Book Review - Please Help Me by Gytha Lodge

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Title: Please Help Me

Author: Gytha Lodge

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 23rd July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

A BEAUTIFUL RESORT

It looked like the perfect getaway. A luxury resort with endless pools, a gorgeous golden beach, and a kids' club that is every parent's dream.

But for Amanda, a British detective in desperate need of a break with her young son, it soon becomes clear this isn’t going to be a holiday.

A MISSING GIRL

A girl has been sending anonymous messages to a teenager at the resort. She says her real name is Lara, that she was kidnapped from the UK, and that the family she's with are her abductors.

But the resort is full of families. The kidnappers could be any of them. If the police guess wrong, Lara could be whisked away, and never see her real family again.

When every family seems to be hiding something, can Amanda find the truth – and Lara – before it’s too late?

From the first few pages there was something about this author's writing style and the story that had me hooked. 

I loved that one of main characters is a teenager, and Sadie is determined to help the girl who has reached out to her, as all she wants to be is a hero. And the fact there is a girl who clearly is trying to get help but unsure about it, as she believes she isn't with her real parents, is an interesting concept. 

It reminded me of the couple of people over the years that have claimed be Madeleine McCann, but equally this is totally and utterly different from that situation. 

Amanda is on holiday with her son Otis, and she is determined to enjoy the holiday, but then a man she is trying to forget from a night of madness shows up, and given they both work in various police related departments, and are both in resort in Cyprus, means they end up teaming up to try to see if they can rescue this girl. 

There are a few clear suspects as to who the girl might be, but nothing is simple, and all sorts of interesting things are discovered about various of the families in the resort. 

I really enjoyed all the various viewpoints we got, and I was racing through this book determined to find out just what would happen next. 

It has a totally different vibe to a lot of the psychological thrillers I have read in the past, and I was totally there for it. 

This is the first book I've read by this author and I'll be keen to see what they write next. 

I loved everything about this story. 

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

Book Review - The Besteller by Jenny Knightsby

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Title: The Bestseller

Author: Jenny Knightsby

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mountain Leopard Press

Publication Date: 10th September 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.

The problem is, Tala is a down-on-her-luck novelist who is looking for an idea for her new thriller.

Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...

Why would Tala do this to Helena? She knows what's at stake.

Your friends are meant to protect you... aren't they?

What an accomplished and addictive debut novel this is. 

I barely wanted to put it down, and found the pages were turning almost by themselves as I had to see what would happen next. 

And wow there are some fabulous pay offs and twists in this that I somehow didn't see coming. 

This is though a book that does shine a spotlight on a tricky and for some upsetting subject of coercive control, and I believe it was dealt with in a way to open peoples eyes to it, and in a sensitive manner. 

I'm not completely sure I loved any of our leading ladies but I was rooting for them, and as things start to unravel, I was open mouthed. 

The author has such a readable writing style that the pages were flying past and I was hooked to the point that someone in real life apologised for making me jump while I was reading this  I was that unaware of my surroundings. 

Such a fabulous story, and one I feel that could play on my mind for a while after reading. 

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

Book Review - The Little Porto Book Club by Rebecca Raisin

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Title: The Little Porto Book Club

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 13th August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

In a city full of stories, can she write her own…

Introvert and self-described whodunnit enthusiast Viviane has never much believed in living life outside of the pages of a book. But when her interfering mother insists that Viviane needs some friends who aren’t fictional, she decides to head into the beautiful bustling streets of Porto in search of her community.

What better place to start than by reading her favourite mystery in the corner of a little-known café? But when one, then two, and then outrageously six other people decide to join her silent book club Viviane realises that she is firmly out of her depth. There’s Thomas, a middle-aged man hiding his love for romance novels, Lucinda, a chic sixty-something with a penchant for Christie, and then there’s Tiago, the hot alpha male of every romance novelist’s dreams.

But when one of these newfound friends disappears from the book club without a word, will the community come together to find their fellow lost soul, and will Viviane find love along the way…?

What a wonderful character Viviane is.  She sees mysteries in every part of her life, and she has such a forthright way of putting her views across about anything.  She is rather particular,  and definitely an introvert.  I just loved the way she came across and I was rooting for her throughout. 

I especially loved her character development, as she is encouraged by her mother to go for a walk each day, and then is pushed into other things.  She starts going to a cafe to read, and soon she not only is the leader of a silent reading book club that doesn't always stay silent, but she seems to have a big mystery on her hands. 

Tiago is made out to be her bumbling side kick, but there is so much more to him than that, and I really fell for him quite early. 

I loved the setting of Porto, and getting a glimpse into how Porto mothers are, reminds me of mothers in other cultures - quite interfering, possibly with best interests at heart, but don't really listen and always think they know best! 

This is a heart warming story of new friendships, of finding your own place in the world, and finding your tribe.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the other members of the book club and seeing just what they were hiding, and how much they are also benefitting from this most unlikely of groupings. 

It's another wonderful book from Rebecca Raisin and I'm already looking forward to her next book. 

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

Book Review - The Wedding Planner’s Guide to Stealing the Bride by Jeevani Charika

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Title: The Wedding Planner's Guide to Stealing the Bride

Author: Jeevani Charika

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 30th July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Rule one of being a wedding planner, don’t fall for the bride.

Romance novelist Kalpana is about to marry the man of her dreams – or is she? The chaos of wedding planning is taking its toll on her relationship with the charming but self-absorbed Marcus, a prize-winning literary star.

Enter Sampath, the wedding planner skilled in uncovering what the soon-to-be-wed couple want out of their big day. Marcus wants a traditional wedding in Sri Lanka, but being the third generation of her family to be born in the UK, Kalpana doesn’t feel like those traditions are her own.

Forbidden feelings start to blossom, secrets are unravelled and identities are questioned. Living a love story that feels like it was written for someone else, Kalpana must take charge of her heart and rewrite her happily ever after before it’s written for her.

Almost certainly my favourite book from Jeevani Charika to date.  This was an absolute joy to read and I devoured every single word of it. 

This is a book that has made me really want to go on holiday to Sri Lanka, to the extent that at one point I just had to look at the prices for Christmas, just in case I could make it a reality.  It sounds like such a wonderful place, and so beautifully that I would love to experience it. 

But at least I got the author's wonderful descriptions while Kalpana and Sampath are there, with him planning her wedding to Marcus.  Marcus who I really didn't take to at all, and although for appearances sake he seems to adore his bride to be, I was rather cynical about his true feelings. 

Whereas Sampath is even a fan of Kalpana's romance books, and it was lovely to see how well the genre was being championed within this story against the backdrop to pure genre prejudiced people that look down on the genre, which is so authentic to the real life opinions and prejudice that romance authors receive. 

This is a wonderful look at multicultural relationships and traditions, and it was entertaining and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and feel this is an author who is growing in confidence with every book she is writing at the moment. 

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

Book Review - A Cornish Escape by Rosie Green

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Title: A Cornish Escape

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 30th May 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When a catastrophe threatens Ellie's business there's a puzzling mystery to solve, and Gertie steps in to follow the clues. Love and romance are the very last things on Gertie's mind right now. But while she's risking her safety helping to hunt down the culprits, could she also be in danger of losing her heart?

Forty Six books in and I am starting to think that I say the same thing every single time - I absolutely loved it. I have no new words, but thankfully Rosie Green seems to always have brand new storylines. 

And this one was wonderful, there is a mystery, and I would never have guessed who was behind the bad reviews and spate of burglaries targeting cafes. 

I loved seeing how Gertie and Jonah manage to follow clues, and their instincts in the hopes of getting justice for Ellie. 

The storytelling drew me right in and I was totally and utterly absorbed by this story.  I couldn't read it fast enough and was loving every single page. 

Another truly fabulous addition to this completely epic series. 

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

Book Review - The Hotel By The Sea by Julie Caplin

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Title: The Hotel By The Sea

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 23rd  April 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

Pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with The Hotel by the Sea—your next romantic getaway awaits!

Rebecca needs to escape. After making a complete fool of herself watching the man she's secretly loved for years run off with someone else—she jumps at a temporary job at the family-run Quinta do Mar hotel. Sun, sea, and a fresh start sound perfect.

What she doesn't expect is Felipe Rebelo.

Charming, infuriatingly confident, and always ready with a flirty quip, Felipe seems to have life sorted. But beneath his carefree exterior lies a man carrying the weight of his entire family. The last thing he needs is another responsibility. Especially one who challenges him at every turn, makes him laugh, and is dangerously easy to fall for…

Escape to Portugal's stunning Algarve coast in this uplifting summer romance about finding yourself, choosing happiness, and discovering that love isn't about being needed—it's about being seen.

Julie Caplin has the most amazing knack of transporting a reader to the location of her books. And she does so once again this time to Porto in Portugal, not somewhere I've really thought about going before. 

And how absolutely wonderful does this city sound. I loved seeing Rebecca explore the area, and as a picky eater myself, I was somewhat surprised and in awe of how adventurous Rebecca was with trying the various Portuguese cuisine.  That being said I never have any desire to eat any of that fish no matter how much someone makes it sound mouth watering! 

And Felipe, what a gorgeous man, I loved the dynamic between Rebecca and Felipe from their first meeting.  They are beyond competitive, and I was entertained by their determination to win at all costs between each other. 

While at the same time Felipe is trying to be everything to everyone and it's really running him ragged. And Rebecca is just trying to get over what she believes is a humiliation by the love of her life, by working a summer season in Felipe's hotel - only to end up truly finding herself and happiness. 

I loved seeing Rebecca come alive, and grow in confidence while at the same time I was really amused my Felipe's young cousins, and their inquisitive natures. 

This was such an enjoyable book, which I had a great time reading. I can't wait to see where this author will transport us to next! 

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

Book Review - Run For Your Life by Jackie Kabler

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Title: Run For Your Life

Author: Jackie Kabler

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 29th May 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

What if the most dangerous thing you did this weekend was go for a run?

***

On a bright spring Saturday, hundreds gather in a park as usual for their weekly community 5k run.

An hour later, one of the runners is dead.

The next week a runner training for a 10k event dies. And then another, a half marathon runner…

The police are baffled. The pattern is the same, the deaths can’t be coincidental. Is there a murderer picking off victims one race at a time?

Ten million adults are regular or occasional runners.

Ten million potential victims.

With the next event just announced, as you reach the start line you might just have to run for your life…

Jackie Kabler always writes such addictive psychological thrillers and this one really had me stumped. 

There is an increasing number of runners being killed all by different methods but with a calling card, and striking fear into the running community.  But the killer is clever and leaving no trace of themselves on the victims. 

Not only that they are all based in different parts of the country meaning multiple police forces combining together to try to figure this out.  All the victims appear to have nothing in common too. 

But yet there are occasional chapters from someone that is hinting they know what is going on, but doesn't seem any benefit to telling the police. We also have chapters from the killer's point of view, as well as few other people too - which made it even harder as a reader to try to pull the pieces together. 

It was an enthralling read, what might make you think about running alone even during the daytime, and definitely makes you think twice about accepting a drink from a well meaning "supporter". 

I loved seeing how the police team approached this, even if it did feel like they were going around in circles at times.  They were dogged chasing up every single minor looking lead just in case. 

I was gripped by this story and totally shocked by the outcome. Another fabulous book from this author. 

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

Book Review - The Fish and Chip Shop Detectives and the Campervan Murder by Jenny Kane

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Title: The Fish and Chip Shop Detectives and the Campervan Murder

Author: Jenny Kane

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 11th June 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

🎣It's been a busy summer for the Fish and Chip Shop Detectives as they get drawn into their next investigation, hook, line and sinker... 🎣

The bustling streets of Mousehole are home to Robbins' Fish and Chip Shop, where Maggie and Ryan dish up the best fried goods Cornwall has to offer - and solve a crime or two.

When a villager is found dead, Maggie and Ryan rapidly find themselves deep in a new mystery.

But as the case unfolds, it becomes clear that something strange is simmering beneath Mousehole's serene surface. The enigmatic owner of the chip shop, Mr Robbins, is nowhere to be found. And when Maggie and Ryan search his campervan home, they find it already unlocked and completely ransacked...

Where is Mr Robbins? Is his disappearance linked to the murder? As the fish and chip shop detectives face a boatload of questions, can they catch the killer before someone winds up dead?

Don't miss the next instalment in the Fish and Chip Shop Detective Agency Series, perfect for fans of Peter Boland and Clare Chase!

This was another enjoyable book in The Fish and Chip Shop Detectives series.  Maggie and Ryan have had a few more minor cases since the first book, but this is about to be their biggest one since setting up their detective agency. 

What it does though is gives us a whole new look at Mr Robbins, who is the owner of the chippie, and as they investigate, we learn all about many sides to his life and his past. 

It's a really interesting case, with so many possibilities, and I was never sure who the murderer was going to be, I just knew I had to keep reading to see what secrets would be unravelled next. 

Ryan is slowly starting to gain in confidence and has some really good ideas, and Maggie is determined to solve the case, even though the police are adamant there is nothing to solve.  

I really enjoyed this book and am already looking forward to the next book in the series 

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

Book Review - A Yorkshire Affair by Julie Houston

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Title: A Yorkshire Affair

Author: Julie Houston

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 16th January 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

🏠 Jess Allen has always played it safe. 🏠

She married her high school sweetheart, stayed in her hometown and lives right next door to her mum Lisa and younger sister Sorrel. But with a new job on the horizon and her family no longer living a stone’s throw away, she’s going to have to get used to her comfortable life shifting into something new.

Jess finds the idea of being a part of the White House – the village’s new and stylish restaurant – incredibly daunting, but she knows she is more than capable. And with her role at the care home uncertain, this would give her the chance to finally pursue her passion for cooking.

But as her professional life soars, her romantic life is thrown into turmoil. Having welcomed back into her life her no-good ex, she's quickly questioning her decision – especially as new faces in Beddingfield begin to catch her eye.

As the familiar rhythms of life shift and long-held routines are upended, she starts to see that sometimes change is no bad thing at all. And someone who encourages her to take a risk – even if it's the last person she ever expected – might be just the thing she needed.

Heartfelt, warm and humorous, this is the third book in Julie Houston’s Beddingfield series.

How lovely to be back in Beddingfield again, and this time the focus is on Jess. 

Jess who suffers from a lack of self confidence, is trying to decide what to do about her cheating husband, and is starting to feel left behind as her mother and sisters all are moving on with their lives in new and exciting ways.  

I enjoyed getting to see a new side of Jess, while also being able to catch up with Sorrel, Lisa and Robyn from the previous books, and her family  At the same time she is still an absolutely talented cook and baker, but still can't quite believe it, and is nervous to be going along with being part of the new restaurant opening in town. 

And her daughter Lola, is starting to sound like a teenage diva, despite only being 11, and seems to have a new friend that Jess has never met, but that Lola seems slightly in awe of. 

It's s chance meeting with an old friend of Jess, that starts to have a big effect on her life, as she is encourage to rediscover her passion for field hockey and she is really good.  There are also some new men in her life, although whether she can trust any of them is another matter. 

I really enjoyed seeing Jess' development over the course of this story, as well as learning just who is behind a slight mystery. 

It's another highly enjoyable addition to this series that I was delighted to read. I just hope this isn't the end of this series. 

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

Book Review - The Nile Cruise by Caroline James

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Title: The Nile Cruise

Author: Caroline James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 30th July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Will an adventure sailing The River Nile turn the tide for Hattie?

Hattie Mulberry is exhausted. Worn out from the demands of everyone around her, she’s long overdue a break. So, she decides to take a holiday – the adventure of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of her literary hero, Agatha Christie.

Before Hattie knows it, she’s embarking on a glamorous Nile cruise. Not only a voyage steeped in history and world-famous sights, but one where the passengers are almost as fascinating as the views from her luxurious cabin…

As the eclectic band of travellers journey between ancient temples and legendary tombs, guided by handsome Egyptologist Sam, secrets surface, desires awaken, and tensions simmer beneath the Egyptian sun.

Will the magic of moonlit nights on the Nile bring romance and renewal? Or will the infamous curse of Tutankhamun cast a shadow when least expected?

A gloriously escapist read full of sun, secrets and romance, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.

I am loving Caroline James' cruise books, and given I've been a fan of hers for many years, I also have fond memories of Hattie who has been in a fair few of her previous books too.  So I was utterly delighted to see that Hattie was going on a cruise this time. 

And down the Nile, so it's a first foray into the world of River Cruising which I know is different from Ocean cruising, although I've never experienced it myself yet.  

I feel I should though stress this is totally a standalone story, no need to have read any of the previous books I've hinted at to understand this, all the other characters are brand new, and what a variety of characters we have. 

I loved meeting Hattie's fellow passengers and table mates on this cruise.  Sylvia who has lost her luggage, Ezra who believes in cruses, Phil who is fantasist and believes he is a real spy (he is a butcher in real life), and Gerald and Anoushka, who are the classic gold digger and dysfunctional relationship.  

We also meet Sam the handsy Egyptologist who is rather knowledgeable but not really that great a tour guide, but does come out with interesting things, when leading various of the excursions.  

I felt transported to Egypt and the Nile, and loved the various excursions and other trips that our characters go on. Especially with Hattie being inspired by Agatha Christie, given she is a private investigator herself, and can't help but being intrigued by a mystery with one of her fellow passengers! 

There are total laugh out loud moments, often involving a menagerie of animals in Hattie's cabin, in addition to the antics of Drake her pet duck that is clearly missing her while she is away! 

This was just a pure joy to read, it especially if you love armchair travel, escapist fiction or wonderful heroines who may be a bit older and perhaps a bit fuller of figure than the average book, which makes them all the more relatable for it. Especially as they are living their best lives! 

I have a feeling I should probably start looking a river cruises as potential holiday option in the future as this made them sound more fun that I expected!  

Brilliant as always from Caroline James, another winner for me! 

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