Welcome to another edition of My Favourite Reads. February was a difficult month for reading. I had a couple of contest entries for the Romance Writers of Australia’s prestigious Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) award to get through, plus, as many of you are aware, we were moving house. That didn’t leave much time for sleep, let alone picking up a book.

I can’t tell you about the Ruby books but I can tell you about the others, of which my favourite was…

From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

Set in Italy in World War II, From Sand and Ash is the impossible, sweeping tale of a Catholic boy and Jewish girl. It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, traumatic, passionate and beautiful.

Much of the country is under Nazi rule, putting Eva and her family in terrible danger. Eva is a survivor though, brave, resourceful, and incapable of remaining passive in the face of evil. Angelo is no less courageous, doing all he can to help Eva, her people and others facing unspeakable fates.

Though Angelo and Eva’s love is forbidden on so many levels, it’s so strong they’ll protect each other with every ounce of themselves. But how can love be enough at a time like this?

I was worried sick all through this book that it wasn’t going to give me a satisfying ending. The odds seemed too impossible, but this was an Amy Harmon story and having read a few of hers now, I had faith. Eva’s and Angelo’s treacherous journey remained believable and satisfying, even if it did make me bawl. A lot.

The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn

There’s been a lot of hype around The Woman in the Window and with good reason – it’s an excellent read. Fast paced, tricksy, and full of mystery and drama.

I enjoyed trying to guess who was telling the truth and who wasn’t, and I particularly liked the portrayal of Anna’s illness. As for the opening pages, they were rippers. Made this author very jealous.

Nightmare House by Douglas Clegg

Regular readers of My Favourite Reads will know how much I adore a horror tale and this book has been sitting on my e-reader for a while. What better time to give yourself house issues than when moving into a new one?

Set in the 1920s, Nightmare House follows Estaban (or Ethan as he’s known) as he ventures into the countryside to claim his inheritance – a creepy old house that’s even creepier, more mysterious and labyrinthine inside than it looks from the outside. Weird gothic fun with bonus strange locals.

Back in the Italian’s Bed by Annie West, Bought by the Italian by Annie West

Annie’s Hot Italian Nights novella series has proved perfect for this busy time. They’re wonderfully pacy, skipping along with lots of action and attraction and, of course, passion. Think uber wealthy and uber hot Italian playboys being turned inside out emotionally by smart, sassy women who match them at every level, and lots of gorgeous countryside.

I’ve been devouring these books like lollies – they’re bargain priced at major ebook retailers – so expect to see more featured in next month’s Favourite Reads.

What reads have you enjoyed lately?