Review: The Liar

The Liar by Jennifer Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A really good change of scenery for a book read from thrillers.

This was an outstanding historical fiction novel.

Loving the style of writing and definitely will read more of this authors work.

Set in 1935.
The Liar is her first novel and outstanding

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Review: White Bodies

White Bodies by Jane Robins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh geez.
I read this in one sitting. I hated it, I loved it.
It messed with my head so much I had to keep reading.

I know! Doesn’t make sense right?!

Why didn’t I read this sooner.

It’s creepy, it’s darn right out of this world illogically creepy yet I can’t help but have liked it.

I’m not sure what that says about me.

Go in with caution.

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Review: The Girl Who Had No Fear

The Girl Who Had No Fear by Marnie Riches
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh I hadn’t realised this was a series.
But I loved it.

I’d taken a break from Detective/Police procedures but this ones been on my backlist for ages.

Gay men are being murdered. Why? Who?

Then we have something g coming to the forefront on the Detective.

This is a Serial killer or is it?

Thoroughly enjoyed getting my teeth into this one.

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Review: The Pull of the Stars

The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A most definite absolute 100% five stars from me.

A gorgeous book set over just three days. An overworked Midwife helping pregnant women during their labour. During an epidemic.
Not all goes well.

A lovely volunteer joins her, what would she have done without her.

This is set in Ireland while the flu epidemic was going on.

It was so detailed and so heartwarming but sad in some places. It definitely takes you on a journal.

These people became known to me, they were real.

The ending shocked me and most definitely made me cry.

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Review: The New Girl (Elle

The New Girl (Elle by Kid Toussaint
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good first comic book that deals with mental health that I’ve read.

Mental health comes with stigma, and it shouldn’t. It’s an illness like any other and nothing to fear, what is fearful is the unknown when you don’t understand something.

This young girl was now in another school.

But what happens when they see her personality change?
Her rapid mood swings are depicted in full different varying pictorial colours of Elle. I thought that a brilliant touch to depict each part of her various mood swings.

The one that stood out to me was the little one with oversized glasses on she brought a lot of humour to a serious subject.

Highly recommend for YA.

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Review: The Paper Girl of Paris

The Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A remarkable book told from two points of view.

One from the Granddaughter and one from the Grandmothers sister.

It’s about getting to know her Grandmother as a person and what unfolds.

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Review: The Marriage

The Marriage by K.L. Slater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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What first pulled me in on this one was not only was it written by K L Slater but look at the first blurb line.

She married the killer, the killer of her son.

Totally enthusiastic to get to this one.
So many questions running around in my head.

Was I disappointed?
No
Not at all did this book release me to go off doing something else or thinking of something else, the words on the pages just kept on delivering and I was totally lost in it.

It’s a 5* for me as just lately with so much going on in my life this took my thoughts from it, it delivered just what I needed.

A great storyline that hooked me.
Fast enough pace so it didn’t lag.

Characters that were totally and utterly believable.



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Review: Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not by Alix Garin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a sad but also exhilarating book to read.

The graphics within are colourful and depict each step of the way as the story unfolds and the emotions on faces really draws you in.

Clemence has personal issues of his own. This becomes more apparent as I got through the story.


Her Grandmother is in a nursing home.

I could relate to this young person on all levels and I’m an adult.
It’s difficult to resign yourself in the first place that the person with Alzheimer’s will be safer in a specialised home that cater for their needs let alone visiting and finding out they hate it there.

As an adult, I knew that was going to happen and part of the illness, and encouraging them that you will return.

But Clemence is upset for her Grandmother. How could her Mother leave her in there. It’s just not right.

So one day he hijacks her out of the nursing home.

The adventure they go on is so well depicted in the drawings.

Sad but happy ending.

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Review: The Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A brilliant debut by this author.

I have another book by Kimmery Martin, after all this book was written in 2018, so I chose to read this one first.

Based around medical “stuff” this was truly enlightening along with the suspense that ran along side it.

It’s a beauty of a cover that got my attention first (yep I’m shallow) I was rewarded with a good read that was very satisfying.

I remember buying this book when it was published, finally I got to read it.

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Review: Get a Life, Chloe Brown

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a refreshing book on so many levels.

Romance
Cute
A character with chronic pain

I can’t recall a fiction book that was centred around a person with chronic pain that was obvious throughout the book.

It’s fun. It’s light and......I enjoyed it!

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Review: There There

There There by Tommy Orange
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This took me longer than I needed to get through this book so I changed to audio thinking maybe it would come across better for me.

It sort of did, but didn’t .

I really couldn’t connect with this story it was a bit disjointed.
I know it won a prize as it has “something to say” it has a message there regarding Native Americans, and I took that away from it.

Others have loved it, others are on the fence like me.

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Review: The Dreamer: An Autobiography

The Dreamer: An Autobiography by Cliff Richard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok....
I grew up with.......

Donny Osmond
Wizard
Beatles
Status Quo
Slade
Bay city Rollers
David Cassidy


To name but a few, and Cliff Richard was another one.
Cliff and the Shadows....remember them? Hank Marvin? I met Hank once he helped a friend of mine change his car tyre!

Anyway...I digress

This book has lots in here I never knew about. And photos that I swooned over!

The audio is good too as it’s actually read by him so I followed along in between when I could, it felt like Cliff was telling me his life story (sad! I know....but it brought me joy)

Because he had never married yet his name had been linked to several girlfriends romantically which was true. I remember, Susan George, Una Stubbs, Sue Barker.

He’s been accused of being gay.

My eldest brother is 71 and he’s never married yet he’s had close relationships when younger and no, he’s not gay, and neither would it matter if he was!

As for a child molester etc.
I took the point when this investigation was going on Cliff said, although it was incredibly difficult for him, it HAD to take place as any investigation should be taken seriously even though his stress level was high, he knew he was innocent.

I personally found it horrendous that this was happening yet, you just never know do you and aspirations will be heard and mud sticks.
So even now, there will be some with doubts though he’s cleared.

His sister was dying while this was going on.

His life story in this book was amazing.

He came from a very religious background which I knew from Hank Marvin who himself went on to become a Jehovahs Witness as Cliff’s mom also was.
I can’t remember if that came out in this book, but it’s a piece of information I already knew about but Cliff wasn’t a Jehovahs Witness although very religious as we all know from some songs.

This book took me down memory land when I watched his films.

We’re all going on a summer holiday. Anyone else watch this? Una Stubbs was in that.

If you were/are a fan of Cliff Richard or just nosy to pick this book up, it’s written really well.
Highly recommend the audio too.

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Review: Purge

Purge by Sofi Oksanen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A masterpiece.

A truly raw honest emotional read.

This captures the realistic view of how women were treated in Europe’s most biggest conflicts.
This has a hovering of suspense over its tale and a very tragic centre.

It’s by no means a cheerful book to read but it’s certainly a book that SHOULD be read.

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Review: Luster

Luster by Raven Leilani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First off listening to this on netgalley audio I was so not used to the way this book was written.
Was I going to like it?

I’ll stick with it I though as I’m relaxing.

Oh my! Eddie the protagonist is such a young fiesty, determined, out of the normal zone character I’ve ever met. In your face, so close you could kiss her! And that’s what her lifestyle was about, getting by, by whatever means she needed.

Signing a contract of rules when sleeping with a guy twice her age, problem is, there’s a problem.....
And no, not just that the guys married, oh no, it’s an open marriage so no problem there, it’s something else for sure.

I got so lost in listening to this and so need deep in its “draw me in” writing, I forgot to put my roast on! At least I could move fast still listening to this audio book.

The narrator was great. I feel the voice was so fluent and the pitch power and pace spot on.

I don’t think everyone is going to like this book. It’s different.
It’s gutsy, it smacks a punch and the area of writing is not usual. But if you’re willing to try something less conventional in the book world I’d say go for this.

I really didn’t think I was going to like it as much as I did. But once I learned why Eddie fell into these kind of situations I could reconcile with reading more.

I went in blind. I expected to maybe not like it as I’m older generation and came out with,..wow, that was a punch.



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Review: The Witchfinder's Sister

The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a book ive had on my book shelf forever.
Time to Bust my Backlist I thought.

I’m glad I picked this up.

I hadn’t realised it was based on true events and that nasty horrid bloke existed.
He made my blood boil and my toes curl.

Some poor unfortunate women were named as witches because they were a little different or eccentric or even mentally unwell.

Listening to this on audio was the best as the accents were there and the atmospheric time of history seemed to be lurking in the background as I listened.

A superb piece of writing with obvious research done.

Like I say, it’s fiction, but based on reality.

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Review: Her Last Holiday

Her Last Holiday by C.L. Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I’m so upset!
I can’t believe I’m writing this review with just 3 stars but rounding it up to a 3 .5 star because at least the nosiness in me kept me picking this book up.....
Explained below
⬇️

I’ve loved, actually loved and always anticipate every book this author writes and I have such praise for her because her writing is sublime. She takes ‘normal every day people’ then creates a plot, a plot that I hang on each crumb being fed to me. Each clue, and ask myself hmm aha is she taking me down a dark alley.

There are lots of things in this plot that it just beggars belief for me.

Yes it’s a work of fiction. Yes you can stretch the boundaries.
This was stretched too far to even accept certain events and situations.

Ok, the character has been persuaded by her Mother to go to this retreat where is believed her sister (mother’s daughter) has killed herself.
Or was she murdered?

It’s plot.

I wouldn’t go! I’d send someone else as this bloke who was in prison because of this death has now reset up his health retreat.

He’s a nutter.
His wife’s a nutter.

(My opinion lol)

I know there’s something going to unfold all the way through, it’s only my nosiness and never knowing that I ploughed through.

He gets them in this raft event. We assume they filled in a form before they went saying they can swim, right?

This guy is believed by her mother that her sister was murdered.....
So would you meet him alone in the dark?

I don’t know, maybe it’s me.

But I just couldn’t invest myself in this story.

My regrets to the author and publisher.

I still love you’re books though Cally Taylor!
And will continue to read them.





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Review: Firefly Lane

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t realised I’d not read this!
I wanted to watch Firefly Lane on Netflix so I checked when I’d read the book only to discover I hadn’t. And neither have I read book 2. So I’ve rectified that and ordered the next book in this series.

What an absolutely amazing well put together book. I know I’ll get a good time with any book this author writes.

This reminds me why my decision to creep out of most blog tours and always reading the latest, newest books was great but.....I’ve missed out on lots of books I had on my shelves that I really wanted to read too. I made the right choice. I still read new books but not so much of a heavy deadline.

I just love Kate and Tully so much. They work so well together and although quite opposites in many ways they have a gorgeous supportive friendship and actually care about each other.

The tear times were big sobs and the high happier moments were ecstatic.

Hooked on every page.

After watching this on Netflix I’ve swooned over Danny ( for those who have watched this will hopefully understand) yes I can swoon even at my age.

I can’t wait for book 2 to arrive as this left on a bit of a cliffhanger.

Have you read it?


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Review: A Talent to Deceive

A Talent to Deceive by William Norris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Glad you can’t see me blush.
I’ve been living under a rock!

I’d never heard of this true crime.

I can’t compare this with anything else written about it but all I’ll say is, this writing by William Norris has delved into a fair bit of compost to reveal “stuff”

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Review: The Wives' Revenge

The Wives' Revenge by Lindsey Hutchinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It feels like going back to my roots with this book.

My ever first book I read freely by choice (not counting school books) was Catherine Cookson. Then onto other authors writing the same kind of genre in historical fiction which I thoroughly enjoyed.

It was great returning to an historical fiction novel that took a fantastic subject matter that was all too common and bandy these women together like suffragettes on a historic history breaker.

I loved this bunch of women so much. Determined to stand up for themselves, courageous and meeting things head on among the tears and the triumphs.



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Review: The Paris Secret

The Paris Secret by Lily Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is so quaint .

It flips from one to the other but superbly done so not losing the reader along the way.

I got a real closeness with Paris reading this, I’ve never visited but would love to one day. Not forgetting g the era this was set in though.

The era of the Nazis and the unforgettable experiences that Valie remembers cannot be crystal clear at the age of three.

Returning now she needs to piece together the events and secrets that she’s plagued with as a grown woman.
Returning to Paris, can she get answers, can Vincent her Grandfather reveal or shed light on her questions?
Will it help them both to move on?

My fist read by this author and loved it.


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Review: Gone by Midnight

Gone by Midnight by Candice Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Masterpiece.
I’ve had this on my kindle for a while now.
Saw this on audio from my library. Reminded me about it.

So dived right in.

I’ve not read the previous books in this serious and although I knew that I’d miss out on some background I still dived in. Having read previous books by Candice Fox that I’ve loved and some I didn’t find so enthralling I loved the premise and advertising of this one.

Went in with little expectations and came out wide eyed.....this is good people. This is so good.

It’s Police procedures at its best.
To be honest I’ve been burnt out on police procedures so maybe this why I let it slip down my kindle subconsciously.

This didn’t bore me, it kept pace and had me invested.

I’d say, it’s a winner.

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Review: The Wife Stalker

The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I’m sorry to say I didn’t buy this book at all.
I loved the premise, that hooked me in more than anything in the book did.

Not sure if I missed anything but, she wasn’t his wife?
Then there was the van scene?

Wasn’t hooked like I wanted to be which was a shame as I’ve liked another book by this author.

I guess I was expecting more.

This won’t put me off though, I will visit another of her books.

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Review: An Unwanted Guest

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So off they go into the depth of the woods in a forest. It’s wintertime, it’s snowing.

They stay in a lodge, on their own. Great retreat for an author.
Great retreat for husband and wife to reevaluate life, marriage and future.

Scene set for a bit of skiing maybe.

Quiet peaceful time.

Time to reflect.

Just them in the book.

Going to be boring....right?

No!

I don’t quite know how Shari Lapena does it, but she did.
Every single word, every single sentence, every single paragraph, I was hooked.

Listening to this on audio meant I could go about my daily chores, drive to the store etc and still be able to listen to this book.

I cooked dinner too listening to this book.

Once it finished I was astounded at such a “simple” book with such a background, not many characters (unless they were dead) in this book.

This is a “whodunnit “ at excellent exceptional talent with a brain that has come up with a remarkable concept.

The plot? Exceptionally wonderful keeping me very busy gasping.

The characters? Although few had me guessing all the way through.

I love this authors way of writing.
It leads you but yet, you go astray!

It’s simple and straightforward to read and understand, yet you get confused so it makes you think twice.

Loved it.

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Review: The Man Across The Street: An uplifting story of love and hope for 2020

The Man Across The Street: An uplifting story of love and hope for 2020 by Marcie Steele
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun and emotional ride this was.

Although this is book 1 in The Hope Street series I am told that there are characters from her previous series within this series. But they can be read as standalone.

I’m going to go back to the previous serious and work my way through as I’m a bit OCD in series. I like to start from book one so I don’t miss anything and characters pasts.

Hannah was such a lovely and loving character. She’s been through quite a lot herself but always happy to help and support others.
Yummy Doug ....doesn’t everyone need someone so understanding and so safe and nice in their lives.

I like Mel Sherrats detective books but I adore her writing as Marcie Steele. Way back to her very first series based around a council estate, that’s how I discovered this author.

I’m a bit hit and miss with detective novels now, I’ve been burnt out on them so I’m so glad I can still delve into another side of this authors writing.

I’m waiting for book 1 from the other series to arrive then I’ll be working through up to this one and beyond.

Do I recommend these?
Yes I do. They give you a “feel good” factor with some juicy bits in between and proper real life drama that could happen to anyone.

If it sounds like you’d like to read these, don’t hesitate.

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Review: The Girl in the Woods

The Girl in the Woods by Patricia MacDonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of my long standing authors who often delivers a good satisfying thriller. And......she did it again.

I listened to this on audio as I’ve been way behind with my reading plans. This year and last year was my resolution to read more busting my backlist books and this is one of them.

A great thriller, it has a great plot, great characters and told so well.

If someone close to you told you they know a person who is in prison is innocent and they’d been serving their sentence for years what would you do?

What surrounds this statement is told so well you will get lost within the pages from start to finish.

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Review: Her Name Was Rose

Her Name Was Rose by Claire Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why didn’t I read this sooner!

Totally, absolutely totally hooked with this devious, twisted enthralling unraveling story.

The blurb makes no hidden secret that Rose leaves a gap in her life that someone else fills.

Rose husband is bringing up their child, a very odd character who I thought seemed creepy. But it transpired that there was another person to me who was hiding something but I couldn’t think what.

I was so engrossed with this.
Fabulous storytelling at its best to keep the readers attention.

Has this author written more books?
I’m going to check Claire Allan out as I loved this thriller so much!

My one regret.....I wish I had got to this sooner.

If you haven’t read it yet (like me) and you like a fast paced thriller, please pick this up.

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Review: The Damage

The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An excellent book that is written in a style of writing I love. It was easy to follow, switched between characters very well. Well rounded relatable characters. I did find Nick annoying at times though in reactions. Not the emotional reactions etc but his dialogue.



This is a very tricky book to read. It may contain subject matter that may cause emotional upset.
But if you are a realist like myself, facing things straight on, getting through it will bring you out the other side. That’s not to say, my decision is your acceptance.

Non of these emotive topics have I personally been through but one significant issue I had a friend go through.

Tony is Nicks brother. His protector and friend who is married to Julia.

The blurb makes no hidden fact that Nick is gay and has been attacked and raped.
When Tony hears of this he is, quite understandably shocked; hurt; and wants of course say and do the right things to support his brother.

Tony becomes obsessed with this case.

So as the blurb says....
Three ordainary people getting on with they’re ordainary lives, until an earth shattering event changes the dynamics of all of their lives.

My only critique would be that certain aspects of this story was too drawn out. If it were on audio I would have sped it up in parts. Some parts were repetitive too.

A 3.5 * I liked it, but I could have loved it.

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Review: The Orchid Girls

The Orchid Girls by Lesley Sanderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A book that is part of #busting my backlist.

I was really looking forward to this. The premise sounded ‘right up my street’. Alas, it didn’t meet my expectations of a thriller.
It was interesting, well written, fair plot but it really didn’t move an emotion one way or another.

Each girl had an Orchid on her arm relating to a promise they made some time ago.

Because I liked the style of the writing I’d certainly give this author another try.

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Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes I’m still catching up on books I’ve longed to read.
Here’s another.

I heard all over the book community about this one, was it hyped? Yes! And rightfully so.

I borrowed the audio version from my library and got totally blown away. The narrator was so good, took parts so well.

I was hooked.

This is of course history but lies in the middle is a love story.

I especially took heed to the epilogue about the “real” characters. That hit home to me.

Such a very well told story that you just can’t imagine the atrocities.

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Review: The Dig

The Dig by John Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book I bought a while back and never got around to reading it.

I’ve sat and read this over the last 2 days before then watching it on Netflix.

I hadn’t realised it was based on facts. Maybe I did when I bought it but I’ve had it that long I’d forgotten maybe?

It’s such a book that just grabs at you’re shirt tails.
The historical findings in Suffolk along with the poignancy of the characters.

So sad about Edith.
And as for Mr Brown....

You know, isn’t it so true that sometimes someone else wants to take the glory, the limelight and praise for something some other person started.

So if you’ve read this you will know what I’m on about.

This historical fiction based on a true story was so good.
The film was excellent too.
Casting superb.



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Review: Lying in Wait

Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A very good intense chilling read.

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Review: The Warning

The Warning by Kathryn Croft
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An absolutely stunning thriller.

I’ve read several books by this author and have enjoyed each one.

This was was so tightly knitted not one stitch was dropped. The reader sure is going to be twisted in knots and not know who to believe. I certainly didn’t.

There’s lots of reviews for this book outlining the storyline and for me to add to this would take away your excitement of reading it and I don’t want to drop spoilers inadvertently.

If you’ve not read this, and you love a thriller/mystery book you can get your teeth into. Look no further.

It’s also narrated well on audio. Your library might have it.

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Review: Behind Her Eyes

Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very very every late to the table on this one.

All the hype put me off if I’m honest. I then get weary incase I don’t like it, but I did! It was fabulous.

I saw this was going to Netflix so I thought I’d read it before watching it.

Neither disappointed me. This was so good I’ve been urging my daughter to watch it I think it’s something she would get her teeth into.

This kept me enthralled throughout and the twisty turns were what kept my brain ticking.

A superb piece of work.

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Review: The Hidden Girls

The Hidden Girls by Rebecca Whitney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So many books has been written where strange things happen, someone’s paranoid or seeing things that aren’t there or actually hearing things that aren’t real.

Trying to get the reader to buy into the thoughts of, is this real or not that the character is feeling.....
Or....is it real.....is it sinister......is it imagination or someone tormenting them.

This is added with mental illness.

Personally I’ve gone from appreciating these type of “excuses” or “reasons” conveniently for a thriller.
I think it’s sometimes really not a good advert for supporting those with mental health.

Some authors can do it passingly well, others cannot.

The blurb was what tempted me.

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Review: The Swap

The Swap by Robyn Harding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have this book on my shelf since it was published and I’ve finally got to it.
I saw this ready to listen to on my library audio, so that’s exactly what I did.

Glued, that’s what I was, totally glued to my headphones listening to this while doing chores today and then sitting doing a bit of crochet.

What a MESS.

Relationships can be difficult in the first place without making it more complicated and adding others into the equation.

This was so messed up, mixed up and totally addictive I found myself really astonished yet intrigued with these characters.

The audio version was great. Four narrators that took their parts so well.

My one regret?
I should have read this sooner.

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Review: The Liar's House

The Liar's House by Carla Kovach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great well put together thoughtful mystery/suspense.

Although the subject matter has been done many times, this author along with this established Detective made it its own, in its own right.

The mystery is not only surrounding g the woman who never arrived home after attending a party it also brings out other bi stand mysteries and questions that keep the reader forever questioning what’s going on.

Really enjoyed it

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Review: The Trick to Time

The Trick to Time by Kit de Waal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book sure did surprise me.
I liked that is was Irish which fitted in with the Irishbookathon I joined in. And that they had moved to Birmingham.

We get two timelines.
One when Mona is young and when she’s many years older. The back and forth was easy to follow.

There’s a layer of sadness that emulates throughout the story but also hope.

Totally loved this book. I was so sceptical as I loved the authors previous book and wasn’t sure if she could better it.

You get much more than you expect from this.




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Review: The Burning Girls

The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is what drew me in.....

“ 500 years ago: eight martyrs were burnt to death

30 years ago: two teenagers vanished without trace

Two months ago: the vicar committed suicide”

The hype worried me though.

Was I going to go in with high expectations? Of course.
Was I prepared I might be let down? Of course.
But in the back of my mind was ‘this is C. J. Tudor. I’m going to enjoy it at least I love her writing style.

I wasn’t prepared for it to blow my socks off though!

Rev. Jack Brooks.....first I thought was a male, nope, female. She has a daughter too named flo.

Having to move for personal reasons you get to learn about later, the end up in a small community. Like most small communities they are close and guarded. This one is of no exception.
Superstition, Ancient times and history good and bad are impacted on lives in this community.
Rev. Jack soon discovers she’s the ‘outsider’.

Flo her daughter is ok but finds the transition in life (said to be temporary) difficult. She has her camera. No wi fi ......yet.

As with any ghosts they soon can come back to haunt you when not laid to rest.
That’s for Jack herself AND the passing of time where she’s living.

This story haunted me in many ways, day and night I was eagerly finding every chance to “get back to my book”.
For me, this book never lacked. Or lagged. It embraced all of my reading passion and I devoured it in hunger. Tasting and digesting every word.

The ending was a surprise to me.

I really loved this book in it’s entirety.

Anyone who wants a thriller book to get their teeth into, to get lost between its pages, this is it.
Actually, anyone who just loves a really good tale, you will love this.




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Review: The Cursed Wife

The Cursed Wife by Pamela Hartshorne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I chose this one to listen to today as it’s been on my backlist forever.
I saw it on my library audio so downloaded it as I knew I had things to do today so listening would be better as I’m trying to read through some books I’ve had in an age (you readers know what I mean)

I found this doomy and gloomy.

A lot of the sequences didn’t make sense, it was quite choppy and disjointed in places.
My mind was trying to keep up, maybe it was the narrator or was it me?

So tonight I read the final couple of chapters on my Kindle.
Slightly better as I could interpret the writing differed than the narrators input on it.

It was ok, but not impactful on me.

The historical aspect was good though from the 1500’s.

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Review: The Wrong Family

The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a thriller, right?
Which bit?

Read along with a book club for this and most dnf’d it.
I struggled on. I made lots of excuses not to pick it up. Ever so easy to do something else.

Wasn’t exiting
And don’t get me started on the OTT repetitive descriptions

She had brown eyes...
She had blonde hair,
Her nail chipped off (it really didn’t, I made that last sentence up)

This really wasn’t a book for me.

Loved the cover, loved the design, blurb sounds wonderful......

I love a nice picket fence!

I’m aware someone spent time writing this book.
Grayson House.....you need to help her with her future books.

Colleen Hoover says on the front cover “ the wrong family is your new obsession, .....You’ve never read anything like this”
She’s right, but not in the way she meant it.

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Review: The Temple House Vanishing

The Temple House Vanishing by Rachel Donohue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I saw this on my libraries audio BorrowBox as a download now with no waiting list, I remembered I had this on my book trolley waiting to be read. So, I thought I could listen to it on the run and then follow along with my book when I relax.
I just couldn’t leave this book alone.

It’s a sultry read brooding book that the narrator did very well. Based around a Catholic boarding school and the narrators voice is with an Irish accent this really married well.

I was hooked.

Young girls and all that comes with that. Friendships and secrets. Promises and Hell Mary’s.

Louisa joins Temple House and soon makes friends with Victoria.
She then gets to meet their art teacher Mr Lavelle. Each forming a bond.
It’s a strong bond and we as readers get a very good view, in fact, we have a front row seat on what’s taking place.

Then......Louisa and Mr Lavelle vanish.

Where are they?
Did they run off together?
Was their more than a teacher and pupil relationship forming?


Many years later a Journalist wants to get to the bottom of this mystery.
She had a connection with Louisa.

The journalist lived across the road from Louisas house.

This is spooky, dark, obsessive, ghostly and an absolutely stunning debut.

I can’t wait to read any subsequent books this author writes. There’s no way I would have put this as a debut.

The ending......
The ending......is not like anything I’ve read before.

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Review: The Rabbit Girls

The Rabbit Girls by Anna Ellory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing read.
I’m probably one of the last to read this.

I listened to this on Audio and the two narrators were great.

The chapters alternate between two main people, each narrator taking on each persons voice.

I wasn’t expecting the author to be interviewed after the audio book and I didn’t realise this was based on historical event with the author inventing a personal slant on it. So wonderfully done.

It was emotional. It was enthralling so much so I had to put my Bluetooth headphones on whilst doing chores or cooking. I didn’t want to wait to see the outcome.

It wasn’t until the last few chapters I had a hint of what maybe.
And even so, it still brought a lump to my throat.

I’m so glad I finally got to this book.

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Review: The Newlyweds

The Newlyweds by Arianne Richmonde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not obvious spoilers but just in case!

You know what? I really enjoyed this book!
Each evening I picked this up I was excited to see what happens next.

The characters within these pages were damaged.

I’ve heard of getting revenge but......well. The length of time to get revenge astounded me.

The many curveballs in this devious, hate, longstanding, shocking read was great.

The author did such a good job of making a readers mind diverting down a different path, then reaching a dead end. Eventually I was going around a roundabout returning to my confused state of trying to work this out.

It is suspenseful, it is enthralling and it is a book I will remember.

This book was not straight forward telling you a “thriller” it’s much more than that.

To have that on your shoulders wanting to “make someone pay” after all those years.
Then .....,boom, treble punches for the reader!
Fab.

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Review: Queenie

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the start of this book. I loved the middle of this book, and I liked the ending of this book.

Queenie is a right character who I think whilst us readers may take her at face value she’s really got some deep rooted problems.

The humour in this book was great.

Listening to this on audio is definitely the way to go. It expresses each individual and I could really follow this.

I often opened my physical copy and read along.
I had a very enjoyable time.

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Review: Perfect

Perfect by Rachel Joyce
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A really poignant and what should have been.....an emotional read.
Reading the blurb I was expecting so very much more.
Lovely writing.
Great story.
But no heartstrings pulled.

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Review: Lost and ProFound

Lost and ProFound by Summer Felix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute, romantic and real.

In your 30’s and here you are. You’re ex has moved on and making a life for himself.

The woman you follow on a blog as just “the best life”.
Your kids.....
You are waiting and waiting for life to change for the better for yourself.......

Then in he walks.......

Cute little read.

I liked it.

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Review: Dream with Little Angels

Dream with Little Angels by Michael Hiebert
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This was compared to Kill a mocking bird.

Your right.

Too close to that book it had so many parallels.

Not really wanting to read it again in different ways or characters or likenesses.

I must admit, I skimmed the lady three chapters.

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Review: The Marriage Merger

The Marriage Merger by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh dear oh dear.
Last week I went through my Netgalley books and saw books I requested way back when I joined in 2012. I was like a kid in a candy store. I’m much more sensible now! So made it my mission this month to see how many backlist books I could read or listen to on audio.
This was one of them.

I enjoyed this book, not u inquest but written. Made a good cleansing reading palate from my usual thrillers.

Well rounded out characters.

It was a good book. Didn’t love it, but I liked it.

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Review: The School Gates

The School Gates by Nicola May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great story. All these different Mummy’s with different stories to tell, different lives. Problems, emotions, and turmoil.
And one gay Dad.

These yummy mummy’s hold nothing back, there’s some very heated moment between the sheets.

I liked the narrator apart from the little girls voice she used, grated on me at times as it came across quite pathetic in sound.

Not the best narrator I’ve experienced but doable.

There is lots going on within the pages of this book that will definitely keep your attention.

It’s a very good entertaining read with lots to make you think about.

There are traumas, marriage problems, abuse , cheating and secrets and lies.

Mummy’s at the school gate and friendship.


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Review: Saint Christopher and the Gravedigger

Saint Christopher and the Gravedigger by Catherine Cookson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having grew up being a fan of Catherine Cookson and reading all of her books, I had the chance to read this.

I actually forgot I had it on my kindle! Knowing how much I loved her books I just can’t imagine why that happened.

Anyhow, I’ve read it now.

What a treat to have come across some papers in Catherine Cooksons attic on her estate and be able to get her last works published.
I read inside that some of the paper was faded etc so it’s wonderful how they pieced this together for her fans to enjoy. What a treat.

With the title of this book, I scratched my head wondering whatever this was about.
It was fun finding out.

The families in this saga were excellent. The dialogue just as usual, the only way this authors style could be.....excellent.

Fun story I thought.

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