Holidays offer a great opportunity to indulge my passion for reading.  This year I enjoyed two weeks with my family staying in a cottage in the historic town of Beaumaris, situated on the south east coast of the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales.  It wasn’t quite as peaceful as we’d anticipated: the seagulls welcomed the dawn with their cries around 4a.m., and the church clock behind the cottage chimed the hours – the chimes welcome by day, less so by night!  But it was wonderful to have two weeks exploring the beaches, countryside and nearby castles.

Diane Chamberlain, ‘The Escape Artist’

            My first read was ‘The Escape Artist’ by Diane Chamberlain.  This was the first novel I’d read by this author, lent to me by a friend.  She correctly guessed that the emotionally engaging mystery about a mother, Susanna, going on the run after losing custody of her infant son would appeal to me.  Susanna’s new life is quickly compromised when she finds out something that could save the lives of others if she reports it to the police at the likely cost of losing her son… I raced through this very cleverly plotted novel and look forward to reading more by this author.

Celia Fremlin, ‘Uncle Paul’

            Next I read ‘Uncle Paul’ by Celia Fremlin.  First published in 1959, this early domestic noir novel proved the perfect holiday read, and was justifiably Waterstones’ Book of the Month in July.  It’s beautifully written, with mounting suspense, excellent characterisation and more than a little humour. 

Anne Wyn Clark, ‘Whisper Cottage’

        ‘Whisper Cottage’ by Anne Wyn Clark was satisfyingly creepy and another page turner, as was my next book, The Dark Tide by Simon McCleave.  I picked this propulsive crime thriller up in the indie bookshop Hinton’s of Conwy, attracted by it being set in Anglesey itself.     

David M. Barnett, ‘there is a light that never goes out’

            Palas Print, Caernarfon, proved another excellent indie bookshop, where I dared to try ‘Diolch’ (‘Thank you’) when buying David M. Barnett’s ‘there is a light that never goes out.’  The friendly bookshop owner responded in Welsh, before quickly translating into English at the sight of my puzzled face!  Rather sadly, I declined the offer of a loyalty card, explaining I lived a four hours’ drive away…

‘there is a light that never goes out’ is a heart-warming novel set on an island off the Llyn peninsula in Wales.  It’s a captivating story about the reunion of Gayle and Martin, former lovers at Uni. They meet again years later when Gayle accompanies her class from an inner city Manchester school to the island where Martin lives a solitary life as lighthouse keeper.  The combination of wit and poignancy make this a compelling read, and again I shall be seeking out more books by this author.

Joy Margetts, ‘The Pilgrim’

My final read, ‘The Pilgrim’ by Joy Margetts, is an historical fiction novel which evocatively portrays Cistercian medieval life.  The inward, spiritual journey of the main character from headstrong, ambitious Henry to grace-filled servant Brother Hywel as he joins other well-drawn characters on pilgrimage through North Wales convinces spiritually, emotionally and psychologically.  I finished this when I returned home, and this gentle, thought-provoking book brought some holiday refreshment back with me.