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I was drawn to this book by the title and topic. I find the issue of motherhood, and modern mothering, the unwavering pressure on mothers and women, told from others perspectives, fascinating and comforting to read about. I think you’ll agree that the cover is sophisticated and sleek, with the cover image being beautiful and emotive.

Blurb:

“Babies who are this small, he says, have a good chance of survival. Small is not good for babies. It is not whimsical or cute or the cause of admiration. It is the first time it occurs to us that they might not survive. Babies die from smallness.”

Claire Lynch knew that having children with her wife would be complicated but she could never have anticipated the extent to which her life would be redrawn by the process.

This dazzling debut begins with the smallest of life’s substances, the microscopic cells subdividing in a petri dish in a fertility treatment centre. She moves through her story in incremental yet ever growing steps, from the fingernail-sized pregnancy test result screen which bears two affirmative lines to the premature arrival of her children who have to wear scale-model oxygen masks in their life-saving incubators. Devastatingly poignant and profoundly observant – and funny against the odds – Claire considers whether it is our smallness that makes our lives so big.

My thoughts:

Wow, what a gorgeous and poignant book. It is very original in its style and structure and that took some getting used to but I quickly became engrossed and captivated in Claire’s story.

So much of what is written resonated with me. The description of bleeding, being close to miscarriage and the aftermath rang so close to home I felt like I could be reading my own story.

There are obviously some very moving and touching moments in the book, as motherhood is arguably the most emotional journey of them all, especially when you consider all the ups and downs Claire and her partner experience. However, there is some lovely lightness in the book. There is a sense of hope, determination and purpose that echoes throughout and there is also some well-placed dry humour.

I have been thoroughly lost in this original, refreshing, beautiful tale and series of observations.

There is poignant and important discussions around society, gender roles and expectations and equality amongst all people. This is a personal and intimate book that carries a powerful and social message.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys memoir, non-fiction or emotional and beautifully written books.

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I was drawn to this book by the title and striking, beautiful cover. It seemed like the island was a place that harboured a lot of secrets and I was eager to find out what they were…

Blurb:

The Island – where everyone knows everyone, and secrets are impossible to keep…
‘Be careful, you don’t know them as well as you think. Remember – anyone can kill.’

Juliet has returned to the Isle of Wight from years abroad to visit her sick father and to be reunited with her three sisters – Cassie, a professional musician who seems to have lost her way in life, Mira, who is profoundly deaf, is married to the local vicar but their relationship is falling apart, and Rosalind, glamorous and charming but now deeply unhappy and secretive about her life.

As Juliet’s father lies dying, he issues her with a warning. There is a killer on the loose, and they may be closer than she can ever imagine. He anxiously tells Juliet that he confided a family secret in son-in-law Rhys, and now regrets ever saying a word.

Days later, as the clock strikes one in the morning, a man comes out of Rhys’s church, walks along the path and is run down by a car driven by an unidentified person. When the finger of suspicion points to Juliet, she realises the only way to clear her name is to uncover the secrets her family has been keeping from her for years. But with a killer on the loose, danger is getting closer all the time…

The Island is set on the Isle of Wight – insular, claustrophobic, and where secrets are hard to keep. Mary Grand’s heart-stopping who-dunnits are perfect for fans of Louise Candlish, Agatha Christie and Lucy Foley.

My thoughts:

“Be careful then, we don’t want any more accidents.”

There is nothing negative for me to say about this book. It has been a sinister and stunning mystery story that has kept me guessing throughout.

The first 3rd of the book makes for some good character and setting development, but the creepy and sinister atmosphere is there from the beginning. The author is constantly dropping hints that danger and disharmony lie ahead…

The next 2/3rds of the book are an absolute rollercoaster ride and I really struggled to put the book down. I said “Ooh, I think I’ve got this worked out!” A number of times and then got proved wrong.

It was really helpful to see it all through Juliet’s perspective and this definitely helped this become a great mix of police procedural, whodunit but also deeply rooted in my favourite genre of domestic suspense.

Undoubtedly, my favourite aspect was the cliffhanger endings to the chapters. These were pitched perfectly and made this book a compulsive and captivating read.

This has been a wonderful introduction to Mary Grand’s work and highly deserving of 5*.

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I have been involved in a couple of audiobook tours now and I really recommend anything by Isis Audio. The narrators are great and the books are even better. Today’s blog features this beautiful book, which has a stunning illustrated cover & seemed to fit one of my favourite genres: contemporary, upbeat and escapist fiction.

Blurb:

When Emma sees The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay for sale, she knows it’s the seaside haven she needs to recover from a recent trauma. But as soon as Emma collects the keys, her dream of owning a successful guesthouse unravels . . .

Emma has a month to get the house ready before her guests arrive, a task made harder by the discovery that an enormous dog was included in the sale. Then there’s the unwelcoming next-door neighbour, Aidan, who Emma must turn to for help. As Emma and Aidan work together, they grow closer, but then Aidan is called away and Emma has to carry on alone.

Over the summer, Emma must navigate unforeseen dilemmas and new friendships, and keep her business afloat. But as she falls in love with Lobster Bay, is she also falling for Aidan?

My thoughts:

I went into this book with quite high hopes, as despite not having encountered this author before, the blurb definitely made it sound like an ideal read for me.

I definitely feel like I have escaped reality and gone on quite a journey with Emma. This book has been far more dramatic than I was expecting, with lots of drama right from the opening chapters, but this definitely sucked me in and kept my attention.

This is definitely a book about taking risks, starting over, new Beginnings and having hope, all of which I can relate to to some extent.

As a result, Emma was a relatable and likeable character and I was rooting for her to find peace in Lobster Bay and for her happiness. There has been an excellent balance of emotion and laughter at the mishaps, and the book carries a good pace throughout which is something I really need in a book to keep me hooked.

This has been a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting reading experience, with a great cast of characters, and I was very excited to learn that there will be another book set in Lobster Bay, coming out in time for Christmas. Yay! ♥️

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I was intrigued by the title for this book and I also am always looking for new police procedural or crime fiction series with strong female leads. I really enjoyed An Eye for An Eye so I was looking forward to reading this book, the 2nd in that series.

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Blurb:

DI Kate Young can’t trust anybody. Not even herself.

In the bleak countryside around Blithfield Reservoir, a serial murderer and rapist is leaving a trail of bloodshed. His savage calling card: the word ‘MINE’ carved into each of his victims.

DI Kate Young struggles to get the case moving—even when one of the team’s own investigators is found dead in a dumpster. But Kate is battling her own demons. Obsessed with exposing Superintendent John Dickson and convinced there’s a conspiracy running deep in the force, she no longer knows who to trust. Kate’s crusade has already cost her dearly. What will she lose next?

When her stepsister spills a long-buried secret, Kate realises she’s found the missing link—now she must prove it before the killer strikes again. With enemies closing in on all sides, she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to bring them down. But time is running out, and Kate’s past has pushed her to the very edge. Can she stop herself from falling?

My thoughts:

There were a lot of aspects of this book that I enjoyed. Kate is a great character and I loved seeing her grit, determination and controlled policing continue in this book. I also loved learning more about her through her relationship with her step sister, and I think the way the author handles her grief around her dead partner is a poignant and original aspect to the story, showing a more vulnerable and human side to her.

I also loved the fact that as the book continued we got to hear from the serial killer. This definitely provides an additional layer of tension and completely twists and darkens the narrative further.

I do feel this book didn’t quite carry the pace of the first instalment but it was a good follow up nonetheless. I also figured out the perpetrator some time before the ending (not too long before hand though!) This didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the ending as it was definitely explosive, gripping and unpredictable in lots of ways still.

I wonder if there will be another book in this series as there seemed to be unfinished business with a certain character at the end? If there is, I look forward to reading it!

⭐⭐⭐.5

I was drawn to this book by the gorgeously illustrated cover, and I am always keen to find short story anthologies and new authors from this genre. I was really looking forward to meeting Miss Moonshine and getting lost in this fictional and beautiful world…

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Blurb:

Are you ready to meet Miss Moonshine? Life may never be the same again…

It’s summer in Haven Bridge and Miss Moonshine is getting ready for a busy season. From the window of her Wonderful Emporium, at the heart of the pretty Yorkshire town, she watches and waits, weaving plans to bring happiness to all who step through her door. For Miss Moonshine is no ordinary shopkeeper. She may not have what you want, but she will always have what you need…

Nine romantic novelists from Yorkshire and Lancashire, including best-selling and award-winning authors, have joined together to create this anthology of uplifting stories guaranteed to warm your heart. This magical collection of contemporary romances will make you laugh, cry and wish for a Miss Moonshine in your own life.

My thoughts:

What a gorgeous and wonderful collection of short stories. I have loved reading each and every one of them. They are uplifting, magical, escapist and beautifully written.

Miss Moonshine is a wonderful character and her personality and beautifully described emporium just jump off the page at you. She is caring, thoughtful and a pillar of this community, wielding her power and influence for good in these lovely little nuggets of joyful storytelling…

As I said, I loved all the stories but my favourite was probably Three Butterflies by Marie Laval. This is an author who is fairly new to me but it’s very clear her talent stands when writing both novels & short stories. I also loved the emotion and mystery in The Secret of Greymoor Hall by Kate Field and she will be another author who I will keenly check o There is a lovely message to each of the stories about friendship, family, love and appreciating the little things in life.

I am definitely keen to go back and read the other two anthologies that feature this wonderful character of Miss Moonshine and these fabulous authors. This is definitely a summer must read for romantic fiction fans.

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I was drawn to this book by the genre. I love memoirs and I particularly enjoy them when I able to see something from a different vantage point, and/or learn something new from reading them.

Blurb:

After a single, catastrophic event, journalist Miranda Levy had one sleepless night, then another, and then another. She sought help from anyone she could: doctors, a therapist, an acupuncturist, a hypnotist, a reiki practitioner and a personal trainer – but nothing seemed to work.

Sleep, wellbeing and mental health are intrinsically linked. Yet sleeplessness is surprisingly common: 16 million of us suffer from insomnia, and the sleep industry is worth £100 billion (Daily Mail).

In The Insomnia Diaries, Miranda Levy tells the story of her experience of severe, disabling insomnia that affected every aspect of her life for years, and how she ultimately recovered. Part memoir, part reportage, this book will help anyone who struggles to get a good night’s sleep – whether occasionally or all of the time – appreciate the issues and understand the options as they find their best way to get the rest they need.

Dr Sophie Bostock, scientist, sleep expert and member of the team who developed the award-winning digital programme Sleepio, contributes a foreword. She and a host of expert contributors have advised on the medical elements within the text throughout.

My thoughts:

I, thankfully, have never suffered with anything more than very short bouts of Insomnia, lasting a few days to a week. However, I know a number of friends and even my partner who sometimes has sleep issues, so I was pleased to see so much practical, thoughtful advice being given in this book as well as carefully selected and researched medical information.

Miranda’s story itself is an emotional one and shows that the issue of insomnia can arise quite suddenly and become a problem quite quickly. The scenarios described also show how Insomnia can impact every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, mood, health, diet, concentration and much more. This is important as I am meeting more and more young people with sleep problems every year.

This is an honest, engaging and original book that brings to the fore something that is so often overlooked or underestimated – the power of sleep. Thank you to the author, publisher and tour organiser for my review copy and the opportunity to read and review this book.

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I was attracted to this book as Sophie is now a must read author for me. I love her light-hearted and uplifting stories about family, identity and romance and I was hopeful that this one would be no different! I also love the cover and the funny tag line!

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Blurb:

When he proposed, I had to pinch myself. Up until then, his most romantic gesture was buying me a 128-piece tool kit.

It’s normal to get cold feet, right? But what about a case of frozen get-me-the-heck-out-of-here feet?

When Natalie’s boyfriend gets down on one knee (even if it’s because he trips and drops the ring) it’s meant to be the start of their happy ever after. But planning a wedding to Archie feels like she’s competing in the Hunger Games…

• She’s up against a mother-in-law who enforces a pre-wedding diet with portions you need a microscope for.
• She’s cornered by a bridesmaid-zilla sister-in-law who forces her old wedding dress on Nat, featuring satin bows, way too much tulle and a bodice that Nat doesn’t even have the boobs for.
• She fends off a best man who tries to kiss her by kneeing him in the crotch.
• And she has to defeat a pushy wedding planner who insists on peacocks, doves and pink flamingos at the ceremony.

Nat would wear her battle scars with pride if Archie was by her side. But her fiancé is missing in action, refusing to help her deal with his diva family and going AWOL on the stag do. With just weeks to go, she might have to do the unthinkable… Is it too late to cancel? And if she’s not Archie’s bride-to-be then who on earth is she?

A totally addictive romantic comedy for anyone who has a phobia of bridezillas and who makes the happiest memories during Happy Hour. Fans of rom coms by Sophie Kinsella, Shari Lowe and Lindsey Kelk, and movies like Bridesmaids will be glued to the pages of this feel-good page-turner.

My thoughts:

This has been a great, fun read. I loved the opening and the less than perfect proposal, as it set the tone of the book up nicely!

Natalie is a likeable and relatable, girl-next-door type character. She is well developed and we get to see that she is family orientated, dedicated to her job, faithful to her partner and overall just quite a low-maintenance, caring and lovely person.

The book is written from Natalie’s point of view so I definitely got a sense of her relationship with Archie. It is believable and realistic but as the story progresses I found myself getting annoyed with his actions! It is clear though, underneath it all that he clearly cares for Natalie, so can they make it work?

This is a heart-warming and fun book about navigating family dynamics, remembering what’s important in life and standing up for yourself.

I would definitely recommend this book and author to fans of Shari Low, Lindsey Kelk and Kristin Bailey.

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I was drawn to this book by the emotive title and the cover, which definitely draws you in. The child in the picture looks sad, lost and helpless and this adds another layer of emotion before you’ve even opened the book.

Blurb:

All Sarah McIntyre has ever wanted was a loving, happy family. So when her husband JP announces on Christmas Day that he is leaving her and their two children, 9 year old Harry and 4 year old Robyn, Sarah is left reeling.

But things are set to get worse when Robyn is diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
Can JP and Sarah unite to fight their biggest battle yet? or will they be on opposing sides once again?
With the couple at loggerheads and with Robyn’s condition deteriorating day-by-day, precious time is running out and JP is getting desperate…

The Last Days of Us is a tender story of hope and forgiveness that asks the question how far would you go to save your child?

Perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh’s After the End and Sinead Moriarty’s The Good Mother.

My thoughts:

Wow. This book has broken my heart into a million little pieces, slowly tearing me down and then rebuilding my faith in humanity bit by bit. It is certainly a very powerful and emotional book. I do enjoy a tear-jerker and this has definitely been that!

The family in this book is wonderful. In many ways it is your average family. On the surface, they are a loving happy family, but there are cracks in the façade and this quickly becomes apparent. This book is steeped in realism, so much so that you come to realise that these sad and painful events could happen in anyone’s family, including yours.

I have definitely found this an unputdownable, as it draws you in and you become emotionally attached to the characters. I found the sections written from Harry’s perspectives particularly compelling and heart-breaking. It is an incredible showcase of the author’s talent that she is able to take on the voice of a young boy.

This book has had a huge emotional impact on me and this family’s story will stay with me for a long time. I will definitely be looking into the author’s back catalogue as I highly recommend their easy and emotional style.

I was drawn to this book by the gorgeously illustrated cover and the uplifting title. This definitely gave me the impression that this would be an escapist read, set in a peaceful rural setting and I loved the hint that I might meet some book lovers along the way!

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Blurb:

From the big city to a little yellow mobile library on the Isle of Skye … 

When Jenna Palmer agrees to the new position of mobile librarian on the tiny Arrandale peninsular of the Isle of Skye, she knows she’s signing up for difficult working conditions and mediocre wages. But Jenna needs to get away, and a little yellow mobile library called Buttercup could be her escape to happier dreams …

However, whilst Jenna can get to grips with foggy island roads, local mermaid legends and even big purple monsters, she never expected to have to contend with a boss as grumpy as Daniel McGregor, or a young book lover as enthusiastic as his niece, Katrina.

Arrandale might represent Jenna’s safe port in a storm, but could she and Buttercup also become a beacon of hope to Daniel, Katrina and the entire island community?

My thoughts:

I loved this book straight from the dramatic opening. It definitely hooked me in and caught my attention.

I loved escaping to the Isle of Skye with Jenna. Scotland and the surrounding islands always has such calming and positive connotations for me anyway, and it was great to go on this journey again with Jenna.

This is an uplifting story about hope and new beginnings but it definitely has its dramatic points and twists and turns.

The characters are relatable, down to earth and likeable, enveloped in this wonderful village community

I would definitely like to read more by this author and would recommend this book to fans of Jaimie Admans, Heidi Swain and Victoria Walters.

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I was drawn to this book by the absolutely beautiful and pristine cover image, which just looks paradise. I was also intrigued by the author’s name as I’ve never read anything by this author before and I’m always keen to find new romantic fiction authors to add to the list (because my TBR isn’t anywhere near long enough🙄🤣). I was looking forward to diving in (excuse the pun) to an escapist and fun read.

Blurb

Blurb:

A dream job, two handsome men, one destructive act. Will Freya’s opportunity of a lifetime end in tears? 

When Freya leaves her publishing job in London to be a barefoot bookseller in the Maldives, it’s the push she needs to move on from her sadness and reignite her passion for life.

While resort owner Zander is charming, it’s handsome dive instructor Aaron who befriends her when she needs it most. But all is not what it seems and there’s trouble brewing in paradise.

Taking a chance on happiness is harder than she imagined. Can Freya let go of her heartache and allow herself to fall in love again? 

♥

My thoughts:

What an absolutely gorgeous gem of a book. I immediately had sympathy for Freya, as she has clearly had a rough time but also comes across as a down-to-earth, hard working and considerate character. This instantly made her likeable and relatable.

I absolutely adored escaping to the Maldives. The careful and precise descriptions made it easy to picture and even feel as if I was there myself, which is definitely needed at the moment.

I loved the drama and romance in this book and how this new island life impacted Freya. I also loved the twists and turns and drama in the book.

Last but not least, I loved the bookshop setting and the fact that two of the main characters were so passionate about books. This for me definitely puts an additional layer of relatability but also fun into this gorgeous narrative.

This has been a heart-warming, enjoyable and uplifting read about taking chances and making the right choices. I will definitely be reading more by this author!

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