Blood Runs Cold by Neil Lancaster
My Recommendation - 5 Stars
Wow, Neil has done it again, and has given us another masterpiece! I absolutely loved this Scottish crime thriller/police procedural. It is absolutely amazing!
Little Affi Smith has been through a lot in her life, and she continues to encounter bad experiences, with bad people, even with the good guys helping her. Will she be able to overcome this cycle, and have a happy ending?
Max Craigie, Janie Calder and Ross Fraser are back, investigating Affi's case. I really love this team when they work together, as they are so funny, especially Ross. He has me laughing out loud a lot. I love all three of them.
With trafficking, dirty cops, and brothels, the book is full of drama and action, being fast paced and addictive. If you love books by MW Craven, or if you love police procedurals like Line of Duty, then you will love this book! It is fantastic, and I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend Neil's other books in this series, which are all superb!
Also, if you get the chance to listen to Neil's books in audio version, then go for it, as they are amazing, especially the parts where the narrator is doing the voice of Ross Fraser! The narrator is perfect for these books.
I hope this series of books gets made into a TV series, it is that good. And, I can't wait for the next book!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, for a copy of this book.
Deadly Fate by Angela Marsons
My Recommendation - 5 Stars
I absolutely love Angela Marsons' Kim Stone police procedural books, and I have read nearly all of them, so I was super excited to get this one!
This is book 18 in this awesome series, and here we have a story about Detective Kim Stone, and her team of detectives - Bryant, Stacy and Penn, as well as pathologist and friend, Keats. I love this team, which are like a family to me, and I feel like I know them so well. I am always excited to meet up with them again in every book. I also love to hear about Kim's dog Barney, and Kim's home life, with her love of motorbikes.
The first case that Kim and her team are working on in this book starts off with a female psychic medium, who is found stabbed to death in a graveyard near a church. Later, a man is also found dead, and Kim and the team need to get their thinking caps on to find out who could have done this.
I really enjoyed the spiritual aspect of this book, and I found it very interesting to hear different perspectives about it.
This is a fantastic police/crime thriller, which I adored, and thoroughly enjoyed reading. It was fast paced, and full of action, tension, suspense, mystery and twists, which I loved. I also loved to hear about the characters personal lives, and their interactions with each other.
What I really want to know, after all this time, is why a TV production company have not yet called Angela to get this wonderful series on our TV screens? Hopefully this is something that will happen, as Kim needs to be on the big screen! People who don't read books are missing out on our wonderful Kim and her team!
I highly recommend this book, and all the other books in this amazing series, which you will love and adore. If you haven't yet picked up an Angela Marsons book, then please do so, as you are in for a huge treat!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
After That Night by Karin Slaughter
My Recommendation - 5 stars
I was so excited to get this crime thriller/police procedural book by Karin Slaughter, as she is one of my favourite authors, and I have read nearly all of her books and loved them. I loved this book too!
We are back again with our beloved Will, Sara, Faith and Amanda, where they are helping to solve a lot of cases that started years ago, and are still going on today. The cases are about violent rapes and sometimes deaths, that have occurred. They are linked to Sara's rape from fifteen years ago, and she sets out to find out how and why.
I love Will and Sara, and how they are romantically together, as well as how they work together. Adding in their dogs, Sara's family, Amanda, Faith and Faith's children, we are not only given a book about crime, but we also see medicine, family liaisons, friendships and love too. So, this is a book that has everything. It is fast paced, full of tension, mystery, secrets and suspense, and it will keep you hooked and engrossed until the end.
I really loved reading this book all weekend, and I enjoyed it very much. I was so thrilled to be able to read this book, and I highly recommend it. All Karin Slaughter fans will love it, especially as Will Trent is now on a TV Show, so he is more popular now. I have watched the first 3 episodes of the TV Show, and I highly recommend that too. I love Karin and all of her work, and I can't wait for her next book and the next episodes of Will Trent on TV!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash (Publication Date 30th March 2022)
My Recommendation - 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow, what can I say? I absolutely loved and adored this sweet, funny, cute, heartwarming, uplifting and delightful book! It is like a rainbow of mesmerising and inspiring energies caught up in words, which left me feeling happy, joyful, relaxed and uplifted, with a warm feeling in my heart. It was just pure bliss! It was so good that I read it all in one go as soon as I got it, because it just hooked me in, and then I couldn't put it down. I laughed out loud so much at the hilarious writing in the book. It is the funniest book I have ever read.
The story is about Meredith, who is nearly fifty years old, and is looking for a change in her life. On impulse, she buys a lighthouse in Cornwall with savings she inherited, which brings her more than she ever thought she could have. When she moves to her new local area, there are a few people who are not happy to see her, as well as lovely people who welcome and befriend her. One of these, a man called Clem, earns a special place in her heart after they form a wonderful friendship. Of course, there are a few rocky patches with Clem, getting the lighthouse up and running, and with the local villagers, but Meredith powers through, and tries to achieve her goals. There can't be a rainbow without a little bit of a storm, after all.
This is a really wonderful and amazing book, which has a fantastic catchy name, a beautiful vibrant cover, and a magical story set in a lovely place. What more could you want in a book? If you are looking for an easy to read romantic book which will fill you with sunshine and a warm glow, then this is the book for you! This is easily the best book I have read this year! Highly recommended! 🌈
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore by Jaimie Admans
My Recommendation: 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this women's fiction/romance book, which was just amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story is about a woman called Felicity who goes back to her hometown Lemmon Cove through her work, to try to convince the residents there to give up their local magic three hundred year old tree, so that her work bosses can use the land for property development. When she gets there, however, she meets her childhood sweetheart Ryan from fifteen years earlier, and the lovely local residents, who are all surrounding the tree to protect it. The tree is a wishing tree, and many people love and adore the tree, so they don't want it to be removed. Felicity gets close to Ryan, the residents and the tree, so she is unable to do her job. However, she doesn't tell Ryan about her job at first, so it all gets a bit messy when he finds out why she is really there. Will he be able to forgive her?
I really loved this story, especially the part about the tree, as I love trees and I feel a special connection with them. This book is so magical, special, heartwarming and uplifting, and I recommend it highly! I have read a lot of Jaimie's books, and they have all been amazing!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book..
All The Courage We Have Found by Carly Schabowski
My Recommendation - 4 stars
I loved this historical World War Two novel, which was so interesting and enjoyable. The book is set mainly in France, and we see the lives of Kasia, Elodie and Hugo, and how they come together to help people get through the war. The three of them have had hard lives, where they have lost loved ones, so they are grieving, but they are strong people who work together to bring light to others.
The book is exciting, thrilling, engrossing, heartbreaking, heartwarming and full of suspense. It will draw you in and keep you on edge, until the very last page.
The narrator of the book is amazing, and she did a great job.
I recommend this book highly!
I really like reading books like this, as they are eye opening, and they help me to appreciate my own life more, the people in my life, and all the things that I have.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Her First Child by Sheryl Browne. Narrated by Tamsin Kennard
My Recommendation - 4 stars
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, and the narrator was fantastic.
The story is about a woman called Eve and her family, and how the relationship with her Mum has been since she was a little girl. It is full of secrets and twists, which surprised me, especially the big reveal, which I hadn't guessed! This is the type of book where you just have to read on to find out what happens next, and then you get a big shock. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The Child of Ukraine by Tetyana Denford. Narrated by Stephanie Cannon
My Recommendation - 5 Stars
Wow, this is a really amazing and touching book, which I absolutely loved!
The narrator of the book was fantastic, and she had a beautiful voice.
I loved the story of Julia, and although her life was heartbreaking, it was also inspirational, and she was so brave and strong. The book starts off in 1940, in Ukraine, and we are shown Julia as she travels to Germany, Italy, Australia and America.
This is actually based on a true story, and I found it fascinating, emotional, heart wrenching and heartwarming.
I recommend this book very highly, as it is really wonderful!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Santa and My Five Wishes by Omotayo Madojutimi
My Recommendation - 5 stars
This is an amazing, heartwarming, emotional and sweet children's Christmas book, which would make a perfect gift for any child at this time of the year.
My daughter and I absolutely loved it, and my daughter said that we have to give the book 5 stars! She enjoyed it as her bed time story last night.
The book has really beautiful graphics, and easy to read text.
The story is about a little girl called Sarah who is living at home with her Mum, and over the Christmas season they do a lot of things together and they are close. Sarah has five wishes for Santa, but she can't tell her Mum what they are. When the big day comes, will Sarah get all five of her wishes granted?
This is a wonderful book which has great lessons, one of them being that it is not always material gifts that children want for Christmas. Sometimes it is the simple things in life that are the best gift for them, or the presence of a precious family member.
My daughter and I recommend this book highly, and we both give it a well deserved 5 stars!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Snowed In For Christmas by Sarah Morgan
My recommendation - 5 stars
Wow, I really adored this wonderful Christmas romance, which was just heartwarming and amazing!
Lucy goes to snowy Scotland to try and get a business deal from Ross Miller, and what she finds is just beautiful. She finds a gorgeous family who are celebrating Christmas in every way possible. The Miller family have all joined together for Christmas, and with them comes the usual family dramas, but also a lot of love, emotional outpourings, and togetherness.
Ross, along with Alice and Clemmie have a big part in the story, and we see their own stories too. They, along with their Mum and Dad, are just all so sweet and loveable. The best character in the story, however, is the wonderful Nanna Jean. She is the best character I have ever read in a story. She is just so adorable and sweet, and so kind and loving. I loved her!
Lucy is so lucky to have been put in with the Miller family, and she has a lovely time with them. As she has no family of her own, she is so grateful to be cared about, and have these beautiful people around her.
I loved this book so much, and it is one of my favourite books of 2022! I highly recommend it, as it warmed my heart on a cold winter's day, and it brought a big smile to my face.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk
My recommendation - 4 stars
I enjoyed this funny Christmas romance, and I laughed a lot during it.
Gwen is the main character in this cosy story. After being cheated on, thrown out of her house and having a problem with her job, she is feeling down in the dumps. She goes back home to her family for Christmas, to heal her heart and try and find some fun. It doesn't go quite as she has planned, and of course, chaos follows her. But as the story unfolds, happiness awaits her. Just how long will it take for her to find it?
Gwen has a neighbour called Dev, who is a childhood friend. He helps her, and they have a fun friendship together. Will they be able to have more than this?
This is a light hearted, yet emotional, funny story, with lovely characters, which will have you laughing and crying at the same time. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The Christmas Holiday by Phillipa Ashley
My recommendation - 5 stars
I absolutely loved this Christmas read, and I think it is one of my favourite Christmas books of this year.
Krys and her boyfriend have hired a beautiful house for a few weeks, before Christmas. On their way there, disaster strikes, and a lovely man called Max comes to their rescue, by helping them and offering that they stay with him for an overnight, as they are not able to get to the holiday house. Afterwards, the boyfriend, Brett, goes to London for work, and Krys is left alone, so she soon gets to work helping around the village, and chatting to everyone. Max keeps appearing beside her, and Brett has still not come back. Krys is an expert in Christmas, and she is known as Mrs Christmas, so she becomes quite popular with the locals, and she helps to raise the Christmas cheer for everyone. What will happen between her and Max?
This is a wonderful Christmas book, which is easy to read, and it is full of love, Christmas sparkles, romance, and joy. If you are looking for a Christmas book to read, then this is the one for you! You won't be disappointed.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The Christmas Castle In Scotland by Julie Caplin
My Recommendation - 4 stars
This is such a fun, Christmas romance, which I really enjoyed, after I was drawn in by the beautiful cover.
Izzy is the main character in this cosy, feel-good story. She has inherited a castle in bonny Scotland, from her great uncle, and when she goes to the castle, she isn't expecting to find a gorgeous, hunky man there, but that is what she finds. At first, she is annoyed that he is there, then she finds out that her Mum has let him live there temporarily. She eventually warms to him, and they become friends.
The other characters in this story are lovely, and I enjoyed reading about them, as well as the gorgeous scenery, the castle, and all the yummy food and Christmas delights.
I also listened to some of this book by audiobook, and I enjoyed the Scottish accents. I am Scottish myself, so it was easier for me to listen to the Scottish accents.
I highly recommend this book, and the audiobook, which are both amazing, and I look forward to reading more books by this author!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
Wow, I was really touched by this amazing book, which is so heartwarming and moving. It is one of my favourite books of this year! I just loved it so much!
Lily, who is a winemaker and who lives in the UK, gets a parcel from her grandmother, which contains information about what happened to her in her past. Lily goes to Italy to make wine, and there she meets Antonio, who she gets close to. He helps her find out what happened to her Grandmother. I really enjoyed this part of the story.
We are also told about a timeline in the past, starting in 1945, where a young girl called Estee, who is a ballerina in Italy, falls for a young boy called Felix, but they have to be separated, as he is promised to another girl. Estee joins a well known ballet company, and performs for them for years, although she always misses Felix, and she always feels like something is missing from her life. Eventually, her and Felix are reunited, but problems occur, and misunderstandings are present. Will they be able to finally get together and have their happy ending? This was my favourite part of the story. I really loved Estee, and I felt connected to her.
The audiobook narrator Zoe did a marvellous job with this book. Her voice was perfect, and her work was outstanding.
I really loved this book a lot, and I highly recommend it. I really is so amazing, and wonderful, and it gave me all the feels. It was just so emotional, and so uplifting. It was perfect, and I can't fault it at all. I am sure this book will go on to be a best seller.
Many thanks to the author/narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
I really adored this book, it was just so amazing! It is a historical fiction book, set in England in 1943 to begin with.
Gwenna is a lovely lady, who takes in a little Jewish refugee girl called Lotti, after her mother is killed. Lotti is such a sweet, gentle, sensitive and amazing child, and I really loved her a lot. I loved Gwenna too, and also Max, who is a German prisoner of war who comes to work on Gwenna's farm. Together, the three of them work well together, and I really loved getting to know them and learning all about their lives.
I found this a really sweet story, although it was also heartbreaking at times, and emotional.
The audiobook narrator was perfect for the story, and she did a great job. I loved her voice, and I could listen to her all day long.
This is a wonderful book, which I recommend highly! If you love Kristin Hannah's books, you will love this one too!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 4 stars
I enjoyed this women's fiction book, which is about a woman called Charlotte who is on a quest to have a baby. At first, she is trying to have a baby with her boyfriend of ten years, but they split up, and she meets another man, who she finally has a baby with. But all is not what it seems, as she soon gets a big shock when she finds out exactly who this man is. Later in the book, once her baby is born, she has to make some difficult decisions regarding his health, and her friendships.
I found this story very interesting, although there were a few times when I thought that some of the situations seemed a bit unbelievable. However, it was still a good book, and I really enjoyed listening to it. The audiobook narrator was great, and she did a good job. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
This book is such a Christmas treat, which will fill you up with love, happiness, cheer, delight and joy, as it warms your heart on a cold winter's day. If you love Christmas books set in Ireland, with a wonderful audiobook narrator who portrays a fantastic Irish accent, then this is the book for you!
Shannon is sad after a breakup, and so she goes back to Ireland to see her family. While she is there, she has a good time with her family and friends, and she also meets an American man called James, who she bonds well with. This is a lovely story, with beautiful scenery and gorgeous characters. With hot chocolate, twinkling lights, Christmas decorations and goodies galore, this delightful book will entertain you and fill you with light this winter season.
I really loved and adored this book, and it really cheered me up, as it is uplifting and full of humour. I recommend it highly. If there is one book you have to buy this Christmas, then this is the one! You won't be disappointed!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
I loved this psychological thriller, which is about Elena, who is in an abusive marriage with Jackson. She has a daughter called Phoebe, and she thinks she has a perfect life because she has all the material things she has always dreamed of, but when she finds out what has happened to other women and girls who Jackson has had in his life, she is terrified. She sets out to expose Jackson, but everywhere she turns, there are always people who are protecting him. She must find another way to break free and save herself and Phoebe.
This was a great story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also loved the audiobook narrator, who was amazing. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
This is a wonderful romantic/fantasy/paranormal/mystery story which is set in France, and I really enjoyed it!
Ari is heartbroken as her boyfriend Simon died a few years previously, after breaking up with her in a letter. Now she is in France, and there she meets Rafael, who is the great nephew of Madame du Lac. Madame du Lac thinks that there is a water witch in the region, who has placed a curse there. Ari and Rafael set out to find out as much as they can about this, so that they can try to break the curse. Ari is an archeologist of the oceans, and she is in her glory as she investigates the water witch and the goings on in the area. Her and Rafael get close, and they make a great team.
I found this book really fascinating and enjoyable, and I also loved the audiobook narrator. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
This is another wonderful and engrossing book from Jeffrey Archer, which I loved. I whizzed through it, as it was fast paced and full of action, which kept me excited and eager to read on.
The story is set in the 1980's, which I found very interesting. William Warwick is a chief police inspector, and, along with his team, he is sent to investigate the Royal Protection Unit who are protecting the Royal Family in England. I found this really fascinating.
There was a lot of things going on in this book, and lots of different plots and stories. Reading this book is much like eating a huge meal that has lots of rich and varied ingredients, which leave a pleasant after taste and a feeling of full satisfaction.
This is a great book which I highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 4 stars
I was happy to be back at Mermaid's Point again in this lovely, cute, emotional, feel good story. I really enjoyed the book, and it left me feeling uplifted.
This time, Ivy and Alex's story is at the forefront. Ivy's Mum has passed away, and we are all right behind her as she tries to come to terms with this, as well as some upset from her Dad. Alex comes to help her, and we are then shown how the two of them get on.
It was nice to catch up with all the Mermaid's Point characters again, and I am now excited to read the next book in the series, to see what happens next. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
This is a really enjoyable psychological thriller, which kept me engrossed from the start, and kept me reading fast until the end.
Caroline moves from Australia to England to live with her new husband Seb, and his family, and from there she is confronted with many shocking situations, which annoy her and leave her wondering just what is going on with this family she has been married into.
Everywhere she goes, there seems to be someone out to get her, and she doesn't know who to trust. She wonders why Seb didn't tell her he used to be married before, and that his ex wife is now dead. She is confused to why everyone is keeping secrets from her. Can she trust her husband, her mother in law, and the other family members? Or should she be wary and looking over her shoulder at all times?
I loved this book, especially with the audiobook narrator Katie giving a great performance and keeping the book full of drama, suspense and tension at a wonderful pace. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 4 stars
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, with the main character of Megan. Megan has mental health problems, and she wakes up in a hospital looking for her baby boy that she knew she had given birth to. Her husband and family tell her that this baby boy doesn't exist. But Megan is determined to prove them wrong.
The book is full of twists and turns, and secrets galore, as we follow Megan around while she tries to get to the bottom of what is going on. Who can she trust? She misses her baby, but where is he? Why is everyone telling her lies?
I loved the audiobook narrator, as she had a nice voice, which suited the story well.
This is a really great thriller, which will keep you engrossed, and wanting to read on to find out what happens next. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
Wow, this is a superb historical fiction book, set in France in 1944, during World War 2. I absolutely loved it, and I really enjoyed it.
Marianne is part of the resistance, and as a secret agent, we are taken on an adventure with her as she goes against Hitler's men, with the help of some friends. We are shown her falling in love with her fiance Jack, and them having to separate, as they both play important roles in the war. Later in the story, Marianne can't trust Jack, as she thinks he is working for the other side, but is he, or is he still on her side? Will brave and strong Marianne be able to survive and fulfil her role?
This story is really fascinating, inspiring, heartbreaking and shocking, and it really kept me engrossed as I listened to the wonderful audiobook narrator telling the story.
I look forward eagerly to the 2nd book in this series, which comes out on the 23rd of November 2022.
I highly recommend this book, it is really amazing!
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My Recommendation - 4 stars
This is a psychological thriller, which is about Lauren, who is pregnant. She has a midwife called Jackie, who seems very invested in Lauren's pregnancy. Why is Jackie so interested in her and her baby. Is she all that she seems, or should Lauren be suspicious of her? I liked Lauren, and I was rooting for her and her baby, especially at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book, which had a great narrator who kept me focused on the story.
I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My Recommendation - 5 stars
I was so happy to get this book, as I have loved Neil's previous two Max Craigie books. This book is a police procedural set in Scotland (the third in the series), with Max Craigie the policeman as the main character. Janie and Ross are his police buddies, and the three of them make a great team. Ross is hilarious, and he made me laugh all the way through. Together, they investigate some murders, and they uncover a lot of secrets.
I really loved this book, and I was kept entertained right until the very end. It was thrilling, suspenseful, engaging, shocking and funny, and it kept me engrossed throughout. I also listened to the audiobook version of the book alongside this ebook, and it was tremendous. The voice actor was superb and he did a great job. Ross' voice is really funny in the audio. I highly recommend both the ebook version and the audiobook version, as both are fantastic!
I said this last year as well: Neil Lancaster is one to watch out for, as he is so talented, and I know that his books will be bestsellers! I love this series so much, and I can't wait for the next book!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.