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?
The end of July heralds the end of the school year, and as you read this, I am probably sunning myself on holiday! (I’ll chat about that in another post!) And that is also why this post is a couple of days late!
It’s been another month filled with ARCS – when will I say no to a blog tour, lol?
July started with me meeting the children whom I will be teaching next year as I head back to the school nursery, where it will be the babies of the school, the 3-to 4-year-olds who will hold my attention for the year. I am really looking forward to it. It feels like coming home, as that is where I started my teaching career properly.
It’s also been an emotional year at school. As treasured colleagues leave, the children I first taught in Nursery are flying off to their new starts at Secondary School, while my own Hoglets are moving up to the Main school. You know me. I get attached every year, and seeing these children blossom is something I feel blessed to see and be a part of.
Did I write? Er, no… but I have the get-up-and-go to start up again, thanks to the gorgeous holiday we took, so watch this space!
I have participated in charity walks, celebrated birthdays and other special occasions with friends, and navigated a few different emotional moments within my close circle, as well.
But I kept on reading and listening, thoroughly enjoying my books!
Now, back to this month’s reads/listens. There were ARCS and Audiobook listens…
You know me; I love a story with a South Asian twist to it, and Saz Vora, as a fellow Indian author with a Kenyan background, and brought up in the UK, writes some heart-wrenching stories, so when I was offered the chance to read True Love, Again as a part of the blog tour, I jumped at the chance. The story centres around two people: Meera, a divorcee who has sworn off men after a traumatic break-up experience, and Krishan, a single father who has sworn off love after losing his wife in the most tragic of ways. They meet at a wedding, under unusual circumstances, and what sparks between them is a relationship of convenience, as they seek to escape the Masi Mafia and the aunties who are forever trying to pair them off with a suitable match. But sometimes the lines get blurred, and feelings begin to develop where they shouldn’t—or should they? I enjoyed reading this, especially the details about the entire Masi Mafia, and how that community’s gossip can be used for both good and disastrous results. I almost wish that the end had stretched a bit longer, so we saw how their relationship progressed, before a lovely, happy ending!
Imagine setting off on the holiday of a lifetime, with a dream wedding planned at the end, only to have it all come crashing down when he jilts you by not even getting on the plane. This is the situation for poor Lucy, left alone in a tropical paradise by her fiance, She takes the bull (or should I say buffalo?) by the horns and hands in her notice at the school where she taught, after finding an interesting-looking opportunity teaching English to students in Napoli, Italy. Elena, in Naples, is suffering her tragedy, having been suddenly widowed, with her dream English school to run, as well as her husband’s family business, a handmade mozzarella factory to contribute to, plus being there for her son. I loved this story; a celebration of female friendship, as well as new beginnings, and learning that you have to take every opportunity that comes your way. Lucy is someone who seems to have always pleased others, and it is beautiful to see how, with the encouragement from her new Neapolitan friends, she blossoms with ideas for herself, as well as learning to love again. Elena’s deep love for her husband and her loyalty to the family lead her to feel like she is failing everyone, including herself. Through this story, you see her grow and develop a friendship with her new English teacher, Lucy, that is more fruitful than she ever thought it would be. And romance? Of course, there is! Dario, the godfather to Elena’s son Stefano, is a hunky police officer who comes to the aid of Lucy in several ways, and the slow burn of this romance is gorgeously built up. Loss is covered in different forms, and mentions of the effect of the Mafia on families in Italy ground the story in a reality not many live through. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I loved Lucky Number and was excited to receive the second instalment in the series, Another Lucky Number, which allowed us to continue the story of Emma as she adjusts to her life after a significant lottery win. Emma is on a high-end luxury holiday with her friends, Cat and Amber, having handed in her notice at her job and with the possibility of a fledgling romance starting back home. So much can happen in the few days ahead that could have a tremendous impact on Emma’s life from now on. I loved her character arc. She went from a woman who found it hard to stand up for herself to, with a lot of support from those around her, a stronger one who had a clearer idea about where her life was going. Emma has a cast of characters around her that make the story even more interesting. Amber is like that reality check friend with a heart, somewhere! And Emma’s best friend, Cat, is like the Ying to Amber’s Yang, offering grounding and emotional support where needed. Then there is the ‘sexy hotelier! Sebastien and the wholesome James who vie for Emma’s attention. Some choice hotel guests add an extra layer of tension to the story, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good tale and a perfect beach read. And the location! The Bahamas is on my bucket list, and now I want to go more! Although this is part of a series, I think it could work well as a standalone.
Reading Again, Rachel was a delight. Well, I say read, but I listened to the audiobook, and that lilting Irish accent was so smooth to listen to, to start with! It was great to be brought back to Walsh Land, with Rachel as the main character, as she was always one of my favourites. Set more in the present, Rachel is now working in a Rehab Clinic as a counsellor, and she is doing a grand job, having come through addiction herself. With her partner Quinn, she finally feels settled, though she can’t fully let go with him. Throughout the story, she faces several situations that test her, including seeing her ex-husband, Luke, after many years, which brings back memories of a deep loss. Her memories of that time are skewed compared to his. Her realisations are the pinnacle of the story; however, it was good to catch up with other members of the family. A sensitive, emotional, brilliantly written sequel.
Sometimes I think Gillian Harvey is going to turn me into a Francophile, with all the gorgeous French setting books she writes, and this is one of those that makes me want to jump on the Eurostar, begin drinking coffee, and don a beret! Becky is the protagonist, a thirty-something career woman who is on the brink of brilliant success; however, an inheritance looks set to derail all her plans. She finds herself signed off from work, and ends up in a small village in the Loire, at the behest of her late great aunt, with a cafe for which she has no training, other than drinking coffee, and to pop the cherry on top, there is a lodger who it seems is resistant to leaving the building, even though all she wants to do is sell it. Of course, that hunky, troublesome lodger named Pascale gives her another thing to think about. Becky has few friends, Amber being her best friend, and her mother is there to guide her in life. But she sometimes cannot see beyond her own problems, often ignoring the SOS signs from those around her. The storyline is one of self-discovery, and we see Becky begin to question all she has thought about her future before, and also to begin to look beyond herself, considering others, with a little romance along the way. There is, of course, a little twist in the tale, too, to keep readers on their toes!
I love stories steeped in cultures that are fighting to keep themselves heard while in another country, so this UK-based story with a Nigerian cast of characters was right up my street! Sade Sodipo is a successful career woman with her own house, unmarried, and, shock, horror, fifty years of age! This is a sticking point for her mother, the various aunties of the church, and pretty much anyone in her Nigerian circle. The story is based on Sade’s own ingrained religious and cultural beliefs, which include saving herself for ‘The One’ and true love leading to marriage and children. However, with her age against her and her health not cooperating, this is looking increasingly unlikely. Is it a romance? Well, yes, romance 100% plays a part in this story, as Sade meets someone, but it is more about her accepting herself, as she is, and realising that maybe she needs to think a bit more about the expectations she (and the community) has put upon herself. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter, for an ARC.
I have read every one of Kiley Dunbar’s books avidly, enjoying her story building and the way she layers her characters. The start of this new series got me extremely excited! Ally, the main character, lives in Cairn Dhu, a small Scottish village, with her parents. There, she has a remote day job, and she spends her Saturdays assisting her father at his Highland Repair Shop, where everyone who volunteers is an advocate for sustainability and strives to reverse the throwaway mentality that many people have nowadays, instead of simply discarding things or trying to upcycle. Imagine a barn similar to the one featured on The Repair Shop, the TV programme. Well, repairing things is one aspect, but when happenings at the Repair Shop show signs of repairing relationships, that’s when things get exciting! I found Ally endearing. She is capable of so much, but has no self-belief. It takes a lot for her to realise that she hasn’t been left behind in life. And Jamie. Oh, Jamie! The gentle, considerate volunteer police constable who has his emotional repairs to navigate, as well as fighting feelings for a certain flame-haired Cairn Dhu-an. The picturesque settings are beautifully described, as are the folklore tales, which add a hint of mystery to the different places the author mentions. This is a true feel-good story, with so much positivity and some twists in the tale to keep you turning pages. I am glad this is the start of a series, as I want to know a lot more about the visitors and volunteers at the Highland Repair Shop! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
I listened to the audiobook of this with no expectations or preconceived ideas, other than what I thought from the blurb. Southern Belle Laurie is up for a job at a lawyer’s firm for a PA role for Diana, the founder of the firm. She’s straight-laced, strict and a no-nonsense kind of woman. Somehow, Laurie ends up with the job, and she proves herself as a hard-working, diligent PA… then the spicy stuff kicks in! Workplace romance – Yup FF romance – Yup Open Door – You Open WIDE I was listening as I walked, and the detail of certain scenes raised a flush on my face! Still, it was a hot read!
I cannot believe we are on the 13th book of the Hart’s Ridge series! We are back with Taylor Gray and her husband Sam, where she is no longer a member of the police force. Instead, she has teamed up with Sam to start their very own PI agency, allowing for them both to be there for their baby, Lennon, and Alice, Sam’s daughter, as well as working on jobs they are passionate about. Their first big case has a connection to Sam, as his aunt is fighting to get her husband’s conviction from ten years ago overturned with some new speculative evidence. Alongside Taylor’s adventure, we focus on Taylor’s sister, Anna’s, life as she settles into her dream job of being a nurse now her divorce is settled and the children are happy. But Happiness is just not meant to be straightforward for her, as she finds herself in a dubious situation, all thanks to her ex. Both storylines had me turning pages faster and faster, as usual, because I always find myself fully immersed in these books. That there is an inkling of reality in each of the cases that are featured in the books always makes these even more interesting to read! And I cannot wait to read #14!
Another one for my Audiobook reads. I love anything with a cultural twist, and this is a brilliantly funny look at the epic ride when trying to get married as a British-born Bengali woman. There were many laugh-out-loud moments, and I could relate to so much that was going on within this story! The protagonist recounts her journey into finding a partner through the arranged marriage route, with a bit of help from internet dating, too, and it was hilarious! It’s like an older, female Adrian Mole with a Bengali twist. I’ve already downloaded book 2!
Well, what can I say? That fabulous author, Amanda Prowse, has done it again with her latest book, Ever After. Enya is a widow with one grown-up son. His life seems all set, with a fantastic girlfriend, who is also the daughter of Enya’s best friend, Jen. A car accident causes Enya to have feelings for a person when she never thought she would feel again. Just as she is bucking up the courage to act upon this unforeseen impulse, possibly, her son hits her with another blindside, and all her thoughts of, maybe, moving on herself get put on the back burner. As a wife and mother, this resonated with me. We sometimes find ourselves trapped in a situation that is not of our choosing, but it is the best for everyone else. As a result, many women end up in this same situation, doing nothing they wish, out of fear of rocking everyone else’s boat. Enya has a shot at happiness, but she loses grasp of it as she fights with her inner instincts to do right by so many of the others in her life, forgoing her second chance at happiness. However, sometimes there are others out there who do observe, and note things, and who will act in your benefit, rather than let you continue to wallow, and hold yourself back. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story.
This was a great Christmas in July story, especially as I read it in the glorious sunshine of Tunisia by the poolside! Aubrey starts the story on the morning of her wedding, as she is getting ready to walk down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband, Miles, but for whatever reason, that walk never happens as he leaves her stranded. Jilted, Aubrey continues with her honeymoon trip — a dream of a festive journey aboard a luxury train decked out to celebrate Christmas, with stops at many Festive fairs across Europe, and finishing in Lapland. She finds herself surrounded by loved-up couples, and somehow ends up telling people her very new husband sadly passed away, rather than face the pity of folk if they knew she had been jilted. What makes the story, above the fabulous wintery destinations, is the group of friends she makes on board, as the singletons find themselves at a table together, away from the lovey-dovey folk. Princess, the fabulously wealthy widow times three, and Brian the tryer. There’s Karen and CJ, and then there is Jasper. He’s a journalist, a gentleman, and rather hot… There are some real hoots along the way, as love is found by more than one person, as well as trying to work out a mystery about a breakup, all accompanying Aubrey’s attempts to correct her friends on the real status of her love life – but no one wants to listen to her truths, insisting that she is dealing with the different stages of grief! And, as I mentioned before, the different cities and markets mentioned make me want to board this Winter Wonderland, especially to have the chance to stay in the glass igloos in Lapland and see the Northern Lights while snuggled up with a loved one. A great feel-good read.
Releasing 13th August, 2025
10 books this month! Which one did you fancy?
Another August blog tour for me, but a great read!
Yet another August Blog tour, but such fun!
So, that was 16 books in July, given the fantastic opportunity I had for uninterrupted reading in the sunshine! Which one caught your eye?
Hello, tail end of May! The time sure is flying, isn’t it?
Yup, it’s the end of May, and my Whitsun week half term, most of which has been taken up writing the end of year reports, as well as walking and reading.
Did I write? Nothing more than the reports, unfortunately…
Now, back to this month’s reads… I even started listening to Audio books as I walk, this month, and that has been a revelation! I realised that with such a huge list of ARCS to read, my physical TBR pile would never lessen, so I found some of the books on my shelf and listened.
In fact, I read 10 books and listened to 8 this month. Pretty productive, eh?
I have just listened to The Midnight Library as an audiobook, and this was the first book I have listened to, ever! Was it a good choice? Absolutely! I was immersed in the story about Nora, a woman who thinks her life is worth nothing. Taking an attempt to end it all spirals into a visit to The Midnight Library, aptly named because that is when she slips from consciousness. Instead of finding peace in her own The End, Nora is confronted with many, many choices. The chance to wipe her regrets away. It was both intriguing and uplifting by the end. You know how we end up thinking ‘what if?’ regarding certain situations? This is Nora’s chance to remedy some of those regrets. Nora’s character is battling with low self-esteem and what appears to be depression. But this brilliantly composed journey of hers shows that there is light at the end of most tunnels. I really enjoyed listening to this.
Having read the Dubrovnik Book Club last year, I was thrilled to read this book by Eva Glyn. And the added plus for me was that one character was someone I had met before! Set in Santorini, we meet Zina and Lambros, a young married couple who have shifted back to Zina’s family farm, away from Athens, to support her widowed mother and give Lambros a chance to balance his wellbeing and mental health. He busies himself with building the farm back to what it used to be, and Zina creates a luxurious space where retreats can be held. Her first is one for writers, hosted by a famous author who writes under a pen name and several unpublished writers looking to be tutored and guided by this person. A colourful group of people congregate for a month-long retreat, including Karmela, whom we met in a previous book. There are secrets, love stories, relationship difficulties, and much more tackled within the story, all set in a beautiful rural part of a country well-known for its tourism attraction beauty. I enjoyed this read and was fully invested in the story, wanting to know what would happen to all the characters at the end! Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter for an ARC.
Well, what can I say, except Kay Bratt has done it again, with another brilliant book for the ever-growing Harts Ridge series! Two storylines work in parallel as we follow Taylor and her husband to Mexico to attend the wedding of her stepfather, Ellis’s daughter, and we are hot on the trail of Lucy, Taylor’s youngest sister, who has run away, again, leaving her son Johnny with her family. Though Taylor is supposed to be taking a break from anything crime-related, she ends up slap bang in the middle of a double kidnapping case, which is connected to the wedding they are there to attend. Meanwhile, Lucy is on the run, and ends up meeting folk, some kind, some unsavoury, and she ends up back in a place she thought she’d never return to. I won’t go into more detail, but the ending was more than satisfying for more than one character whom we, as readers, have come to love, and there is scope for more of these wonderful Harts Ridge stories!
I do love a book with a relatable FMC. Emily is a woman in her early 40s, recently single after being in a long-term relationship, and in need of a change. She quits her career in the air as a flight attendant, and embarks upon a lifelong dream – to become an actress. And why shouldn’t one aspire to make those dreams come true? Emily is lucky to have supportive friends, but her mother does not necessarily believe that Emily is doing what is right for a woman of her age. Emily meets some wonderful people who become a second family to her in a small Italian restaurant, where, like most jobbing actors, she has found a job to keep her head above water, until she lands the perfect role. And she also meets someone rather special too. Let me not regurgitate the story here, but in a nutshell, we have a lovely story of second chances in both love and life. Remember, it’s never too late!
Okay, hands up to being verrrrry late to this bookish party, but the book has been on my shelf for ages, and I decided to audiobook it as I walked. The following is Olive, a PhD student, who somehow accidentally finds herself ‘fake-dating’ Professor Adam Carlson, who is not only arrogant and moody but also hot! Olive is a bit of a nerdy character, not experienced in relationships and boy, does it show! But the fake dating allows her to build a friendship with her fake boyfriend, and in her head, it becomes more of a situationship than she intended. It was a lighthearted read, and as the story built up, I willed for them to come clean to one another about the obvious to everyone else chemistry that they oozed! Now, the steamy part… yes, it was built up slowly, but OMG when it hit, it was HOT! I enjoyed the book even more than I thought I would, as is often the case with books that have been hyped up so much. I totally got the hype this time! A slow burn stem romance with some real sizzle when it comes to the crunch!
My third audiobook so far, and this was a more serious listen. The story of Lale, the Slovakian Jew, captured in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, was harrowing, and that it was based on a true story makes it even more heart-wrenching to listen to. Lale was well-educated, with his wits about him in an incredibly tough situation. How he finds himself as the Tätowierer, or the master tattooist of Auschwitz, is a sad tale in itself, but how he uses his role to help his fellow prisoners is inspiring. Inside the camp, he meets a girl, Gita, and somehow they develop a relationship despite the restrictions. From the beginning, Lale shows a sense of positivity, even though terrible things are happening to him and around him. These two lovers don’t know if they will depart the camp alive or dead, together or apart, but that faith is forever there. I was so moved, listening to this beautiful account of a horribly ugly time in the world’s history.
I loved this story of Mickey Teasdale, who owns a shop selling curiosities on the wonderfully named Ever After Street. She’s determined to match her wonderfully odd collection of stock with the right person, and she always has a story behind each item, whether truth or fiction. Teenager Ava tumbles into her shop one day, followed by her father, Ren. An initial clash of personalities gives way to a friendship and the possibility of something more, especially as they discover a secret in one item that Mickey sells to Ren. A possible real diary of a mermaid piques their curiosity, as one person is desperate for it to be true, and the other is determined to disprove any thoughts of sea people being real. And the third, well, she’s just excited to be there for the ride! I loved that we met all three characters right from the beginning, and it was wonderful to read how their relationships developed, with all the ups and downs accompanying two damaged souls. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and then I realised it was a part of a series. This did not detract from my enjoyment of the book whatsoever. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
I’ll admit to not having read any of the other Little Duck Pond Cafe books, but after reading this one, I think I will be visiting again soon, to catch up! The Pop-Up Cake Shop can be easily read as a standalone. I loved this story which centred around Katya, a woman who finds herself single, after discovering that her partner is not the faithful man she believed. Ellie, her heavily pregnant boss and friend, brings her aboard on a new venture, a travelling cake van, where customers can buy lovely fresh cakes at reduced prices, to stop wastage from some of the local food businesses. Along the way, she meets some interesting people including several new singletons, and they form a little group. An early encounter with a stubborn bulldozer driver, Ivan, and his foreman boss, Caleb turns into something more, as the weeks pass by, and the visits to the surrounding villages become regular. I enjoyed meeting lots of characters who I suspect, if I go back to the beginning of the series, I would learn a lot about, but I was especially glad that Katya got the ending she deserved!
I have listened to this book on my journey to work and back, as well as while walking, and it blew me away, almost as much as The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Cilka’s Journey looks at the life of Cilka, to whom we were introduced in The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Cilka Klein was another prisoner in Auschwitz and played a part in Lale’s journey to freedom, but her own story was intriguing, so I was so grateful to Heather Morris for doing all the research to write this next book. The book is set in Russia, where Cilka ends up as a prisoner in a Russian camp, charged with crimes she hasn’t committed. It is horrific to know the degradation and rape that the women in these camps were subjected to, on top of poor living conditions, barely any sustenance, and the threat of death, any day. Cilka’s story shows how she managed to pull herself through this second round of horror, and in that time, bettered herself, and often the lives of the other prisoners who lived with her, even though she was still being subjected to horrific attacks regularly. It did warm my heart to hear the ending. Though it is based on many facts, there are fictional elements, as Morris could not talk to Cilka herself, because she had passed away at the time of the writing of this story. The thought of what that innocent 16-year-old was subjected to over many years doesn’t bear thinking about, but it is also important that the facts are laid out, so people like us know exactly what happened in these camps and prisons. Hopefully, this will breed some compassion into those reading or listening, given the world’s horrors.
Oh, I love these kinds of family-related stories! I thoroughly enjoyed the last Laura Pearson book I read, so was thrilled to read this newest title from her. Imagine getting to your 60s and suddenly being faced with a person who should have been in your life from day one? This is what happens to Debbie Jones and Ruth Waverly. Faced with one another, on one of Debbie’s routine door-knock visits as a part of her job, collecting donations and secular donors for a charity, the two women are shocked to see themselves. Two people who look almost identical. I don’t want to rehash the story, but this is the almost unbelievable story of twins, separated at a very young age, unaware of the existence of the other. How they go about finding out their beginnings, the reason for their separation, and how each woman grows, as if by finding the other, they have finally gained the confidence to take steps they never would have before, is written so beautifully. There is a cast of side characters that give both women extra layers to their personalities and characters. I really enjoyed this.
I enjoy a fake dating trope in my romance reads, and Lizzie Chantree has given me a wonderful one here. The Windsor Love Pact is the first in a new series, set in Windsor. Maya, a wonderfully talented jewellery designer and artist, recently moved back ‘home’ after an unpleasant break-up. A chance encounter with Noah Benedict, a handsome and famous actor who has moved in close by, changes her life’s path. Both characters have a lot on their plates, and the idea of fake dating seems like the perfect solution to the constant cries of ‘when will you find a partner?’ for both of them. I thoroughly enjoyed the build-up of chemistry between Maya and Noah and the meddling from specific individuals. There are secrets and little twists that are a fantastic surprise for readers as the end of the story comes into view. I loved all the different aspects of this book, from the colourful characters, whom I look forward to learning more about as the series progresses, to Bertha, the old ferry that Maya sometimes works on. The descriptions of the riverside views and the plants and flowers surrounding the area made me want to visit! I’m now getting impatient to read the next one! Roll on, August!
Continuing my Audiobook journey, I decided to choose this book, by an author I have already read and enjoyed. Breaking the Rules, the first in The Cornish Village School series was a fantastic listen as I strode each evening. I even laughed out loud at several scenes, so may now look like my local village madwoman as I walk and listen! The story centres around Rosie, the headteacher of the local school, which suddenly finds itself in danger of closure and amalgamation with other village schools, and Matt, her new rather hunky neighbour. There are comedic meet-cute moments. Not one, but several, that really kept me listening. Rosie has baggage of the emotional kind and she doesn’t feel ready for any sort of encounter with a male, however her body and one part of her mind insists on barraging her thoughts, filling them with Matt. We also have the POV of Matt, who has moved for a change, and also because of his job. He has his own reasons for trying hard to steer clear, but both his mind and the behaviour of his scruff of a dog keet bringing him back face to face with Rosie. There are some great characters introduced, who I am sure will feature in future books, and this was the epitome of a romcom!
Another audiobook down. Well, it was one I got free, and though it was entertaining, it wasn’t a taxing listen, and the story of two doctors who somehow become connected romantically was okay. There are lies, misunderstandings, and a theme of mental health, which I feel could have been explored more. The narration was pretty good, though, and made the book, as the characters’ Scottish, Irish, and English accents were brilliantly done!
There will be a Blog tour in the next few days for this one, with the full review!
Remind me not to listen to Lauren Blakely books while driving my car, with passengers in! This story of Monroe and Juliet is a steamy romance of the spiciest degree! Both MCs are hosts on a dating podcast, and they also know each other through Juliet’s brother. There’s a brief history there, and Munrow struggles to keep his feelings quiet. But that gets harder when an extremely satisfied listener gifts them a house which they intend to sell, and when visiting it, they discover it only has one bed…a double bunk bed. With mirrored ceilings! And, to top it off, Juliet asks him to be her dating coach as her life is filled with failed dates. The story is told through both Munroe and Juliet’s POV, and all I will say is that they definitely found out that they were physically compatible, as the pretend dates they went on morphed into something more. Phew! Grumpy sunshine/forced proximity at its spiciest!
Another June Blog tour for this one, so you will have to wait for the full review!
A beautiful, emotional story told by Phillipa Ashley. The story centres around two characters; Tammy, who has lived in Porthmellow all her life. She’s a sand artist and also helps at a local gallery. Having lost her father, she is a bit untethered and quite reluctant to forge relationships with people other than her most trusted friends. The second is Ruan. He’s a solicitor, recently moved to the area, but with connections to the village and surrounding area that become more and more apparent as the story goes on. You feel the connection between the two characters from the beginning, and feel the effects of past secrets coming out on that fragile start of something that could be so special. I loved the story, and the cast of side characters brought extra depth to the story, especially Davey and Polly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC.
An easy-to-listen-to/read of a book. Abbie finds out that she has inherited a property, not long after an embarrassing breakup, and finds herself in Corfu, where she becomes the owner of a small hotel inland. With her dreams of finding a small cottage in the countryside, with the proceeds of the sale of this unwanted hotel, she arrives in Corfu, with the aims of a quick visit, and finds herself sucked into the small community there, and ends up honouring one of the bookings made prior to her aunt’s death. She meets some characters, including a spiritual Aussie yoga instructor with a penchant for skintight lycra, a wonderful older woman who owns the local taverna and then there is Nikos. Nikos, a former Michelin-starred chef, owns the vineyard next to the hotel, is young, and somewhat handsome, as well as very helpful, rescuing Abbie from all sorts of scrapes. He’s also in a place because of necessity, rather than passion. There is romance, and lots of gigglesome moments along the way, but I cannot 5 star it as I didn’t gel with the narrator as much as I would have liked.
But I Smile Anyway... 