While we're keeping safe inside, and the weather cools down - we have more reviews from Nicki to help us choose our next read.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Lockdown 2020. You've Marie Kondo'd the entire house, twice, the hedges look like they've been trimmed with nail scissors, you're bench pressing your PB, you've shaved 37 seconds off your run and the dog hides when he sees you coming with the lead.  Step. Away. From. The. Fridge.  The cheese is gone (and it's too early for the wine.)

Say hello to Leo Tolstoy. It's time to read War and Peace.

The story chronicles the French invasion of Russia and spans the period 1805 to 1820 covering numerous historical battles.  But despite the depth of the subject (battles aside, there are jealousies, disappointments, misunderstandings, broken hearts and family troubles - goodie goodie!) so you'll be pulled in and find yourself racing through the chapters like a thriller bought for light reading at the airport.

Considered a masterpiece, War and Peace is a classic novel of epic proportions, 1225 pages in print, so it's going to take some commitment.  But if you find yourself with some free time, absolutely worth the effort.

Ride Like A Girl by Michelle Payne

If you're thinking this is another story of an underdog who defeats the odds, you'd be right.

Oh, you're still here - I would have bet on you scratching.  So this is the true story of Michelle Payne, the youngest of ten children of racehorse trainer Paddy Payne, who has dreamed of winning the Melbourne Cup since she was five-years-old. She overcomes 100-to-one odds, debilitating injuries and the sport's gender gap to become the first female to win the Melbourne Cup in the event's 150 year history.

Almost as sweet as a sugar cube, this account of a determined young jockey's rise to the top will leave you with a warm feeling swelling beneath your ribs.  Recently released as a movie, which is quite brilliant too.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Here's a bit of a fun read with a seductive plot.  A group strangers embark on whole-body makeovers at a stunningly beautiful luxurious health resort. I'm swooning...

Beauty treatments, massages, strolls through picturesque countryside, carefully constructed deliciously wholesome meals, all washed down with award winning wines.  Whaaaaat?  First reality check - NO wine!  How is a person supposed to relax and wallow in the comfort of a top-class (horrendously overpriced) health spa without a nice drop of perfectly harmless grape juice?  But wait, there's more surprises in store for our guests.  Turns out the beautiful, charismatic Russian woman who owns the resort is totally bonkers.  The guests soon bond in fear as they suspect something fishy is going on.

Don't be deceived by the sugary start of this novel, things rapidly turn sour...

Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

This book was recommended to me by our lovely librarian, Jenny.  THANK YOU Jenny - I loved it!  So that's two of us with excellent taste, so really you should be sold.  In case you need further convincing read on.

The story revolves around handsome, charismatic James.  A successful public figure, married to beautiful Sophie and living a privileged life.  But..... James has been a bad boy (or has he?)  Sophie is convinced that he is innocent and is desperate to protect their perfect lives.  But Kate is the prosecutor and she is equally as determined to seek justice.  And Kate knows things about James's past. Secrets long buried that only she knows.

Part courtroom thriller, part portrait of a marriage, full of twists and turns, a real page turner.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

We're always getting behind something.  Whether it be lawn mowers, sports teams, naughty husbands, lazy teens, or in the case of border collies, a flock of sheep.  But sometimes all you really want to get behind is a good book.  If a gripping psychological thriller increases your excitement levels "The Girl on the Train" will blow your mind.

Our girl is Rachel and she catches the same commuter train every morning.  The journey takes her along the back of houses where she becomes obsessed with a beautiful young couple who live there.  Rachel looks our for the pair each day, daydreaming about their perfect lives, until one day she see something that will spiral her already fragile life into pieces.

An unsettling little thriller where no one can be trusted.  Not even our Rachel...