A very brief review round up for some recent reads...
Avon
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Having read the authors previous books I was anticipating another fantastic historical fiction read and I wasn't disappointed at all. I always get swept away by Mandy Robotham’s storytelling and characters. Our lead, Georgie, is gutsy and very aware of her abilities. She hasn’t and doesn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way and I admire that, even though in gets her in some precarious positions! The people she meets, the relationships she establishes during her time in Berlin will change her life and vice-versa.
A fast paced read, it will have you intrigued, appalled and championing the innocents. It has heart and emotion. I often wonder what happens after ‘The End’ so the inclusion of the epilogue here really completes the journey for us
The Ringmasters Daughter - Carly Schabowski
Bookouture - Published 07/07/20
1940 and as the war rages,
Michels home, Paris, is threatened and he reluctantly flees. Finding himself
within a group of colourful and dramatic characters, he joins the circus, Le
Cirque Neumann. The circus becomes his haven, finding somewhere he can belong.
He builds friendships, finds love, believes this life could be the making of
him.
A great historical read, highlighting more difficulties of
war. It has moments of lighthearted, beauty but also heartache and suffering.
As with many novels of this genre, it is a story of hope; a belief in better
things to come and in a life that would not be governed by fear or the need to
escape or watch over your shoulder.
War is not the overriding theme though, merely a backdrop to
this romantic tale. I enjoyed that we focus on the characters, their stories,
and lives. Michel is quiet, charming in his own way and happy just to go along
with things. Frieda is a breath of fresh air and I’m not surprised he falls for
her in such a way. She is the one that keeps things together and her care for
others shines through.
I think the plot was nicely paced, characters were well
written and established, although I have to say there were a lot of them to
keep track of!! I found it to be a gorgeous read, I got through it very quickly.
I enjoyed this book immensely but I was a little surprised
that the author went from third person to first person towards the end. I felt
the last part was rushed and jumped through time too much. I had anticipated a
different ending, I was pleasantly surprised but I was very satisfied with how
it was resolved.
To be a great debut from this author, I will look forward to
more.
Having read and adored 59 Memory Lane I could not wait for this return to Pengally. I do think if you haven’t read 59 Memory Lane you should read it first (a) because its wonderful and b) it will give some clarity to this story.
Celia Anderson is brilliant; her writing is gorgeous and the way she tells these stories, brings her characters to life is wonderful.
With ‘The Cottage of Curiosities’ we have a lovely tale of self discovery, love, hope and acceptance. Friendships and relationships play such important roles within this story.
We meet Grace who is searching for information on her biological parents, and finds herself heading to the coastal village of Pengelly. Here she effortlessly fits into the community, making friends as she uncovers the truth about where she came from. All of that on top of managing and utilising an extremely special, maybe magical, skill to help those she gets close to.
An absolutely heart-warming and uplifting book, a real curl up, get cosy kind of read. I cannot recommend this enough.
Paperback published August 9th 2018 by Penguin
Having read this author latest release and loving it and so
did what every book lover does when discovering a new author they like…Set about
going through every book they have written.
This thriller had me hooked from the start, I couldn’t read
it fast enough if I’m honest. What a page turner.
I think the structure of the book is good, first part is
leading up to the “main event” and then the second part being the aftermath and
consequences of what happened. This story covers many topics murder, violence, marital
problems, mental health issues and the woes of being a parent.
There are some red herrings thrown in along the way to keep
you guessing, I really felt quite sorry for Kirsty. She is a woman with a lot
on her plate, she doesn’t want to add any burden or stress on to her husband
Adrian so keeps a lot from him; she worries about making her business a success
as well as having a whole host of family drama turn up at her door. She is overprotective
of her children but could this be for very good reason?
This secluded village location, the vivid descriptions added
to the atmosphere of the book which is incredibly well written.
A tense thriller that I would definitely recommend.
No comments:
Post a Comment