Recent Reads - Round Up Reviews

A very brief review round up for some recent reads...

The Berlin Girl - Mandy Robotham
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

Highly recommended.

Publication Date: 29/10/20

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.

The Cottage of Curiosities - Celia Anderson

HarperCollins - Publication Date: 17/09/20

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.

Do not Disturb - Claire Douglas
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. 

Starcross Manor - Christie Barlow

 

Dying to know more about the brooding and mysterious Flynn Carter and the secrets behind his plans for Starcross Manor?

You won’t want to miss the next spellbinding chapter in the Love Heart Lane series – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Julia Coleman meets Flynn Carter again in the cosy village of Heartcross it can only mean trouble. Flynn might be rich, brooding and sexy, but Julia knows first-hand he’s ruthless and she plans to watch his every move.

When Julia discovers Flynn’s plans for beautiful Starcross Manor her greatest fears come true.  Because Flynn’s dreams of turning Starcross into a luxury hotel could ruin Julia’s dreams…and finish off the community of Heartcross for good.

Flynn makes it clear he doesn’t want trouble, and he’s not the man Julia thinks he is.  As he sets about convincing the community he’s changed, he hopes he can convince Julia to give him another chance too… 

My Review:

I am an unashamed big fan and supporter of this series – Love Heart Lane went straight to my heart and I haven’t looked back since. Starcross Manor is #4 of the series but honestly if you haven’t read the others it’s not a problem as it could be a standalone. I would recommend having a read of the other books in the series though because they are great reads.

Returning to Heartcross, our main character this time is Julia, B&B owner extraordinaire. She hears of the rich, mysterious stranger in the village and soon realises it is somebody she has met before, and someone she is not at all happy about seeing again.

Julia takes it upon herself to unite her friends and fellow business owners in order to protect their livelihoods and their village, but has she picked  fight for the wrong reasons.

What I love about these books in the overriding sense of community spirit, the friendships, connections, and willingness of people to show kindness towards others. They are a lovely group of characters, all with their own story to tell and I enjoy coming across previous ‘main’ characters and seeing how their lives are going.

I love Julia as a main character, she’s fiery and determined and will work hard for what she wants. She holds relationships and friendships close to her heart and will do everything she can for those she cares about, even if it that may leave her blind to the bigger picture. She can admit she is wrong though and shows in this story that she can work hard to put things right, no matter the cost.

So many misunderstandings, false accusations, and drama in this book – I was enthralled. I was expecting Flynn to be an absolute slimeball but, he surprises you and in fact it’s clear to see he isn’t all he leads everyone to think.

Christie Barlow is one of my go-to authors, her writing style is easy to identify, you are pulled into the story because of the characters and how well they are written. You really take them to heart and care what is happening to them.  Starcross Manor had me hooked from the start, I tried to savour it but it was easily a book to cosy up and devour. 

Christie has really brought this village and its inhabitants to life, I wish it was real and we could all go and visit. I’d love to see Julia and stay in her B&B; going around meeting all our local favourites.

A story full of heart, truth and understanding. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without romance, a sprinkling of love to keep every romantic heart (like mine) happy. A gorgeous read that I highly recommend. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

Author Bio:

Christie Barlow is the number 1 International bestselling author of ten bestsellers including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Social Media Links –

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Dear Emmie Blue - Lia Louis

“A delightful story about how the things we imagine to be best for us usually aren’t. The reason you will love Dear Emmie Blue is because you’ve probably *lived* Dear Emmie Blue, in some small part of your own journey to adulthood.” —Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In this charming and poignant novel, teenager Emmie Blue releases a balloon with her email address and a big secret into the sky, only to fall head-over-heels for the boy who finds it; now, fourteen years later, the one thing Emmie has been counting on is gone for good, and everything she planned is up in the air.

Emmie Blue is about to learn everything she thinks she knows about life (and love) is just that: what she thinks she knows. Is there such thing as meant to be? Or is it true when they say that life is what happens when you are busy making other plans? A story filled with heart and humor, Dear Emmie Blue is perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Evvie Drake Starts Over.

My Review: 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and I am so thankful I did. What a gorgeous read. To my detriment I had not read the authors debut book so I went in with anticipation. By the end of that first chapter I knew I would love it and that Emmie would be a character I take to my heart.

Emmie is the kind of character I would imagine being friends with, she puts her all into friendships and relationships of all kind, she has heart and spirit even if life hasn’t always been that kind. I think all the characters are well written and love how they change and develop throughout the book – the ones I thought wouldn’t be good turned out great and the ones I had all my hopes pinned on didn’t really become the characters I initially thought.  

Rosie and Fox are the fun characters bringing some light and perspective for her. I loved their relationship from the start, they are really good friends to Emmie and provide some lovely comedic moments.

It is beautifully written and I sat for hours taking in every page. I could not put it down, wanting to see Emmies journey through and discover that her ending would be.

I think we all have sent secret messages out into the world at some point, haven’t we? Notes on balloons or messages in bottles? What a cute, simple start to this story but a truly significant symbol of following your destiny and that things may happen for a reason.

I loved this one, it’s emotional, endearing and a rollercoaster ride of opinion. An absolute delight of a read that I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to read.

One that will not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Purchase here.

The Saturday Morning Park Run - Jules Wake

This is the story of two women.

One old, one young.

One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.

Both needing a friend.

And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking).

Some people come into your life when you need them the most.

                                      

My Review:

No matter under which guise she is writing as, Jules (or Julie) is one of my absolute top ‘read-their-book-above-all-others-ASAP’ authors. I will happily toss all other books aside to read the latest one from her.  Favouritism? You bet but when the books make you as happy and a million miles away from real life problems as these do me then you’d be the same.

Following Jules on social media I know how she has been involved in park runs, all credit to anyone who does them because I couldn’t but I love the idea of them and the whole social/spirit of them. Jules’ love of park run shines through this whole book. The positive light shed upon the finer details, the inner workings of getting these events put together really does wonders and almost made me want to head out in trainers… It is a wonderful side to this special story that really is about making people appreciate their lives, skills, and opportunities in a different way.

With some wonderful characters that will cement a place firmly in your hearts, The Saturday Morning Park Run would not be the same without the treasure that is Hilda. Everyone will rave about her but its deserved, she is a powerhouse and the one that ties everything so nicely together. I wish I had a Hilda in my life... maybe I should hang around a park bench a little more often!

I love Claire and Ash. Our lead characters: we meet them at a place in their lives where both seem on top. They are both killing it career wise, they have the flirty, hot chemistry and both know what they want from life. Typically, everything changes, both end up in unexpected positions and through some helpful Hilda intervention they start to realise their previous lifestyle may not be all their hearts desired.

Claire gets to look after her nieces Poppy and Ava, whilst providing some fun moments, their relationship develops and becomes so special that, in parts, it almost had me in tears.

With overriding ideas that family can be made up from those you chose to have in your life; this heart-warming read will leave you feeling happy, emotional, and potentially ready for a run.

I always champion Jules’ books, they are brilliant and I recommend them as I genuinely love each one. I wouldn’t pick a favourite but this is up there.

A gorgeous, engaging, charm of a read.

Pre-order Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peony-Place-Jules-Wake-ebook/dp/B07K2MGMN9/

https://www.amazon.com/Peony-Place-Jules-Wake-ebook/dp/B07K2MGMN9/

Author Bio

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her writing and creative skills penning copy on a vast range of subjects from pig farming and watches, sunglasses and skincare through to beer and stationery. 

She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and under her pen name Julie Caplin, she writes the Romantic Escapes series. 

Between them, the two Js have written fourteen novels, The Saturday Morning Park Run being the latest. 

Social Media Links 

Twitter @Juleswake

https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor

Just like the other girls - Claire Douglas

A story of how jealousy, lies and betrayal can build a family before destroying it from Sunday Times Bestseller.

CARER/COMPANION WANTED FOR ELDERLY LADY

* YOUNG FEMALE PREFERRED * COMPETITIVE SALARY *
*ROOM AND BOARD INCLUDED * 

Una Richardson's heart is broken after the death of her mother. Seeking a place to heal, she responds to an advertisement and steps into the rich, comforting world of Elspeth McKenzie.
But Elspeth's home is not as it safe as it seems.
Kathryn, her cold and bitter daughter, resents Una's presence. But more disturbing is the evidence suggesting two girls lived here before. Two girls who ended up dead.
And now she sleeps in the same bed as they did.
Why will the McKenzies not talk about them?
What other secrets are locked inside this house? Can these girls lead Una to the truth?

And as the walls close in around her Una fears she will end up just like the other girls . . . 

My Review:

My first read from this author but definitely not my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.

This is one exciting, twisted thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. When I thought I knew what was happening and had it all sussed, I was wrong. You are brought into this story slowly, gently and carefully- with misdirection and red herrings littered throughout.

There was a massive shock mid-way through that really did surprise me, very clever by the author to keep us readers on our toes like that. I don’t want to say much as I think it is better to discover naturally.

With characters you will love to hate, this is a book I will highly recommend time and time again. A true page turner, you will not want to put this book down until the very end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Claire Douglas has worked as a journalist for fifteen years writing features for women's magazines and national newspapers. Her first novel, The Sisters, was followed by Local Girl Missing, Last Seen Alive and Do Not Disturb, all Sunday Times bestsellers. She lives in Bath with her husband and two children and is available for interview and features.