Book Review - The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field by Lilac Mills

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Title: The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Romance

Publication Date: 17th August 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Foxmore’s inaugural Christmas fayre will be the toast of the town – or the downfall of their relationship...

Harriet is facing her second Christmas on her own since her husband walked out. With little child support, she’s struggling to manage financially.

When Owen, a passionate environmentalist and popular blogger, overhears Harriet bemoaning her situation, he challenges her to only buy second-hand until Christmas. What she doesn’t know is that Owen is reporting her journey anonymously to all his followers…

Though the challenge is proving successful, it’s not without its troubles. Can Harriet really keep her children and bank balance happy this way? How will she react when she finds her life documented online?

A festive romance with buckets of heart, for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Sue Moorcroft.

I delved straight into this, shortly after finishing the first book in the Foxmore Village series, so happy to be back in this charming Welsh village. I do believe it can easily though be read as a standalone as the heart of this story are brand new characters, although we do see a small bit of Rowena from the previous book, it's more just because she lives in the same village. 

I loved getting to know Harriet and Owen in this latest story, and their first meeting leads to Owen (who is new in town), challenging Harriet that she won't be able to even last a week without buying something new.  Harriet raises the stakes and says she can make it until Christmas without buying anything brand new - preloved is fine. 

The fact she has two children including Sara who is 11 and just gone into secondary school, and rather likes asking for new things, especially when there is a birthday party coming up for Darlene, in a rather impressive venue - makes things all the more interesting for Harriet. 

This will certainly make you think about whether you should always buy things new, and in terms of Christmas presents, well I loved seeing how the challenge unfolded. 

Oh and Owen is a freelancer environmental writer, lives in a van, and may or may not have decided to write a series of blog posts about this challenge for his followers, without mentioning it to Harriet first! 

Once again this has a strong message to do with how everyone can do their bit to make the world a better place, and its clear these are themes that are dear to the author's heart. 

I couldn't get enough of this book, I loved all the characters, I am loving the village and especially some of the more memorable personalities in the village. 

Although there is a Christmas Fayre, this isn't what I'd call a particularly festive read and can easily be read at any time of the year, and should be as the message is valid all year around. 

I really hope this isn't the last we will see of Foxmore as I want more! 

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

Book Review - The Corner Shop on Foxmore Green by Lilac Mills

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Title: The Corner Shop on Foxmore Green

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Romance

Publication Date: 19th January 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Can a new shop change the village’s future – and Rowena’s?

Single mum Rowena is always looking for ways for her and Nia, her four-year-old daughter, to live more sustainably. So when she visits a zero-waste shop in Cardiff, she’s inspired to start one up in her home village of Foxmore, where local businesses and artisan shops are a core part of the community.

For Huw, it’s love at first sight when he bumps into Rowena the day he moves to Foxmore. But a series of misunderstandings keeps the two from getting closer, and now a conflict of interest over Rowena’s shop might put a stop to any fledgling romance…

When a figure from Rowena’s past makes a surprise appearance, both her shop and her relationship with Huw are suddenly under threat. Can Rowena still realise her corner shop dreams and find love?

A gorgeously fun and feel-good cosy romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Suzanne Snow.

There is something about Lilac Mills' writing that is so comforting and warm to read, while also more recently clearly having a message about saving the planet - although with each book that larger topic is dealt with in completely different ways. 

For Rowena is utterly fed up with thee amount of single use plastic that is in all of the shops in Foxmore, and with Nia, her fabulous four year old daughter now at school age she is starting to wonder whether she could get another job, that will fulfill her more than what she is currently doing part time. 

And after encountering one in nearby Cardiff, she realises that what Foxmore really needs is a Zero Waste shop.  With best friend Betsan, they attempt to make it a reality but nothing at all is smooth sailing. 

Add in a handsome stranger that has just moved into the village, a series of hilarious misunderstandings later, and some potential romance, and you have many elements that make up a truly engaging book. 

There are things referenced in the blurb for this book which don't happen until the last perhaps 25% or so, which surprised me as if I mentioned them in a review, then I would be accused of spoilers! 

For me Nia was the star of this book, she was simply fabulous, and often had me giggling.  I do love the things children come out with! 

And the whole idea of a zero waste shop is certainly a good one, and if I lived within walking distance of such a shop I might be tempted to use one myself.  They are a concept I wasn't overly familiar with before reading this but now understand a whole lot more. 

A really pleasurable read that left me looking forward to the next book in the series. 

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

Book Review - The Wilderness Retreat by Jennifer Moore

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Title: The Wilderness Retreat

Author: Jennifer Moore

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 22nd February 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

As Bella drops her son off at university, she’s devastated. It’s been the two of them ever since Asher was born. The only thing helping her through is an upcoming week-long wilderness retreat in Sweden, a surprise gift from her sister and Asher.

The lodge is modern and luxurious – but the surrounding forest is foreboding. Named Dead Man’s Forest after the legend of a local bandit left to die inside a wooden coffin, there are rumours that, on quiet nights, you can still hear the scratching of his fingernails against the lid.

When someone begins leaving unsettling notes, and a figure from her past comes back to haunt her, Bella’s unease grows. This certainly isn't the restful retreat she signed up for. And when another guest suddenly disappears, Bella fears she might not make it home alive…

Don’t miss this gripping psychological thriller about a blissful holiday that turns into a nightmare, perfect for fans of The Sanatorium and The Guest List.

Wow, I honestly thought I losing my mind along with Bella as I was reading this.

It's claustrophobic, clever and I would never have guessed the majority of it.

It's so well done, and the setting is sheer perfection. It's so wild and isolated and I wasn't really sure what to make of the whole retreat.

I enjoyed getting to know everyone on the retreat and seeing how some secrets were uncovered.

But I also feared for Bella, as it is clear something was really nor quite right. And that sense of creepiness just kept occurring more and more.

I was gripped from the start to the end and found this to be a fabulous book.  

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

Book Review - The Wedding Night by Harriet Walker - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Title: The Wedding Night

Author: Harriet Walker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 1st June 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

What do you do when the wedding of your dreams turns into a nightmare?

When Lizzie calls off her wedding in the south of France only a week before the big day, not even her closest friends know why. But since the chateau is already paid for, they figure it's the perfect place to take Lizzie's her mind off her suddenly single state.

But when the group arrives, the wedding is waiting for them - food, flowers, and all.

The next day, Lizzie wakes to find her friends have drunkenly revelled in the wedding-that-wasn't - but not all their antics were benign. Someone is set on tormenting Lizzie, and she can't think who.

The more the friends try to piece together exactly what happened that night, the more secrets start to come out . . .

Well it built to a rather interesting and dramatic conclusion, however it took a while to get to that stage. 

Initially you have no idea who you can trust, but its clear something not quite right is occuring, and that none of the people on this trip are quite sure whos to blame. 

It is soon apparently there are many secrets the characters are hiding, and it was enjoyable to slowly discover them as the book went on. 

I can't say I particularly gelled with any of the characters but I did feel sorry for Lizzie. 

Overall its a great concept and a good story, 

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

Book Review - Love on the Island by Jessica Gilmore

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Title: Love on the Island

Author: Jessica Gilmore

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 4th July 2023 

Rating: 3 Stars

One week.

Two couples.

A holiday they'll never forget...

Indi Drewe is turning thirty and is exactly where she wants to be: she's on the cusp of a promotion, lives in her gorgeous London flat and is sure her perfect-on-paper boyfriend, Will, is about to propose...

Only, on the night she'd hoped Will would present her with a sparkling diamond ring, she finds out that her younger sister Jade is getting married to a man she's known only for a few weeks!

Worried her sister is about to make a terrible mistake, she immediately flies out to visit her sister in Greece - and is shocked to discover she's sharing her villa with a far-too-handsome (and perpetually shirtless) stranger, Mikhos.

Indi and Mikhos might be each other's worst nightmare, but together, they only have days to stop the wedding before it's too late! Yet with so much love in the air on this paradise island, will they be able to resist falling for each other, too?

What a stunning setting this story has on the Greek Island on Naxos and a smaller nearby island. 

This radiated warmth,  Greek hospitality and made me feel very summery indeed.

I loved the resort that Jade was helping to launch with new fiancé Nico. 

However sister Indi's life isn't going according to her plan, and when is dumped, she decides to visit Greece.

Indi is so rigid to begin with that it is really hard to connect with her. She appears to be overly controlling of her sister's life (although has some good reasons for it), and it took for her being in Greece for a while and her catching the eye of Nico's cousin, for me to start to warm to her at all. 

I found the book quite slow going but that could just be because I was reading it while so busy with real life that I just couldn't sit and read for long enough at any point, to really get into it.    I am positive it's a really good book and at any other time I'd be raving about it. 

The final third I absolutely loved, and I really enjoyed seeing how everything turned out for our characters.  It's certainly an enjoyable read. 

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

Book Review - Murder in Siena by T. A. Williams

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Title: Murder in Siena

Author: T. A. Willians

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 1st August 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

A brand-new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany...It's murder in paradise!

A lazy weekend in the country…

Dan Armstrong and the new love of his life, Anna, are heading to a hotel deep in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside for a long weekend, looking forward to some time away from the stresses of their day jobs. With the beautiful and historic city of Siena just around the corner, it promises to be relaxing and enjoyable. What could possibly go wrong?

A mutilated body…

But when a mutilated body is discovered in the hotel grounds Dan is called in to help with the investigation. But who or what could have been responsible for such a vicious attack? Was it the work of wild animals, or is there a brutal murderer at large?

A killer who cried wolf?

Dan knows he is dealing with a clever killer – whether two- or four-legged! And as he sets out to solve the case he begins to worry about his own loyal canine companion. Could Oscar be in more danger than any of the other hotel guests or is a murderer trying to cover their tracks?

It's another case for Dan and Oscar to solve!

Another superb addition to this series although I'm starting to think I'd rather not know Dan and Oscar purely because murder seems to follow them around, even while on holiday.

And this is a rather tricky crime to solve, stumping at times everyone involved officially or unofficially.

I loved the setting of Siena, and with Anna acting as tour guide, we really get to know the area, and it'd history.

Equally we learn a lot about the local wolves, which was fascinating.

I had absolutely no idea who had done it, I just couldn't predict this at all, and it certainly kept me on my toes.

I'm loving this delve into the darker side of T A Williams mind. Long may it continue. 

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

Book Review - Artful Antics at St Brides by Debbie Young

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Title: Artful Antics at St Brides

Author: Debbie Young

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 29th July 2023 

Rating: 5 Stars

When English teacher Gemma Lamb’s school flat is wrecked by storms, maverick headmistress Hairnet insists the girls must fund its repair by setting up their own businesses – the start of a series of hilarious unintended consequences.

Meanwhile Gemma’s worries are compounded by the arrival of bossy new girl Frieda Ehrlich, sponsored by a mysterious local tycoon whose wealth is of dubious origins. Fearful for the school’s reputation, Gemma recruits an old friend to help investigate the tycoon’s credentials, jeopardising her romance with sports teacher Joe Spryke.

What is Frieda hiding? Why is her sponsor living in a derelict manor house? Why is his chauffeur such a crazed driver? And what has become of McPhee, Hairnet’s precious black cat? With a little help from her friends, Gemma is determined to solve these mysteries, restore her flat and save the school.

For anyone who loved St Trinian’s – old or new – or read Malory Towers as a kid. St Brides is the perfect read for you!

I am just love, Love, LOVING this series, and this is another wonderful installment. I devoured it and couldn't get enough of it.  And that a clever title it has too. 

Although classified as a cozy mystery and there is a mysterious element to it, to me it's far more of just a nostalgic feeling school story, giving off Malory Towers or Twins at St Clare's vibes, and I love catching up with the staff and girls at this school. 

And this time there is a new girl in the school Freida, and it's her sponsor that is attracting various curious looks from the staff.  And the latest essential skills projects were like young enterprise at my school, basically making your own business, in this instance in a way to raise funds for the new roof for the staff apartments. 

I love how Gemma's curiosity knows no bounds, and she is determined to learn as much about these new people as she can. I also enjoyed seeing how her bonds with the rest of the staff are deepening at all times. 

i once again read this book in record time, it is just so easy to read and be involved in the story. It felt like coming home and I just love this setting and these characters so much.   Please let there be another book. 

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

Book Review - The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redand

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Title: The Start of Something Wonderful

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 17th July 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Autumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer.

So when her penpal, Rosie, invites her to stay in the Lake District, Autumn jumps at the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. After all, where better to re-discover her creativity than the place which inspired her heroine, Beatrix Potter?

Arriving at the picturesque lakeside village of Willowdale, Autumn is swept up by the beauty and magic of the stunning landscape. Welcomed into the community with open arms, she slowly starts to feel like herself again as her creative instincts re-ignite.

But when she meets Dane, who has escaped to the Lakes for his own reasons, will Autumn's walls come down to let someone in again after so long? Or will the secrets of her past continue to hold her back?

A new beginning is a daunting prospect, but could it be the start of something wonderful too..?

Join million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland for a brand new series, full of love, friendship and community.

It is always an exciting day when you are about to start a new Jessica Redland novel,  doubly so when it's the first in a new series.

And I have to say if this is the first I literally can't wait to see how the series will progress, as it has absolutely gorgeous setting.

Set in the Lake District we meet Autumn, Rosie, Alice and Dane, as our main characters.  Well it's mainly Autumn and Dane but Rosie and to a lesser extent Alice play a big part in this story too.  It is clear that the author must either love Beatrix Potter, or has researched her a lot, as I have learnt so much about Beatrix Potter reading this  and Autumn is similar to her heroine in many ways.

I loved how she first met Dane, and how they agree to help each other with creative inspiration. I'm in awe of how talented they both are, and wish some of Autumn illustrations could have been included, to see if they looked how I was imagining them, as they are so vividly described.

And Rosie has been pen pals with Autumn for 24 years but this is the first time they have ever met. She lives with mother Alice in a picturesque estate and work in a stables. 

I have a weird inkling they both may get their own book, in the future, as they definitely have more to tell is I think.

This just had such lovely warm hug of a vibe that enveloped me as I read.  This is just a gorgeous story and I couldn't get enough of it.  I just loved every second of it, more please! 

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

Book Review - An Invitation to Seashell Bay by Bella Osborne

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Title: An Invitation to Seashell Bay

Author: Bella Osborne

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 20th July 2023 

Rating: 4 Stars

The brand-new summer romcom from Bella Osborne, full of laughter, love and life’s twists and turns!

***An Invitation to Seashell Bay was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.***

One ambitious businesswoman.

One irresponsible heir.

A deal that will turn both their lives upside down…

To grow her craft business, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. So when a potential investor she’s looking to impress recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to secure both.

Freddy Astley-Davenport is a notorious playboy with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay – but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. His plan is to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can.

Nancy has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one. However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly, and they soon discover exactly why opposites attract…

An absolutely escapist, funny, feel-good summer romance. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson will adore Bella Osborne.

I absolutely loved Alice, who is sharing a flat with Nancy. The tells she tales of her days as a teaching assistant always made me smile, and as you get to know her story even more, I just loved everything about her. 

I also enjoyed Nancy, who is the main character, but I think Alice stole my heart. 

And Freddy, really grew on me, he really does have his good points, even if they are hard to find initially. And I loved his dynamics with everyone. 

The story really gets going for me once they are in Seashell Bay, and there are many threads that kept me hooked. 

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent between the pages of this book and have found the characters are still on my mind a day or two later.  

It's a pleasure to read. 

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

Book Review - The Lottery Win by Rosie Green - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Title: The Lottery Win

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 29th May 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Krystle has always yearned to live a different kind of life, so when she hits the jackpot, quite literally, she's over the moon. At last she'll get the chance to live in a gorgeous house, drive the car of her dreams and maybe even track down that elusive soulmate at last! It all sounds perfect – but can reality ever live up to your dreams?

OMG Rosie Green once again you have produced an amazing book, I don't know how you keep doing so, other than clearly talent!

Krystal is amazed to hear her twin has won the lotter and was sharing the prize money with her. 

For someone who has been having money issues, suddenly coming into just over 1 million pounds is rather joyous, but as Krystal starts to find out, that money isn't everything. 

And that once you have it, and people know, it is rather hard to know who to trust anymore.

This s a fun story but it is also at times rather scary tpp, when Krystals' big secret tries to make itself known.

With some familiar faces from some of the other Duck Pond Cafe books, this is an absolute treat of a book. 

Loved every second that I was devouring this charming and joyous novella. 

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

Book Review - The Cheesecake Challenge by Rosie Green - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Title: The Cheesecake Challenge

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 31st March 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

They say misfortunes come in threes – and as far as Jaz is concerned, this seems painfully true. Her love life has been shattered beyond repair. Her new next-door neighbour is proving to be a major pain in the rear. And if all that wasn't bad enough . . . something happens that shocks not just Jaz, but the entire Sunnybrook community. Help is desperately needed – but who will be the one to ride to the rescue?

**All your favourite characters are here this time, so why not make a cuppa, get cosy and enjoy catching up with old friends**?

Rosie Green how can you put us readers through this sort of a rollercoaster. 

You had me incredibly scared for most of the book, but at back of my mind, i was thinking, surely it has to work out ok. 

We are back with some of the original duck pond cafe girls in this book, were we get to see the latest happenings in the lives of Jaz and Elle. 

It really is the sort of book that has you smiling at some antics one minute, while praying an answer to another characters problems will appear the next minute 

I couldn't read this fast enough, and devoured it in two sittings, mainly with sleep in between!

I've said id before and I've said it again, it takes an extremely talented author to keep making each book in this long running series feeling fresh.  Kudos to Rosie Green for that. 

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

Book Review - The Fifth Guest by Jenny Knight - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: The Fifth Guest

Author: Jenny Knight

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 3rd August 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Five friends. One deadly secret.

Five old university friends gather on the eve of their flatmate’s memorial at a beautiful riverside house.

Host Caro is as perfect as always.

Shy, awkward Lily’s now a bestselling author.

Sports hero George loves suburban fatherhood.

Bad-boy Travis only gets his highs from meditation.

And gatecrasher Elle is still a troublemaker.

Estranged for years, they’re finally ready to reminisce over dry martinis and delicious food. But there’s more than that on the menu…

Because each guest is hiding a dark secret about their time at Oxford.

They’re all guilty of something. Is one of them guilty of murder?

I couldn't get enough of this book, I loved the dual timelines of what happened all those years ago at Oxford, and what was happening at the dinner party being hosted by Caro. 

It's about a group of people who under normal circumstances probably wouldn't have been on each other radars, but due to an accomodation issue, all ended up living together 

In the past sections I was rooting for George and Henry to make the boat race boat, for Lily and Travis to get it together, and for a whole lost more too. 

In the present sections I was reading with bated breath to see just which character would reveal something shocking or eye opening next and that might she new light on their past times together. 

By the end of it, I was really despising at least one character, thought another was incredibly brave, and was shocked at the lengths others would go to. 

This may be the author's debut thriller but all of her women's fiction skills that I have loved in the past were present in this book, making it incredibly readable, to the extent I read it in an afternoon. 

Absolutely enthralling. 

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

Book Review - The Resort by Sarah Goodwin

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Title: The Resort

Author: Sarah Goodwin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 5th January 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Mila and her husband Ethan are on their way to her sister’s wedding at a luxurious ski resort. As they drive through the mountains, surrounded by snow covered forests, Mila feels like everything is finally going to plan.

When the car engine suddenly stops and won’t start again.

Stranded, with night closing in, they make their way on foot back to where they saw a sign for some cabins.

When they finally reach them, they find the windows boarded up and the buildings in disrepair. They have the eerie sense they shouldn’t be there.

With snow falling more heavily, they have no choice but to break into one to spend the night.

In the morning when Mila wakes, Ethan is gone.

Now she is all alone.

Or is she?

A totally gripping and spine-tingling psychological thriller with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Fans of The Sanatorium, The Hunting Party and The Castaways will be completely hooked from the very first page until the final, shocking conclusion.

Claustrophobic, haunting, chilling, addictive... just some of the adjective I need to use to describe The Resort. 

Although perhaps unputdownable, unguessable and shocking would actually be more accurate. 

It's certainly a ridiculously good book, only the second I've read from an author who is fast becoming a favourite. 

The location, the descriptions of Mila in his really weird feeling village are so vividly described you feel as though you are there experiencing it for yourself.  

I was coming up with theories constantly but the only thing that made sense to me, until I of course read the actual happenings, but my theories were well off the mark and completely unrealistic. 

Even while I was fearing for Mila's survival chances, I was also interested in discovering the family dynamic between her and Jess, her sister.  

This was utterly fabulous, I'm almost lost for words as to how much I enjoyed this.  I devoured it in less than a day, and was using any excuse to return to my kindle, despite my work mountain.  And it was so worth it. I will say thought that I'm glad I read this in summer, or else the chilling descriptions of the cold and snow may have completely frozen me. 

I'm now so hooked on this author, I'm already ready to sit down and read her newest book. 

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