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My favourite genre that I love to read is definitely domestic drama. A definition might be: Domestic drama expresses and focuses on the realistic everyday lives of middle or lower classes in a certain society. Domestic drama refers to a dramatic story containing an emphasis on its characters’ intimate relationships and their responses to unfolding events in their lives. The characters, their lives, and the events that occur within the show are usually classified as ‘ordinary’ events, lives, and characters, but this does not limit the extent of what domestic drama can represent. Domestic drama does, however, take the approach in which it concerns people much like ourselves, taken from the lower and middle classes of society, who struggle with everyday problems such as poverty, sickness, crime, and family strife. (Thank you Google for that definition!)

I love this genre as it is just exactly where my reading comfort zone. My comfort zone is not within grizzly crime thrillers or overly romanticised stories about perfect people or people relationships (though I love those as well at times!) My comfort zone is describing people like me, who I consider to be your average person, of average build, looks and intelligence and the drama that unfolds in their lives. I particularly love reading domestic dramas that involve issues of motherhood, power struggles or moral dilemmas. However, I also include within this a love and a thirst for reading about domestic dramas set in different times or places, such as domestic historical drama fiction or domestic fiction from other cultures.

My favourite authors & books in this genre include:

I love so many things about these books! Between them, they explore the whole range of human emotions. They explore issues that could affect any one of us, including: class, racism, disability, gender discrimination, bullying and loss.

If you have ever read any of these books, let me know what you thought?! If you haven’t, I implore you to check them out. You won’t regret it 😉♥️

I am so excited to be involved in the blog tour for this heart-warming, uplifting and dramatic novel. I have been a fan of Katie Ginger’s since I dipped into the Swallowtail Bay series early last year. It definitely provided some well needed distraction and escapism during lockdown 1.0! I am also an absolute sucker for a beautifully illustrated cover, just like the one below!

Blurb:

The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse

Escape to the countryside with a heart-warming new novel from Katie Ginger, author of Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage.

Amelia loves her life in Paris. But with the surprise inheritance of her childhood home, Meadow Farmhouse, she has no choice but to return to the small village of Meadowbank to restore her great-aunt’s old farmhouse. However returning to Meadowbank means she has to confront her past, including old flame Adam.

When Amelia discovers a locket hidden in the farmhouse, containing the picture of a mysterious World War Two soldier, she starts to uncover the secrets of her great-aunt’s past and is drawn further into village life. Shocked by the warm welcome from the villagers and her own surprising feelings for first love Adam, Amelia is suddenly confused as to where she truly belongs.

Can Amelia finally confront her own past and find where her heart truly calls home?

My thoughts:

The book opens by looking back at the past, and the young life of Amelia’s great aunt Vera. The opening of the book is uplifting to begin with, as news of a proposal announced. However, this is followed by quite a lot of drama. The book quickly establishes themes linked to: displacement, social class, identity, relationships and loss.

Once again, Katie Ginger quenches my thirst for escapist fiction. Her wonderfully descriptions and precise language makes me like I personally have been transported to the bustling city life of Paris or the small rural village life of Meadowbank.

I really liked the presentation and development of the character of Amelia. She is a complex and realistic character, renowned for her beauty, success and bravery for making a new life for herself after suffering a tragedy at a young age, and leaving Meadowbank in her shadow in order to make a career and name for herself in Paris. She is someone who, underneath an exterior which is described in the book as ‘cold’ and uppity, appears to be someone who deep down, is really looking for a lasting connection and love.

The romance plot of this story helps to drive it forward, as we learn more about the illustrious and unforgettable Adam, but as I have said there is so much more to this story than a romantic love story.

Overall, this has been an uplifting, gorgeous book which makes for perfect escapist reading. It has restored my faith in humanity on many levels, and brings to life an authentic community spirit which I personally don’t feel we often see in real life anymore. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of romantic fiction authors such as Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin.

I am really pleased to be involved in the blog tour for this domestic suspense novel. As it’s my favourite genre, I jumped at the chance to read an early release copy of a book by this best selling author! I love the cover and blurb for this one, placing us immediately within a domestic setting and establishing the key themes of secrecy and discovery.

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of The Missing Girl and Our Dark Secret, comes The Hiding Place: a story about identity, love, long-buried secrets and lies.

Abandoned as a baby in the hallway of a shared house in London, Marina has never known her parents, and the circumstances of her birth still remain a mystery.

Now an adult, Marina has returned to the house where it all started, determined to find out who she really is. But the walls of this house hold more than memories, and Marina’s reappearance hasn’t gone unnoticed by the other tenants.
Someone is watching Marina. Someone who knows the truth . . .

My thoughts:

Firstly, and hopefully you won’t think this is too indulgent of me, but I’d like to share with you the opening lines to the book. This is not something I do very often, but as this is the best opening I’ve read in a long time, I felt I had to!

“The house is still, like a crypt. Only the maple tree moves, branches swaying in the night breeze, leaves trembling and then brightening as a light in the top window flicks on.

Marina parks opposite and switches off the engine. Heart thudding, she opens the door and steps into the street. The midnight air whips her face. Her breath is wispy, like the remnants of a ghost. In the distance, traffic speeds along Streatham High Road. A siren wails.”

This, for me, portrays the talent of this author when it comes to creating a tense and dark atmosphere. This atmosphere continues throughout the book, sometimes at the core, and sometimes on the periphery.

Jenny makes sophisticated use of timelines, which allows us to follow events in the lives of three strong female characters: Marina, Connie and Eva. As is said in the book, “the present becomes the past in a moment.” Jenny sophisticatedly switches between the past and present to effectively develop the plot and characters.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this one, and felt empathy for the three main characters I’ve talked about above, and what they have been through. Dorothy was a difficult character for me, and one I grew increasingly suspicious of. But was I right to be?

The short chapters are just one of the ways the author ensures this book is addictive and gripping. However, I would also add there’s kind of a ‘slow burn’ feel to it as it is more like a jigsaw puzzle than a rollercoaster. I have loved following Marina on her journey as she tries to piece together the puzzle pieces of the past. There were a couple of magnificent twists, too.

Overall, this has been a compelling and thought-provoking read that sensitively deals with issues including unplanned pregnancy and adoption. There are some really interesting themes brought to the fore, including an exploration of memories, which is one of my favourite topics for fiction in this genre. I have really enjoyed this book, and devoured it quite quickly!

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I am very excited to be involved in the blog tour for this psychological suspense novel, with a twist! I first encountered Diane’s books when I read and loved The Guilty Mother last year, so I had high hopes for this one!

Blurb:

Tragedy brought them together. The truth will tear them apart.

It’s supposed to be Laura’s dream holiday: a trip to France with a group of friends to see their favourite band play live. But the holiday quickly turns to disaster, and Laura is left haunted by terrifying images from the worst night of her life.

When Laura finds an online support group for victims like her, she’s not convinced it will help. But when Sandrine replies to her message, she seems to understand what Laura’s going through, in a way that no one else can.

Soon, Laura and Sandrine are sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings with each other. But one of them has a terrible secret – she isn’t who she says she is. And once the twisted truth is revealed, there’s no going back…

My thoughts:

Well, I just loved so many things about this book, so I will do my best to break it down for you!

Firstly, the structure. The prologue established the themes of secrecy and lies very quickly, and then we are taken through a complex timeline in order to understand the relevance and importance of the prologue. We also experience things from the points of view of two characters: Sandrine and Laura.

This brings me on to another favourite aspect of this book. The character development is spot on. I absolutely identified with Laura straight away. She struck me as a homebird, and I could also empathise with her fear of flying. I also found myself feeling sorry for Sandy and able to put myself in her shoes.

Thirdly, I loved the balance of the book and the way it varied from explosive action, heart in your mouth tense, to deep and detailed character development and dialogue which showcases connection and human kindness.

Finally, I loved the title and the way it could be interpreted in a number of ways as you read through the book.

This has been an exceptional read, but definitely one that is hard to write about without spoilers. It is clever, original and sensitively and sophisticatedly deals with issues such as terrorism, PTSD and tragedy. I would highly recommend this book to fans of gripping psychological thrillers!

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I was drawn to this book by the gorgeously illustrated cover, and the fact that the main character was going to be an elderly lady. I love reading books that bring a completely different perspective on things, and I had high hopes that this book would do so.

Blurb:

Seventy-nine is too late for a second chance. Isn’t it?

Missy Carmichael is prickly, stubborn – and terribly lonely. Until a chance encounter in the park with two very different women opens the door to something new. Something wonderful.

Missy was used to her small, solitary existence, listening to her footsteps echoing around the empty house, the tick-tick-tick of the watching clock. After all, she had made her life her way.

Now another life is beckoning to Missy – if she’s brave enough…

My thoughts:

This has been a slower paced book than what I am used to, but I was pulled in immediately by the character of Missy. The writer so sensitively and sophisticatedly explored Missy’s loneliness and grief. I immediately felt a connection with Missy and felt sympathy for her situation. You can immediately see that she is a woman who, having worked hard to maintain a household and a marriage, is now someone who lacks purpose and direction. My heart broke as the writer described the emptiness Missy felt.

As the story progresses, the mood becomes more uplifting and new, more positive themes are introduced: friendship, community and kindness to name a few. There were times when I laughed at loud, as I could imagine my Nan’s reactions, especially to Angela to begin with, being similar to Missy’s.

This book has taken me on quite an unexpected emotional journey and I have thoroughly enjoyed following Missy’s daily life.

I can definitely see the connections with Eleanor Oliphant, and more recently Amy from the wonderful Everything is Beautiful by Eleanor Ray, but I also firmly believe this book is wonderfully unique in its style and delivery.

Overall, this has been a heart-warming, uplifting and beautiful read. A timeless story about starting over, friendship and the importance of allowing people to support and help you, even when you may think you don’t need it.

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I absolutely adore Jessica Redland’s books and her book, ‘New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow’ was one of my favourite books of January this year. So, I am very excited to share my thoughts today on her latest standalone book.

I think you’ll agree that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous and really sets the scene for a romantic, uplifting story.

Blurb:

All You Need Is Love

When you’ve loved and lost, how do you find the strength to let love in again?
Jemma thinks she’s found the love of her life. Scott is everything she ever dreamed of and she can’t wait to begin the next stage of their life together. But just as she is heading for her happy ever after, a shock revelation shatters Jemma’s life as she knows it. Left to pick up the pieces, Jemma’s friends and family rally round to help her find the courage to move on.

Sam think he has his future all worked out. A thriving career, lovely home and an amazing fiancée. But when tragedy strikes, he finds himself alone, far from everyone he cares about. Did he do the right thing by running away and trying to rebuild the tatters of his life alone?

This is the story of Jemma and Sam. Two lost souls, desperately trying to find closure and happiness. When a chance meeting brings them together a friendship is formed, but the guards are up. 

Will it finally be their turn for a happy ever after? Or will the secrets from their pasts prevent them from moving on?

My thoughts:

The book opens, quite unexpectedly, with a sad event. Jemma’s family are preparing to attend her father’s funeral. Obviously, this creates an emotional and tense atmosphere straight away. However, Jessica also manages to inject some subtle and carefully placed humour.

The pace and flow of the book is quickly established, so it completely held my attention. I liked the way that we read about events from both Sam and Jemma’s perspectives.

The book is filled with drama, and deals with many real life issues, which adds texture and layers to the overarching romance story. One particular storyline that struck a chord with me was that one of the characters had Parkinson’s Disease. My grandad died of a stroke related to this debilitating illness. I think the way the writer has portrayed this shows a huge amount of research, but also sensitivity and realism.

I absolutely loved the characters. My heart ached for Jemma at times, and Sam at others. I loved seeing the support network they have behind them and it is clear of their importance and value in their lives, therefore they also provide importance and value to the story.

Overall, this has been a dramatic, beautiful, heart-warming story about hope, love and second chances. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

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I am so excited to be involved in the blog tour for this book! I read ‘The Memories We Bury’ by this author in 2020, and it easily made its way into my top ten reads of the year. As well as my huge respect for the author, and the fond memories of my previous read by her, I was drawn to this one but the simple but effective cover.

The cover suggests this book will be a dark read, possibly about despair, helplessness, grief and of course: manipulation.

Blurb:

Five compelling true-to-life stories each highlighting a narcissist’s manipulative mind games
Narcissists are everywhere.
They can be witty, charming and highly charismatic.
Anyone can be their target.

At first their devious, calculating mind games can be hard to spot because they are masters of disguise, but then they revert to their true self of being controlling and angry in private. Their main aim: to dominate and use others to satisfy their needs, with a complete lack of compassion and empathy for their victim.

All stories highlight to what extent narcissistic abuse can distort lives and threaten our self-worth yet ultimately, also send a positive message that once the narcissist is unmasked, the victims can at last break free.

My thoughts:

Sometimes, a book is given a title and the title’s link to the story itself can feel a bit random. This is definitely not the case here as the theme of manipulation is quickly established in each of the five stories we are told. I found reading some parts of the book quite cathartic, as I was able to relate to some of the people who had been manipulated and taken advantage of. I can certainly think of a person who had quite a damaging effect on my life, that I would describe as a narcissistic manipulator. Therefore, in a funny kind of way, I found this book quite relatable.

I loved the way the book is structured into five clear stories, each with distinct and developed characters, plots and themes. For me, the best one was ‘Runaway Girl’ as I felt this really relayed, in a clever and unique way, essentially the eternal teenage struggle of wanting to fit in, be liked, but also do well and make your mum proud. All of this comes with the added drama and suspense of the manipulation story line, of course. I also really liked the ending of this one, but there shall be no spoilers here!

Overall, this has been a thought-provoking, emotional and original read by a wonderfully talented author. I have enjoyed the pace of the stories and thinking about the broad range of themes and scenarios presented. Normally, at this point in my review, I would say something like “This book is best for fans of…” and name some similar authors. In this instance, I cannot think of anyone who writes quite like H A Leuschel, but that is absolutely a compliment!

I’ll leave you with a quote from the book that I loved, and really brings to the fore the themes of manipulation, lies, deceit and perspective:

“Truth, in any shape or fork, is like a slippery wet fish that we normal humans are unable to catch with our bare hands or, at least only for a second, until its inevitable twists and writhing give it a new lease of life”

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I absolutely adore Holly’s books. She has been one of my favourite romantic fiction writers for a few years now. I was very excited to be asked to be on the blog tour for this gorgeous newbie!

Blurb:

Escape to the Cornish coast this spring with a trip to the beautiful Emerald Cove, where the sea sparkles in the sunshine, the sand glitters like gold, and true love is in the air. From the bestselling author of Sunrise over Sapphire Bay comes this gorgeously romantic and uplifting tale.

Skye Philips and Jesse Hamilton have a complicated relationship. They’ve been neighbours, best friends and even briefly married. But ever since Skye returned to the beautiful shores of Jewel Island to help her sisters Aria and Clover run their family hotel, she doesn’t know where she stands with Jesse.

When they’re together the chemistry between them sizzles, but with Jesse living in Canada and Skye on the Cornish island she calls home, they’ve kept things casual. Till now…

Jesse is coming to Jewel Island for the annual Pudding Parade and Skye knows this is her chance to tell him how she really feels. But putting her heart on the line isn’t easy when it’s been broken in the past. Will Jesse return her love? Or will she lose him for good?

Everything she’s ever wanted can be hers if she’s willing to take the chance, but is Skye brave enough to risk her heart once again?’

Set sail to the Cornish coast where sunshine, laughter and romance awaits. This stunning love story is guaranteed to steal your heart this summer; it’s the perfect read for fans of Sarah Morgan, Veronica Henry and Jill Mansell.

My thoughts:

Wow! She’s done it again! Within a few pages, I’d forgotten where I was, and felt transported to the beautiful seaside setting of Emerald Cove.

This book has surely given me all the feels. Some of the books are rather serious. Holly writes well developed characters with interesting back stories, and nothing is ever straightforward in their world. Just like the real world, there are good and not so good characters, but at the centre of the book are three wonderful people: talented, modest, careful Jesse, who is a wonderful dad to his straight talking, resilient, brilliant daughter Bea, and romantic, loyal and stubborn Skye. I have loved seeing these characters and their relationships grow and develop throughout this book.

Holly touches upon issues such as parent/child relationships, miscarriage and divorce in this book, making for a dramatic and emotional read.

However, for every dramatic or emotional moment, there is a touching, heart-warming or humorous moment, such as when Jesse and Skye are caught having sex outside.

I have been completely hooked in from the beginning, and keen to find out where this one will go. Can Jesse and Skye put the past behind them, and forge a new path together?

This has been an escapist, emotional and entertaining read, highly deserving of five stars. I struggled to put this one down. I would recommend this book, and author, to fans of Milly Johnson, Portia Macintosh and Mary Jayne Baker.

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I read Ellie’s book, The Violinist of Auschwitz, last year, and as well as having a profound effect on me, it became a story I shared with my students at school, and it made it’s way quite easily into my top 20 of 2020. I was absolutely delighted to find out that Ellie was releasing another book for 2021, and I couldn’t wait to read it. Find out more about it, and my thoughts on this fantastic book, below! 👇♥️

Blurb:

“We must die standing up for something.”

“And what are we standing up for?”

“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”

Millions of people walked through Auschwitz’s gates, but she was the first woman who escaped. This powerful novel tells the inspiring true story of Mala Zimetbaum, whose heroism will never be forgotten, and whose fate altered the course of history…  

Nobody leaves Auschwitz alive.

Mala, inmate 19880, understood that the moment she stepped off the cattle train into the depths of hell. As an interpreter for the SS, she uses her position to save as many lives as she can, smuggling scraps of bread to those desperate with hunger.

Edward, inmate 531, is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Though he looks like everyone else, with a shaved head and striped uniform, he’s a fighter in the underground Resistance. And he has an escape plan.

They are locked up for no other sin than simply existing. But when they meet, the dark shadow of Auschwitz is lit by a glimmer of hope. Edward makes Mala believe in the impossible. That despite being surrounded by electric wire, machine guns topping endless watchtowers and searchlights roaming the ground, they will leave this death camp.

A promise is made––they will escape together or they will die together. What follows is one of the greatest love stories in history…

Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Choice, and The Orphan Train will love this breathtakingly beautiful tale, of courage in the face of tragedy and  bravery in the face of fear. Based on a true story, The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz shows that, in darkness, love can be your light…

My thoughts:

I am very familiar with a true story of 4 men who pretended to be SS guards in order to escape from Auschwitz. I was intrigued to read this account, based on a true story, of a woman escaping.

The opening describes how “the air was fresh with the promise freedom” and “Mala chewed contentedly on a blade of sweet grass.” I was surprised to read such statements at the beginning of the book, but quickly realised the escape had already taken place. I was completely gripped, straight away. Ellie Midwood then effectively uses timelines to explore and explain how the escape came about, and what happened as a result of it.

She also uses third person perspective, with separate focuses on Mala and Edek interchangeably throughout, to show the similarities and differences between their experience of Auschwitz, and their growing relationship.

Once again, Ellie creates beautiful, well developed characters. Mala is not just beautiful but also clever and determined. We are told: “The same steel that was in her pockets now shone in her eyes.” Edek is a wonderfully selfless, compassionate man. I also liked the way she used the character of Herr Rottenfuhreh Lubusch to show that for some men, this was a military and patriotic duty that had gone out of hand, beyond their wildest dreams (or nightmares). Lubusch plays a key role in saving Edek from some sticky situations, showing himself to be an unexpectedly sympathetic and humane character. I also liked the fact that Ellie brought Frau Alma back into the story – reminding us of her importance and status of the camp, and bringing us in line with the previous book.

Despite managing to create a beautiful story above love, hope and survival, Ellie does not attempt to gloss over the gritty and horrific details of life at a concentration camp. She says there’s “no such notion of human rights in this death factory” and this definitely comes across in lots of the descriptions of starvation, beatings, and murders.

Overall, Ellie has delivered yet another heartbreakingly beautiful and well-researched story about love, risk, bravery and what it means to be human. She explores the importance of freedom and love, reminding us that both are key parts of human existence. I have absolutely adored this book, even though it made me ugly cry a number of times!!

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I read the first in this series last year. It’s not my typical read, but I love how Rachel writes her sagas, so I jumped at the chance to be involved in the blog tour promoting the 2nd book.

Blurb:

Bath, 1852.

As a girl, Nancy Bloom would go to Bath’s Theatre Royal, sit on the hard wooden benches and stare in awe at the actresses playing men as much as the women dressed in finery. She longed to be a part of it all and when a man promised her parents he could find a role for Nancy in the theatre, they believed him.

His lie and betrayal led to her ruin.

Francis Carlyle is a theatre manager, an ambitious man always looking for the next big thing to take the country by storm. A self-made man, Francis has finally shed the skin of his painful past and is now rich, successful and in need of a new female star. Never in a million years did he think he’d find her standing on a table in one of Bath’s bawdiest pubs.

Nancy vowed never to trust a man again. Francis will do anything to make her his star. As they engage in a battle of wits and wills, can either survive with their hearts intact?

The second in Rachel Brimble’s thrilling new Victorian saga series, Trouble for the Leading Lady will whisk you away to the riotous, thriving underbelly of Victorian Bath.

My thoughts:

I was very happy to see us back with the same characters that I had come to know and like from the first in the series – A Widow’s Vow. Again, the characters were well developed and somehow relatable, despite the fact the book is set almost 200 years ago.

I love the way Rachel writes about what is described in the blurb as the “underbelly” of society and for me this is why I really like these books, despite not being a fan of the saga genre generally. This book is dark and explores so many issues associated with class, ambition and love, to name but a few.

Overall, this has been a dramatic and immersive read. When I read books by Rachel Brimble, I feel transported; as if I myself could be walking around 19th century Bath. Her novels are dramatic, romantic, intense, and just simply wonderful. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author!

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