For the Love of Books | Currently Reading December 2018

Even though this month was such a busy one, I managed a fair bit of reading (there are some pluses to doing the school run twice a day by bus) and everything read was in the form of a ‘real’ book.

The Zion Chronicles by Bodie Thoene: This is a set of five books, all with the same main characters and set in Jerusalem in the run up to the formation of the state of Israel in 1948.  I’ve have my set for over 20 years,  and although generally classed as religious fiction, they are still available on Amazon.

The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel’s statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. Will there ever be peace in Zion? The Jewish people wonder as they stream into the British Mandate of Palestine after the devastation of World War II. What has happened to God’s promises to their nation?

The characters are beautifully drawn and the plot links in with real life events cleverly and intelligently.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid:  I saw this mentioned in a reading round up post on Elise’s blog and my eye was instantly drawn to the stylish cover.  Turns out it’s a surprisingly good story, with a terrific twist at the end (which I didn’t guess).

Reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant to write her story, no one is more astounded than Monique herself.

Determined to use this opportunity to jump start her career, Monique listens in fascination. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s – and, of course, the seven husbands along the way – Evelyn reveals a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. But as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Taylor Jenkins Reid also wrote One True Loves, which I read in April.