Posts

I was immediately drawn to this book by the ambigious title and the mysterious character pictured on the front cover. This is an author that was new to me, but it is definitely an author I would read again based on this book!

It tells the story of Grace, whose daughter Abi is brutally murdered in Cape Town, South Africa. Grace is on the hunt to find Abi’s killer after she begins to believe that the South African police haven’t investigated fully. Could it be linked to Abi’s involvement with sugar daddies? Or is the answer a little closer to home?

There was so much suspense and drama in this book, from the first page to the last and it really carried the book and kept me hooked. There were a number of twists and a conclusion that I didn’t see coming.

None of the characters were very likeable, but their actions often added to the drama with elements of betrayal, arson and alcoholism to name but a few!

This is a jampacked thriller with lots of killer twists that I have thoroughly enjoyed!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have loved this little romantic gem of a book. Claire’s life is unravelling before her eyes – can a fellow knitting enthusiast help her get her life, and her knitting, back on track?

I thought using the theme of knitting was quite unusual but also really lovely. Knitting for me represents creativity, risk, concentration, resilience, effort, home, family… and these are all things Claire had to deal with in the book.

I really enjoyed the will they, won’t they aspect of the story and found all of the characters very likeable.

I flew through this book in just one sitting and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, fun romance read with a slightly different feel to it. There’s a lot of drama, fun and love packed into this little book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was immediately drawn to the cover image of this one, which suggests this is going to be a dark, mysterious and intriguing read.

This book certainly did not disappoint! It tells the story of Frankie, who is trying her best to keep the secrets of her past from ruining her present or future. Can she manage to keep her ghosts at bay or is she destined to be haunted by past mistakes?

This is a great, twisty read that kept me guessing and is full of surprises. I also really liked the use of the dual timeline.

This was my first read by Nina Manning but will not be my last!

A must read for fans of sinister and suspenseful psychological fiction!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a poignant and interesting story about two cousins, Nick and Larry, and their search for identity and belonging at a time and in a place where they feel disconnected and unsure.

The relationship and closeness between the characters shines through the book and both men are likeable and interesting characters. You are taken on a journey with them and really see their development and rejoice or despair in their discoveries along the way.

The novel is set against the backdrop of Paris during the 2015 terrorist attacks. The beauty of the streets, restaurants and landmarks is contradicted by the fracture, destruction and terror of the attacks.

This is cleverly mirrored in the novel as the light humour and “banter” is balanced with the themes of rejection, identity and loss.

This book is beautifully crafted, especially the dialogue between the main characters and although not my usual fast paced read, is one I have thoroughly enjoyed reading.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was immediately drawn to this book from the cover image alone. I always love a story about the complexities of truth, and lies, and love it when I’m kept guessing throughout! I was also kept wondering when the USB stick would come into the plot, and what would it reveal?!

Well, this book certainly delivered! The storyline is original and creative. It’s the story of a happy couple named Eva and Jim, who are awaiting the birth of their new baby. Eva had had a tough childhood after being abandoned by her birth parents, but is beginning to find her feet with a family of their own. Their world is turned upside down when their baby is born prematurely, with a severe heart defect, and Eva’s natural brother announces he has been looking to make connections with their birth parents. What will these new connections uncover about the past?

There was a crazy amount of twists in the book, and I was left hanging/guessing as to what was going to be uncovered for quite some time. It was a bit frustrating but I think it is testament to the writer that I was invested in Eva and Jim, and had to know how things turned out!

I liked that the ending left room for a sequel, and I look forward to reading that or any other books by this fantastic author!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was drawn to this book first by this amazing cover. It might seem a bit out there to say “it spoke to me” but it really did. It is mysterious and eyecatching. The person on this cover has her head in the clouds, but to me is also trying to bury memories that need to be faced head on…

This is very true of the main characters, both Lizzie and Morag. Lizzie both have memories which they try to bury in order to achieve a happy and peaceful life. However, they discover that this can actually lead to loneliness and mental health issues. What will happen when these two lost souls become neighbours? Will it end as a dreamworld or a disaster?

The themes in the book are handled sophisticatedly and sensitively. I enjoyed reading about the enjoyed characters memories and experiences of motherhood, and how their character both builds and unravels as the plot develops. As Lizzie discovers, you cannot run from your past. A favourite quote from the book is “But the earth could not lay to rest painful thoughts and experiences from your past, because they were the very building blocks that shaped your personality, your beliefs and behaviour patterns.”

I really thought I had the ending sussed early on but the way the multiple perspectives were handled really made me question everything until the very last page, and I loved that!

This is a serious book that deals with the loneliness of motherhood, the difficulties of parenting, and the psychological lifelong impact of memories. However, there are some light scenes with elements of friendship, romance and family bonding. This delicate balance made this book an easy and excellent read, which I highly recommend to readers of domestic drama/supsense.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is my first read by this author and although better enjoyed as part of the Emma series, it is an enjoyable standalone read.

I have to start by saying that I was shocked, appalled but ultimately gripped by the opening of the book. I will say that there is some graphic sexual content, but most of it is consensual and there is much more to the plot than that.

Emma is in danger. She has been kidnapped by a man who abused her as a child. There are two men – Chance and Andy – who are both in love with her and have different ideas about how to keep her safe. Who will keep Emma safe? And who will Emma fall for?

I was immediately drawn to Emma as a character. She is naive and vulnerable, but also much stronger than she gives herself credit for as she keeps on fighting for justice, and for her life. I was invested in her, a d driven therefore to find out what was going to happen to her.

The ending was suitably open ended as it is going to be followed with a book three, where I hope we will find out if Emma manages to finally avenge her abuser!

This is a great series for fans of dark romance and suspense novels!

⭐⭐⭐

This is an endearing and thoughtful novel about how everything can change around you, but love can remain…

As a Welsh reader, I really enjoyed the Welsh cultural references and “feel” of the book. It always makes me proud to see an author not “sell out” and write something that means something to them, rather than catering for the masses.

The structure of the novel is creative and complex, as it spans three different generations and jumps between them all. It is usually easy to follow, though.

I was happy with the ending, but only wish it could have been a bit longer to find out a bit more about Miriam and Daniel’s son.

⭐⭐⭐

I was immediately drawn to the book by its cover image. It depicts a rugged, dangerous but also opulent setting and the writer does not disappoint in bringing this setting to life in the book.

Cliffside, the apt name given to the house pictured, belongs to a lonely, depressed widow. When 3 young, helpful, trendy siblings try to befriend her, she welcomes them with open arms and begins to see a way to put the past behind her. Or will it just come back to haunt her?

I think Arianne’s portrayal of the widow was quite clever and original. She begins as a character I care about, and a character I feel sorry for, and slowly disintegrates into a very foolish, selfish and unlikeable character.

The plot starts quite slowly, and you begin to think: how can this be a psychological thriller? But the landscape serves as a metaphor for the danger that lies ahead.

The last half of the book is much more fast paced, and has so many unexpected twists and turns! The ending was also completely unexpected, and I didn’t like or agree with the wife’s choice but I do feel it reinforced what an unreasonable character she is.

This is a thrilling first read by Arianne Richmonde, and comes highly recommended to psychological thriller fans!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was immediately drawn to this book by the bright cover, which doesn’t seem to give very much away at all, and the first line of the blurb, which hinted at some of the main symbols in the book.

I really liked the structure of two separate storylines. The author writes with such clear and distinct narrative voices that the two separate storylines are easy to follow, whilst still keeping me intrigued and hooked on how they might interweave.

The characters are portrayed with a depth and realism that I really liked. My favourite character had to be George – he reminded me of my grandad in the way that he always tried to do the best by his wife, but couldn’t get away from his own self awareness as a simple, honest man who just wants a quiet life. I found myself getting angry at most of the other characters at one point or another!

In the last quarter of the book, the deception and suspense really ramped up and I found it difficult to put down. I am still reeling from the ending and the way George was treated, but liked the fact we got a glimpse into his future!

An absolutely incredible five star read from a new to me author, that has sent me on a rollercoaster of a journey. This is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers, and is full of intrigue, deception and suspense!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐