Thanks everyone for your kind words last Monday – I’m slowly getting better (perhaps helped by the need to search for the new Murakami on the weekend). I did have a better week in terms of deliveries, all that lying around may have inspired an order or two… (Click on the titles for a link to more about the book).
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende was a lovely surprise from Simon & Schuster. It’s set in World War II and present day and is about Alma and Ichimei. The pair fell in love during the war, but were forced to hide it. Alma’s grandson Seth and care worker Irina discover this long lasting love through gifts and letters sent to Alma. It’s published here in Australia in November.
Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters was a win from Hachette. Motorbike heroes look like they are gaining in popularity in romance, and as I’ve never read one, it sounds pretty interesting. Full of revenge, alpha heroes and darkness, I’m looking forward to it.
Thank you to both publishers!
My own purchases should come as no surprise, given what I’ve been blogging about lately. Armed with a 10% off code for Book Depository, I plundered their stocks of Clarkson, Hammond and May writings. I loved the television series of James May’s Toy Stories and this hardcover edition is gorgeous (with tons of pictures of the Lego house). Jeremy Clarkson’s The Top Gear Years is not a tell all book, but his columns from Top Gear magazine (I don’t read the magazine on a regular basis as the Aussie one isn’t that great). Richard Hammond’s On the Road is not about Top Gear but a memoir of a history of journeys (and hair). Finally, Top Gear’s Guide to Britain
by Richard Porter
is probably more for youngsters, but it looks pretty funny (especially as I doubt there will be a Top Gear annual this year).
What did you receive or purchase this week? Do drop by the Mailbox Monday blog for links to everyone’s mailbox goodies. Overseen by Vicki (I’d Rather Be at the Beach), Leslie (Under My Apple Tree) and Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit), I’m sure you’ll find many books for the wish list!
Sam Still Reading 
I would love to be surprised by a copy of The Japanese Lover in my mailbox too, lol. Wonderful mailbox. Enjoy!
Looks like you found some good books at Book Depository!
You are definitely a Top Gear follower. Ruin and Rule sounds interesting. I hope the recovery continues.
I’m just catching up on your fall- so sorry to hear it! I’m glad that you’re starting to feel a little better. Ruin & Rule caught my eye. I saw a lot of bikers this weekend! Have a great week, Sam.
The Japanese Lover looks fantastic! Happy reading!
Nice books in the mail and nice purchases.
THE JAPANESE LOVER looks good to me.
ENJOY your reading week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Mailbox Monday
Ooh, The Japanese Lover sounds really good! My guys would love the Top Gear books.
I’m going to have to look into The Japanese Lover. I always enjoy Isabel Allende’s books.
I’m glad you’re getting better!
I really like the cover on Ruin & Rule! I like that there is some darkness in there also. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!
Mailbox Monday #2
The Japanese Lover looks very tempting! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week; and thanks for visiting my blog.
My husband and I are fans of Top Gear so I am going to have to check those books out. I think the Top Gear Years would be a good Christmas gift
Isabel Allende is one of my favorite writers. I hope you love her book.
On The Road looks interesting!