First month of our new year is up, and what did I get up to? Back to school with 7 new whippersnappers starting in Nursery! It’s been busy. Plus I went out with colleagues one evening for a Thai meal and to watch a really funny panto, Robin Hood in Space, starring an old colleague of ours!
A few thousand words more on my newest writing project, which I need to concentrate on, especially now that I have no publisher! I wrote a synopsis for it, which I will break down into a more detailed plan, but for now, it’s getting words on that page.
I read, and I listened to a variety of books, and though it’s not as many as I can read, I have been exhausted over the month, so I was quite pleased with what I achieved! I have also tried not to go too mad with Blog Tours as I do need to write, but my NetGalley habit is still strong, so my TBR list is still filled with ARCS! Will I never learn?
Loved this fab story, which was a bit like a Thelma and Louise style story, only they are chasing after someone, and no one dies in the end! Maggie is a 49 year old, living in a caravan with nothing to her name. Declined cards, and even her cat, George, has disappeared. Well, I lie there. She has a £20 note but in this cashless society, even that is not worth the paper it’s printed on. Into her life comes Flick, a 20-something journalist with a story in mind, that is, in fact, Maggie’s story. Together, after a little umm-ing and ahh-ing, they embark upon a cross continent trip to chase down a romance fraudster who has stripped Maggie’s life of any meaning, to get, hopefully, some answers, and for Flick, the recognition she needs to become a renowned journalist, not just the local rag’s regional news reporter. So many locations, so many laugh-out-loud moments, which I have come to expect from Potter’s books, and a good few little twists within, too. I especially loved the side character, Birdy ‘with a y, not an ie, because no one wants die at the end of their name!’ She’s a mature lady with her wits about her, and a few secrets of her own. Maggie and Flick are two very different characters, but how they begin to mellow towards one another, and the development of their relationship are beautiful to watch (read) as they unfold. A thoroughly fun, fab book! Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC.
I don’t know how to explain just how much I am enjoying listening to this series by Halima Khatun, but it is just brilliant! Our Bengali heroine is now married, after going through the (not quite) arranged marriage process, and having been the crazed Bridezilla, too. She not only has a new hubby but also a new city to live in and new colleagues to get to know. I have to say that I laughed and sniggered out loud at some situations she found herself in, and could relate to so many of them, too. But I also felt her struggles, especially for her emotions towards her own family, and how it felt not living there anymore. Just the descriptions of how her dad would wordlessly describe so much through his actions got me a bit teary. Honestly, such a true reflection of life as a second-generation British Asian, with a foot in one culture and the other in another world, navigating one traditional family for another, with a difference. I cannot wait to listen to the next one!
Love is a Question is a beautifully crafted story of three men, and how their lives entwine. The way Livings navigates those tough years when Nicholas and Bobby were both younger, and being gay wasn’t as easy to admit, the mixed feelings from family, and how they blossomed, stepping up for each other… so, so beautifully done! And the introduction of Guy, and again, him being such a sensitive soul. I was so glad Nicholas found someone to continue living with, as well as honouring Bobby’s memory. I laughed a little and shed a tear. Two, at times. Beautifully written.
I loved listening to this, the fourth book in Halima Khatun’s Secret Diary of a Bengali Woman series. In this instalment, we follow our MC through her thought process as she navigates the next step in her life: contemplating whether she and M are ready for children. Again, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and so much relatable content. The pressure you feel to keep going to the next level of life, from studies to job to marriage to parenthood and beyond. It’s like playing a computer game and being happy at the level you have got to, only for the outside to be pushing you, metaphorically, to conquer the next one. Khatun has put her special spin on the level, with humour and emotion. I could feel the pull our MC feels to keep going with her career, something she has worked so hard to succeed in, alongside being a good daughter-in-law and a faithful daughter. Seeing her own parents growing older, beginning to identify with her own mother differently. And then finally identifying that need, to get pregnant. Wonderfully written and entertainingly narrated. I cannot wait to listen to book five when it finally comes out!
Portia MacIntosh’s books are a surefire light-hearted read, and I was excited to read A Shore Thing. Set in the world of Reality TV, we have our FMC, Cleo, who is a behind-the-scenes hero. She casts for a show that is waning in popularity, given the glut of reality TV. And she is introduced to the MMC, Lockie, in an unconventional manner, only to find out he will be working closely with her. Their chemistry is immediately palpable, and how Cleo tries to keep it all simmering, but not boiling over, is an art in itself, especially when their show goes a bit wrong, and she finds herself in an unexpected situation. There are hilarious moments, high tension, and a few scenes that you know might be spicy, but the reader can use their imagination instead of getting blow-by-blow accounts. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
I love romances of any sort, so this MM story was right up my alley! And set in the village of Hay in Wales, with its bookish connections, was a great boost. Quinn is a bookseller specialising in all things queer, from the books he sells to the services his unique bookshop provides. But he’s struggling. Not only in life but also in his business. Threatened with being evicted, he’s clueless about what to do, apart from burying his head in the sand. Noah is a successful author who originally hails from Hay, though he has his own demons to deal with there, so he much prefers London life. You can feel the chemistry between the two characters, highlighted in some humorous scenes, as well as plenty of heartrending ones, too. There is great backstory, especially the one detailing Quinn’s connection with books and his late father, as well as the reason Noah finds being home hard. Books, romance, Christmas – what’s not to love!
I’ve systematically read everything by Ruby Roe so far, before this, and if you thought Girl Games was a little spicy, boy, have I got news for you! The gripping, high-octane, fantastical, sapphic, vampire story also proved jaw-droppingly naughty! We follow Octavia, one of the original three vampires – a powerful woman in her own right, and Red, one of the city’s Hunters – and someone out for Octavia’s demise after some pretty messed history. But they have an attraction, a pull towards one another that they cannot ignore. This book sets the scene for the ones that follow, with a dangerous trial they are paired for, competing against other pairs of vampires/hunters to help open a portal that is threatening to be lost forever. Okay, so I won’t say more about that because it is an integral part of the story. As is the SPICE! OMG, I can tell you from experience that if you are listening to the audiobook, which I was, be prepared to not listen on a loudspeaker or in the car if you have anyone around you, as it is pure filth! Naughty Ruby! Having said that, I am already partway through book 2 (through earphones or when alone, as it promises the same heat factor, lol!).
I enjoyed Jessica George’s Maame and was delighted to get a chance to read Love by the Book, her second novel. Though it was a little slower-paced than some of my recent reads, it was no less enthralling. The story is told from two POVs: Remy, an author struggling to write her second book after a successful debut built on her wonderful friendship group, and Simone, a Primary school teacher with a bit of a different side hustle to make more money. Their paths cross as adults, and two very different characters begin to forge a tentative relationship. This entire book really explores the dynamics of female friendships and the intricacies of balancing those friendships as life moves along. Beautifully told. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
I listened to the audiobook of this straight after finishing the first one, because, quite frankly, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next! This ultra steamy sapphic fantasy continues with the two MCs, Red and Octavia, partnered in an epic trial, and oh so much angst! Red is a hunter, and Octavia is a vampire. They shouldn’t be partnered together, let alone be amicable, but their bond is something altogether quite different. We learn more about Octavia’s vampire mother, Cordelia, and a past relationship of hers that has a huge effect on the trials being carried out, and I relished the scenes that brought us closer to understanding why she is who she is. The chemistry, the steam, the extra hot spice – oh my. I said this before, but wow – you gotta be hella careful where you listen to this one!
A short, sweet, spicy prologue to help understand the characters of Red and Octavia, prior to all the craziness of the main series. It is best read after the first book, and really gives a softer view of their romance, and also, as is usual with Ruby Roe, a nice shot of sapphic spice to go along with it! And this one is narrated by the author, too, which gives it an extra bit of oompfh!
So, that was 11 books over the last month. Not bad for the first month of the year! Which one caught your eye?
It’s been a strange month. Yes, school was crazy in those last few weeks, with festive fun happening, winding the children up. But my heart wasn’t as into it as it usually is. There was a big gap where my Brother-in-Law had sat, and his memory was everywhere. It was tough for us all.
Coupled with the fact that Pops has been unwell and needed an operation in the lead-up to Christmas, it’s all been a bit much. (He’s okay, thank goodness, and I got to spend a few days with my parents alone, which was an early present for me.)
But to top it off, I found out that my excellent publishers are closing in the new year! So that means I need to start thinking about how to relaunch my Rishtay Series, again. Do I look for a total rebranding with new covers, too, or just a tweak inside, and republish?
And I guess that means that I need to get writing again…
So I read and listened as best I could.
And as the year ends, I finished on over 167 (I think – though Goodreads thinks it’s 170!) books read or listened to, and books really were my saviour this year.
Book 4 in the Walsh Family saga, and this time, we are learning more about Anna Walsh, the fourth sister in the family. I guess there should be trigger warnings for this one, because although Keyes’s trademark humour is threaded through, we are looking at death, loss, and grieving in this story. Anna lives in New York with her husband, Aiden, and she finds herself back with her family after a horrific accident, but all she really wants is to get home to her hubby and the city she has come to call home. Through the story, she is searching for her husband, who appears to have disappeared, until the penny drops… This really highlighted how the brain works in times of grief, and how Anna’s mind shut off certain things to allow her to heal physically, before letting her return to reality, and navigate a loss she had forgotten. Anna’s tribulations with trying to contact Aiden were hilarious at times and heart-wrenching at others. I loved the little email asides from Mammy Walsh and Helen, the youngest sister, as their little side stories played out!
I have really enjoyed the Nell Ward series in its entirety, and was thrilled to read this seventh book. It may be read as a standalone, but I think the reader’s enjoyment will be further enhanced if they have read the previous ones, as there are many instances in the book where the past is mentioned. Certain relationships make more sense with that background. After being in Ireland for one story, this one takes us to India for the first part of the story as our favourite ecologist turned detective, Nell, finally ties the knot with the dashing Rav Kashyap, her partner at work, as well as romantically, and somehow he’s become her partner in uncovering crime too. Amid the celebrations, there is a death, which sparks a train of activity that leads to more death and mysterious activity once most of the wedding party reaches Finchmere, Nell’s family estate. This one held a special place in my heart for its connections to India and certain aspects that really hammer home the effects of colonialism, but the rest of the story was as gripping as always, and it is amazing how Nell’s ecological knowledge is used to uncover the culprit this time, too. Can’t wait for another instalment! Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for an ARC.
I loved this Thelma and Louise style adventure for our Golden Girls, Sadie and Bronagh, two sisters-in-law, who take off in a nephew’s canary yellow Ferrari, and leave Ireland for an impromptu trip to Devon! They really showed that age ain’t nothing but a number for having fun, and along the way they helped so many people and learned new things about themselves, too. The Irish contingency who end up in the sleepy village in Devon add another layer of fun, though it was sometimes, a bit crazy keeping up with what was happening where. Still, I enjoyed it thoroughly, and intend to be a Bronagh, living it up, being silly and truly enjoying the Golden years when they beckon, with the slight caution exercised by Sadie!
It’s always great to revisit old characters, and the Saga Louts have definitely found a soft spot in my reading heart! I’m increasingly likely to head for a book with more mature main characters because, well, they have so much substance, don’t they? This was a book with two dominant stories linked. The first centres on Beryl, one of the original Saga Louts. She’s an older lady and can be pretty demanding, but she has a deep sadness, and many gaps in the story of her son, who died far too young. Then there is the appearance of Vee, now in her fifties, but with a connection to Beryl’s son, and her own demons to face and overcome. Many loose ends are tied up in this fantastic adventure, as well as quite a few new romances started, and even though Eva Glyn says it’s possibly the last in the series, I can’t quite see those Saga Louts letting her go that easily! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
This is a January Blog Tour read for me, so come back to check the reviews!
The Italian Village in the Hills is an emotive story from the very talented Victoria Springfield, an author who makes me want to head off to Italy whenever I read her books! This story follows three families: two from the small village near Liguria in Italy with a chequered past linking them both together, and one from the UK, where a young lady, Amy, finds the courage to follow in the footsteps of her late grandfather, as she tries to trace the origins of a couple of intriguing objects he leaves behind. Stella finds herself back in her home village after many years of avoiding visiting, filled with shame from past misdeeds, Somehow, their paths cross, and, slowly as the story unfolds, discoveries are made, guilt assuaged, and links are forged. First loves, last loves, new loves, friendships repaired, and secrets laid to rest. A beautiful story. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
I always know I am going to be in for an emotional ride when I read an Amanda Prowse book, and feel many relatable things as I follow the story, and this gorgeous book was no different. One decision made at the tender age of ten sets in motion a particular trajectory of events in the lives of twins Remy and Ashleigh, and the book follows their story from that age to much later in life. There’s something to be said for the connection between twins, and this is explored so well: both women live very different lives, yet that decision all those years ago weighs so heavily on both of them. Parental pressures and expectations, dreams of the future, loves and family; we see them all develop, falter, finish, and continue. It’s hard to describe what I found relatable, but I felt extremely teary-eyed reading certain sections, and I raced through the book, hoping for a satisfying ending, which I got in spades. Get your tissues out! Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC.
I’ve always loved Sandy Barker’s stories, and was very excited to read this new story. Ally is the ‘Divorced Diva’. Having been through the D-word three times, she is now an expert in all things related to moving on and coping without that messy man you’ve left behind. After all, she has managed to come out three times, unscathed! Then a call to action comes, and it is from one of her ex-husbands, Julian (#3), and the chance to partner with him on his exclusive island resort, with her becoming the influencer to support the promotion. The only thing is that once she arrives, she finds that another one of her exes, Tommy (#1), is also there, causing a flare-up of emotions and unresolved emotions that she really should not be having, as it is not brand-appropriate. I loved the descriptions of the locations, the food and drink, and all the scene setting. I think I want to visit, now too! And the story has not only shed loads of ‘will they-won’t they?’ moments, but also spicy sparks and a little mystery thrown in, which was a pleasant surprise. Another cracker from Sandy! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
TW: Depression, Mental Health and Suicidal Thoughts Book 5 in the Walsh Family series, and it was great dipping back into the family, finding out what madcap things were occurring. This time, the focus is on Helen, the youngest sister. She is a PI operating on her own and is commandeered to work a very high-profile case by someone she really didn’t want to deal with. It involves the disappearance of a celebrity, Wayne Diffnety, at a crucial point of the return tour of his band, Laddz. While there are the usual madcap situations, Marian Keyes has also delved into mental health and depression, showing something about the workings of a mind that may be addled with a darkness that they are trying to live with, and thoughts of suicide. I enjoyed listening to this story, as it has its crazy moments as well more serious aspects that are handled well.
Book 5.5 in the Walsh family series kept me company on a long drive today, and I listened to it in one sitting as it is a brief reminder/teaser of the rest of the series! Mammy Walsh is quite a character, and this little A-Z really delves into her wonderful world! I loved her take on some incidents, words and phrases we have heard much of in the main books, like ‘feathery strokers’ and the ‘jolly boys’, but there are some other classics, off on a tangent things like her thoughts on ‘vajazzling’, that had me laughing out loud as I drove. I am sure other drivers may have thought I was slightly loopy as a result! Her total non-PC persona was hilarious and refreshing, too, as it humorously reflects her generation and age.
A delightfully whimsical tale, with a character-driven plot, and a subtle, slow-burning romance that suddenly ups the spice levels! Into the Midnight Wood is a story about two men, housemates in the Midnight Cottage, which sits at the edge of the Midnight Wood. The Midnight Wood is an enchanted wood, and Meredith, one of our main characters, has a real affinity with all the mysterious folk who live in there. David, whose point of view the story is told from, is the long-suffering man who shares the house with this man-child who has wormed his way into David’s being, and not in a comfortable way. It took me a while to get into it, I will admit, but I am glad I stuck with it, as there was a real story behind Meri and his whimsy. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for an ARC.
A January blog tour review coming for this quirky read by Dean Koontz
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Walsh series, and hearing Marian Keyes herself narrating the story was another treat. My Favourite Mistake follows Anna as she goes from being in a tentative relationship after losing her husband, Aidan, to finding herself alone again, without the support of her best friend Jackie, unfulfilled, perimenopausal, and back in Ireland. She ends up using her PR skills differently, supporting another friend with their new retreat, which the locals are not too pleased with, but she has to work with a blast from the past, Narky Joey, who is the reason she lost touch with her best friend. There is so much in this story to relate to, and love, with the Walsh clan turning up, as always, to cause their mischief, but also dealing with mental health, and of course, that biggie, Perimenopause. I was pleased with the ending, I have to say, and loved each chapter!
Another lovely book, which I will be on the blog tour for soon. 🙂
Oh, Gillian, you’ve done it again! Now, not only do I want to go and live in France, but I fancy a change of career to hospitality! Bella is living in a small village in France with her husband, living the dream. Or rather, her dream. She has, from a young age, wanted to run a B&B in France, after what was to her an idyllic school trip there, cementing her hopes for the future. And she has achieved that with her husband. But things are never as simple as that, are they? It’s not for him, after eight years, and he wants a clean break, if she isn’t prepared to up sticks and head back ‘home’ to the UK. What follows is Bella trying to live part of her dream and reinventing herself several times, unintentionally, as she moves to Versailles and gets herself a job in a Paris boutique hotel, under somewhat cloudy circumstances. (I won’t say false, as I am sure there are plenty out there who have slightly elaborated CVs to get interviews and jobs!) The characters she meets along the way, including the students she ends up house sharing with, and the elusive landlord, as well as her new boss, and a rather scary cantankerous old woman who lives at the hotel where she secures a job, all make for a fantastic supporting cast, to this story of second chances, and learning more about oneself in times of pressure. Oh, and of course there is romance, but it’s not always about the handsome French dude…! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
So, that was 15 books over the last month. Which one caught your eye?
And here we are at the end of the penultimate month of the year, November.
It’s always a busy month at schools, with assessments, sickness because it is getting colder and bugs are rife, and the beginnings of preparing for that time of year… I won’t mention it until the next review post, promise! It’s too early!
My In-Laws have been away, and that takes its toll on the family in its own way, so we managed as best we could.
I love Autumn and the colder evenings for snuggling and reading; however, the clocks changing mean it is dark so early, so I miss going for my daily walks. I would, but it is not a brightly lit place I walk through, and I want to stay safe!
So I read and listened as best I could.
I wanted to take part in the ProWritingAid writing challenge, rather like the old NaNo, but let’s be honest, as I mentioned above, it is a bit too busy in Ritu land to write over 1K a night, while dealing with everything else! I think I only entered one days words!
I always love it when you can dip back into a familiar fictional world, and this is exactly what I was able to do with Lizzie Chantree’s series, the Windsor Riverside Romances, and the latest book, The Windsor Love Match. So far, we have seen romance blossom for couples, and the third story involves Romy, fiery sister of Maya, and her riverside rival, Luca, a red-blooded Italian who seems to lock horns at every turn. When they find themselves in a bit of a situation, neither of them knows how things will work out. A bit of proximity, enemy-to-lovers going on, here, and their own backstories are heart-wrenching, as they slowly get to know one another better. This was an easy read, filled with feel-good vibes, and Romy and Luca’s chemistry was electric from the off. It was wonderful to read about characters from other books as well, to catch up on their lives.
Ach Kiley, you’ve done it again! I loved meeting the characters in the first Highland Repair shop book, and the whole concept of the story, with recycling, and sustainability, at the heart, so knowing we were going back there in Mending Lost Dreams, I was thrilled! We still have the stalwart characters, but this time we meet and get to know others. Alice is a doctor who has moved there for GP duties, after a scare in her previous posting. She’s nervous, and not sure she’s up for the job, but the magic of Cairn Dhu, begins to get to her. Cary is one fixer at the Repair Shop, with his own demons, but he begins to feel stirrings of feelings he never thought would come back. Finlay is a gruff mountain ranger on the Cairn Dhu mountain. A loner, who doesn’t like to be disturbed. But that is not an option when silly hikers keep getting themselves in bother. Murray is Alice’s brother. Alice was a focus character in the last book, and Murray’s twin. We know Murray escaped from his previous job abroad, as well as running from a failed relationship, and he’s such a sweetie, all the reader wants is for him to find his HEA – but who with? Then we have Nell the mummy dog, found with two pups, who are brought into the mix. All these characters are the focus of the story, and there is lots of ‘mending’ and ‘fixing’ of material objects, as well as hearts and dreams as the story progresses. High five to the author for bringing in difficulties with Mental Heath, and also the challenges of SEN children, through the story too. I loved it and cannot wait for the next one to drop! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
It was time to revisit Birchlea Heath Village, and this time we are with Naomi, a producer at a TV company, tasked with looking after the whims of Isaac, a contestant on the reality show, The Wow Factor. He is already a minor celebrity, and his presence causes a stir in the community, as well as in Naomi’s life, as he somehow ends up staying at her home with her parents and becomes her fake boyfriend for the Paparazzi. Along the way, he helps her realise that her life is not what she wants, and he helps her break down internal barriers, until something happens, causing both of them to question one another. A sweet, easy read set in a quaint little village where everyone knows each other’s business, and a little bit in New York, where we also experience a little Christmas magic!
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful listen! The Story Collector is a dual-timeline tale about two women, set 100 years apart in the Emerald Country, Ireland. 2012 – Sarah, an American woman, is running away from her life and a secret grief that she cannot unburden herself from. She finds herself in Ireland on a whim and is caught up in the lives of a local family, and some mystical goings on, when she stumbles upon the diary of a girl from a century ago. 1912 – Anna, a young farm girl, meets a stranger, an American gentleman, who is researching fairy stories and their roots, and needs a translator. Not expecting her family to agree, she volunteers, and ends up riding around the locality with him, visiting all those who have stories of the Good Folk, and plenty of fuel for her researcher’s thesis. I love the idea of fairies, and whether I believe or not, it is intriguing to read about them . So many communities, specifically the Celtic countries, have much folklore that is fodder for many books, including this one. This was magical, ethereal, tragic and romantic, and all-round beautiful to listen to. I have to admit a soft Irish lilt helps the way with the narrator doing a fantastic job. Thoroughly lost myself in this story whenever I listened, and I was nearly late for school some days as I didn’t want to stop partway through chapters!
A Charm of Finches: A short story from the author of the beloved Dr Nell Ward series by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have loved listening to the previous books in this series, and this short story was another wonderful edition, whetting our appetite for the next book, An Ambush of Tigers! We meet Nell and Rav, as well as Connor and Sylvia, and Shannon and James, again, and this time, they are all trying to solve a family riddle which has never been solved, in search of a worthy prize left by one of Nell’s ancestors. There aren’t murders in this short, but the result leaves it wide open for a cracker of a next book, when I am guessing we will be off to India!
Book 14 in the Hart’s Ridge series, and it just gets better and better! Taylor Gray is no longer part of the local police force, but she remains as passionate about solving crimes and mysteries that occur in the area. This time, the mysterious death of someone close to Taylor, triggers her into investigating, alongside her old partner at work, Shane. My oh, my, I wasn’t expecting that ending, that’s for sure! This series is thrilling, and each book keeps me turning pages until the end.
I’ve never been to Rome, but it has always been pictured in my head as a city filled with romance. Lucy Elena’s book, The Starling Dance, adds a whimsical filter to the city, alongside the romance. There is a small cast of characters and several points of view, but the primary character is Laure, a French woman living there, who came to Rome to escape something from her past. Her job, though tedious, keeps her going. We also have Viv, the human tree. Yes, I know that sounds a bit strange, but you need to read it to find out what it means! Viv is an observer, and he finds himself drawn to this beautiful woman he keeps seeing but knows nothing about. The story follows Laure as she falls into a bit of a muddle, as a lie she told in a simple conversation with a handsome stranger catches up with her. She finds herself unable to extricate herself from a situation she doesn’t want to be in. And then there is Viv, who has his own troubled background, which makes him the tree that he is, but the faint glimmer of hope of romance promises to make him want to step out from the shadows. This was a light hearted, nuanced romantic story with a little fantastical element to give it an added sparkle!
I can’t believe it took me this long to read/listen to other books in the Walsh Family series, but now that I have the audiobooks, I am a bit hooked. This one is about Maggie, sister #2, who is married and finds out her husband, Garv has been cheating. She finds herself in Los Angeles – the city of Angels, staying with her friend, Emily, and is swept up into the glamorous (and sometimes not so glamorous) world of movies, and all the ups and downs that come with it. Maggie has moments of rekindling old passions and stoking new ones before deciding where her real happy life lies. It was a great listen, and the antics turned up a notch when her mammy, dad, and sisters turned up to see if she was okay, and to have a mini holiday themselves!
Loved this book of fiction, with its many parallels to the British Royal Family, and the twists and turns Princess Alexandrina (Lexi) has to overcome as she goes from being the Spare to the Heir, albeit reluctantly. It really does make you question whether the grass is really greener on the other side, as in having blue blood, rather than being the average human… I really felt for Lexi, as she battled internally with her hereditary duty as opposed to her passion, both work-related and romantically. Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC.
I’ll be on the blog tour for this beaut, early in December, so you can see the review there!
Another one I am on the blog tour for in Early December!
So, that was a respectable 11 books over the last month. Which one caught your eye?
September, my 50th birthday month, had come to a close, and I would have posted my usual monthly review post. Still, circumstances beyond my control meant I could not post at the time I usually would, so I decided to combine these two months.
We, unfortunately, sadly lost my dear, dear brother-in-law after an emergency stay in ICU, at the end of September, on the 1st of October. I think you can see why my mind was all over the place. He was the same age as me, and such a wonderful soul. The family is in pieces. It was all so sudden… He was Hubby Dearest’s only sibling, had a beautiful relationship with his nephew and niece (Not So) Lil Man and Lil Princess, and has also been my big brother for the last 27 years…
It had already been a busy September because of school starting, and to end it like this was devastating.
There was one shining light over the two months, and that was getting to see my Finndian family, only for a day, but it was a day packed with so much love, so many giggles, and oodles of hugs, which we all needed.
Books were still my solace, but I didn’t have the same energy to read as usual. Then we hit half term, and I switched off from a lot and just lost myself in stories…
I’ve still been reading ARCs and listening to audiobooks while walking, when I could. The darker mornings and nights, our situation, and falling ill during half term meant my daily walks were lost, but I still tried to get out when I could…
So another audiobook that I couldn’t listen to in the car if someone else were in there with me! The Best Wrong Move begins with our FMC proposing to her boyfriend, only to receive the answer she didn’t expect, and subsequently becoming a laughingstock in NYC. She takes a sabbatical to Hawaii and finds herself in a building with her neighbour, someone she really doesn’t want to see again. A handsome stranger/turned landlord is on hand to support her in creating the tension she wants, but it bubbles up into something more. Was it some complex, deep storyline, nah. But it was pretty easy listening, and I didn’t need to do much thinking. And there were definitely some spicy scenes – hence the listening alone!
I’ve just finished listening to this, the first in the Nell Ward series of cosy crime books, and I have absolutely got the next one lined up! Dr Nell Ward is an ecologist, very thorough in her day job, and is currently studying badger sets and bats. Somehow, she ends up as a suspect in the murder of Sophie Crows, and to clear her name, she, along with her work partner, Adam, becomes an amateur sleuth. And none of this was ever going to be easy… And entwined with the mystery, there are fledgling romances… but which one will succeed? The book not only gives us a delicious murder mystery to solve, along with the MCs, but it also offers a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy, while teaching us a bit of ecology as we go. I would rate this story as easy to listen to/read, not gruesome, and with enough plot twists to keep readers/listeners interested until the end, where we have the setup for possibly the next story in the series.
Another Lindsey Kelk story, in her special brand of RomCom. This time, we are treated to a fake girlfriend trope, as our FMC, Laura, finds herself face to face with a very naked landlord, Callum, whose parents then arrive, and this is where the hilarity begins. Mistaken identity, leads to Laura offering to help Callum out of a ‘situation’, by becoming his girlfriend over Christmas, only Callum has already told his family about his fictitious long-term partner, so she finds herself in a Scottish mansion, rechristened Caroline, and a tee-total, vegan masseuse… only she is a neurosurgeon in reality, and meat and alcohol are some of her closest friends! We get family politics, a furious sister, a pining ex, parents with an agenda and some brilliant friends who drive up to rescue their Laura from a precarious situation, only to find that she may just be catching feelings… A great festive romance, easy to read and enjoy, with a little mild spice and lots of laughs! Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC.
I eagerly listened to the second in the Nell Ward series, A Cast of Falcons, and it was great to step straight back into the story with familiar characters, as well as plenty of new ones. This time, our hapless ecologist turned amateur detective plans and hosts her best friend’s wedding. However, there are a few disgruntled guests… This time, a shock death leads to a murder investigation among the guests, but the murders and awful events just don’t stop. I thoroughly enjoyed following the twists and turns, eagerly trying to guess who it might be, and I was delighted that Nell’s love life found its feet, even after some rather awful disasters. Plus, I got to learn a bit more about barn owls! Number three, A Mischief of Rats, is already cued up to play next!
I’m continuing to listen to the Nell Ward Series. I started Book 3, A Mischief of Rats, eagerly, and I was not disappointed! This time, the investigation centres around a murder that occurs during a racing event held at Nell’s family estate. A high-profile murder at a prestigious event, and many other secrets are uncovered as the investigation progresses. One thing I really love is how each book is entwined with the others, and even though you can listen or read without having devoured the previous ones, if you have, you can jump right back into Nell’s world. And, yet again, Nell’s unofficial sleuthing, combined with her ecological knowledge, helps to save the day. Alongside the murder investigation, there is also Nell’s relationship with Rav, her work partner-turned romantic partner, and the hurdles that a mixed heritage relationship sometimes has to jump. Fantastic, with lots of twists and turns, and I was ready to jump straight into the next, A Generation of Vipers!
I think I need to go visit Copenhagen after reading this festive Scandi treat! Anna is popping back ‘home’ from London, to say some final goodbyes, and rid herself of guilt, but finds herself stranded in Copenhagen in peak Christmas season. And she cannot leave fast enough. Jamie is a handsome Scot, with whom she has several negative encounters, but who shows more than a heart of gold in the long run. I have always enjoyed Pernille Hughes’ books and this one filled with broken hearts and angsty romance, as well as second chances, not with people, rather with places, was no exception. Both characters have been burned in the past, and it takes time, but this slow burn romance is a gorgeous read, as we see them grow their friendship into something more… but there is always a bump in the road to slow things down. I was fully immersed in the sensory delights of a Christmas in Copenhagen, and wanted to visit all the places mentioned, as well as most of the delicious-sounding food and drink!
I am speeding through this fantastic series on Audiobook and thoroughly enjoying each foray into Nell Ward’s world. An ecologist by profession, Nell finds herself entangled in murder investigation after murder investigation. She supports the police in their enquiries, using her own knowledge, in fact, sometimes fully uncovering the mysteries before the good old boys in blue! This time, there’s a serial killer on the loose, but this killer is wily and has slipped away without their cover being blown every time. However, the reptiles, more importantly, the snakes that Nell and her co-workers are monitoring and re-homing are just as slippery, and also give support in their own way to help with the mystery. I have to say that I was listening to a particular chapter where Nell is in a rather sticky situation involving loose snakes and country roads, and I was driving along some at the same time. I found myself stuck at a lower speed than usual, and ended up with a tailgating driver behind me, probably as annoyed at me as Nell’s tailgater was! Another great story, and it follows on perfectly from the previous books.
Jenni Keer’s books have a wonderfully magical quality, and they are infinitely readable because of the amazing storytelling! The Peculiar Incident at Thistlewick House is a brilliantly written historical story of some mysterious goings on in the small village of Thistlewick. Edward Blackmore, a communicator with spirits, and a lauded presence in London, is summoned to the home of his cousin, whose wife is undergoing some creepy changes after a bout of illness. Though he is reluctant to go, the pull is too strong and he arrives, finding himself in the thick of some extremely strange and unexplainable happenings. Edward is a man with his own secrets, and though there is no love lost between him and the cousin he visits to help, they still have a bond which helps through the solving of the mystery. It’s not a dual timeline book, but there is a section where we go back 40 years, to unravel secrets, and we are treated to circuses, strange exhibits, and a village intent on being the purest place ever… A fabulous book, with spooky goings on that keep the pages turning, and a great read for the autumn season, and the eeriness of Halloween! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
The fifth book in the Nell Ward series, and I have listened to it as avidly as the previous ones. The story takes us to the Emerald Isles as Nell’s mother’s security detail, Connor, is due to wed one of Nell’s dear friends. Nell is there with her wheelchair user partner, Ray, and James, the DI who has been involved in all the previous books, who is also a guest, and his girlfriend, Shannon. All these characters are known to a reader who has followed the series, and it’s great to have more layers revealed about all of them, as the stories progress. They end up embroiled in another murder investigation, this time, as a body is uncovered at one of the wildlife sites that Nell visits, where the peat bogs have preserved many things, including this body. As Conner and his brothers end up being suspects, this one is as close to home for Nell as all the previous investigations, but again, with her ecological background, and the skills and knowledge from both Rav and Shannon, with her art expertise, they all end up supporting enquiries and helping to solve another crime. It was a brilliant listen!
This was a wonderfully different romance, stemming from heartbreak, but with so many other strands to the story. Fee has had enough of her worthless, sexist boyfriend, and somehow finds herself at the gathering of people suffering heartbreak after seeing a leaflet at her local wine bar. Through the club, we get to meet many people, each with their own story, from a woman going through divorce, a woman suspecting her husband is having an affair, a woman coming out of a long-term relationship, and a man who can’t even find a relationship, let alone suffer heartbreak. Along with Flynn, the bartender at the wine bar, they make up a motley crew and end up as amateur investigators, as well as dealing with a larger emergency, with many hearts meeting over the course of the book. Heartwarming read! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC
The sixth and final (so far) instalment of the Nell Ward series, and it indeed finished with a bang! This time, we are a little while away from the last book, as Nell and Ra’s rewilding experiment has gained traction and a huge social media following on their YouTube channel. Or rathe,r Rav has gained quite a following. And after a fire breaks out at Nell’s home, they discover that Rav has his very own stalker. Only as the weekend progresses, they come to find out just how sinister this person can get. Another fantastic murder mystery where nature helps to solve the puzzle. I do have to mention that you do wonder, after reading/listening to these books, exactly how much bad luck a person can have, with so many huge murder cases happening where she happens to be! The entire series is narrated brilliantly by Kristin Atherton. If you love cosy crime, then this is 100% the series for you!
I caught up with the Ever After Street crew in this sixth instalment of Jaimie Adman’s series, and it was another corker of a story. Grumpy sunshine at work here, as Lissa fights Warren who arrives at her wonderful museum, dedicated to Disney Fairytales, with a plan to demolish it and build a heartless cinema multiplex. But magic does exist if you believe, and despite some pretty harsh odds, Lissa makes it through with lots of positivity, with help from her Ever After crew, and another unexpected ally. I truly enjoyed this, and if there was a place like the Colours of the Wind Museum, I would 100% be a regular visitor! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Okay, so I have watched a few Harlan Coben series that have been serialisations of his books, so I figured I would try to listen to one. Psychological thrillers aren’t my go-to, but I don’t mind reading them, and this one certainly kept me listening. A grieving husband, suddenly contacted out of the blue by a stranger who has connections to his late wife, eight years after her death, is the starting point of this story. Dr Beck misses Elizabeth something rotten and cannot get her out of his mind or heart. Her death was tragic, but the case had been resolved, but this contact opens wounds that uncover a lot of unsolved ends. It was fast-paced and a great listen as I went on my walks!
I really enjoyed this book, a marriage of tragic romance and paranormal mystery by the kings of both genres, Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan. Tate is rebuilding his life after suffering a deep loss and being in a psych unit to help with acute depression. He arrives in Heatherington to help his best friend to design and build their family home, and finds himself privy to Wren, the owner of the B&B he is staying in, only she is not actually alive. With the mystery surrounding her untimely demise, as well as the surreal relationship that builds between the two of them, this was a book that kept me turning the pages. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I do love a story centred around characters of a certain age, and this was a perfect pick-me-up, A reminder that just because you are a bit older, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep on learning and experiencing new things in life. Sandra is widowed and struggling to get the confidence to live without her beloved husband Brian. Her son wants her to up sticks and move closer to where he will be living with his family, as they are also moving. A chance meeting with an old colleague and friend, Patti, who is also alone now and a cancer survivor, kick-starts a life-changing set of decisions that helps both women begin to live again. They create their own bucket lists, including learning new things and defeating lifelong fears, and with the help of Patti’s granddaughter, they start an Instagram account following the Old Gals and their Bucket List quest. I loved this. The idea of a bucket list has always intrigued me, but I haven’t ever created one myself. I think I may have to, now, after reading this! There is so much to revel in from rekindling old friendships to igniting other sparks, as well as a good old-fashioned adventure. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
A story told almost entirely over one flight to the Caribbean, through four POVs, and it had me hooked from the start, especially as the stories began to overlap! Tadgh, a fledgling rockstar, is off to get married, but a disturbing message he sees before the flight has his mind and heart in shreds. Bernadette is off on the holiday of a lifetime, booked for her by her controlling husband, and though she is out of his clutches, her partner of choice has had to back out at the last minute, and she’s venturing off alone. Hayley is flying out on holiday with her successful Dr. husband, hoping that the sun and sea will support their floundering fertility journey. Dev is on a mad dash out to see if he can find ‘the one that got away’, after a one-night stand that he is convinced has changed his life. They all sit beside one another and over the long flight, their stories come to light, and so much more. I really enjoyed listening to this one, and was hugely happy with the ending!
This debut novel by Karen Storey was a wonderfully well written tale with its heart based on a true covenant. I’ve heard of sheep in London and covenants about them being allowed to run through certain areas according to these ancient covenants, so to have this book’s core being about a similar covenant, was intriguing. Gordon, our MC is in a bit of a bind at his job, in that due to possible redundancies, he may be out of a job, on top of a failed marriage proposal. He’s feeling quite useless, compared to his heigh flying siblings. Then with the knowledge of a covenant involving sheep being allowed to run throught the hotel he works at, he tries to bargain for a promotion. He finds himself in Wales in order to negotiate with the owner of the covenant, and finds himself stuch with some stubborn, untrusting folk and a lot of sheep. The whole story was highly entertaining, and there were some lovely emotional elements that made Gordon appear more human as the story progressed, and I was more than satisfied with the ending. A little romance, a lot of self discovery and a shed load of sheep!
I have always enjoyed Victoria Scott’s immersive stories and this one blew me a way. An old Catholic boarding school run by monks, with a questionable past, and one incident in particular that has never been laid to rest, and a school nurse who cannot forget the guilt of her involvement. And a woman following her husband to join him as he works there, caught up in some mysterious goings on, as well as trying to deal with the onset of perimenopause and a touch of empty nest syndrome. The story is told through a dual time line from the perpective of the two women, with Theresa during the 1960s and Amanda in the present. A tragedy that occured in 1966 threads its way throught the whole story, bringing both these women’s storues together in a way you wouldn’t imagine. Boarding schools have always held my interest, not least because of the years of reading Mallory Towers and St Claire’s books by Enid Blyton, but also because my own brother attended one for his secondary years. The ragging, and the loneliness, as well as the cameraderie that can come from the experience.
A sweet Christmas tale with a bit of grumpy/sunshine in the mix, as well as a bit of European royalty and a fantastically friendly, yet naughty dog! Laura is a widowed nurse, and she takes a job over Christmas to work with the Prince Family, specifically with the matriarch, Marilise. While there, she not only rediscovers her own love of the festive season, but helps the rest of the family realise theirs, too. This was an easy-to-read Festive romance, which does exactly what it says on the box. Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Books for an ARC.
A sweet novella revisiting characters from Sally Page’s previous novel, The Book of Beginnings. 78-year-old Malcolm wants to give his friend Rev. Ruth a restful Christmas day as she is always rushed off her feet, helping others and supporting those in need. Still, his plans don’t quite go as he expected; despite not being what he had planned, he ends up giving her —and many more —the best Christmas ever, including himself. A lovely short Christmas tale that can be read as a standalone, which warms the festive cockles of the heart. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.
Honestly, I needed the hapless FMC Amber and her train wreck life in this story to get me through my tough spot, and it worked! Amber is an author and stuck in a rut. She is meant to write romcoms, but her heart wants to write cosy murder mysteries. She finds herself sent to France for an exclusive writers’ retreat with some of her publishers’ other romance-writing queens, but it’s not them who give her the inspo she needs! Amber has been asked to spice up her books, and writing spice doesn’t come naturally; however, the scrapes she finds herself in, with not one but two hot guys, give her plenty of chances to fill her notebooks! A light-hearted, funny read!
I love the Nosey Parker series by Fiona Leitch and was eager to dive back into the lives of the Penstowan locals, especially our favourite non-police character, Jodie Parker! This time, the story revolves around the local pantomime, where everyone is excited either to have a role within the production, on stage or off, or to be part of the audience. However, a gruesome murder is discovered partway through the first performance. As usual, the police are involved, led by DCI Nathan Withers, aka husband of ex-Met police officer Jodie Parker, who always manages to find clues to support her husband and the local constabulary when solving cases. Along the way, Jodie is feeling the effects of a woman of a certain age, and that was something I could definitely relate to, if not the crime solving! Another highly entertaining cosy murder mystery to add to a fantastic series! Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, for an ARC.
If you want a good read with a more mature set of MCs, then Kim Nash is definitely one author to turn to. I’ve loved the small communities she has created through her fiction, and the Cornish Cottage series, featuring three women who become close later in life, is a beautiful setup. This time the focus is on Emma, a relatively recently widowed woman, who is settling into life in her new home after losing her husband Ben. A blast from the past walks into her life, causing many feelings, from embarrassment and anger, to confusion. Then she is somehow railroaded into taking over the local Christmas panto production, on top of running her Lonely Hearts group, where she is forced to confront those feelings, as well as come to terms with her own past. Emma and Tom’s story comes full circle, and this is a beautiful, festive story filled with hope and second chances. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
I’ve always enjoyed Phillipa Ashley’s books, and it wouldn’t be the lead up to the festive period without one! Lara works at Ravendale Castle in the Lake District, and loves her job as the Events Manager. It’s been one way to forget some not-so-pleasant happenings at her previous job. Then she almost destroys an ancient chalice associated with the castle and King Henry VIII, when a new employee makes his presence known rather suddenly. Flynn is starting his new job at the castle, and Lara is one reason he’s there. However, she doesn’t know it. But life isn’t as simple as throwing two well-suited people together and letting them have their HEA. Several twists make what everyone wants to happen look less and less likely… This was an easy read with two characters a little older than your average romance, which I always love, and it’s set in a castle! At Christmas! What’s not to love!
Vidya finds herself in a bit of a situation when her younger sister falls pregnant after a one-night stand, and as the eldest, she is straight into problem-solving mode. The problem is that she knows the father works at the same company as her, but she’s just not sure who. Cue some extreme antics to get herself in a position where she can help narrow down the search. She didn’t expect to find more than that errant tattoo that she was searching for, though. Leo is the uptight lawyer with no sense of humour, and Caleb is a joker with a cheeky grin, and both are handsome and very good at what they do. It’s up to Vidya to somehow dig behind the masks they put on, outwardly, to find out what is really going on, and who, if any of them, could be the father of her unborn nephew/niece. Vidya is a real woman with her own insecurities and feelings, and reading about her battling through what she thinks is right and what she really wants was page-turning. Loved how this story played out, and with the added cultural pressure, it was a fantastic read! Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Publishing for an ARC.
Another one I am on the Blog Tour for in November, and another treat of a story about ladies of a certain age!
It is May 1915 in rural France, and the story tells of a British Airman, Henry, crashing, then finding a place to hide in the house of locals: a grandmother, her two granddaughters, Marie and Elodie and their dog. What makes their actions riskier is that the Germans already occupy the village, and harbouring a British man is an enormous risk, possibly resulting in their own execution. Then they face the problem of housing two German personnel—another vast issue. It could have been awful. I mean, it’s no picnic, but the emotions described, as humanity and empathy battle with patriotism, really resonated with me. A beautiful story of love, patriotism, resistance, and humanity. Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC.
I understand that this is a sequel, but I have neither read nor listened to the first book, and it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this fantastic story. In fact, I think I will have to get that to read! Bhima is a hardworking woman, cleaning for several regular customers, so she can ensure her granddaughter, Maya, can attend college and escape the life she has lived. Many elements of her past have shaped the way her future unfolds, and she can only hope that she will provide all that Maya needs. Her path crosses with Parvati, an older, caustic woman who has a deformity and sells old vegetables in Mumbai. Slowly, over time, these two women begin to trust one another and learn about each other’s pasts, which are filled with tragedy. They end up in business, and as they start to celebrate their little successes cautiously, their relationship strengthens. There is still more tragedy to come, but also hope and strength in these two women, as well as in the other characters we meet. A story filled with slums, the red-light district, and how your past doesn’t have to define you.
So, that was 29 books, I think, over the last two months. Which one caught your eye?
And just like that we have come to the end of August, and my summer holidays, ready to start a new academic year in September!
I’ve still been reading ARCS and listening to audiobooks while walking… but what else did I do?
We had quite a bit going on this month, with the end of our vacation, meeting my niece and her daughter for a girly break in London, going to Birmingham to see my parents, and attending the RNA Summer Fling!
I’ve seen family who I haven’t met for years, and we have said goodbye to a family member, too.
I have ventured into school on several occasions to set up my new nursery classroom, too, supported by my two TAs for the year.
Did I write? Well, finally, I have something to report! YES I DID! I returned from my holiday with an idea for another Chickpea Curry Lit story, unrelated to the Rishtay Series, but a new holiday romance-style book. EEK! I am so excited!
However, I kept reading and listening, thoroughly enjoying my books.
Now, back to this month’s reads/listens. There were ARCS and Audiobook listens…
Sally Page’s books are always great and a must-read for me. It took me a while longer to get into, maybe because I was away, but the story revolves around a diverse group of people, brought together by a small orange card pinned to a notice board in a cafe. To be or not to be… Bardy and Kate are the two main characters, with Bardy, a newly separated former teacher, running a group for creatives in the area, and Kate, a single mother to two adult children, who has a special interest in painting. They have one of those connections that you, as a reader, can feel from early on, but life keeps throwing curveballs at them. The group comprises interesting characters, and somehow, all their stories overlap, allowing you to get to know and love each of the different people. It’s a story that creeps up on you, then hooks you in, leaving you wanting to keep reading. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.
Oh my goodness, I had such fun listening to this audiobook as I walked, with laugh-out-loud moments, and could relate to many of the situations our hapless Bridezilla goes through! From letting her parents know she had found a suitor, without letting them know she had actually found and met him herself, to the rigmaroles of setting dates, wedding shopping, managing family expectations, and the always-present aunties… this was a true delight to listen to. I have the rest of the series on my TBR, but I would love it if they were all on Audiobook!
A beautifully crafted story about a woman trapped in a situation, and how she finally breaks free. Pip is a 32-year-old woman who still lives at home with her parents and 16-year-old daughter, Bella. She has spent the last 16 years living a life filled with guilt at having fallen pregnant so young, conforming to all the ideals her parents wish to portray. Her only saving grace, besides her beautiful daughter, is her passion for art, origami and poetry, which she keeps hidden from everyone. Many threads run through this tale, but a strong one is shame, as Pip’s mother has never really got over her child having a baby so young. Then there is control, where Pip has spent most of her adult life relying on her mother and father, as they have never fostered a sense of independence in her, and how a local wealthy family holds power over the family, as well as regret, stemming from Pip’s non-existent mother-daughter relationship with Bella. I don’t want to regurgitate the story, but it comes full circle, and it is a joy to see Pip finally grow a backbone and begin to live the life she should have been living all these years. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.
A great simmering summer read! Isabella Tucci is nearing the end of a year in which she aimed to prove to herself that she could be her own woman. Intending to fulfil her lifelong dream of opening a restaurant, she is almost there. Having moved to a small village and found her premises. And the other part of that year-long promise to herself was to be reliant on no one, especially men, so a no-sex ban has been in place. It’s been hard enough getting over her marriage breakdown, but finally, things are falling into place. Then she meets Etienne. Scoping out the competition, she can’t help but notice the sexy restaurant owner whose business is on the opposite side of the square to hers. And he’s noticed her. The story follows the last three months of her year, and it’s touch-and-go whether that business will be ready, and the no men/sex? Well, let’s say there may be quite a bit of touch, but will she let go? The author utilises WhatsApp groups as a medium of communication and scene setting between Isabella and her family, as well as a group with her newfound local friends. Then there is Etienne’s group with his close friends. And the cast of characters supporting Isabella and Etienne is all brilliant, leaving me with many questions about who will be the focus of the following story. Because Etienne is not the only gorgeous guy in this book, his friends are in the Adonis category too! There is drama and tension both within the general story and the build-up of the relationship between Isabella and Etienne, and it all makes for a fantastic, spicy read in parts! Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an ARC.
You know, sometimes, you just want to read something that will make you feel good, and this is exactly what Anita Faulkner’s books do to me. It’s been a while since her last one, so I was thrilled to be able to read it. Rosie is on her way back home after finding out that AI had taken over her life in far too many ways, from her job, to elements of her relationship. But her car breaks down, and she finds herself at a farm, intending to ask for help. The help manifests differently from what she expected; not a phone call to the local recovery company, but as a job. And not one she is qualified for! The farm has a ramshackle farmhouse filled with a menagerie of strays, and the owner thinks she is there to work. Rosie finds herself in a small, gorgeous, cut-off wooden lodge-like house, where all sorts of inspiration begins to hit, and her neighbour happens to be a rather handsome pumpkin farmer. Zain. But he’s a bit gruff. So we have some Grumpy: Sunshine, Enemies to Lovers-like vibes going on. What ensues is a personal adventure, where we see Rosie grow in confidence, and reach for what she really wants, cold water swimming, sizzling slow burn romance, and lots and lots of pumpkins! And I cannot forget Steve the three-legged cat. Another real character! I also loved the mention of some of the author’s previous book characters in this story as little cameos. Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
Don’t you love a series? A good one, where you get to know new characters, whilst also keeping track of others you’ve met before? It’s like a family reunion! That’s how I felt when reading Book 2 of The Windsor Riverside Romance series, and Kudos to the author, Lizzie Chantree, for creating such a memorable world. A character who had been briefly mentioned in the first book, Daisy, returns to Windsor, where she grew up, but also where she left many stories and severed relationships. She’s back with her daughter, Bronte, as a single parent, with a lot of unpicking to do, as well as growing up. Maya, one of her best friends, encourages her to set up home in a new block of flats on the riverside and to build her fledgling garden design business. But what she omits to mention is that her neighbour ends up being Maya’s brother, Arthur, who is also an old friend/flame of Daisy. But Daisy has to work through a lot of emotions and rebuild her friendships and relationships, as well as learn to fit back in. There is so much tension, and honestly, it feels like every single man in this part of Windsor is fit! But she comes good in the end, and we are left with a taster of what the third book will be about. I am eager to read it!
I finally got around to the beginning of the Walsh series by Marian Keyes! I love listening to the story with an authentic Irish lilt. It makes it even more real. The story is about Claire, one of the Walsh sisters. She is happily married and about to give birth, only to find that once she is handed her beautiful baby girl, she is also husbandless, as James chooses this time to tell her he is leaving, as he has found someone else. Claire flies back to Ireland to her family home from London, distraught and trying to work out how to be a good mum, on top of processing her husband’s deceit. Yes, there is sadness, and it all takes its toll on her, but with the Walsh family around, there are so many giggle-some laughs to get through the challenging situations. Listening to Claire grow as a person, well, grow a backbone, was brilliant, and I’m glad she met the hunky Adam, to help her get over her idiot of a husband, even though that situation was also a bit hairy! I’ve downloaded all the rest to listen to, too, finally!
One of my first September Blog Tours! Pop back to read the review!
Another of my blog tours in early September. I have read this previously, too, and now, the updated version!
A beautifully written and narrated story, encompassing friendships and long-lost loves, as well as new relationships forged after an accident. The story revolves around Floriana, a young woman involved in a hit-and-run, Adam, the man who comes to her rescue, and Esme, an older lady who also witnessed the event. Their friendship deepens as they learn more about each other. In a twist of fate, a wedding Floriana has been invited to, on Lake Como in Italy, sparks memories for Esme of her first love during a holiday there after the war. The three of them find themselves in Italy, where Floriana has two good friends to support her attendance at a wedding she would rather not be at, and Esme seeks out information about the one that got away. Beautiful, and emotional, with a wonderful ending to finish it off.
A Picture-Perfect Christmas by Liam Livings My rating: 5 of 5 stars A fabulous festive read, filled with grumpy/sunshine vibes, and all the spicy vibes you want for a truly magical Christmas romance! So, we have Christophe, a reality TV star, a council estate boy done good, with not much more than his personality and handsome looks. Loud, brash, and used to his way. And he wants a portrait painted. And on the flip side is artist Thomas. Shy and not a lover of attention (some may even say boring…), he’s bowled over in more than one way by his newest client, who appears the total opposite of himself. There is sizzling chemistry from the off, and as we all know, opposites attract. Though they fight it for a while, getting snowed in at Thomas’s house over Christmas gives both of them a chance to get to know one another without their masks on. And at some points, without clothes on, too, wink wink! There is everything there, from the cosy Christmassy setting to the glitz and glamour of fame and star-studded events, with plenty of angst and even more spice!
Seasonal books are always fantastic, and this influx of autumnal books is terrific, so cosy, like a hug in a book! We travel to Wynbridge, where influencer Clemmie Bridge has lived for the past 18 months. She’s kept herself to herself, renovating and decorating her cottage, as well as building up a community of autumn-loving followers on her Instagram account that is all things Autumn. A chance meeting with a local who has decided to pop in and visit the reclusive new resident gets Clemmie involved in a huge local autumn festival – something she would love, but also something that could catapult her back into an awful situation she had removed herself from previously. The book is a journey for Clemmie as she slowly builds her trust in a few people and begins to engage with the local community, all while protecting her fragile heart. Clemmie meets some real characters, including Lizzie, who is the reason she finally gets out into the real world, along with the other Cherry Tree Cafe girls, and Molly, the local ‘witch’ as well as Ash, the gorgeous, sensitive vet who is there for Clemmie in many situations, but will he help her to heal her heart? Of course, I can’t review this book without mentioning Pixie, the little rescue dog who Clemmie finds herself with – a beautiful bundle of love who helps to anchor her. There is sadness, but there is also hope. There is grief, alongside acceptance. And there is autumn – lots of it! Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
This was a wonderful pre-Second World War time read, and I am excited as it is the first in a series! I will be in the Blog Tour in September, if you wish to get the full review, but it is definitely 5 star!
Another one where I am on the Blog Tour in September and a real feast of family secrets, twists and turns!
Another of my audiobook listens, and I can honestly say it was a beautiful listen. The story revolves around four central characters; Elisabeth, an older woman who has just lost her husband and finds out about huge debts that he had hidden; Jo, her friend, who wants to support Elizabeth but has other issues that she is trying to suppress; Lucy, Jo’s daughter, a single mum to teenager Niall, who she has to bring back to her sleepy hometown by the coast for the summer, rather than the busy, more teen-friendly Dublin, and Dan, a scriptwriter from London who has had a string of bad luck, and who hopes that some time in a sleepy backwater in Ireland may spark some inspiration, as well as help him find out some of his own home truths. Through their connections, the ladies embark on a regular midnight swim in the sea, and this thread runs through the story, which is substance-filled, emotional, and endearing. I was sure I would end up in tears on my walk, as I listened towards the end, in some sadness, but also in happiness, too!
Right. Where do I start with how much I loved and related to this book? Lucy is a 53-year-old woman. She’s got a great job, is single, and is working on her next steps in life, specifically a promotion at work, which looks likely. Until she’s surprised by a new colleague, Tara, not much younger than Lucy, but filled with the glamour and perfection of one of those women who have Instagram-worthy perfect diets/families/lives. And so she finds herself in a position of competition, and that competition pulls her into a wellness frenzy. Okay, so the book had me laughing out loud at the various wellness techniques Lucy ends up signing up for, and I rolled my eyes several times, recalling similar services constantly touted on social media as the next big thing. Especially those diets and meds for perimenopausal women, and the different ‘Zen’ activity apps that claim to have you looking 10 years younger in 4 weeks and 15lb slimmer, too… But it wasn’t just a funny ride, this read. Through the competitive element, Lucy gets to know her arch-nemesis, Tara. She uncovers aspects of a particular ‘wellness guru’ who is being lauded as remarkable that raise alarm bells. And that’s when a deeper element of this story kicks in. Midlife insecurities, and a constant bombardment of claims to ‘banish this’ and ‘cure that’ that I know most of us women of a certain age feel, show themselves, and the ugly side of ‘wellness’, along with it. Fantastically written and a hard recommend! Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC.
I’ll start this by saying this is a sequel of sorts; however, it can be read as a standalone. It took me a little while to get into the swing of this story, as there were four POVs to get used to; however, that did not detract from the story’s overall appeal. It’s a story of power and politics, with privilege thrown into the mix. Martin is a man from a simple background. He’s worked hard to get where he is now. Out of the blue, he is invited to the funeral of the sister of a man whom he once considered a best friend, but who he has, for the last few years, been persona non grata. Serena is the wife of his old best friend, Ben, a man on a mission to become the next PM. Richard is a disgraced MP who finds himself needed by Ben to fulfil his political ambitions. Cosima (Cozzie) is the eco-activist, eldest daughter of Ben – Ironic since Ben is the current Eco Minister. So, yes, Ben is the thread that binds them all, but it’s the events that unfold, as well as the revelations from the past and the more recent events surrounding Ben’s sister’s death, that make for an enthralling read. Honestly, I was reading until 1 am, and had to put it down forcibly as I had an early start the next day. I read several reviews that mentioned this being a funny read. I’m not sure it was funny. Yes, some situations raised a laugh, but there were a lot more serious issues at hand. The way money and power are used to belittle the opinions and feelings of those less fortunate, as well as the treatment of women by certain key characters, really didn’t make me laugh. There are serious issues regarding the environment, substance abuse, and SA and rape that feature in certain scenes, which are decidedly unfunny. But, still, a good read. Many thanks to NetGalley and 4th Estate for an ARC.
Another of my blog tour reads, ready for the September tour! Look out for my review!
Another of my audiobook walking listens. I didn’t purposefully seek out this book. It was one of the titles included in my Audible subscription, so I thought I’d give it a go, and I wasn’t disappointed. Autumn is from the UK, but residing in New York, and a chance meeting with Bluebell, also from England, sets off a string of events. Autumn finds herself slowly pulled into a romantic relationship with Bluebell’s brother, Bowie, one of a set of twins, and the relationship goes beautifully until she finds out about his terminal cancer diagnosis. She then ends up living in the UK with him and the rest of his family as he lives out his last days. Things happen, that cause extreme emotional outbursts from each member of the family, but I’m not going to mention them here! I found it a fantastic listen and was invested in all the characters. Yes, so there may be some technical aspects of certain situations that an eagle eyed reader/keen listener may spot and question, but I like to think that sometimes in creativity, you can allow a little leeway!
A rerelease of this book is happening next month, so this is the older cover, but look out for the newest one, which I will be adding as a post on the 1st, as well as being on the Blog tour at the end of September for the full review!
A fab Psychological thriller which I will be featuring next month on a Book and a Brew Post, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
So, that was 20 books in August! You can tell I was on Summer holidays, can’t you? Which one caught your eye?
But I Smile Anyway... 