is a gigantic emerald in the middle of that piece!

We also tried a new brunch place this weekend! It has a very different vibe from the usual industrial style of most modern cafes! We will definitely be going back.

Posts from the last week


Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the Second Half of 2026
Historical Fiction Reading Challenge: July links
Paris in July: Beinvenue!
Paris in July: Since the last Paris in July
20 Books of Winter: July recap
Classics Club Spin: Careful, He Might Hear You by Sumner Locke Elliott

In My Kitchen: June

Six Degrees of Separation: Yesteryear to The Gilded Lily

I've linked this post to It's Monday, what are you reading? as hosted by Book Date, Sunday Salon hosted at Readerbuzz and the Good Book and a Cup of Tea link up hosted at Boondock Ramblings