books and bakes – HIHA CIC

Books and Bakes: A Quiet Contagion by Jane Jesmond

A Quiet Contagion by Jane Jesmond is a thoughtful and atmospheric novel that blends historical fiction, medical mystery, and family drama across two timelines. Set against the backdrop of the 1957 polio epidemic and a present-day search for answers, the book explores grief, secrecy, ethics, and the lasting impact of hidden truths. Our latest Books and Bakes read sparked rich discussion about trust, public health, and how the past continues to shape the present.

By admin, 1 monthJuly 13, 2026 ago

Books and Bakes: The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham

A rich and thought-provoking Books and Bakes session exploring The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham. With themes of reputation, creativity, and small-town life, the book sparked varied perspectives and meaningful conversation.

By admin, 2 monthsJune 8, 2026 ago

Books and Bakes: The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr

A thoughtful and engaging Books and Bakes session exploring The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers by Samuel Burr. With themes of belonging, identity, and community, the book sparked meaningful conversation, shared reflections, and plenty of curiosity.

By admin, 3 monthsMay 11, 2026 ago

Books and Bakes: A Very English Scandal by John Preston

A fascinating discussion at Books and Bakes this week as the group explored A Very English Scandal by John Preston. With some members having lived through the era—and even been part of the Liberal Party—it sparked surprising reflections, varied perspectives, and powerful conversation about history, memory, and change.

By admin, 4 monthsApril 13, 2026 ago

Books and Bakes: The Radleys by Matt Haig

A quiet suburban family with a powerful secret at its core, The Radleys by Matt Haig explores what it means to hide parts of ourselves in order to fit in. Beneath the humour and unusual premise lies a thoughtful reflection on identity, family dynamics, and the tension between living authentically and protecting those we care about.

By admin, 5 monthsMarch 9, 2026 ago

Books and Bakes: The Midnight Hour by Eve Chase

A reflective and atmospheric novel exploring family secrets, shifting timelines, and the echoes of the past. In February, our Books and Bakes group discussed The Midnight Hour by Eve Chase, sparking thoughtful conversation about memory, perspective, and storytelling.

By admin, 6 monthsFebruary 9, 2026 ago

Books and Bakes: Lord of the Flies by William Golding

A group of schoolboys survive a plane crash and find themselves alone on a tropical island. At first, they try to organise themselves with rules, meetings, and a shared hope of rescue. But as fear grows and leadership fractures, order gives way to power, violence, and the loss of innocence. This summary of Lord of the Flies explores the novel’s journey from structure to chaos and invites readers to share what they thought of Golding’s unsettling vision of human nature.

By admin, 7 monthsJanuary 15, 2026 ago

Books and Bakes: The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett

In The Twyford Code, bestselling author Janice Hallett delivers a masterfully crafted literary puzzle told entirely through audio transcripts. As ex-gang member Steven “Smithy” Smith attempts to unravel the decades-old disappearance of his schoolteacher and a possible code hidden in children’s books, readers are invited to decode the truth alongside him. Thought-provoking, cleverly structured, and rich in emotion, this is more than a mystery—it’s a moving meditation on memory, identity, and the stories we choose to tell.

By admin, 1 yearAugust 6, 2025 ago

Books and Bakes: Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

Shuggie Bain hasn’t been an easy read for the group, we do recognise how powerful and evocative the story is.

By admin, 1 yearJuly 19, 2025 ago

Books and Bakes: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

This month, our Books and Bakes Book Club has been reading Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell — a beautiful and heart-wrenching novel that brings to life the unseen story behind one of history’s greatest writers.

By admin, 1 yearJune 9, 2025 ago