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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Review: You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.75 rounded down.

I’ve enjoyed the past books a lot, this one I thought was dragging in places and very predictable.
I still enjoyed it. I’m glad I listened to this on audio or I think I may have struggled picking the book up once put down in places where it dragged (if you know what I mean)

Loved the idea of this and the concept.

The other books though have been more inspiring a thriller due to its content not being done so many times. This has been written about before really, it’s not a unique thriller for me.

If you were not reading a lot of thrillers I can see this being a real good time.

I love the writing so a bump in the road won’t stop me reading more.

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Review: Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem

Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem by Fenyx Blue
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It’s a colourful poetic book.
However, there are a few flaws for me if I were to buy it.

I don’t like the illustrations much, the heads, that’s the things that seem less appealing and just not true to life.

I like that it has the points from the father. He didn’t have a father in his life so he wants to be a good one. I get that.

I think this book is more pointed at a parent to read this to their child but there are references to gold etc that veers more to a materialistic way of thinking in comparison side by side with his daughter that at times gets a bit of a troublesome thought from me.

With a little readjustment this could be a good acceptable story.

Bear in mind, this just are my thoughts on this!

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Review: The Open House

The Open House by Sam Carrington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wooooooo

My main genre to read are thrillers so of course you get books with similar tropes.
This story isn’t unique.
This plot is not unique.

BUT, this book by Sam Carrington shines out from the many.

Why?
Because it drew me in and sat me out.
Her writing is such that you can’t help but ‘live’ within these pages. You can’t help but get involved with the characters.

Superb premise as it opened up to more dilemmas that added to the already intense feelings I had, the anxiety I had putting myself in the main characters shoes.

Toward the middle of the book I had a short list of names that I should have suspicion over. Reading on......I then cut them down to three likely candidates.

The multiple whammy left my jaw on the floor. WHAT!

They say you never fully know a person, not even if you live with them.
Decisions that had to be made blew my mind, the decisions that some made, rocked my world, when I thought they’d not do this.....they did.

A very good book that I’ll remember for a long time.

A beacon of light amongst similar thrillers.

The ending though did take a star off due to it being a bit unbelievable.

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Review: Grown

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enchanted is 17 years old. She has a dream. Her dream is to become a singer.

This is a dark disturbing book of manipulation and based very loosely on R Kelly. It’s shocking and oftentimes upsetting.

I just can’t imagine being the parents of this child.

I was so invested in this story, I think even more so when I started to listen to it on audio. It really kicked in.

There are many triggers in here so do you research before reading.
It’s a very impactful book though.

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Review: Mrs Death Misses Death

Mrs Death Misses Death by Salena Godden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A poetic read.

I thought I’d give this a go based on some really good recommendations.
It’s a superbly written piece of work which I devoured BUT and a big but, by the middle of it I need to be honest here, I felt quite depressed and miserable.

I don’t think I knew what to expect. Yes it’s got the word “death” in it so I was expecting some grief.
Listening to this being read by the author on audio took on an entire meaning as it’s read harrowingly.
The voice is somber and I just don’t think (looking back) I should have chosen to read/listen to it.

Not with all the deaths with the pandemic etc.



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Review: When No One is Watching

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


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I can’t lie.
I’m a bit confused.

The writing is good.
The characters are good and well rounded. No problem with that at all.

It’s the way of writing I’d usually enjoy.

If I wasn’t reading this with my book club I’d have ditched it......which is unusual for me.

It was heavy going at the start. The middle but I was getting more into, then it slumped and became a bit of a chore to finish it.

I carried on because this is the authors first thriller type book.

Nope, it won’t put me off, I am happy to read another from her if she writes a thriller type book again as I did like her style of writing.

Just didn’t really do anything for me.

I hate doing negative reviews! Much prefer to write positive ones.

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Review: Bad Habits

Bad Habits by Flynn Meaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a great book and nothing like I expected.

I’m not a feminist 100% but do believe in equality.

This is unexpectedly set in a Catholic school of all places and you know what, it was the perfect setting. This is funny and serous all at the same time with a lifetime of learning.

The girls are great and the main character, well, what’s the difference between a rebel and someone who has strong opinions? Work that one out and you’ll fully understand these messages.

The narrator was fabulous in making each character take on a format, a body and a personality. She gave power to her voice when needed and pitched it good. Great pace on some important sentences and paragraphs.

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Review: The Day She Came Back

The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Please....
Please.....
Pass me the tissues and a nice cup of tea.

I so know once I pick up one of Amanda Prowse books, more often than than not my heart is in for a break. This author can take the ordainary people and given some extraordinary circumstances and the reader is just sucked totally invested.

I imagined Prim, I imagined all of them including the house.

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You get so many emotional thoughts over this scenario that you are asking “why” “who would do that” “I wouldn’t do that”.

As things start to unravel you just can’t help but see everyone’s side, everyone’s point of view.

How would you feel if someone was you’re whole life and they lied to you?


This book did make me cry. I couldn’t help chatting to my hubby about this. His reaction was “sound good and I’d watch it if it was a movie or drama” (he doesn’t read much)

A story I’ll remember.

I took one star off because in some parts it was a bit repetitive.

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Review: The Girl at the Back of the Bus: An absolutely heart-wrenching historical novel

The Girl at the Back of the Bus: An absolutely heart-wrenching historical novel by Suzette D. Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I could increase the ratings on this I would.

A charged, emotive read. Very impactful.

I’m going to say “in my day” we had history lessons that involved the teaching of slavery and how the black people were treated plus the pregnancies that weren’t acknowledged, the segregation of whites from blacks.

This reminded me of how I felt then in my younger days to how I still feel today and how I raised my kids, plus stood up against diversity.

My soap box over!
This story was intense and sourly beautiful.
I loved Mattie and she reminded me of someone I knew in life with a strong disposition and a true tale to tell. A warm loving person with a huge back life.

The generation of women were astoundingly strong and resilient. Just like Mattie.

The Girl on the Bus . There starts the story. There sees the changes, personal and historic.

I was literally blown away by this story.
I need this book in physical format to keep on my shelves. It’s a book that will stay with me.


Do you think I’ve found my top 5 in literature fiction?
I do.
I can’t see anything surpassing this.

I need more books like this.

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Review: When I Was Ten

When I Was Ten by Fiona Cummins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m fast becoming a fan of Fiona Cummins as I know that I’m going to be in for a good time. A read that will have me so engrossed I won’t mind what’s happening around me.

This was very true with this book.

It didn’t take long to weave myself within the confines of this story.

A child kills her parents.

What?! I hear you ask.

I know. I was exactly like you are now. Gasping and in disbelief.

She owns up to it too.

This is, for sure, a dark and twisted read that I could only give 5* to.
Totally hooked, totally jaw dropping.

I “read” along with this on audio.

The narrator did a good job or throwing her voice to make me stand and take notice lots of times.
Right down to the singing.

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January 2021 wrap up

 Well it’s been an interesting start to this year in books. So many really good books I’m hoping it’s not downhill from here 🤣

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins was a group read which went down enormously well. Gabby reads on You tube organised her first book group yaay! 

Check her out.

So here are the books I’ve read. Some were audio books so don’t think I’m a Billy whizz at reading! 

Excellent line up yeah?

Mark Tilbury boom was spooky. Out this coming month. Check it out.

Hope you’re reading month was just as much fun🥰

Review: The Baby Group

The Baby Group by Caroline Corcoran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This certainly wasn’t what I was expecting.
I read this authors last book and loved it.
I was asked if I’d like to read her latest.

I didn’t bother reading the blurb. I just went straight in.
Going by the title I thought oh, maybe she’s written a chic lit or contemporary book this time and not a thriller.
It didn’t matter to me as I loved her style in her first book.

Oh it’s a suspense/thriller. Fact.

Based around a Baby Group, this sure opened my eyes to some facts in life I’ve taken on board.

When your past life comes back to haunt you, not good if it’s something you try to forget.

But this is so much more.

No spoilers from me.
Just take from my review and thoughts that this book although fiction really does make you think.

We’ve had books that make us think how free we are with people on the Internet who we’ve never met. It’s surprising how much we give away of our personal life and details.

But what about real life?

This so made think.
The characters in this you will find some not so nice, some who get on your nerves and others you like.
The main character is flawed, has a past and you may just see past that and like her.

I would recommend this book to readers who like stalkers, past misdeeds, thrillers that keep you guessing and those who live a bit of family life thrown in.

I really liked it.



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Review: Mortom

Mortom by Erik Therme
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok
Going through my netgalley books and realising I’ve had this book since it’s release I am shocked at myself!
Not as shocked as reading this book though.

I’ve read one other book by this author Erik Therme. Liked it enough. Would recommend it.

But this one...
OMG
This one.....

So clever!
It’s a cliche isn’t it “couldn’t put this book down”
I literally couldn’t.

I hate rats! Creepy crawly vermin. So that put the hairs on the back of my neck up make no mistake, I shivered.

Read the blurb, then come back to my review ⏫

You back yet?

Right, so you know about the inheritance right?

Go into that house....
Stinks
Imagine the worse possible smell....
Then look...
A dead rat, hang on it’s got a note in its mouth......
Yuk
Bend down to get it.....
(Hope that rat is dead)

There begins the hunt...

Fascinated doesn’t come into it
I was well and truly involved with what was taking place.

This is such an awesome chilling read.

How on earth did it fall so low in my pile of books!

Now that I’m not partaking in many virtual blog tours I’m able to “bust” my backlist. I started it last year and carrying it forward and THIS shows me why I did it. So many books we add so eagerly to our piles, new releases we tend to forget the ones we were just as eager to read (all book influencers will relate)

If you like a dark chilling thriller....
I found it for you!

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Review: The Shadow Man

The Shadow Man by Helen Fields
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The ending will shock you!

The entire read is sinister, dark, chilling and oh so compulsive in its reading matter.

I don’t know quite what I was expecting but this delivered much more creepiness than I anticipated.

I had the book from netgalley, then I downloaded the book to listen to. The voices, oh man, those voices. Especially Shadow Mans voice.

A twisted son of a gun.

If you like chilling dark sinister reads, just look no further, it’s all right here within this book.

This author has done a good job on me!
I shivered and goosebumps in many places.

I think it’s the narrators voices that added to this too.

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Review: Little Friends

Little Friends by Jane Shemilt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good, well written, well developed domestic noir. And I got this from Jane Shemilt.

I was hooked completely from the start and didn’t want to leave this book alone, so guess what? I borrowed it from my library on audio and took it with me.....everywhere. Loading the washing machine, ironing, cooking, driving......

Then I’d follow it on my book as the narrator read it when I got the chance to sit.

Three families.
All different in many ways.

This story was intense in places and made me react with “what!” Or “ouch” and had me so involved with it.

Some of the characters were ones I’d like to more than kick up the ‘you know what’ and others that I felt for.

This authors writing is just so well done I think. She really can write to make you “feel” things, to react to what you are reading.

She has such style that it just flows. It’s easy to follow although you’re stomach is tied up in knots and you feel tense, that’s a good thing I think!

Reader....
This book builds momentum. It will chug along nicely. There are quite a few people within its pages but you’ll soon get to know whose who, I assure you.

The authors really good at this. I liken it to climbing a hill, scenic and something to look at on both sides then, you almost get to the top and it hits you, hard, the excitement build, you’re heart races and you are full of questions, eager to turn pages.
Jane Shemilt didn’t disappoint me in Daughter and she’s not disappointed me in Little Friends.

You will soon learn why it’s called Little Friends.

Do I recommend this?
Yes 100% if you love a good well written suspense, thriller, psychological thriller and domestic noir.
Actually, strike that! If you like a darn good book to get “into”.




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Review: Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout

Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout by Laura Jane Grace
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Listened to this on audio yesterday.short book. Didn’t take long to read it. But self centred and opinionated. It was ok though. Not what I was expecting didn’t even know of this band or who she was.



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Blog Tour Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardner

 

About the Author and her Standalone book

Lisa Gardner

Born

The United States 

Website

http://www.lisagardner.com/

Twitter

LisaGardnerBks

Genre

Mystery & Thrillers, Suspense, Romance

Member 

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Lisa Gardner is a #1 New York Times bestselling crime novelist. A self-described research junkie, she has parlayed her interest in police procedure and twisted minds into a streak of twenty-plus thrillers. Her latest, BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED, is available January 19, 2021.

Meet Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. Her latest mission has brought her to Mattapan, Boston, to find a missing Haitian teen. Eleven months later, Angelique Badeau's disappearance remains a mystery. What happened to the quiet, studious teen? Frankie learns quickly the dangers of asking too many questions, but that won't stop her from learning the truth behind what happened before she disappeared.

Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups and an ancient rescue dog. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!

MY REVIEW

Frankie Elkin has had some knocks in life. She’s now a recovering alcoholic and like many of our unsung heroes or heroines I got to be saddened and joyed by this woman.

Where Police have failed and life goes on but the missing remain missing she is determined to find them.
With just little possessions that fit into one bag, she uses any money she can get to aide her plight.

Of course, the best time for seeking missing people or those that don’t want to be found is at night.

A white scruffy looking woman walking around at night will bring attention to herself. And she does. Her mission though is a good one.

I loved the main character and all the cast. I’ve not read this authors books for ages so when I received this in the post I got straight on it knowing it’s either a standalone or first part in a new series.

Thoroughly enjoyed.

Review: Breaking a Legend

Breaking a Legend by Sarah Robinson
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

The chemistry between Rory and Clare is electric.

Both Rory and Clare are in need of healing and both are a great match.

Loving the dynamics of the family.

Read for a refreshing change from deep plotted thrillers and I must say, I loved this. So I’m going to carry on with the series.

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Review: Day of the Accident

Day of the Accident by Nuala Ellwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I remember the first book I read by this author, in fact I had an early copy of it from the publishers.
Never heard of her.

I was astounded by that book so, when I could read this too I got it.
It’s been sat waiting to be read......
Why?
Because, her first book was so good I’d been worried about reading this one incase I get disappointed.

I need not have worried.

Nope, not worried at all because this author can weave a story that entrap you in it’s web.

The entire plot of this left you wondering......what happened? What can’t she remember?
Will it shock me? Will it shock her!

The twists were great.

I listened to it on audio. There was only one voice that annoyed me, but a part from that......I loved it.

It has all the ingredients of what a suspenseful thriller should have.

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Review: Final Girls

Final Girls by Riley Sager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All you thriller readers out there who has already read and enjoyed this book.....
Wasn’t it fab!

To all those thriller writers out there.....
This is how you do it!
This book grabs you by the short and curlies and holds the reader prisoner until the end....
Be prepared for many ....oh no...and jaw dropping moments. I kid you not.

Ok I’m late to the Riley Sager party. This is only my secound book of this author. I have the others though....and his next one on pre-order. I’ve a feeling this author has joined my “don’t care what it’s about, it’s Riley Sager I’m ordering it” list!

It’s dark, it feels atmospheric, it’s page turning eagerness.

Loved it!
Loved it!

Final Girls.
Epic thriller.
Great writing.

If you haven’t read it, and you love a good dark thriller, please do.

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Review: The Girl She Wanted

The Girl She Wanted by K.L. Slater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fast moving intense read. I hung on every word.

Although this scenario has been written many many times over, this author has written it superbly that keeps the reading breathless and hanging onto each written word on its page.

I really thought I knew where she was going with this, then halfway through I diverted to another theory.
I ended up wrong on both counts!

I won’t go into the story, it’s on the blurb, but I’ll certainly tell you how it made me feel....
Tense (in a good way)
Anxious
And at some points I was shouting “what are you doing, get her out”.
She didn’t listen to me though.

The turn of events were interesting nevertheless and I loved the ending. I’m a great believer in keeping books realistic and not everything has a “happy ever after”.

Great read.

Fans of thrillers, actual life reality and tense fast paced reads would love this. I think.

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Review: Our Kind of Cruelty

Our Kind of Cruelty by Araminta Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mike and Verity.
Verity and Mike.

All the way through this story I was hooked.
I listened to this on audio and just couldn’t stop listening.

Mike loves Verity. They’ve known each other for years.
Mike comes from a not so good background.
He’s got one objective in his life......making Verity happy.

But alas. He strays, leaving a relationship in tatters.

But it’s ok. It’s the games they play.

Playing games with each other seems to be a regular in their relationship especially where sex is involved. Verity likes to play out her fantasies in one way or the other.

Just who is at fault here you just won’t find out......not yet.

Whose playing who?

This is sinister, chilling, obsession, greed and much more.

It’s a very dark book that kept my 100% interest.

I’m so very glad I got to this.

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Review: The Wife Upstairs

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very compelling book that I literally couldn’t leave alone.

Jane is a young girl whose life hasn’t been easy. She takes a job as a dog Walker and around that neighbourhood she gets more customers who hear about her and now she’s earning a little money.

She’s stating with this this uncouth guy. It’s not permanent and she wants out.

But her luck is soon to change but is it for the better?

This book has so many twists in it I got dizzy.

This little suburb has.....
Idle women with different clubs set up....
Gossip is rife....
Fallings out and a place where I’d describe as “people with twitchy curtains” I absolutely loved this book.

The characters
The storyline
The hidden secrets
The rags to riches

One book I’m keeping solidly on my shelf.



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Review: Only Child

Only Child by Rhiannon Navin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s honest and fair to say that this book made me cry on several levels.

A shooting takes place at this little boys school.
I remember when this book came out it was around about the Florida shooting I believe. I put this book aside and was going to come back to this one day. Now was the time.

His brother who attended the school was was older than him I’m sorry to say became a fatality of the shooting.

Listening to this on audio, it’s read by a talented narrator. Absolutely awesome! You need to Google him for sure!
It’s just like this little boy is reaching out and talking to me. Telling me what he observes, what he experiences and his innermost feelings.
That’s why I believe this made me so aware of morals to this story.

The grief when the mother finds out her eldest boy is dead being described by her youngest child was just something you couldn’t ignore. He was sat here by me telling me!

The parents are grieving. They do this in their way. But what about The Only Child they have right now?

He screams out pop pop POP in his nightmares and his father comforts him. Yet emotionally what is going on in this little boys mind, heart and emotions?

Child are resilient, they say.

That doesn’t mean we adults do not need to help them along the way to make sense of it all.
To guide them. To answer questions or even be there.
They are not immune !

Oh what a book!

My little heart found it sometimes too much......
That child talking to me on audio, explaining to me. Letting out his thoughts, his emotions.

Well done to the author and fantastic job to the narrator.

Impacted on me for sure.

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Review: Little Darlings

Little Darlings by Melanie Golding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a spine chilling thriller.

It kept me on tenterhooks all the way through.
So was the mother who just gave birth to twins suffering from some sort of psychosis? Was the traumatic birth what sent her over the top?

This is a deep psychological thriller that will make your teeth rattle for sure.

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Review: The Roanoke Girls

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe this one slipped so far down the list. At the time of it’s pretty release and release there was so much hype I thought I’d wait. Let the waters calm down or my expectations would be so high.....then I forgot! Other books piled on top (you know how that is right.)

This was such a well told story that it’s only taken me 1 and 1/2 days to read. Mostly evenings.
Such is love.
Twisted.

There are so many forms of love, this one crossed the mark to somewhere it never should go.....ever!

When I read further in the Roanoke Girls was not a normal family. The conclusion of these girls. Why?

I later found out but never guessed in my wildest of dreams the finale.

What a compulsive read.

Definitely 5

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Review: The Carer

The Carer by Deborah Moggach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story.
His kids are older, got lives of their own.
They’re dad is getting older, he needs someone to care for him
Neither can do this with they’re commitments etc so they need a Carer. A paid Carer.

Mandy is employed to look after their Father.

I loved the unexpected twist in this, I was definitely thinking a different route so loved the surprise it gave me.

Part one is the NOW.

Part TWO

We go back in time in life of the parents.

It was fascinating how this was developed.

I need to look more into this authors work.
It’s been over a year I’ve had this on my shelf. Saw it on audio on BorrowBox so downloaded it. I listened to it whilst moving around and on times of sitting I followed it with my book.

The narrator was very good. Easy to listen to.

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Review: Downsizing: How I Lost 8 Stone, Reversed My Diabetes and Regained My Health

Downsizing: How I Lost 8 Stone, Reversed My Diabetes and Regained My Health by Tom Watson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a person who needs to loose more weight and diabetic 2 mine could be controlled by eating, or rather, what I eat so I thought I’d take a look at this book.

Not much into Politics so didn’t know who this person was, so, not the reason I wanted to read it.

It’s informative as per most books like this.
As all diabetics are told......eat less carbs as carbs turn into sugar which causes us problems.
Less sugar in general.

Tom went on a low carb high fat sort of regime. I think he mentioned Keto as one one of the successful.

I’m in no doubt and awe that he’s lost so much weight which is astounding and I praise him for that. It’s the most difficult things to do, loose weight, then.......keep it off!
There’s no easy way, there’s no magic wand.

Being in his position I’d love for him to rally for manufacturers to less the sugar content in food.
To lobby for better healthier foods. We are getting bigger as a nation, I’m one of them. We sit more too as we e “machines” that do housework, chores, work and let’s not not forget, online shopping!
We don’t need to move much!

He gave an honest and open account of his life which I can relate to in part.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, I think I would as it’s got some really good advice and let’s face it.....
He’s lost a half of his body weight. He’s reversed diabetes in his life so far.
It’s no easy fete that! I admire him.

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Review: Love in Lockdown

Love in Lockdown by Chloe James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cute
Romantic
Sweet
Very sugary
Too sugary sweet at times

Bit close to home seeing we are still in lockdown

But I did enjoy the sweeter unthinking read that you could just go with it once overlooking we are actually living in it at this time, just enjoy the cuteness without overthinking.

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Review: The Island

The Island by C.L. Taylor
My rating: 0 of 5 stars


Review Take your phobia or phobias.
Scares you right?
Mix them with being on an island with a guide that is now dead, just a group of your friends.
And then.....things happen one by one that bring out your individual phobias. Then there’s these guys.

It’s a YA read but can be for any age, it certainly has its scary moments that you bite your nails over.

Great portrayal of characters, young adults with kicking in hormones, great read!

My one down disappointment in the book was a portrayal of mental health excuse.
That will make sense to you when you read it.

It stood out to me because my husband lives with bi polar and I’ve been around psychosis in unwell people for over 30 years. So it hit home to me in a bit of a negative way.

A part from that, I loved it.

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Review: An Unusual Boy

An Unusual Boy by Fiona Higgins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wanted to carry on reading this book but things got in the way last September with over commitments so I picked this book book a couple of days ago and finished it in a flash. Such a well written book with a subject matter that really keeps your attention, not only that, you’re emotions are going to be wrecked. I kid you not when I say how all over the place I was with my feelings.

I’m with the majority, it’s a book you shouldn’t miss.

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