Book Review - If Every Day Was Christmas by Donna Ashcroft

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Title: If Every Day Was Christmas

Author: Donna Ashcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 9th October 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

Snow is falling, fires are crackling merrily, and Lockton tradition has everyone hanging a promise they’re determined to keep this Christmas on the tree in the village square…

Meg Scott has promised to make a success of her first solo Christmas. She runs a year-round Christmas shop in the little Scottish village, and is a fan of all things mulled, sparkly and festive. So when her warring family shows up on her doorstep, ready to spread discord and tension, Meg is determined not to let them ruin her favourite time of the year.

Meanwhile, Christmas-hating Tom Riley-Clark has been called to the Highlands to help his old friend at The Apple Cross Inn. He’s ready to work hard and has no time for mince pies, tinsel or hanging a promise on the tree: the thought of every day being Christmas is his worst nightmare, and you wouldn’t catch him dead buying a bauble. So everyone is surprised when Christmas-loving Meg and grinch Tom start to get cozy under the mistletoe.

But Tom has a big secret about his past, and in a small town like Lockton it’s hard to keep anything hidden for long. Will everything fall apart when Meg discovers who he really is? The pair are about to learn the hard way that some promises are impossible to keep…

It’s time to curl up for an enchanting festive romance about learning to trust yourself, taking chances and not being afraid to fall in love. Perfect for fans of Nicola May, Debbie Macomber and Milly Johnson.

I was definitely drawn to this book by its title, and rather lovely cover. What I didn't realise until I was quite early on, but already hooked, was that I had a sneaking feeling this wasn't the first book set in Lockton. 

So quick glance on Amazon confirmed my suspicions, which definitely explained the references to things I'm sure happened in the previous book, which would be great reminders for those that read it, but just slightly weird to anyone like me that hasn't - as they felt like memory prompts rather than designed to fill in missing gaps. 

But that was only with regards Lockton and the other villagers, I had no such misgivings about Megan and Toms' story. 

Ok, so was a bit dubious about Tom initially but that's only because he makes it clear he doesn't like Christmas, whereas as I'm a huge fan of the season, I was instantly interested in Megan's story as she runs a Christmas all year shop and is full of spark and joy. 

Although I say joy, but really she'd rather spend Christmas alone, than deal with her family again, as her parents seem to get on only on Christmas day but not the rest of the year, and she doesn't seem to know her younger sister that well at all.   So it was rather fraught when the family descended on her for most of December. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Megan and Tom, and getting to the root of Tom's secrets. It is an easy story to lose yourself within, and I found it to be a rather quick read, that was really enjoyable. 

I enjoyed the village of Lockton, their Christmas Promise tree is rather special, and there are various animals popping up here and there, all of which I wanted as pets, including the most apt animals for this time of year! 

It's just a really lovely book with a great feel to it, and I really shouldn't' leave it as long before I read another book by Donna Ashcroft. 

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

Book Review - Cold Mercy by M. A. Comley

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Title: Cold Mercy

Author: M. A. Comley 

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 21st November 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Murder is on the cards…

And someone with a sinister agenda emerges from the shadows.

Detective Inspector Sara Ramsey and her team have a tough case to solve when a farmer’s car explodes, killing his wife.

Was this a simple accident? Or is there something far more malevolent afoot? If so, who could possibly be responsible?

Recent threats against the farmer surface, which throws the investigation into a spin.

The community is in shock and fearing for their lives in this fast-paced thriller, where clues are minimal and the tension is high.

Have I mentioned lately what an evil genius M.A. Comley really is? I was completely stumped with this one. 

When you start off with a car exploding, a wife dying, and then before the end of the day, two other major things to investigate, all in a small rural farming community, and you have to wonder how on earth the team can work out what is happening or why. 

This was a story that kept me on my toes, and when I wasn't reading I was trying to piece it together in my mind.  I just couldn't work out how DI Sara Ramsay and her team would figure anything out. 

I mean I had half a theory which was completely off base, but other than that I just had to keep turning the pages to see what on earth would happen next. 

It's a fairly fast paced book with the action taking place over a very small number of days, and I was completely absorbed by it. 

I can't believe this is the 10th book already of the DI Sara Ramsey series, it seems like only yesterday I was reading the first book, and it keeps on going from strength to strength. Bring on the next one. 

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

Book Review - A Winter's Dream by Sophie Claire

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Title: A Winter's Dream

Author: Sophie Claire

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 1st October 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Liberty has never been a risk-taker. She loves the routine of her quiet life in the charming village of Willowbrook, with her Labrador, Charlie. But the arrival of a mysterious gift prompts Liberty to make some changes: starting with a daily challenge to say yes to everything for the month of December...

Fearless and independent, Alex could hardly be a less obvious fit for peaceful village life. But after an accident cuts short his promising motorcycling career, he finds himself in Willowbrook in search of new direction.

When the pair become unlikely housemates, sparks fly at Damselfly Cottage. Will living together prove impossible - especially when the first snow falls? Or, cut off from the outside world, can they help each other find what it takes to be brave this Christmas?

How good it is to be back in Willowbrook with an all new standalone story.  Although if you are already a fan of Sophie Claire then you will be delighted to know that Evie and Natasha are Liberty's good friends and we get fabulous continuations of their stories. 

But the main focus of the book is on Liberty, who is rather stuck in her routines, and on turning 30 realises this and decides to challenger herself to a month of saying yes, to be braver throughout December. 

The idea is she does a daily challenge that would normally make her feel uncomfortable or make her say no, as after all she is rather a homebody, loves quilting, spending time with Charlie (who is a very clever labrador), just playing it safe the whole time.  She is also feeling disconcerted as she is so used to spending time with Carys, who is currently in a coma unfortunately. 

I absolutely loved how Liberty's character was developed and the various challenges she sets herself, from getting a lodger, which is where Alex comes in, to trying to date, to conquering specific fears.  Throughout it all you see what a caring and loving person Liberty really is. 

Alex on the other hand takes a bit longer to fully warm to, but then his entrance didn't exactly endear himself to Liberty in the first place. 

They are complete opposites and I loved seeing how they learnt to get on with each other, although I did want to slam their heads together too on more than one occasion. 

It's a story of self discovery, but also of quilting. We learn a great deal about quilting and I loved seeing how the various designs turned out. 

This is a another heart-warming and really pleasing read from an author who I'm loving more and more with each book and I can't wait to see what she writes next. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas by Cressida McLaughlin - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas

Author: Cressida McLaughlin

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 12th November 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Hannah Swan is looking forward to Christmas for the first time in years. Her new job as an eco-consultant is taking her – and her geeky colleague, Noah – to the beautiful Cornish village of Porthgolow for the first time.

They’re are helping the Crystal Waters Hotel to ramp up its green credentials, though after a bumpy journey, Hannah can’t shake off the feeling that Porthgolow is strangely familiar. Never able to resist a mystery, her interest is piqued when the hotel’s staff and customers report odd noises and sightings, believing the hotel to be haunted.

When bad weather cuts off Porthgolow, Hannah and Noah are looking at a Cornish Christmas. It gives them plenty of time to work out what is really going on, but will their yuletide escape send shivers up their spines? Or will it be as warm and toasty as a glass of mulled wine?

Cressida McLaughlin has done it again, another mouther wateringly delicious treat of a book, that has me hungry at 3am while I write the review thanks to all the scrumptious descriptions of food within its pages. 

I mean the book isn't all food, I mean there are possibly ghosts or at least some hard to explain occurrences.  The dogs tend to steal most scenes just be being in in them, especially Spirt .

Oh and there are humans, and this third book in the series features Hannah as the main character.  It can easily be read as a standalone, but for those that have read the previous books you will be excited to see more of Charlie and Daniel, and also some more from Lila and Sam.

And of course Reenie is back too, and other Porthgolow locals such as well Gertie, as I have to mention Gertie!  After all Gertie is key to the whole series, or at least without her, it would probably have to be called something else! 

There is so much happening in this book that I wouldn't know where to begin, although I should probably mention Noah, who is rather key.  And I liked Hannah, she's a good leading lady and you could just see how she was clearly falling in love, as each chapter passes whether she would admit it to herself.  But whether I mean she is in love with Porthgolow, or Noah, is for you to find out. 

I absolutely loved the concept of the Santa tour, and generally enjoyed seeing Daniel and Charlie's different views regarding Christmas. I also enjoyed seeing Hannah wonder and try to work out just why she is so drawn to this village and why her mum seems so against it. 

With so much to love, all I really want to say is go and read this book for yourself, its wonderful, or better still if you haven't already read the previous books in the series, go back to the start as they are all quality reads and will have you wanting to move to Cornwall yourself.   In the meantime I'll sit and wait impatiently for the next book in the series! 

Thank you to HarperCollins for this copy which i reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - One More For Christmas by Sarah Morgan

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Amazon UK

Title: One More For Christmas

Author: Sarah Morgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 22nd October 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Gayle is a highly successful and motivated business woman, but her success has come at a price – she hasn’t spoken to her daughters, Ella and Samantha, for years. But when Gayle has an accident at work, she realises she needs to make amends with her family.

And so she invites herself to join Ella and Samantha for their Christmas in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The sisters are none too pleased that their mother has inserted herself into their Christmas plans. They have each other – and don’t need their mother back in their lives. Or so they think…

As they embark on their first family Christmas together in years, will the three women learn that sometimes facing up to a few home truths is all you need to heal your heart?

The queen of the Christmas romance has done it again, with another truly wonderful book. 

This is a story with laugh out loud moments, aww moments, open mouthed in understanding when various secrets are revealed moments, and moments of self discovery. 

It features three generations of the Mitchell family, although Tab at only 4 is the star of the show, utterly adorable and Sarah Morgan has perfected the way young children question literally everything, which Tab does to the extent that you almost feel sorry for Ella, her mum! 

Tab though isn't one of the view points of the story but she is a star of any scene she's in. This is predominately the story of Gayle and Samantha, although Ella definitely get a fair few chapters, but due to her rather easy going nature, she doesn't feel as key as the other two. 

Gayle has never been one for Christmas, and until she had an accident at work, hadn't seen her daughters in five years. So no one is more surprised that she would like to spend Christmas in Ella and Sam. 

Sam has a delightful job and a way of describing various festive and winter holiday scenarios that you could picture yourself there instantly.  And its due to Sam's job that they are spending Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, in a wonderfully picturesque setting. 

The question though is just what caused the family rift and can it be fixed.  Can Gayle really turn over a new leaft, and will Sam and Ella ever understand their mother. 

And in Brodie's family who own the lodge in Scotland who are able to help the Mitchells in ways you may not expect from strangers, and Sam's first hilarious phone call with Brodie at the back of her mind the entire time, and you have all the elements of a brilliant story to discover. 

Oh and if that isn't enough for you, there is a dog called bear, and various reindeer named after birds, in the hope they can fly! And how can you not love a book featuring reindeer, snow and a really heart-warming story. 

I could easily see it as a Hallmark Christmas movie and it's yet another fabulous book by one of my favourite romance authors. 

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

Book Review - A Perfect Paris Christmas by Mandy Baggot - Blog Tour - #HolidayReading Malta

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Amazon UK

Title: A Perfect Paris Christmas

Author: Mandy Baggot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 3rd September 2020

Rating: 4.5 Stars

United in grief. Pushed apart by tragedy.

Keeley Andrews knows more than anyone that you only live once. So when she receives an invitation to spend two weeks in Paris, all expenses paid, she jumps at the chance.

Ethan Bouchard has had the worst eighteen months of his life. He's ready to give up on everything, including his hotel chain. So when he meets Keeley, it simply isn't the right time.

As Keeley and Ethan continue to bump into each other on the romantic Parisian streets, they can't help but wonder whether this is fate telling them to let go of the past and leap into the future...

Head to Paris this Christmas and fall in love under the lights of the Eiffel Tower with best-selling author, Mandy Baggot.

If I'm really good this year, please can Santa bring me a Pepe of my very own. 

He has such a small role, but it has to be one of the most memorable meet cutes I've read in a while between Ethan and Keeley, thanks to Pepe. 

'

There are some deep issues raised within this book, and I really loved how they were dealt with. Jeanne really grew on me as the book progressed. 

And I thoroughly enjoyed everything once they are in Paris. I don't want to give away the reason they are in Paris, but let's just say it's not necessarily the reasons you may imagine. 

What did frustrate me though was the book was clearly set in appeared to be a post Covid world, there were references to anti bacterial gel, social distancing, drop in tourism due to the first half of the year, but I personally don't want references to pandemic we are living through appearing in what should be an escapist read from reality. 

Other than that, this was classic Mandy Baggot, a gorgeous hero to fall in love with, fabulous travel elements, a caring and loveable best friend, a four legged friend, Pepe, and plenty of plot to please you. 

I was a really enjoyable read, and there are some lovely festive gestures in there too.

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

Book Review - One Snowy Week in Springhollow by Lucy Knott

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Title: One Snowy Week in Springhollow

Author: Lucy Knott

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 5th November 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

When old friends return, sparks ignite this Christmas in Springhollow...

Tomboy Scarlett thought Devon would be her best friend forever. He was the only person in Springhollow who supported her ambitious artist dreams. But then one winter, Devon and his parents disappear without warning to start a new life in NYC and a devastated Scarlett is left alone to face her high-school bullies and overbearing mother.

Fast-forward ten years: Scarlett is playing it safe in her childhood village with a dull PA job and a wardrobe that passes her mother's old-fashioned standards. Meanwhile, Devon is a Hollywood heartthrob, starring in the latest superhero blockbuster. And he's finally coming home for Christmas...

Scarlett can't help blaming her former best friend for the way her life has turned out, but Devon's cheeky charm and gorgeous smile prove difficult to resist. Devon always did make her feel on top of the world, but Scarlett knows her heart isn't racing just because she has her friend back – is it mistletoe madness, or is she seeing Devon in a completely new light?

Scarlett hasn't taken a risk in years... but this Christmas of second chances could finally be her time to shine.

This is the story that everyone who has ever been ashamed of their inner or outer geekiness needs to read. It's about learning to love yourself, and that you really are good enough to aim for your dreams. 

And as someone who will admit to having many geek like tendencies, I felt it so refreshing to read Scarlett and Devon's story.  I was never sure if they would get together or not but I absolute loved all the flash backs to the trouble they got up to as children. 

It's clear they both thought they were superheroes, and on more than one occasion attempted to fly, but when Devon is made to move to New York when they are 16, it leaves Scarlett in rather a bad place.  She's never left Springhollow, and has hidden for 10 years all the parts of her that made her feel like herself. 

Then Devon returns to Springhollow, on a press junket for his new film, for he is now the latest superhero, and meets adult Scarlett, and let's just say sparks fly - mainly of anger! 

Scarlett's best friends Hope and Jess are also really into superheroes and had no idea of Scarlett's true love of them, let alone the true extent of her unrealised, abandoned ambitions.  

Yes there is a romance at the heart of it, of the will they won't they sort -and I did really love Devon, both his younger version and the man he has become. 

But it really is Scarlett's re-awakening that spoke to me the most.  I could feel her pain, I could understand her mother issues really well, and kept willing her on, to make what seemed like to me the logical decisions. 

It's an incredibly enjoyable book, that I'm glad I had the chance to read - and the descriptions of Gingerbread houses were exquisite.  There is great creativity in the story, and I would happily read more books set in Springhollow, should they ever exist.  It was a lovely setting. 

Another great book from Lucy Knott, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. 

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

Book Review - The Tearoom on the Bay by Rachel Burton

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Title: The Tearoom on the Bay

Author: Rachel Burton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 1st October 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

It's time for Ellie to return home and rediscover the past she left behind...

After a tough break-up, Ellie returns to the only place she's ever really felt at home – the coastal town of Sanderson Bay. A year later, she's living her dream, brewing delicious artisan teas and selling them at her very own café. And when the mysterious and brooding Ben walks into her tearoom, Ellie finally dares to dream of true love.

But then her ex shows up in the Bay, and just as Ellie discovers some tragic truths about her family's past, she learns Ben might be hiding an unwelcome secret of his own...

Can Ellie let go of her past and brave a future with Ben?

Let me begin by saying thank you to Rachel Burton for introducing me to the delights of a Christmas song called "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas" which is a song mentioned a few times in the book and that I had to google and listen to.  It's rather charming, completely bizarre and I'm surprised never appears on any Christmas compilation albums! 

So now you are back from looking that up too, sorry, but who could resist - I'd like to say what an enjoyable story this really was. 

If you are a fan of tea in all its varieties, you will love Ellie's gift of being able to meet a person and work exactly what sort of tea blend they would be, and she seems to have a good success rate with it.  And the tearoom in Sanderson Bay is rather quaint sounding, warm, cosy and in a year of being open has become a hub of the community. 

From the moment Ellie meets Ben there is something between them even if its not entirely obvious what,  they can recognise things in each other, but its also clear Ben is hiding various things. I found there were more than enough clues to get the gist of what Ben may reveal, but I had to keep reading to check I was correct. 

Then there is Marcus, Ellie's ex, who has turned up out of the blue, and well is he a changed man, will he get her back, or just cause chaos?

I loved the whole vibe of Sanderson Bay, and especially the knitting group ladies, who were always good to listen to their gossip.  And then there is the weekly pub quiz with its incredibly tricky final questions which had me scratching my head! 

It's the second book I've read by Rachel Burton and I'm already eyeing up her next book out next year, so will definitely be happy to read more.  I really enjoyed the whole book, and now won't be happy unless I get a Hippopotamus for Christmas. 

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

Book Review - Just For Christmas by Emily Harvale

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Amazon UK

Title: Just For Christmas

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 25th November 2020

Rating: 5 Stars 

A sparkling and festive, feel-good romance to bring joy to your heart this Christmas.

Finding an abandoned dog beside the road isn’t the Christmas surprise Molly Ford is hoping for. But when the local vet can’t find a space for the bedraggled dog, Molly makes a rash decision.

The problem is she’s spending Christmas with her brother, Terry, and his girlfriend is allergic to dogs, so the bundle of wet fur, which Molly has named Miracle, might not be the only one needing a home this Christmas.

And Miracle causes chaos wherever he puts his paws. He pees on the Christmas tree, shreds the Christmas presents and eats the honeyed ham. That’s just the first night.

When Terry’s best friend, Chance offers Molly and Miracle a place to stay for Christmas, Molly is ecstatic. She doesn’t mind at all when he informs her there are strings attached. She’d rather like a festive fling with the gorgeous Chance.

Now Molly’s in for another surprise. Chance is about to pop the question, except it’s not to Molly. In fact, he needs her interior design skills to get the dilapidated cottage he’s bought, all clean and sparkly in time for his girlfriend’s impending arrival on New Year’s Eve.

But as Molly and Chance grow closer, enjoying the Christmas festivities together beneath a star-filled sky of a winter wonderland, they realise they have feelings for each other.

Could this be true love? Or is it just for Christmas?

This is a whole lot of fun, and through in a will they - won't they get together sort of a romance, some festive cheer and some four legged friends you have this brilliant book! 

It was a very quick book to read, shocked me that I read around the first 40% in under an hour, and kept up that pace for the rest of the book, any time I could grab a moment I had to keep reading to see what delights Emily Harvale had in store for us next. 

Miracle is hilarious, naughty, but he really is a lovely dog, just with a nose for mayhem, at least initially. He's not the only dog in the book and its because of Miracle that Chance comes back into Molly's life for Christmas. 

He offers them a place to stay in exchange for design expertise, as he wants to get his new cottage ready to propose to his girlfriend on News Year Ever - however it becomes very apparent from the first few exchanges that Molly and Chance may not be admitting their true feelings. 

I loved getting to know Molly, Chance, Terry, Sarah and Vicky and romance and Christmas are definitely in the air.  And snow is on the ground, which made the Snowball Pie competition even more fun than it normally would have been. 

Really believable characters, light hearted feel to the whole book, and all of Emily Harvale's always wonderful writing style makes this a welcome addition to your festive reading this Christmas. 

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

Book Review - A Very Cornish Christmas by Beth Good

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Amazon UK

Title: A Very Cornish Christmas

Author: Beth Good

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 29th October 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

A wonderful new Christmas romance from eBook bestselling author Beth Good.

Working all hours as a midwife, Caroline isn't looking for love. All she wants to do with her precious free time is have fun and enjoy her freedom, not settle down.

But her sister, home from LA with her film-star husband and a baby on the way, has other plans. As Caroline helps the happily-marrieds settle back into life in Cornwall, she finds herself being thrown repeatedly together with their friend Brodie - sexy but a little aloof, and not at all her type. Or so she tells herself.

With the shocking discovery of a long-hidden family secret, Caroline's life is upturned once again. Can she right herself, and her family, in time for a very Cornish Christmas...?

It was so good to be back in Pethporro, and to get the continuation of Alex and Jennifer's story, while also getting to know Caroline, Jennifer's sister a whole deal better, as well has Brodie, Alex's friend /assistant. 

From the first few pages I was drawn into the action, and I struggled to put this book down and am surprised as just how fast I did indeed read it.  In under a day, and that was with real life taking priority too! 

There are surprises in store, but although elements of them make up so much of the story, as its not spelt out in the blurb, I'm reluctant to give any details on the specifics, other than its a fabulous storyline delving into a specific part of Caroline's past, and may not give the outcome you would perhaps expect. 

And Brodie is a lovely complicated character who really grew on me as the story progresses.  

As much as the book is Caroline and Brodie's story, having read All Summer With You I was delighted to see so much of Alex and Jennifer, especially with them all living under one roof. 

If you are the sort of person who isn't particularly keen on Christmas books then let me assure you that this really isn't a festive story at all, yes the story does cover Christmas, but not in a big way, it spans a few months and could easily be read at any time of year when you want just a good book to curl up with. 

It is a fabulous story, that shows just what a great write Beth Good is, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. 

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