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I was drawn to this book because I have read books by this author before and enjoyed them. I usually enjoy psychological thrillers with a strong domestic focus, and the burning butterfly is a very enthralling image for the front cover. I knew I had to read it.

Blurb:

I thought I had it all. The perfect job. The perfect house. The perfect family. But everything changed the night my husband disappeared…

I can’t remember what happened that night in the hotel, and now you’re here and I can’t escape.

If I don’t smile, pour your drinks, laugh at your jokes, pretend you’re the only man in our lives, you say you will tell everyone the truth about what happened the night before my husband disappeared; that you will destroy my family.

So I play my part, dance to your tune, bide my time as I quietly put together the pieces of what really happened that night.

Because just when you think you are safe, that you have got everything you ever wanted from me and my precious family, you will finally see.

I am so much more than the perfect wife I seem…

My thoughts:

Jen may be the ‘trapped wife’, but as I devoured this claustrophobic and chilling masterpiece, I definitely felt trapped in the scenes and storylines too. However, that might just be because I was struggling to put it down.

I liked the fact that there are a number of storylines at play, namely three main ones, and that Samantha manages to navigate each of them, maintaining the reader’s interest in all the thrills of each of them, until the pieces of the jigsaw finally fall into place, without it becoming at any point onerous or confusing for the reader.

There are slower elements to the story but I didn’t feel this was a bad thing in this case as I enjoyed building a picture of the characters, especially Jen, Rhonda and Scott, and the setting.

Samantha Hayes throws unexpected twists into the mix to ensure that this perfectly plotted fiction draws to a clever ending. I would definitely recommend this book and author to fans of Ruby Speechley, Shalini Boland and Arianne Richmonde.

I love Zara Stoneley’s books and I am very excited to share my views on her latest release! Having read quite a few of her books now, I can definitely say I adore her style & her covers always grab my attention. They’re very cute!

Blurb:

Same desk, different days.

A post-it note is just the beginning…

A must read for fans of Beth O’Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Kinsella!

Alice loves her job and wants to keep it – whatever the price. But then she’s told the company is switching to flexible working and hot desking…Alice’s desk might look a mess, but she knows exactly where everything is. Or she did. Until she found out she’s going to share it with the most annoying guy in the office.
 
Jamie can work from anywhere. He’s quite happy to sweep his work life into a box at the end of the working day. But can sharing a desk with Alice be as much fun as teasing her in person?
 
With no option but to try it and see, will their relationship turn into open warfare or will it ever progress beyond a post-it note?

My thoughts:

I’m going to start by saying I was very surprised to see mixed reviews for this book. Not necessarily bad, not just personally as good as what I feel this book deserves. This is my personal blog and I didn’t feel I could write an honest review without addressing that.

For me, this was a 5* read. It does everything it says on the tin. The majority of it is quirky, fun and funny. At times, this is balanced with a more serious exploration of “adult” themes such as work, family, and having a home. It does also touch upon elements of the Covid pandemic but this is definitely not a book about that and Zara works hard to make sure that this is still an escapist read that takes you away from thoughts of the pandemic.

I loved the premise of the book. I thought it was fun & original and it kept me wanting to read on to find out how the notes between Jamie and Alice would progress. But the secrecy and mystery between them, which is enhanced by the fact that their communication is generally limited to “post it notes” as they “Hot Desk” also added to the gripping and page turning elements of the story.

I loved both of the main characters and found them to be relatable and likeable. Alice reflects my own views about working from home (I was over it quite quickly!), and about finding a partner who will fit you, not change you, which is what is shown through the annoying and unlikeable side character of Dave (the persistent ex). Jamie reflects my feelings about lots of things in life. I don’t want to give too much away but I definitely feel like he is a man with his heart in the right place who makes considered decisions and prefers planning and comfort over spontaneity and chaos.

Overall, I adored this book and I couldn’t find fault with it. There are times where I laughed out loud and times where I got very swept up in the emotion of it all. I would definitely recommend this book to authors of Portia Macintosh and Beth O’ Leary. I have no hesitation in awarding it 5*.

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I simply cannot resist a romance or Wedding story by a great author, especially one set at Christmas. With my enjoyment of “Summer in Andalucia” still fresh in my mind, I had to be involved in this blog tour for this beautiful Christmas romance.

Blurb:

Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams can’t wait to get married after getting engaged the previous year, when they were stranded by snow in a blizzard. Now they are busy planning their wedding, but when the date slips six months because Gray is working on a huge film project, it seems like fate that after their snowy start, they will end up getting married at Christmas.

The couple are living in Immi’s grandfather’s picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage at the Aysbury marina in the Cotswolds, which they are renovating to become their forever family home. As well as building work, full-time jobs and wedding planning, Immi is in charge of raising money to build a children’s playground, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises – her grandfather Tollie’s life work.

With Gray working abroad, Immi is left to cope with everything alone. When a terrible betrayal is uncovered, the whole community of Aysbury is left reeling and Immi is left wondering if there will be a wedding after all…

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to an unforgettable Cotswolds Christmas full of romance and laughter, friendship and family and much-loved festive traditions. 

My thoughts:

I have to admit that I haven’t read the prequel to this story which may have helped in terms of understanding the context and setting the scene. However, I still managed to connect very quickly with the characters, especially Imni, so I was very surprised by that.

Imni comes across as a hard-working, sensible and caring person and I felt she was a relatable and likeable character, so I was rooting for her happiness and for her wedding to be a success throughout.

I definitely felt transported to the Cotswolds in this escapist and intriguing story, a beautiful area of the UK which I have unfortunately never had the pleasure of visiting.

There is a dramatic twist which you don’t see coming and I wondered how the wedding would unfold in the aftermath of it.

Overall, another great read by a star of this genre. I look forward to reading more by Lucy Coleman, and that shouldn’t be too difficult with her impressive back catalogue!

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I was drawn to this book by the bright and vibrant cover and of course, the author’s name! This is the 3rd book I’ve read by Judy Leigh but I’ve also treated myself to a couple of paperbacks so I have a few waiting on my shelf, too. I guess the thing I love most about Judy Leigh’s books are that they are funny, light-hearted, uplifting and the fact that she tends to write about older characters gives the books a different and more original feel than some other authors in this genre.

Blurb:

It’s always a good time for a road trip… 

When 82-year-old Lil decides to book herself, her 65-year-old daughter, Cassie, and her friend Maggie on a bus trip across Europe, she hopes for a little adventure to counteract the monotony of life. 

Along with three members of the Salterley Tennis Club and the Jolly Weaver football team, whose ideas of a good time are rather different to Lil’s and strikingly at odds with each other’s, the merry band of travellers set out on their great adventure. 

From moving moments on the beaches of Normandy, outrageous adventures in Amsterdam, to the beauty of Bruges and gastronomic delights of France, the holiday is just the tonic Lil, Maggie and Cassie needed.  

And as the time approaches for them to head home, Lil makes an unexpected discovery – even in her advancing years, men are like buses – there isn’t one for ages then two come along at once. Is Lil ready to share her golden years, and can the ladies embrace the fresh starts that the trip has given them. Or is it just too late to change…  

Judy Leigh is back with her trademark promise of laughter, happiness, friendship, and timeless lessons in how to live.

My thoughts:

“Eat chips now. That’s my motto. Who knows what life will serve us up on our plates next?”

I have to admit that this one took me a little longer than I was expecting to get into. I’m not entirely sure why, and it may be because my head has been quite full as I wind back up for the start of the new term. However, straight away Judy presents a cast of fun and engaging characters, and I fell in love with Lil and Cassie pretty immediately.

The beginning of the book felt full of anticipation and waiting. But once I got into it, I absolutely loved it for so many reasons.

I loved the fact that this book felt like a whirl-wind, arm-chair tour of so many iconic places in Europe. Having been to Amsterdam myself but not really having enjoyed it, it was refreshing to read such a positive presentation of it and all the fun they had there. Maybe next time I’ll try some “brownies” 🤣!!

I loved seeing the characters leave their comfort zone and with that leave behind the British stereotypes related to age. I loved seeing the characters letting loose, drinking, falling in love and visiting a fun fair.

However, it’s not all fun and games and the reality of life invades their holiday too, and that provides some dramatic moments and pauses for reflection, too, which makes this book a beautiful and emotional read.

I have loved following these characters on their physical, personal and emotional journeys and I just can’t wait to read more by Judy Leigh!

“None of us are too old, ever. There are some strange attitudes in the world about ageing, as if we all suddenly become too far gone for the pleasures in life. I’ve seen many people over the years who were old at thirty-five, their lives dominated by poverty, misery and disease. And I know inspirational people older than I am – you’re one of them – who doesn’t let age hold them back.”

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I was drawn to this book by the unusual and striking cover. I love how the snow falls and slowly turns into blood spatter – it definitely gives a sense of the atmosphere and essence of the book.

Blurb:

Guilty. One word on a beggar’s cardboard sign. And now he is dead, stabbed in a wintry Copenhagen street, the second homeless victim in as many weeks. Dagbladet reporter Jensen, stumbling across the body on her way to work, calls her ex lover DI Henrik Jungersen. As, inevitably, old passions are rekindled, so are old regrets, and that is just the start of Jensen’s troubles. The front page is an open goal, but nothing feels right…..When a third body turns up, it seems certain that a serial killer is on the loose. But why pick on the homeless? And is the link to an old murder case just a coincidence? With her teenage apprentice Gustav, Jensen soon finds herself putting everything on the line to discover exactly who is guilty.

My thoughts:

This is the first instalment of a new Scandinavian noir crime series. This is only the 2nd Scandinavian noir book I’ve ever read but I can see its merit as a genre and a subgenre as the location adds an extra layer to the atmosphere and these books have a different feel to them.

As well as being wonderfully atmospheric, this is a character driven story where we really get to know Jensen. Her character appears as complex and sometimes sympathetic, but not always.

This story line itself is complex and has an unusual thread of the killings of the homeless which ensures that it is griping and original.

I look forward to reading more by this author, especially the next book in this series!

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I was drawn to this book because I often enjoy taking a step out of my fiction comfort zone and reading something a bit different. This, a recollection of the creation and development of a voluntary unpublished writer’s group, is certainly something I’ve never come across before.

Blurb:

They’ve all got a book in them, unfortunately.

In December 2016, Julia Greengage, aspiring writer and resting actor, puts up a poster in her local library inviting people to join a new writers’ group. The group will exchange constructive feedback and ‘generally share in the pains and pleasures of this excruciating yet exhilarating endeavour we call Literature’.

Seven people, each in their own way a bit of a work in progress, heed the call.

There’s Keith, a mercenary sci-fi geek who can write 5,000 words before breakfast and would sell his mother for a book deal. Tom, a suburban lothario with an embarrassing secret. Peter, a conceptual artist whose main goal in life is to make everyone else feel uncomfortable. Alice, who’s been working on her opening sentence for over nine months. Jon, a faded muso with a UFO complex. Blue, whose doom-laden poems include ‘Electrocuted Angel in the Headlights of My Dead Lover’s Eye Sockets’ and the notorious ‘Kitten on a Fatberg’. And Mavinder, who sadly couldn’t make the first meeting. Or the second. But promises to come to the next one…

Soon, under Julia’s watchful eye, the budding writers are meeting every month to read out their work and indulge each other’s dreams of getting published. But it’s not long before the group’s idiosyncrasies and insecurities begin to appear. Feuds, rivalries and even romance are on the cards – not to mention an exploding sheep’s head, a cosplay stalker, and an alien mothership invasion. They’re all on a journey, and God help the rest of us.

A novel-in-emails about seven eccentric writers, written by three quite odd ones, Work in Progress is a very British farce about loneliness, friendship and the ache of literary obscurity.

My thoughts:

I was surprised how quickly I settled into the epistolary style of this book. The tone and language is instantly conversational and colloquial, and you feel like you are witnessing friendships blossom. Of course, there are also the occasional disagreements and confrontations which work together to ensure that this was a fun, easy and interesting read.

It became clear quite quickly that this was a quirky and unusual group of people, thrown together simply by a passion for writing, a geographical convenience and at first, very little else. The style ensures that you get to know the individual characters’ voices and quirks quite quickly.

This is a light-hearted book that touches upon some interesting topics, and personally for me I enjoyed the exploration of making and maintaining friendships in adulthood, and the overt discussions about writing in all its stages and the difficulties behind the process of writing.

I ended this book feeling a huge amount of respect for anyone who takes upon the mammoth task of trying to write something with the aim of it being published. I have enjoyed following all the characters/writers on their journeys.

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I was drawn to this book by this dark and engrossing cover. This has also been an author that has been on my radar for a long time, and her books are enjoyed by friends and family alike. After reading, I can see why!

Blurb:

The Heron’s Cry is the second novel in the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling series featuring detective Matthew Venn, from the creator of Vera and Shetland, Ann Cleeves.

North Devon is enjoying a rare hot summer with tourists flocking to its coastline. Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists. What he finds is an elaborately staged murder – Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed with a shard of one of his glassblower daughter’s broken vases.

Dr Yeo seems an unlikely murder victim. He’s a good man, a public servant, beloved by his daughter. Matthew is unnerved though to find that she is a close friend of Jonathan, his husband.

Then another body is found – killed in a similar way. Matthew finds himself treading carefully through the lies that fester at the heart of his community and a case that is dangerously close to home…

The Long Call and The Heron’s Cry are part of Ann Cleeves’ Two Rivers series and have been recently commissioned for ITV.

My thoughts:

Wow, after reading this book I can definitely see why Ann is a bestselling author but also why this series has been commissioned by ITV.

Despite being the 2nd in the series and having not read the first, I found this book easy to pick up and get stuck straight into.

The action and intrigue starts straight away with the murder of a popular and pleasant man. The police investigation gets started straight away and I loved this pacey and ferocious start to the novel. I admired the presentation of the police in this book. I felt it was realistic but also showed a knowing admiration for them as well as an exploration of them as human beings, with much of the narrative being driven by the characterisation of Matthew and Jen, as this book delves into their personal as well as their professional lives.

This is a traditional small town mystery in many ways but the style in which it is written also ensures that it is original and pacey throughout.

There is a strong sense of place in this novel and you feel transported to the rugged, beautiful and sometimes claustrophobic settings of North Devon.

This book is twisty and fabulous. I just cannot believe it took me so long to pick something up by this author. I have already downloaded the previous book as an audio and I look forward to listening to it very soon!

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I was drawn to this book as I usually enjoy psychological thrillers and the cover is haunting and engaging. This sounded like an unusual read and one that might take me outside of my comfort zone to an unfamiliar territory.

Blurb:

Fifteen years ago, Rolf was destined for the gutter.

His luck has changed. Now a cellist with the Salzburg City Orchestra, he has his dream job and dizzying prospects.

All because of her.

Smart, sexy, well connected and crazy about him, Leonor is his fantasy woman. She made him and he’ll never forget it.

Neither will she.

She chooses Rolf’s diet, his friends, his decisions and career path. She knows best. When does a champion turn controller?

While he submits to domination at home, he struggles at work. The maestro is determined to break down and rebuild his new cellist. Clash after clash shatter Rolf’s confidence until he doubts everything about himself.

Then a rumour reaches his ear. Has he misjudged his new friends? Is something more sinister pulling the orchestra’s strings?

Regardless of the drama behind the scenes, the show must go on. It’s the only way to escape his past.

A classic artist, Rolf presents the best side of himself, hiding the pain of imperfection. A strategy with devastating results.

My thoughts:

This has been a slow burn of a book but I did enjoy once I got into it. J J Marsh’s characterisation is very good and in that sense the psychological thriller elements work on two levels – you can see that the main character’s mindset is impacted and his hopes of a brighter future threatened by the events of the book, but the reader’s mind is also tampered with as we become embroiled in the story and we lose faith in all of the characters, not knowing who is to blame for the corruption or who to trust.

Therefore, this is a book that packs a punch in terms of the darker themes. This is a story full of secrets, manipulation, lies and betrayals. I have to admit that it took me a long time to warm to the main character of Rolf, and I’m not sure that I fully did. He definitely didn’t reach the ranks of what I’d describe as a ‘sympathetic character’, but he also definitely didn’t deserve the treatment that he received at the hands of people that he welcomed and trusted.

As I have said, this slow burn does become quite dark and I even I was surprised at the shocking ending and how dark and twisted this story had truly become.

This is an intriguing book that is very different in style and subject to other books I’ve read in this genre, which has been fun and refreshing. I would recommend this book to fans of the psychological thriller genre, especially if you’re okay with not having an overtly classic ‘victim’ character as I don’t feel Rolf achieves this. I know that for me, this isn’t a factor of my enjoyment of these sorts of books but I’m aware that some people need an easily likeable character. In my opinion, the characterisation in this book is spot on and well suited to the genre.

I was drawn to this book by the intriguing title and thought-provoking cover. I really enjoy books that cover themes of secrets, lies and friendship.

Blurb:

The monsters have known each other their whole lives. This is their final summer before college – time to hang out, fall in love and dream about the future.

Until they accidentally start a forest fire which destroys their hometown and leaves death in its wake.

Desperate for the truth to remain hidden, the group make a pact of silence.

But the twisted secret begins to spin out of control and when one of the friends disappears they all become suspects.

We know how it starts but where does it end?

Secrets and lies are everywhere in this compulsive page-turner, perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying.

My thoughts:

I cannot explain in words how much I loved or needed this book. After a few reads that didn’t pull me in, I felt like I was getting into a slump but this book has pulled me right out of it.

It is described as a YA book, so as a 30 year old reader who doesn’t really read much YA, it came as a surprise to me how much I enjoyed it. The writing is simple and accessible, the structure easy to follow, but the plot and themes are definitely engaging for adults of all ages.

I read this book in just 2 sittings as I just really could not put it down.  It is gripping and I particularly liked the cliffhangers laced throughout.

The characters are in some ways relatable and sympathetic. I felt a little nostalgic thinking about their teen worries and this book definitely highlights the importance we place on friendship during our teen years.

I also loved reading the author’s note and finding out that the author did so much careful research into the two main aspects of the story: the police investigation and the wildfire. This gave the story more power and importance, in my opinion.

Overall, this has been a sophisticated, unputdownable, highly engaging and excellent book. It is one I would recommend to people who enjoy thrillers and police procedurals. I loved it!

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I was drawn to this book by the bright cover and the promise of a fun romantic comedy. I’m always looking to try new authors in this genre.

Blurb:

What if the Lift driver who finds your cheating boyfriend’s phone holds the directions to true love?

‘Who are you and why do you have my boyfriend’s phone?’

‘He left it in my car. You must be the blonde in the red dress? I’m the Lift driver who dropped you two off earlier.’

And with these words, the life of the brunette and t-shirt wearing Maya Maas is turned upside down. Having planned to surprise her boyfriend, she finds herself single and stranded in an unknown city on her birthday.

So when the mystery driver rescues Maya with the suggestion that she cheers herself up at a nearby beach town, she jumps at the chance to get things back on track. She wasn’t expecting a personalised itinerary or the easy companionship that comes from opening up to a stranger via text, let alone the possibility it might grow into something more…

Come on this 5* journey to love, laughter and back again, perfect for fans of Mhairi Mcfarlane, Josie Silver and Sally Thorne.

My thoughts:

A pet peeve of mine is when books are described as ‘romantic comedies’ and they are not in the least bit funny. Believe me, there’s quite a few out there. Thankfully, this is not one of them. The humour that Olivia Lara uses in this book is mostly a dry, sarcastic humour between the two main characters of Maya and Ethan and I really enjoyed this element of the book.

The romantic scenario itself I felt started off very original and engaging but I found the “mystery” quite predictable. Having said that, Maya’s character development is top notch so the romance is organically developed and believable.

Another aspect of the story I really enjoyed is the theme of friendship which runs throughout the book. It is clear that Maya struggles to make decisions and work through problems without the help and support of her friends, and I could really relate to this friendly and vulnerable side to her character.

The ending of the book is also uplifting and satisfying. This has been a quick and fun read that I would recommend to fans of Samantha Tonge and Donna Ashcroft.

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