Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (2022)

Trespasses looks so intriguing but I’m wondering if it might be a little darker than I had expected. The blurb tells us the story is set in Belfast where violence is the norm in main character Cushla’s life. As she begins a relationship with a barrister associated with the IRA, the risks to Cushla and those around her intensify. I can tell it’s the sort of book that feels raw and real and I’m definitely interested. I find it hard to read about graphic violence, but this story seems worth it – I’ll need a happy light-hearted book to read straight after this one!

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill (2022)

Honestly this one had me at “feminist tale set in 1950s America” (GoodReads) and I cannot wait to read more! I’m so curious to see where it goes. It’s kind of giving me Sarai Walker’s Dietland vibes (which I LOVED), as a feminist novel told by changing history and following what that might look like if a few alternate events had occurred. I’m hoping it goes further than the limiting white housewife perspective of feminism but I’m keen to read and enter this world of magical realism.

All I Ask by Eva Crocker (2020)

I am quite torn on this one. All I Ask was recommended to me by someone who has given me many good suggestions in the past so I had no doubt this one would also be an excellent read. However, a quick look over on Goodreads and the reviews are shockingly awful so I’m interested in reading it to make up my own mind. The blurb tells us this is the story of a young woman named Stacey and her circle of friends, however it doesn’t give much away so we will see.

Ready for It by Nicola Masters (2023)

Books about female friendships are one of my favourite reading genres. Ready for It is all about the relationship between best friends, Natalie and Fiona, and what happens when life brings a real test to their lifelong friendship. It is also set at a time of transition as they are in their 20s, figuring out what they want and who they want to be. I’m endlessly curious about how people live and what brings them to the choices they make so I love that this is part of their story. Looking forward to seeing how this one pans out.

This Has Been Absolutely Lovely by Jessica Dettmann (2021)

In the name of full transparency, I am completely captivated by the cover and title of this book. I am a sucker for a good title so I’m optimistic that it will be a good one. The story is about family, motherhood and best of all, secrets. Love a book with family secrets. I’m going into it anticipating a funny but authentic story that is satisfying to read so hopefully it lives up to my expectations! I’m imagining waiting until summer for this one and enjoying it for total pleasure (hopefully on a lounge chair by a pool somewhere).