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

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Amazon UK

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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Amazon UK

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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Amazon UK

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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Amazon UK

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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Amazon UK

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, 

Book Review - Destination Anywhere by Sara Barnard

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Amazon UK

Title: Destination Anywhere

Author: Sara Barnard

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication Date: 15th April 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Sometimes you have to leave your life behind to find your place in the world.

After five years at secondary school spent without any friends, Peyton King starts sixth form college determined that things will be different. Whatever happens, she will make friends at any cost.

When she finds the friends she’s always dreamed of, including an actual boyfriend, she’s happier than she’s ever been.

But when they let her down in the worst way, Peyton is left no better off than when she started.

Now Peyton knows the only chance she has of finding happiness is to look for it somewhere else. Her life may feel small, but it doesn't have to be. With nothing but her sketchpad and a backpack, she buys a one-way ticket and gets on a plane. . .

In Destination Anywhere, Sara Barnard explores love, life and friendship in this exquisite tale of the lengths one girl will go to to change her story.

I really had no idea what to expect from this book, it was almost certainly an impulse request from Netgalley, due to the cover grabbing my attention, as anything with a plane on it, while in lockdowns is extra appealing as I need to be able to constantly dream of escape. 

And well that is what Peyton is trying to do, she is only 17, yet more or less overnight decides to drop out of college and get on a plane to Canada without much of plan.  It is clear she is unhappy with her life back in England, but until you start getting the alternating chapters set in the past, and seeing how her first year of college panned out,  plus other key background, you don't realise just to what extent the desire to get away is. 

In fact even as she was describing the toxic friendship and relationship she was in, after having done five years of secondary school being bullied and having no friends at all, I still wouldn't have guessed what would act as the ultimate trigger for her to try to flee her life. 

While we are getting all this background, we also get to see Peyton's travels across Canada, her lack of plan, the other backpackers she meets and forms some sort of friendships with.  

As a travel fiend I absolutely loved all the descriptions of Canada, especially of its breath-taking beauty, stunning scenery and some of its wildlife too.  I loved the idea of backpacking across such a Canada although personally October is probably too cold for me, but it does add to the atmosphere. 

But this is more than just a book featuring a fabulous bit of travelling across a country that I rarely see featured in the books I read,  This is a coming of age, journey of self discovery for Peyton, of learning all manner of lessons about herself, as well as with hindsight realising just where the previous year went wrong for her. 

She's also a talented artist and I couldn't help but be annoyed that her family didn't seem to support her that much, or listen to how she is really feeling at any point which would have attributed to the possibly rash decision to book a flight elsewhere. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and also found myself thinking about Peyton even when I wasn't reading it, which is a sure fire sign of a book getting under my skin.   And it even made me feel quite emotional too! 

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily., 

Book Review - The Village of Lost and Found by Alison Sherlock

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Amazon UK

Title: The Village of Lost and Found

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 9th March 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Scandal hit party girl Lucy Conway needs to leave London fast, so she packs her bags and escapes to the sleepy village of Cranbridge to take care of her beloved Uncle Frank.

But the country village isn’t quite as idyllic as she remembers. To make matters worse, her Uncle’s pride and joy, The Cranbridge Times, is close to going out of business.

Editor-at-Large Tom Addison is having a crisis of confidence and needs help if the newspaper is going to survive.

With time on her hands, can Lucy work some magic and together save the family newspaper?

Over a long, hot summer, friendships are made and hearts begin to heal.

 And, with the help of a stray dog, perhaps Lucy and Tom can find their very own new beginning...

How lovely to be back in Cranbridge, with a whole new story.  It's such a lovely village setting, and I knew even before I started reading this one it would be a lovely gentle book, that would leave me smiling 

And that is exactly what happened, I had a calming day or two reading this story, was completely caught up with life in the village, and seeing just whether they would turn around the fortunes of The Cranbridge Times. 

I really enjoyed seeing the character development from both Lucy and Tom, but also Molly.  Molly was a fascinating side character and I really hope she is in line to get a book to herself in this series, as I would love to see her as a focal point.  Especially seeing her confidence growing as it is currently.

Actually I just loved all the characters, great to see what Dodgy Del is up to ,and there is a rather explosive scene involving him that is brilliant,  and Keith is wonderful too!  And I loved seeing Lucy making proper friends with Molly, Amber and Belle, as she hasn't really had friends in the past. 

It's just an all around lovely and charming book, and hit all the right spots for me.  A pleasure to read. 

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

Book Review - The Flight by Julie Clark

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Amazon UK

Title: The Flight

Author: Julie Clark

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 25th June 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Claire and Eva lead very different lives, but they have one thing in common - they are both in huge danger and need to disappear.

A chance encounter at the airport presents the two women with a simple but crazy solution: switch places then drop off the grid when they land.

But one woman will never reach her destination.

The Flight has been highly acclaimed across the world and delivers a smart, tense and twisting narrative that will have you hooked from the first page to the last. It's the perfect escapism, wherever you are!

Between the rather creepy prologue and then that first chapter, I was hooked and knew this would be book that I would be able to devour. 

And that is exactly what I have done over the course of about 3 sittings during the day, with breaks for work in between, I have been absorbed in both Claire and Eva's story. 

About just why it is they felt they had no choice but to disappear from their lives and just what happens next.  On the whole we get Claire's story in the present tense, seeing just how the aftermath of the decision unfolds. But perhaps more grippingly we get Eva's story, in the 6 months leading up to her meeting Claire, and what a story that is too. 

Both women had incredibly strong reasons to want to leave their current lives behind, and I couldn't help but continue to read on to see just what would be revealed next.  There was at least one moment where I gasped out loud and then said that I couldn't believe I hadn't made a certain connection. 

This is utterly gripping and I can't believe this is the first book I have read from the author and the fact that had if I wasn't seemingly obsessed with reading books with a travel connection, or holidays, or even just flights, and if that cover hadn't caught my attention that I would have missed out on such an accomplished and impressive book. 

I was rooting for Claire and Eva as everything unfurled and really would not have been able to predict the final outcomes at all. 

Addictive, and fabulous! 

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

Six?!!! Six?!!! How on earth is Rachel's Random Reads Six already?!

I know I say this every year but I can't believe another year has gone by already, and that my little blog is still going six years on. 

Well Happy Blogiversary to me! 

This is normally where I look back at the past 12 months since I last celebrated, but as I think we all know the world has been struggling big time over the last year, and it has now been over a year since I saw any of my wonderful book friends in person. 

I miss all the various in person book launches, publisher showcases, blogger / author meet ups and all those sorts of things that I really hope will be back at some point toward the end of 2021, as it has been far too long. 

Of course I have watched some great Facebook lives, especially Kim The Bookworm on Tuesday evenings, Miranda Dickinson on Wednesday evenings, the One More Chapter weekly with their authors and also Boldwood Books to name a few of the more regular ones that have helped me at least see familiar faces through a screen and given me a reason to stop working like a maniac for an hour here and there. 

I am though even more grateful than usual to books and book blogging, for in a world which is so far from normal at the moment its painful, this is something I've been able to do consistently throughout lockdown. With the magic of books I'm at least able to travel virtually from my armchair all over the world and my reliance on pure escapism is at an all time high.

And of course its thanks to my blog that I have been happily working for 3 and a half years now at Rachel's Random Resources, my very own blog tour organising business that is going from strength to strength.  I'm very aware I'm one of the lucky ones that already was happy working from home, and in a business that has kept going throughout the pandemic.  To those of you on furlough, or have lost your jobs over the last year especially, my heart goes out to you, but remember a good book will be able to give your mind a rest from your worries for a few hours at least. 

Many thanks as ever to Laura Bambrey for persuading me to become a blogger all those years ago, and congratulations on the release of your own debut novel - The Beginners Guide to Lonliness in the past year too.   A massive thank you to the RNA for the nomination last year for Media Star of the year, for the third year running.  I really appreciate it, but Julie Morris from A Little Book Problem is a very worthy winner. 

And of course a massive thank you to my friends, especially Anne Cater, who have kept me going over the past year, let's raise a glass to being able to meet up again in person as soon as its safe to do so.  I need hugs, and human contact, and possibly some Baileys too, but white wine will work as well that tends to be what's at bookish gatherings! 

Last but by no means least thank you to anyone who has ever read my blog, supplied me a book to review, shared my posts, put up with my ramblings, and or just generally been any support to me. Without you all, there is no way I'd be celebrating my 6th Book Birthday and I'm very grateful. 

And to borrow a last paragraph from last year, but it is still relevant today.... although if things haven't changed by this time next year, then I won't post it again and I'll stop jinxing us all. 

I have everything crossed that by the time I write this post next year, that the world has gone back to something resembling normal, that we are allowed some free movement again, that independent bookshops have survived the crisis, that all the publishers are still publishing, authors are still writing and above all readers are still reading to escape the real world we live in.

Thank you for being you - and above all please please stay safe (and have the vaccine if you are able to, despite my side effects it really is still better than having full blown Covid, and this is coming from someone who knows). 

Book Review - The Islanders by S. V. Leonard

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Amazon UK

Title: The Islanders

Author: S. V. Leonard

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 11th March 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Her dream escape is about to become a nightmare…

Kimberley King has spent the last five years trying to outrun the reason she left the police force. Her life is a mess and she’s desperate for change. So when she is randomly selected for the new series of the hit show LoveWrecked, she can’t pass up the chance to win the £100,000 prize. All Kimberley needs to do is couple up with one of her fellow contestants, win the infamous LoveWrecked challenges, and she will have enough cash for a fresh start.

But the island isn’t the paradise she was promised and within hours, one of the contestants is dead. Then the announcement comes: one of the islanders is a murderer and Kimberley must find out who, live on television. For every hour it takes her, one more person will die.

The game is rigged, everyone is hiding secrets, and time is running out…

An addictive and unputdownable crime thriller, perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and T.M. Logan.

My head is reeling, I don't know exactly what to say other than OMG! Remind me never to go onto a reality TV show ever, it could be the last thing you ever do. 

I think even programmes like "When Reality TV Goes Wrong" wouldn't have been able to know what to make of the events that happened in the LoveWrecked villa over the course of the book. And a word of note if you are a TV producer, I know ratings are key for you, but please don't allowing live streamed murder, and then the rest of the happenings in this book on your programmes, its horrific. 

That being said I can't help but think The Islanders would make a wonderful film, full of intrigue, its fast paced, you literally don't know what will be thrown at them next, other than Kimberley is being put into an impossible situation. 

This is about a reality TV programme but not as you know it and its very hard to know who you can trust, and at no point did I guess just who set it all up or who was responsible. Then again the action was so frenetically paced that my head didn't have time to try to work anything out, just trying to keep up with what was happening. 

This is one seriously impressive debut, I read the book in two sittings and that was only because I wanted to go to bed, not because I wanted to be parted from the story that was ramping up at all times.  Utterly brilliant! 

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