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I was drawn to this book as I have listened to their podcast a few times and always thoroughly enjoyed it, plus it sounded like a light-hearted and interesting read.

Blurb:

‘Like two wise (and wise-cracking) older sisters. I wish I’d had this book 15 years ago.’ – Pandora Sykes

Heartbreak, grief, falling in love, falling out of love, friendships, disastrous sex anecdotes – this book is filled with everything you don’t want to ask your mum.

The duo behind the chart-topping podcast Things You Can’t Ask Yer Mum take a deep-dive into the ups and downs of life. Lizzy and Lindsey share the twists and turns of their own experiences in their usual hilariously honest style, offering reassurance on all the questions you just might be too afraid to ask.

The book embodies what Lindsey and Lizzy have had through their friendship: the ability to honestly pass on their own experiences in life in order to help the other. With never-heard-before anecdotes and bite-sized chunks of content to return to, this valuable book will be a friend to you – one that shares reassuring stories of losing virginity using a blueberry flavoured condom, losing friends and losing inhibitions. It is a book for anyone, at any stage of life.

My thoughts:

What an absolute little gem of a book. As I was reading, I felt like I was sat round the table with two people who, by the end, felt like old friends.

There is a great mix in this book of humour and seriousness. I loved reading about their mishaps and memories, such as how much chaos can be caused by a broken sandwich bag. I also respect the authors for sharing some very personal and poignant stories about their life in an honest and humble way.

The writing style is accessible, friendly and does provide guidance and advice without going anywhere near shoving it down your throat. The style is more personal and soft, encouraging you to be reflective and take stock, which I thought was great.

This has definitely been a book that has made me think about some of the issues we deal with in adulthood, and given me time to reflect on issues that I am sometimes too busy to contemplate. I found the section of adult friendships particularly engaging as I find this is something that is not really addressed very often. I feel it is sometimes taken for granted that friendship advice is not needed and is instead something confined to childhood.

Overall, an insightful, uplifting and helpful book which I would definitely recommend to women of all ages.

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I was drawn to this book by the cover and the author’s name. This is someone whose books I have been interested in before, but never read. She has also been recommended to me a number of times. I particularly like the cover image which seems to represent domesticity and hidden secrets, as well as the question on the cover which certainly hooked me in.

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Blurb:

A mother who disappeared… 
When Beth was 10 years old, her beautiful, wild mother Alice disappeared. Beth’s life since hasn’t always been easy, but now she’s settled, with a successful career, a loving family and a beautiful home. 
 
An unexpected visitor…
Then one day there’s a knock at the door. Alice has returned. Desperate to rebuild their relationship, Beth invites her mother to move in.
 
A life that comes crashing down…
At first, everything is wonderful. But then Beth’s friends start to drift away, strange things happen at home, and rumours about Beth begin to circle. Someone is out to destroy Beth’s newfound happiness. But who? And how far will they go?

My thoughts:

“Figments of your imagination don’t leave footprints, do they?”

I found this book easy to get into and I was hooked from the beginning. The author creates a definite sense of uneasiness straight away as Beth feels that she is being followed and is having nightmares. These problems continue well into the book, and the details and possible explanations are uncovered slowly and effectively in order to maximise tension.

Beth was a relatable and likeable character to an extent. She is clearly a hard-working mother who tries to keep her life on the right track following some past mistakes and the break down of her marriage.

My favourite element of the book is definitely that the author clearly has a skill and talent for balancing both elements: the psychological element alongside the thriller element. The nightmares, paranoia and Beth’s ability to be easily influenced by others all ramp up the psychological element of the narrative and give this story even more impact.

I have found this story to be perfectly plotted, suspenseful and full of unexpected twists, therefore I think it completely worthy of five stars. I would recommend this book to fans of Miranda Rijks and Arianne Richmonde.

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I was drawn to this book by the unusual front cover and the original title. The title of connotations of domesticity, society and religion, which are all themes I find very engaging in books.

Blurb:

From the depths of loss can they find the recipe for survival?

When Gill and Gabe’s elder son drowns overseas, they decide they must hide the truth from their desperately unwell teenaged daughter. But as Gill begins to send letters from her dead son to his sister, the increasingly elaborate lie threatens to prove more dangerous than the truth. A novel about family, food, grief, and hope, this gripping, lyrical story moves between Tasmania and London, exploring the many ways that a family can break down – and the unexpected ways that it can be put back together.

My thoughts:

“The lie we’ve told feels more irrevocable than a promise. More than a marriage vow.”

I have loved this incredible book for many reasons. It has been a book that I have gobbled up quickly, finding myself completely lost in the story and the devastation that has ripped through this family, and the lies they have to tell as a result.

I loved the fact that the structure carefully navigated multiple perspectives so we get to hear from a number of the family members. As a mum, I definitely sympathised and identified with Gill, but I also found it quite emotional and insightful to hear from the youngest child, Teddy.

The book explores some important themes, including loss, lies and love. These themes are explored in a sensitive and original way.

This book is beautifully written and I would definitely describe the writing style as lyrical and moving. I would recommend this book to fans of Jodi Picoult and Amanda Prowse. I look forward to hopefully read more books in this genre by this incredibly talented author.

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I knew I had to be involved in the blog tour for this book as I really enjoyed the prequel, Gordon Square. It was dark, unnerving and shocking but also had some really lovely and/or complex characters, so I was excited to catch up with them in this book.

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Blurb:

The sequel to Gordon Square:
It was probably not the most obvious choice for a three month sabbatical but to Emma coming to Holden seemed totally idyllic. She had heard so much about it and could picture every single segment etched in her mind like braille. Now she wanted to fill in the dots and bring it to life so that she could see it for herself first hand.

It was April 2026 and she had secured a three month, off the record, sublet in a beautiful apartment called Arlington Terrace. The apartment with the black front door. It was totally perfect for her, required no references and no questions were being asked as to why she was there. In fact no one even knew she was heading that way, so she could slip in unnoticed and live incognito amongst the locals.

So how was it that Julie found her again, when she was so careful not to leave a trail and why was it that she didn’t feel alone, ever? Was she going mad or was she simply being paranoid. What could she do to stop these tormenting acts from happening and make people believe that she was the one being persecuted.

Detective Sergeant Mike Brugge, Detective Constable Mel Brugge and Detective Sergeant Paul Osman are back at the heart of yet another investigation deep in the heart of Holden City Central. Follow them as they try to unravel a crime that intertwines their lives taking them back to a gut wrenching case that has infected yet another generation and into the horrors that emerge from beyond the grave.

My thoughts:

Tracy has made it really easy to pick up where I left off, with some of the main characters from the previous book also being central to this story. Though I really do appreciate that, I can definitely see the merit of this book as a standalone read if desired.

I definitely think this book was even better than the first installment, maybe because the ground work had been done so I found it easier to get into. The great characters are back, it’s pacey and exciting.

There were so many twists and turns in the book, I felt like this was a rollercoaster I didn’t want to get off. By the time I’d discovered an answer to one question, more questions were thrown up.

This is a great series with, at its heart, two likeable and brave police officers, Mike and Mel, as well as Mike’s new partner, Paul. I’d definitely recommend this book and author to fans of fast paced mysteries and/or police procedurals. I am hopeful to read more from this series!

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I was drawn to this book as I am always keen to share my reading with my daughters (aged 1 and 3), to support debut authors and I also love the bright and unusual cover!

Blurb:

Poppy the porcupine has always wanted to make a friend, but her defensive nature prevents her. When a young tiger cub stumbles upon her one day in the rainforest, she reacts badly and scares him away.

Determined to change her ways, she sets out to find him, but little does she know that the tiger cub is about to have a problem of his own. In the face of danger, will Poppy find a way to save the day?

The Problem with Poppy is the debut picture book by British author Emma Sandford. Illustrated by Ukrainian artist Olena Osadcha.

“The Problem with Poppy by Emma Sandford is a perfect combination of fun and learning that any little kid will love.” – Readers’ Favorite ★★★★★

My thoughts:

I would definitely describe this book as fun and educational. However, I’d also like to throw another adjective into the mix: emotional!

My daughter was unable to hide her shock and emotion at some of the twists and turns in the story.

There were however, two main things I loved about the story. The first being that it gives young children a chance to learn about animals that they may have never heard of or seen before, and it also hints at the issue of the mistreatment of animals in a totally accessible and age appropriate way.

I also loved the message(s) and themes behind the story. This story carries a strong message about calculated risks, friendship and how what we might see as a weakness in ourselves may actually be a strength at certain times. This is truly a lovely book about learning to love and accept yourself.

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I was drawn to this book by the haunting and unusual cover, which hints at the mystery and suspense that encapsulates the novel. I also love the title, and I like being given a title that you have to interpret and fit to the story.

Blurb:

Fragile is a modern Gothic psychological thriller with a contemporary twist on the classic novel Rebecca from award-winning and critically acclaimed writer Sarah Hilary

Everything she touches breaks . . .

Nell Ballard is a runaway. A former foster child with a dark secret she is desperately trying to keep, all Nell wants is to find a place she can belong.

So when a job comes up at Starling Villas, home to the enigmatic Robin Wilder, she seizes teh opportunity with both hands.

But her new lodgings may not be the safe haven that she was hoping for. Her employer lives by a set of rigid rules and she soon sees he is hiding secrets of his own.

But is Nell’s arrival at the Villas really the coincidence it seems? After all, she knows more than most how fragile people can be – and how easily they can be to break . . .

My thoughts:

I loved that this book had a gothic feel from the beginning, with the carefully developed descriptions, especially of the Starling Villas. It definitely hooks you in and makes the book an original and dark read.

Sarah Hilary clearly has a talent for building believable yet dark worlds, and well-drawn and complex characters.

Nell is a complex and empathetic character. Despite clearly being somewhat manipulative, obsessive, you might even say unhinged, and a very good liar, you can tell that deep down there is just a little girl that wants to be loved.

This is a complex story that explores lots of issues, the most impactful for me being the effect that a disrupted and damaged childhood can have on our psyche and life at adulthood.

Overall, this was a compelling, dark and atmospheric read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I think this author is extremely talented and I am definitely go and check out more of her books.

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I was drawn to this book by the striking and intriguing cover. On the surface, it looks like a beautiful street scene but there are definite hints of things not being as perfect as they seem…

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Blurb:

The party was supposed to be the highlight of the summer. If only I’d known that night would destroy our lives…

All the neighbours were laughing, drinking out of plastic glasses and getting along. I almost felt happy. Almost forgot about the terrible argument earlier and the sinister messages I’d been receiving from a strange address all week, threatening to expose the lies behind my perfect life.

As we finished with the red and gold fireworks and welcomed everyone back to our house, I believed that everything would be okay.

But I didn’t know who I was inviting in.

I never could have imagined what would happen here, in our home, after I’d gone up to bed.

Everyone saw something different.

It’s my daughter’s word against the story the boy from down the road is telling. But how can I find out what really happened that night without everyone finding out the truth about me?

An absolutely gripping story of the secrets you would do anything to keep hidden, with a twist you just won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, Big Little Lies and The Girl on the Train.

My thoughts:

I was hooked into this story quite easily as I could definitely sense the tension and eeriness straight away. This is definitely amplified by the fact that a large number of characters, some of which barely know each other, are pulled together into a meeting/house together. The issue of class is also raised and this continues to be explored throughout the book.

I did find the number of characters quite overwhelming to begin. However, hearing from the main characters through the different perspectives in each chapter was definitely helpful and effective. It allowed the author to really develop the psychological element of the story.

Overall, this is a slow burner that quickly becomes captivating and compelling. You are drawn into the lives of the people who live in this neighbourhood and I had a lot of fun following the twists and turns of the story.

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Amanda Prowse is a “must buy” author for me so I was very excited to have the chance to feature in another blog tour of hers. I love the old fashioned style of her front covers as it really makes them stand out, and also how she takes an item associated with feminity or domesticity and makes you wonder what the symbolism or significance of it might be within the book.

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: what would you risk for a shot at happiness?

1984. Bessie is a confident sixteen-year-old girl with the world at her feet, dreaming of what life will bring and what she’ll bring to this life. Then everything comes crashing down. Her bright and trusting smile is lost, banished by shame―and a secret she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life.

2021. The last thirty-seven years have not been easy for Bess. At fifty-three she is visibly weary, and her marriage to Mario is in tatters. Watching her son in newlywed bliss―the hope, the trust, the joy―Bess knows it is time to face her own demons, and try to save her relationship. But she’ll have to throw off the burden of shame if she is to honour that sixteen-year-old girl whose dreams lie frozen in time.

Can Bess face her past, finally come clean to Mario, and claim the love she has longed to fully experience all these years?

My thoughts:

Amanda needs to take (another) bow as she has created another masterpiece of contemporary, domestic fiction! I have absolutely adored this book and been torn between dying to find out where the next twist or turn will be, and devouring every last word or sentence. Every one of Amanda’s books that I read seems to impress me and move me more than the last.

I think the mirror on the front cover seems to link to an overall message or question encapsulated in the book. I think all reach a turning point in our lives where we decide, or are forced to, hold a mirror up to yourselves and our lives and ask: Are you happy with what you see? Are you happy with what you’ve got? And if not, do you have the courage to make amends for your chequered past and move forward?

There are so many books that I read that I enjoy, and I will be left thinking ‘oh that was lovely’ or ‘oh, that was tense’ and that’s it. Very few books or authors carry the impact that Amanda Prowse’s books do. I have found myself emotional, reflective and completely invested in the character and story as if Bessie was a real person.

The theme of friendship is strong and this book and the way it is explored is quite poignant. It got me thinking about the intimacy of teenage friendships and relationships. They are strong and yet fragile: they have the ability to survive so much, including class divides, but they can end as quickly and abruptly as they had begun.

I loved the character of Bessie and found her completely relatable. I was rooting for her to find the strength to discover the happiness and peace of mind she so desired and so deserved, and was left wondering whether this would happen and what exact form it would take.

Overall, this is a gripping, emotional and poignant book. If you have never read a book by Amanda Prowse, but enjoy wonderfully well-drawn characters, carefully constructed and effective dual time line narratives or just beautifully written and pacey stories, I absolutely urge you to pick this book up. Though, honestly, I can’t imagine that any Amanda Prowse book will leave you disappointed!

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I have to confess that I was enticed by this book’s beautiful, striking and unusual cover, plus the intriguing title. A non-fiction book broadly about the issues faced in “science and nature” is not typically my cup of tea, but I am always keen to broaden my bookish horizons and try something a bit different.

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Blurb:

The second book by the bestselling author of Extraordinary Insects

Trees clean air and water; hoverflies and bees pollinate our crops; the kingfisher inspired the construction of high-speed trains. In Tapestries of Life, bestselling author Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson explains how closely we are all connected with the natural world, highlighting our indelible link with nature’s finely knit system and our everyday lives.

In the heart of natural world is a life-support system like no other, a collective term that describes all the goods and services we receive – food, fresh water, medicine, pollination, pollution control, carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, recreation, spiritual health and so much more. In this utterly captivating book, Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson sets out to explore these wonderful, supportive elements – taking the reader on a journey through the surprising characteristics of the natural world.

My thoughts:

My first concern, of course, when picking up a book like this one is that, despite to being educated to degree level in the English language and the teaching of the language, I do worry that books like this one will alienate me as a reader and “go over my head” so to speak.

Thankfully, this author clearly has a talent for explaining things in a way that makes it easy for people to understand. Anne provides compelling and sometimes complex arguments in a way that is both evidently well-researched and thoughtful, but also accessible and easy to understand.

I learned so many things from reading this book. It is definitely a fascinating and educational read. I found myself reading excerpts to my partner and mum and asking “Did you know this?” The image of a giant sloth eating an avocado will probably stay with me for a long time. My partner is from Ghana and eats avocados almost daily, and has done all his life, so it was quite unbelievable from my point of view to be telling him things about their growth and history that he didn’t know.

That’s the point of the book, in many ways, I suppose. We eat food, drink water (or wine!) and go about our daily lives, paying very little heed to the work and sacrificing that has gone into producing it for us. We are keen to feast on ‘nature’s supermarket’ but only if we can buy the produce for Clubcard price at Tesco. I liked the tone and style of the writing too – the author was not afraid, in a light hearted and dry humour sort of way, to poke fun at our modern habits and how they are so far removed from the ‘tapestries of life’ – the complexities and needs of the world’s species and ever changing environment.

Overall, this has been a fascinating and compelling read that has caused me to be far more reflective and surprised than I had expected. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in science and nature, which as the book clearly explores, should be every single one of us.

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I was drawn to this book as I  previously read New Beginnings at Glendale Hall and Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall and thought both of them were so lovely. Once again, the cover designers have done a wonderful job in creating a beautifully illustrated cover that once again highlights both the grandeur but homeliness of Glendale Hall.

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Blurb:

Anna Stewart is lost. After barely surviving a car accident as a teenager, Anna is scared of settling. Flitting between jobs, boyfriends and homes whenever she gets bored, she has no idea what the future holds. Then her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, suggests she moves to the beautiful Scottish village, lining up a housekeeper job for her at Glendale Hall.

Out of options, Anna agrees to take the job just for the summer. Once at the hall, her culinary skills impress everyone, and she agrees to give Hilltop Farm’s new manager, Cameron, cooking lessons. Sparks fly between Anna and the handsome Scot, but Cameron keeps pushing Anna away, and Anna definitely isn’t looking for love. But it’s wedding season at Glendale Hall, and Anna is about to discover that her new home has a way of working its magic on even the coldest of hearts.

Will she really be able to just walk away at the end of summer, or could Anna have finally found a place to belong?

It’s summertime so pack your bags and escape to beautiful Highlands village of Glendale with this gorgeously uplifting, romantic read. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will love this charming romance.

My thoughts:

“Glendale Hall has a magic to it sometimes.”

I have loved returning to Glendale Hall. This book was filled with drama from the offset and definitely had me wondering if the “magic” of Glendale Hall will rub off on Anna.

Victoria Walters’ books are definitely ‘comfort reads’ for me. The overall trajectory of the novel is quite predictable, but I love the journey that you go on as a reader to get there. This meandering and uncertainty is reflected in this book through Anna’s lack of direction and self confidence.

Anna is a well-developed character, whom it is easy to sympathise with. She holds a lot of frustration and guilt about her life and you can see that she is reluctant to make roots somewhere, but from the glimpse into her back story you can also understand why.

It was great to go back to the familiarity of Glendale Hall and catch up with the other characters too.

Overall, this has been a dramatic, emotional and uplifting read which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend this book and author to fans of Holly Martin and Milly Johnson.

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