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I was drawn to this book by the gorgeous, enchanting cover. I am a keen reader of historical fiction and this sounded like an intriguing and beautiful story. I also enjoy this author’s other books under another pseudonym, so was intrigued to see how her skills and talent would carry across.

Blurb:

A tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.

Present day

As a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat.  The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives.  But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.

1682

Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…

Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.

USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this unforgettable, heart-breaking, gripping timeslip novel set in a world when women were hung as witches, and fates could be sealed by a wrong word. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.

My thoughts:

This is definitely a moving and enchanting story. Straight away, I was pulled into Selena’s story and really felt for her. She had a rough time of it, and she needed the escape of Sloe Cottage. She was an empathetic character, who I warmed to quickly.

It took me a little longer to get into the historical timeline, but all the tools were there to make it very easy to follow, and also picture. I could imagine both women at Sloe Cottage quite easily. Elena or Judy Leigh as I know her, like Selena in the story, is very capable of creating an image that stays with you. The historical timeline showed clear evidence of careful research in order to provide a realistic picture of the inequality and injustice faced by so many women of the time.

Both of these women’s stories are engaging and moving, as we see them work through tragedy. I have to admit that though I enjoyed many of the themes, and I definitely felt the sense of warmth Selena received from the modern, more accepting community, I did struggle a little with the more magical, supernatural elements that come into play. That is just me as a reader though, and I’m sure anyone else who enjoys dipping into that genre would find that they loved this book even more than I did.

This is definitely a great read. I would definitely read more in this genre by this author as her literary talent and character development shines through. I would describe this as a perfect choice for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Erin Litteken and Lucinda Riley.

I am a big fan of K L Slater and always look forward to her releases. My concern usually, when the book contains the well used trope of a missing child, is how the author will put an original and fresh spin on the book. I was intrigued to see how this one would pan out…

Blurb:

I’ve known him all my life. I know he has taken my daughter. His mother says she can help me. But she’s the last person I can trust…

Samuel lived next door when we were children. We were inseparable. But he didn’t like sharing me with my adored little brother. And one terrible night, he got rid of my brother forever…

Now, years later, he’s free. And my daughter is missing.

I turn on my baby girl’s unicorn nightlight and bury my face in her pillow, my heart breaking. I know Samuel has her – he blames me for ruining his life, and even after all this time, he still doesn’t like to share.

As darkness falls, there’s a knock at my door and I open it to see Samuel’s mother. She says she can help me.

I know I can’t trust her, but I don’t have a choice. With each step I take, my fear grows stronger. Can she help me find my daughter? Or does she know something about what really happened all those years ago? Something that could stop me from saving my baby girl…

My thoughts:

As I’ve already stated, I’m a huge fan of K L Slater but I think this may be her best yet. It completely revitalises the missing child trope, adding a unique sense of mystery and danger to it.

It was quite far into the story that the main event of the suspected abduction happened. I am so used to reading books where this happens within the first few chapters. However, this choice was clearly well thought out as it enabled Slater to set up the story perfectly. We got an insight into Josie, Terry and their relationship, we were able to meet and develop a bond with little Ivy, and get some understanding of the traumatic background upon which the whole story exists.

Following Ivy’s abduction, the pace of the story massively ramps up and I became completely and utterly engrossed. There are many twists, turns and shocks which will send your head spinning, but will ultimately provide an enthralling and addictive read.

The ending was perfectly pitched, maintaining some of the tension of the earlier stories as there were clearly still some strands to unravel address, but also providing some element of ‘come down’ from the secrecy, danger and violence that lurks within the main story.

Samuel was an ideal villain character. You could completely understand how he was blamed for everything that went wrong, and K L Slater did well to promote this sinister and manipulative persona by allowing us insight into not only Josie’s own narrative, but Samuel’s mother, Maggie’s too. I mean, if his own mother questions his whereabouts, his motives and his mental state, then how can the reader not?

Overall a page turning and compelling read, utterly deserving of five shiny stars. Definitely one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a while, and currently currently sits in my top 22 reads of 2022!

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Although this is a new author to me, I was drawn to this book by the intriguing title but also because I am a big fan of historical fiction. Of course the location has suddenly got very contemporary relevance too, which I knew was going to make this story even more thought provoking and emotional.

Blurb:

In the 1930s, Stalin’s activists marched through the Soviet Union, espousing the greatness of collective farming. It was the first step in creating a man-made famine that, in Ukraine, stole almost 4 million lives. Inspired by the history the world forgot, and the Russian government denies, Erin Litteken reimagines their story.

In 1929, Katya is 16 years old, surrounded by family and in love with the boy next door. When Stalin’s activists arrive in her village, it’s just a few, a little pressure to join the collective. But soon neighbors disappear, those who speak out are never seen again and every new day is uncertain.

Resistance has a price, and as desperate hunger grips the countryside, survival seems more a dream than a possibility. But, even in the darkest times, love beckons.

Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother’s journal, one that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her family’s haunted past.

This is a story of the resilience of the human spirit, the love that sees us through our darkest hours and the true horror of what happened during the Holodomor.

My thoughts:

“What’s dangerous is sitting back and and nothing while they take everything from us.”

Though the author confirms that this story was born far before the current Russian invasion of Ukraine began, and aims to retell what she describes as a forgotten piece of history, it is definitely hard to read this book without drawing parallels to the modern situation. What shines through, of course, is the courage and resilience of the Ukranian people and the manipulation and brutality of the Russians.

“But if we don’t fight, what will become of us? You said yourself that we should fight.”

I often struggle with dual narratives, but I found this one to be really effective in that the two narratives were so obviously, closely knitted from the beginning. Cassie’s concern for Bobby, and Bobby’s night terrors, seek to highlight the horrors of war and the aftermath of it. The ‘past’ narrative almost works as a series of flash backs, making it easy to visualise and imagine what It is that haunts Bobby.

Bobby’s longstanding silence also shows the danger of keeping things to yourself, and bottled up, but also serves as a metaphor for what the Ukranian people must feel about the horrors that are described – that they have pushed to the back of people’s mind and forgotten, whilst the First World War, for example, is still talked about.

As the novel progresses, the horrors are uncovered and their impact is explored. I found myself completely drawn into the storyline and characters, hoping for an uplifting and positive outcome for the brave and wonderful characters.

A great read that I would recommend to fans of Heather Morris and Kathleen McGurl.

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I was drawn to the book by the gorgeous cover and also the author, who is well known and loved for her dramatic, emotional fiction.

Blurb:

The all-absorbing, life-affirming new novel from the bestselling author of THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL and THE MISSING WIFE.

‘Do I rejoice when a new Sheila O’Flanagan book hits the shelves? I do’ Roisin Meaney

Five years after the death of her firefighter husband, Eden knows better than anyone that life can change in an instant. Now, instead of the future she had planned with Andy, she has Lila – the daughter he never got the chance to meet. And instead of Andy, she has his family.

Then Eden meets someone. Someone she knew before Andy, before Lila, before the tragedy. Someone who reminds her of how she used to be. But Andy’s mother has other plans. And Eden is facing an impossible choice. One that could tear a family apart . . .

Honest and emotionally gripping, What Eden Did Next is an irresistible, sometimes heart-breaking, ultimately joyful, novel of love, loss – and finding your own way to happiness.

My thoughts:

I really sympathised with the characters of Eden and Rafe straight away, and I really respected their strength as they tried to move on with, and in some way rebuild their lives. Eden is a kind, respectful character and although Rafe at first appears to be mysterious, you soon realise that he is someone who doesn’t want to be lonely.

I love how Sheila holds a mirror up to our modern society and helps to examine how things have changed and moved on so quickly over time. Specifically, the way we rely so much on technology and the way our community has changed as a result. There is a dark cloud that surrounds social media use, that makes some interactions seem disingenuous and that really comes across well in the book.

As the story progresses and I saw relationships develop and change, all with the loveable Eden at the centre, I definitely become completely gripped by the book. Eden struggles to deal with the huge gap between the past and present, as they are so different, and is finding it difficult to see a new future herself.

What I became absolutely certain of was that Eden deserved a new opportunity to feel part of a community, important, loved, and the residents of Sycamore Grove certainly helped with that in this heart-warming tale.

Overall, an uplifting and engaging story about new beginnings, as well as looking out for ourselves and one another. I highly recommend this book.

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I was drawn to this book as I am a big fan of historical fiction, especially one that represents marginalised cultures or voices. The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous, and the title definitely pulls you in, giving an emotive feel.

Blurb:

Two children trapped in the same attic, almost a century apart, bound by a secret.

1907: Twelve-year-old Celestine spends most of his time locked in an attic room of a large house by the sea. Taken from his homeland and treated as an unpaid servant, he dreams of his family in Africa even if, as the years pass, he struggles to remember his mother’s face, and sometimes his real name . . .

Decades later, Lowra, a young orphan girl born into wealth and privilege, will find herself banished to the same attic. Lying under the floorboards of the room is an old porcelain doll, an unusual beaded claw necklace and, most curiously, a sentence etched on the wall behind an old cupboard, written in an unidentifiable language. Artefacts that will offer her a strange kind of comfort, and lead her to believe that she was not the first child to be imprisoned there . . .

Lola Jaye has created a hauntingly powerful, emotionally charged and unique dual-narrative novel about family secrets, love and loss, identity and belonging, seen through the lens of Black British History in The Attic Child.

My thoughts:

“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunters.”

I am not sure how any review I write will do this book justice. I have devoured it, finding myself completely immersed in both Lowra and Dikembe’s stories of unfair treatment, strength, faith and love.

To give you a bit of background as to why this book had such a emotional pull on me, there are two things you might need to know. Firstly, that I studied Nigerian/British relations and particularly how they were presented in literature as part of university dissertation, and racism as an ongoing issue has become very prevalent in my personal life as my daughter is mixed race. Therefore, I was immediately horrified with some of the treatment of Dikembe, specifically the order that his name must be changed. I don’t particularly like my name, but it is mine, and I own it, it is part of my identity and this is something that really felt like it was being stripped away from Dikembe, piece by piece.

This is a dramatic and tumultuous story of Dikembe’s life, but what ultimately shines through is the inner strength and courage that he showed throughout. There is a darkness to this story, and it really shines a light on historic and ingrained racism, sexism and attridues to lower classes, whilst at the same time, giving them light by giving them a voice.

This story is an epic and emotional tale, that really holds a mirror up to British colonialist attitudes towards Africa and African culture. It reminds us of the ongoing need to work towards equality, acceptance and understanding.

Overall, a heart-breaking but poignant and gripping tale. I loved the fact that, in reading the back story to the book, Lola said that she was inspired by a photograph. This really stuck with me and it helped me

I have to admit that this is currently my stand out book of 2022, and having finished it, I just wanted to start reading it again. I am sure that, like the stories of Chinua Achebe, Chimananda Ngozi Adichie and Buckingham Emecheta, this book will stay with me for a long time to come.

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I was drawn to this book as I have never read a bad book by Gemma Rogers. They are always gripping and addictive. I also love the intense, domesticated image on the cover. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

Blurb:

The day my path crossed with Simon Fox I thought I’d already lost everything but then he almost ran me off the road with his flash car and belittling jibes.

The men in my life had undermined me for too long.

Enough was enough.

Fuelled by alcohol and the desire to get even, I decided a spot of petty vandalism would make me feel a whole lot better.

Wrong. Very wrong…

I hadn’t realised that Simon Fox was not a man to be messed with.

He showed me just how much I still had left to lose.

Soon I was battling for my home, family and life.

My thoughts:

This was a brilliant book that definitely kept me hooked. I was drawn into the ‘feud’ and was able to completely identify with Kay as her life and marriage crumbled around her.

I loved Kay’s strong, confident character and how she managed to hold on to this right up until the very end, even as the intimidation and conflict ramped up.

I found the storyline and the characters very believable. Even the horrible Mr Simon Fox, he was even more creepy because although he was a twisted, evil villain he also appeared completely credible in this role. This definitely made the story me more absorbed in the story. I also really disliked slimy Justin!!

I loved how Gemma had plotted it perfectly so that the tension just kept on building and building, and what seems like a series of increasingly dangerous and threatening coincidences at first turns into something far more sinister.

Overall, this is a creepy, believable and gripping tale of what happens when you take revenge on those who have wronged you! I loved it.

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I am becoming a huge fan of historical fiction, and Kathleen McGurl’s The Lost Sister was one of my stand out reads of 2021. Therefore, I was excited to read her new release for 2022!

Blurb:

A heartbreaking choice. A secret kept for centuries.

1784. When Esther Harris’s father hurts his back, she takes over his role helping smugglers hide contraband in the secret cellar in their pub. But when the free traders’ ships are trapped in the harbour, a battle between the smugglers and the revenue officers leads to murder and betrayal – and Esther is forced to choose between the love of her life and protecting her family…

Present day. Fresh from her divorce, Millie Galton moves into a former inn overlooking the harbour in Mudeford and plans to create her dream home. When a chance discovery behind an old fireplace reveals the house’s secret history as a haven for smugglers and the devastating story of its former residents, could the mystery of a disappearance from centuries ago finally be solved?

Sweeping historical fiction perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kathryn Hughes and Tracy Rees.

My thoughts:

Once again, Kathleen McGurl has managed to produce an enchanting and beautiful novel that balances the dual narrative perfectly.

Usually with this sort of book, I find myself favouring one narrative (past/present) over the other and this is not the case with this book.

I loved the mix of history, romance, mystery and how McGurl uses the dual narrative to show how the land and the community has changed over time.

The characters are vibrant and believable, and are a huge part of what drives the story and makes it so engaging. The “Storm Girl” in particular comes across as a determined and brave character, which I loved.

Overall, this has been a gripping and beautifully told historical mystery that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

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I love Donna Ashcroft’s books and over the last two years she has written some of my favourite romance reads, with If Everyday was Christmas being the standout favourite. Once again, Donna has produced a book which already gives you a gorgeous, escapist feel before you even open the covers…

Blurb:

Sun, secrets, and a handsome stranger… Everything is about to change for Ruby Penhaligon.

Step into the stunning Indigo Cove on the beautiful Cornish coast and lose yourself in a page-turning summer romance about second chances and creating your own kind of happiness. Perfect for fans of Nicola May, Sarah Morgan and Cathy Bramley.

Thirty-year-old Ruby is done with love: no more drama, no more complications, no more men. She’s living life for herself and that’s just the way she likes it. But her whole world is turned upside down when her grandmother calls to say her beloved pottery business is failing, and she might lose her beautiful little Cornish house by the sea. She needs Ruby to come back to Cornwall and save the day…

Returning to Indigo Cove stirs up memories Ruby would rather forget, but she’s determined to save her grandmother’s home. As the summer hots up so does the pressure on Ruby and she’s in need of a distraction. Although quite literally walking into Gabe Roskilly, the sexy and brooding owner of the local brewery, wasn’t part of her game plan.

Ruby tries to ignore her attraction to Gabe but it’s impossible to avoid the tall, dark, handsome stranger as Gabe is at the centre of village life. And when Ruby’s plans for the little Cornish house start to fall apart, she discovers Gabe might be the one person who can help her. Ruby’s promise to stay single is tested to the limit. But are Gabe’s intentions all good… or is Ruby about to get her heart broken again?

Can Ruby save her grandmother’s cottage and find true happiness this summer? Or will secrets from the past ruin everything?

My thoughts:

I think I’ve found my new favourite Donna Ashcroft read. This book has it all. Saucy romance, community spirit, family loyalty and even mystery.

I completely identified and sympathised with Ruby from the beginning, especially her feelings about her relationship with her father. I felt like we were completely on the same wavelength when it came to being let down by the one man you should actually be able to rely on.

Aside from that, Ruby is just generally a really loyal, lovely and determined character. I really wanted a happy ending for her, and one that she really deserved. I didn’t want her to settle for anyone who wasn’t able to prove they were deserving of her trust and commitment.

The mystery element to the story was also something that really kept my interest. The vandalism and threatening behaviour became increasingly intense, and it was absolutely vital that the community pulled together to work out who the culprit was. This is a twist you won’t see coming…

Overall, a gorgeous, escapist read, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Samantha Tonge and Rachel Dove.

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My attraction to this book was immediate for three reasons. Firstly, the gorgeous cover, especially the warm and romantic colours. Secondly, the intriguing title as I really didn’t know what a “meet cute” was. Finally, the author as I absolutely love Portia’s books.

Blurb:

Do movie romances ever happen in real life…?

Frankie doesn’t believe in true love. As relationships expert at popular magazine Stylife, she has learnt that dating disasters are far more common than happy ever afters.

So when she is tasked to find out if meet cutes can work in real life she is up for the challenge – but whether it’s being a damsel in distress with a flat tyre, or spilling coffee over a stranger, she isn’t convinced this can really lead to love.

But little does Frankie know that the ultimate meet cute opportunity is just around the corner. As she is whisked off her feet (all in the name of her work project of course…) perhaps true love isn’t just for the movies after all…?

Join bestseller Portia MacIntosh for a laugh-out-loud, feel-good summer read, guaranteed to whisk you away and put a smile on your face.

My thoughts:

I think I say this every time I read a new book by Portia, but I think this is my new fave. I absolutely loved it from start to finish.

This book is an excellent example of a perfect balance. Some moments are completely laugh out loud, such as when Frankie pretends to drown in a pool that’s only 4 ft deep, and others, especially towards the end of the book, that are really touching and heart-warming.

You’ve also got the balance of the hustle, bustle and challenge of dating and trying to meet people in London, followed by the far more relaxed and idyllic scenes from Hawaii.

Finally, Portia perfectly pitches a predictable romance story, but provides enough twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. There was one twist in particular that I didn’t see coming, but this then propels the plot forward and adds to thee tension as well as the entertainment.

I also feel that Portia brought the character of Frankie to life, as she was completely vibrant, funny, as well as likeable and relatable. I related to her desire to do well at work but also her loyalty to her own values and some of the other wonderful characters in the book.

Overall, a fantastic read to get me in the mood for lots of fun summer romance reads to come. I would highly recommend this addictive book and wonderful author to fans of Paige Toon, Holly Martin and Mary Jayne Baker. I simply can’t fault it.

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I was drawn to this book by the gorgeous, bright cover and the happy imagery created from this, and the title. Who wouldn’t like to live in a place called Lemon Drop Cottage?

Blurb:

Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

Lemon Drop Cottage: At first glance, Scott Harper is a shy artist who keeps himself to himself, but he isn’t the man everyone thinks he is. Scott has a secret. One that has kept him firmly away from any chance of having an intimate relationship. The only woman in his life is the one he talks to online but has never met. It’s easier that way, for them both.

Dolly Lynch has just taken over her aunt’s shop in Pepper Bay. Between looking after her teenage son, running around for her old aunt, moving home, and opening a new shop, she barely has time to herself, so she really appreciates the moments she spends talking online with a man she’s never met. Little does she know he’s the same man who lives just up the road in the cutest cottage she has ever seen.

My thoughts:

This is the 4th in a series, but as my first read by this author, I thought it worked brilliantly as a stand alone story. I was immediately immersed in the wonderful life of Pepper Bay and it’s lively, interesting residents.

There is nothing to dislike about this book. Although I found aspects of the main plot a little predictable, I loved meeting Dolly and Scott, getting to know them, their families and learning about their back stories.

The sub-plots involving Dolly’s business and the retirement home also provided another layer of interest and helped to re-inforce the idea of the close-knit, supportive community.

This was a read full of warmth and comfort, with a cast of likeable and vibrant cuaracters. I found myself getting into it straight away. I would recommend this book and author to fans of Holly Martin, Hannah Lynn and Rachel Dove.

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