Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

ClareR (5996 KP) rated Em & Me in Books

Mar 24, 2023  
Em & Me
Em & Me
Beth Morrey | 2022 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Em & Me by Beth Morrey was another lucky choice on The Pigeonhole! I loved this story about a young, single mum, Delphine, who cares for both her daughter and her father.

Since the death of her mother when she was a young teenager, Delphine has had to care for her father who has been in the depths of grief and depression. Delphine is in survival mode, working two jobs and struggling to make ends meet.

And then the doors begin to open for her. She rediscovers her voice - both spoken and singing. Delphine realises that she wants more, but she has a secret that she’s trying to keep from everyone - including herself.

This is a story of second chances, self-belief, family and friends (both equally as important to Delphine). A thoroughly feel good novel - and we all need one of those from time to time, don’t we!

Many thanks to Beth Morrey for reading along with us and commenting along on the Pigeonhole.
  
40x40

ClareR (5996 KP) rated Confessions in Books

Sep 10, 2025  
Confessions
Confessions
Catherine Airey | 2025 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Catherine Airey’s book Confessions didn’t end up on some prize lists this year. It’s so well written, engaging, unputdownable (I read it in a day - I was ill!), and it has a lot to say about loss, purpose, family, secrets and women’s experiences.

I love a multi-generational story, and this starts with Cora Brady, the Twin Towers disaster and how she wanders the streets of New York afterwards. Her estranged aunt comes to her rescue in a letter, offering Cora a home with her in Ireland.

Some parts of the book are about Cora’s mother, an artist, her aunt and her own daughter.

I was pretty much transfixed by this book; I was completely immersed in the lives of these women. Sometimes it was heartbreaking, and at other times there was a real hope for the future.

It’s a great read, and I’d highly recommend it.