Book Review - Lessons by Jenny Colgan

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Title: Lessons 

Author: Jenny Colgan

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 3rd September 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Lessons is the third novel in Jenny Colgan's beloved Maggie Adair series.

As the summer holidays start, scandal hits Downey House. The attraction between Maggie Adair, the fiery, committed English teacher at Downey House and David McDonald, a teacher at the local boys' school, has escalated - and now both are facing an uncertain future.

The girls of Downey House - mercurial Fliss, glamorous Alice and shy, dependable Simone - are facing long summers at home. But the new term is not far away - and it will bring new pupils and lots of fresh new challenges . . .

It feels like forever since I read Class and Rules the first two books in the Maggie Adair series, thus is took me a small while to get back into the swing of things. 

Before long though the halls of Downey House were as familiar as ever, the girls in the third form felt familiar and I was thoroughly enjoying all the antics that went on in this school year. 

With it starting just shortly after book 2's cliff hanger ending, we are catapulted back into Maggie's personal dilemma, and with the old fashioned values at both Downey House and Downey Boys for David, it soon became apparent nothing would ever be simple. 

While mentioning cliff hangers, come on Jenny Colgan give us the fourth form already, I NEED to know what happens after the last page of this one! 

This really does have the Malory Towers for adults vibe to it, it felt reading it just how I did, when I read Malory Towers as a child, as I've always love a boarding school story.  This is just such a fabulous book and I loved everything about it. 

Of course it is bang up to date and it does tackle issues that are likely to common in schools everywhere nowadays.  I also enjoyed seeing what was doing on with David and just how he is getting on after the rather shaky incident at the start of the book. 

Originally published in 3 parts, I read this lovely combined paperback which meant I could just devour the whole of the school year in pretty much one sitting.  I love a Jenny Colgan book and this was another excellent addition to the series and I look forward to hopefully seeing a full set of 6 books just like Malory Towers one day for this series. 

Book Review - A Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley

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Title: A Patchwork Family

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 19th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Gina Moss is single and proud. She's focused on her thriving childminding business, which she runs from her cottage at the edge of The Evergreens: a charming Victorian home to three elderly residents who adore playing with the kids Gina minds. To Gina, they all feel like family.

Then a run-in (literally) with a tall, handsome American stranger gives her the tummy-flutters... Before a tragedy puts her older friends at risk of eviction - and Gina in charge of the battle to save them. The house sale brings her closer to Dexter, one of the owners - and the stranger who set her heart alight.

As the sparks fly between them, Gina carries on fighting for her friends, her home and her business. But can she fight for her chance at love - and win it all, too?

A Patchwork Family was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

There were happy tears in my eyes by the end of this fabulous book. 

But before you get to that point, you are treated to such a wonderful story, which has so many threads to it, and quite a few surprises too. 

Gina is just a really lovely main character and she is determined to not let anyone evict her, or her elderly friends for their homes, much less the impact it has on her childminding business. 

I'm not sure if I should be telling how wonderful the pensioners that live at Evergreens are, especially Bing who I really do have a soft spot for.  Or how adorable the children are in Gina's friends for you get to know so many of them. 

Including the new family Cat with her twins Lily and Isobel, who with Gina's care seem to come on leaps and bounds. 

There are new friendships being formed all over the book, and I loved the various activities Gina did with her charges, Paige who is Gina's friend and also a childminder providing some contrast. 

I always love it authors include characters from their previous books, and specifically it was fabulous to catch up with the Lemon Tree Cafe gang, and seeing what they are up to nowadays. This is 100% a standalone book, but fans of the author will potentially recognise and enjoy catching up with old friends. 

Originally this was published in 4 parts and  I love the way each part ends with just enough of a hook for me to be turning the pages frantically to start the next part. For I had to know what would happen next. 

My mind has gone to mush trying to thinks of more words than just fabulous, but that is what this book truly is.  I always love a Cathy Bramley and this was no exception. another gem by this always talented author. 

Book Review - Taste of Fury by M. A. Comley

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Title: Taste of Fury

Author: M. A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 21st March 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Does time ever truly heal an aching heart?

DI Katy Foster and her partner, DS Charlie Simpkins arrive at a crime scene where the victim has been torched in his own vehicle.

But who is the killer and what is their motive?

Over the course of a week, several more men are murdered and Katy is put under severe stress to find the culprit when clues are sparse and the crimes are happening frequently.

Until finally, a suspect emerges with a heartbreaking motive and a truly wicked agenda.

Giving up their weekend off to try to locate the suspect, leaves Katy and Charlie reeling when a child goes missing in connection with the investigation.

With a child’s fate in their hands, Katy and Charlie are thrust into a dangerous race against the clock.

Another really engaging case for Katy and Charlie to work on. 

In fact it take a while for the police to work out what was made obvious to the reader, and this time we also got to know the killer's name, motives, family life and glimpses into their mind too.  Which is rather fascinating if not just slightly disturbing,. 

What interests me most about this series is the dynamics between Katy and Charlie and seeing how they evolve, and after years of Katy being in Lorne's shadow it is still a few books in so weird to see her as the more experienced, dominant detective of the partnership.  

And the insights into Katy and AJ's relationship, are startling to someone who has been rooting for them for well I lose track of how many books by now! 

This is a book well and truly set in 2021 and has a few references to last year, and also impressively mentioning President Biden, so always nice to see its up to date. Apparently this has proven that I can cope with references to the pandemic in crime books, but not in the other genres I tend to read, probably due to expectation, which is a bit of a relief for me. 

I always enjoying seeing just what dastardly crimes M. A. Comley will come up with next for her villains and I really did enjoy seeing Katy and Charlie trying to solve this one.   

Another good addition to this series. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander

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Title: The Littlest Library

Author: Poppy Alexander

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 18th March 2021 

Rating: 4 Stars

It's only the beginning of her story...

Jess Metcalf is perfectly happy with her quiet, predictable life - it's just the way she likes it. But when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library, her life is turned upside-down.

Packing up her grandmother's books, she moves to a tiny cottage in a charming country village. To her surprise, Jess finds herself the owner of an old red telephone box, too - and she soon turns it into the littlest library around!

It's not long before the books are borrowed and begin to work their magic - somehow, they seem to be bringing the villagers together once more...

Maybe it's finally time for Jess to follow her heart and find a place to call home?

A lovely gentle book, about finding yourself, and bringing a community together.  

Jess is a rather unassuming character, she is lacking in confidence, and is rather set in her ways and has what to others at least would be described as a rather small life, very few friends, doesn't do that much.  Then she loses her job and her grandmother Mimi dies and she ends up taking a long drive, and finds a house in a small village she can't resist purchasing. 

Which is the catalyst for everything in her life changing and I loved seeing Jess evolve over the course of the book. Her character development is gradual but perhaps all the more realistic for it.  She unintentionally ends up as the hub of her new community, after setting up a small library in the telephone box outside her new home. 

From that she starts to make friends, has a crush on someone although isn't sure whether she is brave enough to pursue romance, and starts to really feel quite happy.   It's not plain sailing at all, but I absolutely loved how she and the books get into the community, and the way she is pivotal to loads of positive changes in the villagers. 

I really enjoyed the writing and the sentiments of the story.  It's just an all around pleasurable book to enjoy. and I found myself wishing I could be part of the community there myself. 

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - The Ticklemore Tattler by Liz Davies

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Title: The Ticklemore Tattler

Author: Liz Davies

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied Copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 31st March 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Sometimes you have to write your own future…

The life of former journalist Juliette Seymour has been quiet and unassuming. Up until now, she’s been concentrating on running the local newspaper and raising her daughter.

But all that is about to change when Juliette is informed that the Ticklemore Tattler is to fold and that she’ll be out of a job. She begins to wonder whether she can buy the newspaper and try to make a go of it herself.

Aware that she needs some advice she contacts Oliver Pascoe, little knowing that when her old colleague re-enters her life, his help isn’t the only thing she wants him for!

As she begins to fall in love, however, what she doesn’t realise is that Oliver has something he’s keeping from her.

A gorgeously uplifting story, perfect for fans of Holly Hepburn, Heidi Swain, and Isabelle Broom.

Well I just loved this book, was so great to be back in Ticklemore, amongst some familiar characters but from a new perspective. 

For this time Juliette is our heroine,  and she is dealt a blow when she is told the Ticklemore Tattler is going to be closed.  She is the Tattler, well everything for the paper other than the owner, but it also as the the catalyst for all manner of changes in her life. 

I was kept on my toes a bit during this, and there was at least one moment where I gasped out loud as I hadn't seen something coming, not that I can tell you more or it would kind of spoil the surprise. 

This can easily be read as a standalone book as it features new main characters, but we do get to catch up the always impressive Hattie, who is a force to be reckoned with once again.  She is still a fabulous character, so if well worth reading the first book in this series just to see Hattie at her best! 

Ah yes back to Juliette's plans to see if she can buy the newspaper. I enjoyed seeing the community support, and just what ideas they were coming up with to try to save a local newspaper, given newspapers are a losing popularity continually. 

And Oliver, a blast from Juliette's past, but there is an instant connection there, and I loved the chapters from his focus, as they show all the best qualities of his character. 

This was such an enjoyable story that I was very happy to lose myself within the pages of.  I always tend to enjoy Liz Davies' books and this was no exception.  And based on the backmatter it sounds as though this won't be the last time we visit Ticklemore which has me very excited for what may be coming in the future! 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - A Postcard From Paris by Alex Brown - Blog Tour

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Title: A Postcard From Paris

Author: Alex Brown

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 15th April 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Annie Lovell is keen to put the spark back into her life and when her elderly neighbour inherits an abandoned Parisian apartment she goes to Paris to discover more. Her curiosity takes an unexpected turn on discovering a bundle of secret diaries hidden within the walls, detailing the life of a young English woman, Beatrice Crawford, who volunteered in 1916 to nurse the soldiers in the fields of France.

 

Captivated by the romantic City of Light, Annie realises first appearances are not always as they seem. Following Beatrice’s journey from the Great War, through the Roaring Twenties and to a very different life in Nazi-occupied Paris, Annie must piece together the events from the past, if she is to fulfil the legacy that Beatrice left for her to find…

Given I'm not a fan of history, based on the blurb I was to be honest reluctantly intending to pass this book by, despite being by one of my favourite authors, as I really wasn't sure I would enjoy it. but then I was invited onto the blog tour and the publicist must have caught me in a daring mood, as skipping an Alex Brown book never fully sat right with me, and so I agreed to read and review. 

What I can say instantly is that I am so thankful Jen Harlow gave me the opportunity to be a part of this tour, as the book is totally amazing, and there was plenty to keep my interest and have me hooked. 

Although initially the first chapter I would have perhaps been set in the present day, it did give us a wonderful introduction to Beatrice Crawford, who the more we get to know her throughout the book, the more impressive this lady becomes. 

She was living in France, and then more importantly Paris itself during both World Wars, and we get glimpses of her life from 1916, through the roaring twenties, and into mid 40s,  where well I can't tell you, but just wow.  

Beatrice though has left her apartment to Joanie, who is Annie's neighbour and friend, but no one knows why, so Annie goes to Paris to find out about this inheritance for Joanie, and in doing so alters the course of her own life too. 

Annie's daughter Phoebe initially was against the trip and a few of their early exchanges had me rolling my eyes and laughing out loud at just how Phoebe was trying to portray her mother.  Annie also on her first night in Paris, makes 2 new friends and they become a fabulous trio who are all invested in trying to discover the truth about this apartment. 

A lot of Beatrice's story is told within various diary entries, drip fed to the reader as and when needed, and what was evident to me is just how much research Alex Brown must have done to make these diary entries as authentic as they seemed. Even though I'm clearly more of a fan of present day plots, I was fascinated by the life Beatrice was living in wartime France, and found myself with great admiration for the woman. 

Oh and I was also happy to see how Tindledale fitted into the story, the village from some of the authors previous books, that I've always enjoyed! 

I didn't guess the outcomes on any of the mysteries, and I feel as though I definitely learnt things too. 

What this has said to me, is don't judge a book by its blurb, always trust a favourite author will have your back and tell you a story that you want to hear, and that this is one seriously impressive book.  I should never have had doubts in the first place, but I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, its so well written and really did capture my attention from early on, and found it was compelling to read as normal. 

Thank you to Jennifer Harlow at Harper Collins for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,. 

Please do follow along with the rest of the blogs on this tour, for more about this fabulous book

Book Review - Chasing The Italian Dream by Jo Thomas - Blog Tour

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Title: Chasing The Italian Dream

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 8th April 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A summer escape she'll never forget . . .

Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents' house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna's mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home.

But she's shocked to learn that her grandfather is retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will need to sell. Lucia can't bear the thought of the place changing hands - especially when she discovers her not-quite-ex-husband Giacomo wants to take it over!

Then bad news from home forces Lucia to re-evaluate what she wants from life. Is this her chance to carry on the family tradition and finally follow her dreams?

Perfect escapism from the author of Escape to the French Farmhouse and The Honey Farm on the Hill.

Imagine the scents and cosiness from your favourite family run Italian restaurant, the garlic, the pizza dough, the warmth and love, the top quality ingredients, and the knowledge you are about to get a good meal. 

Well with Chasing The Italian Dream I had the feeling throughout the book, but with the anticipation of a good story instead of a meal.  

For this story is homemade, traditional style pizza on a plate, combined with a story that is fighting against the traditions of a small town in Southern Italy, the contrasts between that traditional pizza making processes and also the future - I mean there is a mention of a deconstructed pizza! 

It's about the network of Nonna's that are clearly the hearts and brains of their families finally trying to gain some recognition, whereas its normally the men that get the credit. 

This is Jo Thomas at her very best, I felt transported to Nonno's restaurant, I could picture it so clearly, and the pull in directions between Giacomo and Lucia, both fighting to be allowed to take over the restaurant once Nonno retires.  I could smell the food coming off the pages of my kindle, I felt transported to places I've not been for ages due to this pandemic. 

I feel as though I have spent the past day or so in Southern Italy as I was that absorbed in the story and transported between the pages of the book.   It's another masterclass of food and travel  armchair escapism from one of the best, Jo Thomas!   A wonderful book and perfect to escape the misery of lockdown and vaccine side effects. 

Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Please do follow along with the rest of the blog tour:

Book Review - Flying Duo by Zoe May

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Title: Flying Duo

Author: Zoe May

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 1st March 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

London lawyer Rachel Watson has wound up in an Indian ashram with hippy heartthrob lover, Seb.

A high-achiever, Rachel has always lived life according to her Life List, ticking off goals along the way. But now that she's in India, Rachel is going with the flow, or at least trying to...

Rachel's visa is running out and it's time to decide whether her relationship with Seb is a holiday romance or built to last.

The pair embark on a trip to Nepal for an Everest base camp trek, but will their relationship survive this gruelling expedition or is it time to part ways?

★ Flying Duo is the second romantic comedy in the 'Flying' series, following on from bestseller, Flying Solo. If you are looking for escapist women's fiction, Flying Duo is offers a heartwarming romance in classic feel-good, funny chicklit style. It guarantees armchair adventure during lockdown. ★

Pure escapism! I loved it. 

Do I really need to say more?

Given we are still in lockdown as I read this, and my desire to travel is sky high at the moment, I can honestly say that as much I really enjoyed Rachel and Seb's trip to Nepal,  you still wouldn't catch me doing what they were up to and trekking Mount Everest's base camp!! 

Oh I completely admire our heroes for doing so, I loved the people they met on their travels, but there is something about hiking the wilds, blood sucking leeches and rickety bridges a large heights that frankly terrify me in real life terms! 

But fictionally I was all for it and completely caught up with our intrepid duo as they not only dealt with those tricky circumstances, but also subjects like is this just a holiday romance, or is there a longer term future,  and dealing with a rather flirtatious travel companion too. 

I couldn't believe how fast the pages were going past, I was enjoying it so much, and given my only other experience of a book set in Nepal, frankly I just wanted to make sure that Rachel and Seb stayed alive til the end of the book!! I know its a rom com but stranger things have happened and it is a rather unusual setting. 

And what a setting it is, besides the dangerous elements, I did get a real feel for the trek, and also Nepal too, and there is a laugh out loud conversation where Rachel attempts to get the group onto a bus heading to base camp! 

Set shortly after Flying Solo finishes, I do think this could work as a standalone as the key background is mentioned, on the other hand its a great series being formed, and it would be a shame to miss out of on Flying Solo! 

If you need some armchair travel that is slightly more off the beaten track, or adventurous than the norm, then this is the book you need in your life! 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Mr Right Across The Street by Kathryn Freeman

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Title: Mr Right Across The Street

Author: Kathryn Freeman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 22nd January 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Mia Abbott’s move to Manchester was supposed to give her time and space from all the disastrous romantic choices she’s made in her past. But then the hot guy who lives opposite – the one who works out every day at exactly 10 a.m., not that Mia has noticed thank-you-very-much – starts leaving notes in his window…for her.

Bar owner Luke Doyle has his own issues to deal with but as he shows Mia the sites of her new city he also shows her what real romance looks like for the first time. And when he cooks up a signature cocktail in her honour, she realises that the man behind the bar is even more enticing than any of his creations. And once she’s had a taste she knows it will never be enough!

Absolutely loved the initial meeting between Mia and Luke, it is clear they have chemistry from the off, and just as clear that Kathryn Freeman is up to her normal fabulous levels of banter between our leads. 

Every conversation had me smiling and they had a unique way of communicating too which made a difference and added a different dimension to the book. 

And we slowly discover that despite first appearances that Luke may not be the sex obsessed ladies man that he comes across as, and that there is a real vulnerability to him and that he has hidden depths. 

And then there is Mia, who is a bit of a nerd, and who I could relate to in many ways, especially the take me as you see me approach and not continually bothering with what she is wearing or make up etc..  I also like her would have struggled to believe it if a "cool guy" was interested in me! 

I also loved the different colours Mia was dying her streaks and the various nicknames that Luke was coming up with for her. 

And the non dates that Luke and Mia go on as friends are really imaginative and give the reader as well as Mia a look at some of the hidden gems of places to go to in Manchester, as he is a part tour guide, since Mia has only just moved to Manchester from Somerset. 

It's just a really enjoyable romance where when we finally get a sex scene, well it was enough to make me hot under the collar,  It had me smiling throughout and it was just a pleasure to read. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Therapist by B A Paris

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Title: The Therapist

Author: B A Paris

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 15th April 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating, grisly secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbours are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

The million-copy Sunday Times bestselling author B A Paris returns to her heartland of gripping psychological suspense in this powerful tale of a house that holds a shocking secret.

Well I was completely flummoxed by this book.  I had no clue what to think and was utterly shock when the truth was revealed. 

I suspect though that starting a book where Alice and Leo think someone has come into their new house at night, but not causing anything more than an unsettling feeling, when I was in bed late at night may not have been my smartest idea, as I didn't get the best nights sleep on the back of reading the first few chapters. 

The Circle is a gated community of 12 houses, and Alice and Leo have moved into, and Alice is keen to make friends with her new neighbours whereas Leo doesn't seem as bothered. I'm not sure why but every time The Circle was mentioned I had pictures of the addictive Channel 4 programme of the same name in my head, and in fairness that is a similarly claustrophobic circle! 

I found I was second guessing everything, I wasn't sure who to trust apart from Alice, who is our main character and I was happy to believe everything she was saying. Like Alice I would have also freaked out had I discovered that the previous owner of the house had been murdered in the house, although whether I would have tried to get to the bottom of whether it really was the husband that did it, or not is another matter! 

At times I was completely convinced I had figured it out, only to discover I was of course wrong. Certainly a story that drew me in, and kept me on my toes, which is what I have come to expect from an author as talented as B A Paris. 

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,