Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

I very much enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman which is set in Glasgow. Eleanor is a great character, very likeable and it is very interesting to watch her develop in the story as she breaks free from her self-imposed constraints.  She had a terrible childhood which we gradually learn about.  Her life changes when she and a work colleague help a stranger who collapses in the street.  Beautifully written, a delightful book. 5/5

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

I read The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland which is set in Australia.  Alice grows up with her violent father and her mother who tries to keep the peace in their insular household.  Alice doesn't go to school, she doesn't leave her family property.  When tragedy strikes, Alice is sent to live with her grandmother on an unusual flower farm.  Alice is taught that flowers have meanings.  She grows up on the farm and then story is about her life there and living with the ghosts of the past.  31/2/5