The premise of this book is fairly straightforward; Erica and her husband Oliver, who are both serious and reserved, live next door to the outgoing ViThe premise of this book is fairly straightforward; Erica and her husband Oliver, who are both serious and reserved, live next door to the outgoing Vid and Tiffany who invite them to a last minute bbq when they discover Erica and Oliver's friends, Clementine and Sam are coming over to their house. A mysterious event then happens at the bbq which has a huge impact and effect on everyone in attendance. Throughout the book we are drawn into the complexities of why they all are who they are, the decades long friendship of Erica and Clementine, as well as the big question, what did happen that evening at the bbq?
Truly madly deeply is written in a time lapse style; the day of the bbq and the aftermath and fallout of what happened in the following weeks. To say much more about the plot would be to reveal spoilers, which reveal themselves slowly as you get to know the characters in more depth.
This is my second Lianne Moriarty and I still feel luke warm towards her books. I read the husbands secret and felt so so about it. I thought maybe it was just me, and I simply wasn't in the right mood, because most other people loved it. I started Truly Madly Deeply and wanted it to show me I was all wrong. But nope. I just find the characters not particularly likeable, and quite precocious and snobby. They seem to sneer down their noses at people who don't live in the "right areas" of Sydney, or don't send their kids to the right schools. Although as the book progresses my opinion towards certain characters altered, and we can see how life and circumstances outside of their control has made them the person they are.
Unfortunately I just can't seem to get into Moriarty's writing style. This book was extremely slow building and it took me a while to read it because I kept getting bored and distracted by even events such as hockey at the Olympic games.
Maybe it's because I'm always waiting for some immense plot twist, when the entire premise of the book and the big reveal turns out to be as thrilling as a wet weekend. This could be down to the marketing and blurb which always seem to paint the book as a thriller/drama, and I guess I then expect a Gillian Flynn style edge of your seat book. If I went in with no further expectations other than a well written chick lit book, I think I'd be more satisfied and less disappointed.
Lianne Moriarty is a good writer, so I suspect I'm expecting more than what we are led to believe from the premise. She has a great insight into the makeup of people, relationships and how life can shape us and our viewpoint. Sorry. I really wanted to get into this book and feel how everyone else seems to feel about Liane Moriarty. I have one more book of hers to read which I bought a few months ago so I'll give her another shot.
This was given to me by the publishers as an ARC....more
On the Bright Side - The new Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 years old, is the follow up to the super funny first diary of Hendrik Groen aged 83 1/4On the Bright Side - The new Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 years old, is the follow up to the super funny first diary of Hendrik Groen aged 83 1/4 years old. Readers of the first book will be relieved to hear that a second book means the sweet and funny Hendrik is still around. We also get to find out what the other loveable characters are up to, and whether life has changed for the residents of the care home.
Although this is the second book in the series, I don't think it's imperative that you need to read the first book to read the second. Hendrik starts his diary with a catch up of the characters from the first book, which brings old readers up to date and brings new readers into the loop.
It's really difficult to say too much about the story without giving much away; it's written in a funny, yet touching and moving way. It is insightful into the life of many elderly people, and although I'm quite a long way off retirement, it does make you ponder slightly about your future care and of your parents/grandparents.
There are funny anecdotes galore; from pieces of fruit turning up in peculiar locations; a mysterious apple in the aquarium, a tangerine in the lift, a pineapple in the "gym", to Mrs Schansleh's creative proverbs.
Hendrik is such a warm and genuine character - you do really feel for him. I can only hope there is a third diary; you do begin to care for Hendrik and hope he has many more tales to tell and adventures to go on.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin U.K - Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
I've read two of C.L. Taylor's previous books; The Lie and The Escape. Sleep is the sixth book written by her and is just as (if not more so) absorbinI've read two of C.L. Taylor's previous books; The Lie and The Escape. Sleep is the sixth book written by her and is just as (if not more so) absorbing as the two I've previously read.
It's an utterly gripping psychological thriller mystery and "who done it" similar to Murder on the Orient Express, where the cast of characters are all trapped together in one place, with a possible murderer among them. The tension builds along with the pace of the book, and it will make any reader lose "Sleep" due to finding it impossible to put it down. I personally think each C.L.Taylor book just gets better and better, and I can't wait to see what her next book brings. Highly recommended to any fans of psychological thrillers.
With thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
The Evidence Against You is a terrific must read if you enjoy nail biting thrillers. Like the best books in this genre do, they keep you thinking you The Evidence Against You is a terrific must read if you enjoy nail biting thrillers. Like the best books in this genre do, they keep you thinking you know the twist, only to discover you've been wrong footed and the spot light of guilt pointed elsewhere. With the market so over saturated with thrillers, some brilliant and original, others a bit meh, Gillian McAllister has shown she is an author who can be relied upon to give you exactly what you want. A twisty, suspenseful, tense read full of uncertainty, that will have you second guessing and looking at each and every character suspiciously.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin U.K - Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
I simply adored this book and fell in love with it from the moment I read the beautifully written prologue. I admit to liking a bit of magic sometimesI simply adored this book and fell in love with it from the moment I read the beautifully written prologue. I admit to liking a bit of magic sometimes, who doesn't need some in their life? This book is so evocative of childhood and takes me back to hunting for fairies at the bottom of my Grans garden and making fairy houses out of twigs.
I've always been aware of the Cottingley photographs, so was intrigued as to how the author would approach this. The storyline interweaves between two timelines, both of which are clearly indicated. The story takes off in August 1917 in Cottingley, Yorkshire and alternates between there and modern day Ireland. It's beautifully written with descriptive and whimsical writing.
It's a perfect read for lovers of books and bookshops, with Olivia in the present day timeline inheriting a bookshop from her grandfather. The descriptions are wonderful and vivid, so much so you can almost smell the books on the shelves. The characters are easily relatable and you feel pulled easily into their worlds.
Hazel Gaynor is one of those authors that can make characters jump off the page at you. I loved her style of writing; descriptive, full, rich and full of wonder and surprises, although it isn't particularly fast paced. It's definitely a book to savour and just perfect for reading in the shade of some trees on a balmy summers day - or curled up under a blanket pretending it's summer! It's not often I read a book twice anymore, with so much to get through, but this is most definitely a book I will make sure I make time to return to again and again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
Esme has been through a rough time with her ex boyfriend and decides she needs to leave London. She escapes to the familiarity and the safety of LittlEsme has been through a rough time with her ex boyfriend and decides she needs to leave London. She escapes to the familiarity and the safety of Little Dove Morton and Thimble Cottage, the village in the Peak District where her grandmother lives, and where Esme has many happy childhood memories of.
Being back in her Grandmother's cottage helps Esme start to heal, and as Autumn turns to Winter and plans start being made for Christmas, Esme begins to accept her broken engagement with the horrible sounding Warren and enjoy spending time with her warm hearted and devoted grandmother Matilda. Her parents are going to spend Christmas with her and her grandmother, and hopefully some bridges will be built. However, when tragedy strikes, things don't go quite as straightforward as they initially seemed.
Although The Christmas Wish is the perfect heartwarming antidote to the hectic run up to Christmas, it still touches on weightier issues; such as emotionally abusive relationships and some moving storylines, particularly in relation to one character. This brings another element to the story but doesn't detract too much from the overall sense of reassurance the book brings, with its descriptions of the smells and sights you associate with December and Christmas. Baking of Christmas puddings and cakes, beautifully sparkling Christmas trees, colourful lights, decadent decorations, whiffs of steaming hot chocolate and frosty mornings.
The characters are likeable and good natured - with the exception of Warren - and the settings are delightful. There are gorgeous descriptions of the towns in the Peak District - Bakewell and its sparkling and twinkly Christmas lights, cute pale stoned cottages and proper pubs. I particularly loved the descriptions of the Arctic landscapes of blinding whiteness, miles of forests of huge iced fir trees, tiny villages made up of houses of coloured wood; just like the views you'd expect to see in a snow globe. The capital of Finnish Lapland - Rovaniemi and home of Santa Claus village - appears totally enchanting, with its gift shops selling sweets, chocolates and souvenirs and buildings draped in tinsel, lights and a sprinkling of snow dusting everywhere. It really is the epitome of Christmas, and back when you were a kid, exactly where you imagine Santa to live, with all the anticipation and excitement. Santa Claus's Village and a Northern Lights tour, have gone straight to the top of my "to travel to" list. It reads exactly how I remember Santa Claus: The Movie, which was my fave Christmas film when I was a child.
It's not entirely all light hearted fluff and is the ideal read if you enjoy your Christmassy books with a bit more meat on them, rather then just a straight forward, run of the mill romance. Nevertheless the descriptions and settings can't get much more Christmassy. This book has made me want to go out and buy even more Xmas decorations. I can imagine reading this book another year, just to get into the Christmas spirit. If you are feeling slightly "bah humbug", this is the read for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
Seven Days of Us is a touching yet funny drama set over the Christmas period. Full of witty observations into family life and thought provoking momentSeven Days of Us is a touching yet funny drama set over the Christmas period. Full of witty observations into family life and thought provoking moments, it was a pleasure to escape into over the craziness of Christmas time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
If you're looking for the perfect Christmas book, then look no further. It made me laugh, feel sad, smile and feel all warm and cozy inside like I4.5*
If you're looking for the perfect Christmas book, then look no further. It made me laugh, feel sad, smile and feel all warm and cozy inside like I'd just had a yummy, comforting, steaming cup of Bailey's hot chocolate or mulled wine in front of a roaring fire on a chilly winter's day.
For one month between Thanksgiving and Christmas Harriet decides it's time to step out of her comfort zone, and do something that challenges her. She's on a mission to find her confidence as she certainly doesn't want regrets or to live her life alone. She loves dogs - being a pro dog walker - but she craves human intimacy.
On one of her challenges (a date with a guy she met online) she escapes through a bathroom window, only to fall heavily on her ankle. A visit to the ED introduces her to the gorgeous Dr Ethan Black. She can't stop thinking about him when suddenly fate intervenes and her path crosses his again. Harriet can't imagine a guy like Ethan being interested in someone like her, and that's fine by her; he makes Harriet feel uncomfortable which only brings back her childhood stammer. When they are thrown together for a few days in a snowy Manhattan, will the snow thaw slightly when love blossoms, or will Harriet keep to her vow of not dating...
Anyone who has read "Holiday in the Hamptons" will remember getting to know the twins Harriet and Fliss Knight - specifically Fliss - in that book. "Moonlight over Manhattan" is told from the perspective of Harriet, the shyer of the twins. You most definitely do not need to have read the Hampton's book prior to this. They can be read as standalone books, although it's nice to get to catch up with characters from books read a few years back. Sarah Morgan seems to have a lot of cross references between her characters and books, as through Ethan there's a link to the O'Neils at the Snow Crystal resort. Which makes reading her books feel like catching up with old friends.
This is such a lovely and heart warming book with endearing and like able characters. It is on the slushy fairy tale romance side of the spectrum, but Christmas is the time of year I prefer to read books that warm you up from the inside out, full of characters you instantly warm to.
I adored the story line and how Harriet was brave enough to step out of her comfort zone and put herself out there. As Sarah Morgan herself says "it's a story about pushing the boundaries. It's about courage, friendship and of course romance, all wagainst the snowy, sparkly backdrop of New York City". Just a perfect book to read in the run up to Christmas.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
"An Island Christmas" or "Christmas on the Island" (the name seems to differ), means we get to return to the remote, yet unspoiled and beautiful Scott"An Island Christmas" or "Christmas on the Island" (the name seems to differ), means we get to return to the remote, yet unspoiled and beautiful Scottish island of Mure, and catch up with characters such as Joel and Flora and get to know some characters from the previous book a little better.
The book is based a year after the events of the first book in the series "The Summer Seaside Kitchen". As with many books such as this, it's not obligatory to have read the first books (no complicated plots), as there's a handy, brief synopsis at the start, which gives background information to the characters lives so far. It also helps refresh the memory of readers who may have read the other books awhile ago. I've read the first book, but not the second or third in the series and had no issues catching up with everyone, thanks to Bramble's early morning walk.
This time around its winter on Mure. Dark mornings, bitterly cold winds, a grey bleak landscape, but with a cosy welcoming atmosphere. The book is set around Christmas time, but it's not just a fluffy, light hearted read, some serious issues are touched upon and there's parts of the book that are quite emotional and sad. I understand that around Christmas time some people prefer to keep the mood light, so bear this in mind before you pick this book up. There are some upsetting sections, although they are handled sensitively. Just keep some tissues handy!!
This wasn't my favourite book of Jenny Colgan's, just as I felt the Summer Seaside Kitchen wasn't up to her usual standards. I can't put my finger onto exactly why, it just seemed to be missing something. Plus there were a few inconsistencies between the first book and this one. The big one concerns Mark and Marsha. In the first book they had children, in this book they couldn't have them. Mure also seems to be a rogue wandering island, that changes location. Although at least Flora doesn't seem to do as much blinking in this book, the over blinking in the first one was irritating. It's a pity, I had really hoped to enjoy this book; maybe the Mure series just isn't for me - although I do love the descriptions of the island and the recipes at the back.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK / Sphere for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
Although it's that weird in between time between Christmas and New Year, i love spending time in the run up to, and around Chris4.5⭐️rounded up to 5⭐️
Although it's that weird in between time between Christmas and New Year, i love spending time in the run up to, and around Christmas, indulging in some christmassy themed books. They really help me get into the Christmas spirit, and start becoming all excited at the prospect of the Christmas season and all it encompasses. I'm always reluctant at taking down the Christmas decs.
"The Christmas Sisters" ticked every box in my perfect Christmas book. Gorgeous setting - tick - intact it gets a double tick with the setting initially set between both the picturesque Scottish Highlands and a snowy, glittering Manhattan. Easily relatable and warm characters who feel like friends - tick, decent storyline - tick, loads of winter and Christmas spirit - tick. Aww, this book was just so sweet, without being too sickly. It's a perfect book to get comfy with for some "me time"; switch off your phone, forget everything, and snuggle up under some blankets with a hot chocolate. It's the ideal antidote to the mad and slightly stressful time around Christmas and New Year.
The narration is told from the viewpoint of Suzanne and her three very different daughters - Hannah, Beth and Posy. The only time of year they all get to be together is over Christmas at their family home in the Scottish Highlands. Suzanne is determined to make it as perfect as possible and goes all out with the decorations, food, and evoking a gorgeous cosy and warm atmosphere her girls will feel welcome in. However, when families get together at Christmas, nothing may be as it appears on the surface. Underneath there are layers of rippling tensions, feelings and issues. Suzanne only hopes these can be pushed aside to make the holidays as memorable and stress free as possible.
I adored this book. I've read a number of Christmas books this year; some good, some not so good. This one had everything I look for in this genre of book and I wouldn't think twice about re reading it again in another cold December. The author wrote in a simple yet evocative way. She made it easy to bring to life the snowy, mountainous scenery and the inhabitants of the village of Glensay. The twinkling fairy lights, the aromas from the Craft Cafe, the warm welcoming pub o ty it's cosy log fire, the beautiful sounding Glensay Lodge... Everything came perfectly together to create a gorgeous feel good and uplifting book.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK / HQ for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
Flora Phillips didn't exactly have the best start in life. Left as a baby on a doorstep, she feels immune to rejection - after all, who will want you Flora Phillips didn't exactly have the best start in life. Left as a baby on a doorstep, she feels immune to rejection - after all, who will want you if even your own mother abandons you...
30 years later her life isn't really going anywhere - no career to speak of, no boyfriend, no home of her own. On Christmas Eve she decides to find the doorstep she was abandoned on as a baby. She never expects to find hope, friends, a future, and maybe even love.
Although this book is initially set during Christmas, it's not your typical Christmas book and could really have been set anytime of the year. It wasn't what o expected from a "Christmas book". The chapters swap and change between different the viewpoint of various characters, and although it's clear from the chapter name whose viewpoint is being told, it did become a bit much. There were some lovely characters in the book, and also some annoying ones. The main protagonist, Flora, was a bit much and came across as extremely self absorbed, snappy and on the selfish side - particularly toward the decent people trying to help her and asking for nothing in return. It was like she thought everything revolved around her.
As a whole I found "A Christmas Wish" very so-so. I realised I wasn't particularly enjoying it when I kept catching myself looking at the % of the book left to read. It was so far fetched in places I was rolling my eyes in disbelief. I would have given up apart from I did want to see how the book concluded. Such a shame as the front cover is so lovely, which just goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover...
With many thanks to NetGalley and Aria for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
ROAR is the latest book from Cecelia Ahern and is compiled of short stories that focus on women; some are funny, some thought provoking or enlighteninROAR is the latest book from Cecelia Ahern and is compiled of short stories that focus on women; some are funny, some thought provoking or enlightening but they are all engaging. The release of this book is perfect in its timing of following the #me too and times up movements, in its premise being about the empowering of women - but not in a preachy way. I'm sure there's at least one story in the book that every woman can relate to.
This book is perfect for people with busy lifestyles, in approx just five minutes you can have finished one of the stories. For those of us with not completely hectic full on lives, the entire book can be devoured in a long and lazy afternoon - with plenty of time for a few tea or (and!) coffee breaks.
Although I did thoroughly enjoy ROAR, I have to admit to looking forward to Cecelia's next "normal" style of book/regular length/non short story book...That's not to say this is lacking any of Cecelia's distinctive quirky style, her short stories are spot on, I just personally prefer becoming fully immersed in regular length books that have a bit more substance.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
A Pearl for my Mistress is an historical fiction set in the period in-between the two world wars, the story also has veins of romanc3.5* rounded to 3*
A Pearl for my Mistress is an historical fiction set in the period in-between the two world wars, the story also has veins of romance and politics running through it.
The book follows two young ladies from polar ends of the social ladder. Hester - Hettie - Blake is from a northern working class town. She has always dreamt of becoming a ladies maid and sees it as a way of eventually getting to travel and seeing far flung distant shores. She becomes a young ladies maid to Lady Lucy Fitzmartin, who is an heiress and debutante just stepping out into society. Lucy has been protected from the world by her controlling family, and longs to break free and become more worldly wise. She lands a job writing newspaper articles, which she hopes will eventually lead to more lucrative contracts to enable her to be financially independent. The book then follows each character and how they are working towards achieving their ambitions and aims in life, and how far they will go. Along the way we are introduced to a number of other characters, some likeable, others not so much.
I enjoyed the character development, as the book progresses we get to see more of each characters background, hopes and fears, with their true personalities unfolding and becoming crystal clear. I also liked the setting of the early 1930's and discovering more about some of the uncomfortable societal norms from this period in history. I found it an easy read and devoured it fairly rapidly, making it an ideal book for light holiday (summer or Christmas) reading.
The only negative I perceived is that the writing appeared a bit confusing and disjointed at times, almost like it could do with a bit more editing. I personally found the ending rather unsatisfactory and wanted to know a bit more with some ends tying up. If you read the book, I'm sure you'll know what I mean.
I think this book would be perfect for fans of historical fiction with elements of romance, intrigue, politics and mystery thrown into the mix.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
The moment I received an email from NetGalley saying that a new book from Gillian McAllister was up for request, I hit that request button as quick asThe moment I received an email from NetGalley saying that a new book from Gillian McAllister was up for request, I hit that request button as quick as I could. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut book, "Everything but the Truth", it was such a fantastic thriller full of atmosphere and her twisty second book "Anything You Do Say". So while I had a week to waste before work, I cleared away an afternoon, made a large cup of tea and started reading "No Further Questions" full of anticipation.
Martha's eight week old baby dies. Initially it appears to be a tragic cot death, but a few weeks later her sister Becky, who is also her best friend, is charged with her murder. She denies the charges against her, but the prosecution says otherwise. The opening section set in a courtroom opens the intrigue beautifully and then bounces effortlessly between September - eleven months earlier and the present day where we get to hear lots of witness statements, which muddy the waters further. The narrative is predominantly told from the point of view of Martha and Becky, but there's also the viewpoint of courtroom officials and witness statements from neighbours, teachers, health workers and acquaintances.
This is such a brilliantly told story. Gillian McAllister has a natural talent at creating characters who initially seem nice and decent, but then she manages to make doubt and confusion surround them in a cloud. The courtroom situation directs a spotlight towards usually regular day to day events, where unless attention was drawn to them, they would probably have gone unnoticed or analysed. That's what makes her such a great author - the ability to create characters we aren't sure about. She can take normal little things and suddenly we view them suspiciously.
One minute I was thinking Becky was innocent, then guilty, or I was side eyeing other characters with suspicion. Which is what makes this book keep you reading and reading. It should come with an endless cup of tea or coffee: you will find you don't want to have to put it down to go into the kitchen, boil the kettle and wait to read more.
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this to anyone who loves addictive twisty thrillers chock full of suspense and shocks.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK - Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more
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