Book Review - For Better, For Worse by Lauren North

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Title: For Better, For Worse

Author: Lauren North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 20th May 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

The perfect pre-wedding getaway. The perfect murder. The perfect trap…

Jake and I planned our romantic trip to the south of France to unwind from all the stress of organising our wedding and enjoy some blissful, sun-soaked days just the two of us.

But when we return to the villa after a day exploring the stunning countryside, our dream holiday is turned upside down. Because there, on the beautiful antique rug, is the body of the man everyone saw Jake arguing with in the town square just this morning…

I stop breathing as I take in the scene. The footprints in the same tread as Jake’s trainers. The knife I used at breakfast lying near the body, covered in my fingerprints.

I feel dizzy, reaching out for Jake as my knees tremble. He holds me upright, saying nothing. Is someone trying to frame us for this death? If they are, they’ve set us up flawlessly.

And now we have a choice to make. Call the police and risk everything – or get rid of the body and hope nobody ever finds out…

I’d give anything to go back to the stress of wedding planning, because now I feel nothing but terror.

Who would do something like this? Are we next to die? And why – as I look at my pale, sweating fiancé – do I wonder if he knows more than he’s letting on…?

I have no idea how Lauren North manages to blow my mind with pretty much every book she writes, but she has definitely done it again with this one. 

I was never completely confident in any theory I had, and no way would I have ever seen the finale outcome coming.  It's utterly brilliant! 

After a lovely day out in France, Jake and Hannah return to the farmhouse and discover a dead body, with a knife that Hannah has definitely touched, and what appear to be footprints made from Jake's shoes.  And the decisions they make in that moment, are what set up the rest of the book fabulously.  

And both of them have been together the whole time.  This comes on the back of their apartment in London having had a break in, from one of Jake's exes.  

There seemed to be secrets galore between this couple that are getting married in two weeks time, and I was constantly kept on my toes. 

I loved the quick pace of this story, and couldn't get enough of it, turning the pages like a madwoman! 

Definitely had me gripped and I loved seeing how it would all resolve. 

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

Book Review - Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

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Amazon UK

Title: Swept Away

Author: Beth O'Leary

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 1st April 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Lost at sea . . . with your one-night stand

'Feels like a brand new version of romance . . . I drowned happily in this book' Jodi Picoult

'I adored it, it was so romantic' Marian Keyes

Lexi is looking for no-strings-attached fun with a stranger. She deserves one night for herself, doesn't she?

Zeke is looking for love. But for one night with a woman like Lexi, he'll break his rules . . .

Sparks fly at the pub, one passionate kiss leads to another and they end up stumbling home to the marina together.

The next morning, hungover and shaken by an amazing night together, Lexi is more than ready for Zeke to leave. There's just one small problem . . . the houseboat they stayed on has been swept out to sea.

As their supplies start to run dangerously low, and the waves pick up, Zeke and Lexi soon realise there's much more on the line than their new relationship.

How long can they really survive on a drifting houseboat in the North Sea? Will search and rescue find them? And who will they be if they both make it back to dry land?

Swept Away is the epic new romance from the million-copy bestselling author of The Flatshare and The No-Show about your one-night stand becoming your one and only lifeline.

I've been aware of Beth O'Leary's books for a while and I'm sorry to say that despite even owning a few of them, that I hadn't actually say down and read one before. 

So I have popped my cherry with this author, on what has to be one of the best books I've read this year so far.  And I know I will need to find time to read more from the author too. 

From the moment I started this book it was on my mind, and I kept reaching for it when I was working until realising I just needed to sit and devour the story instead as I needed to know what happens. 

This is pretty much a book of two characters - Lexi and Zeke, who have a one night stand on a house boat and wake to discover the boat has floated out to sea. With no phone reception, and no other boats in sight, this is a mix of a possible close proximity romance, and also a quest for survival. 

And I really don't want to say much more about the plot than that, as this is one you need to discover for yourself. Go in like I did blind, I was attracted by the boat on the cover, as I always seem to love books featuring boats, and I was astounded by how fabulous this book was. 

We really get to know everything about Lexi and Zeke as well as how they copy in a crisis.  There is action, there is chemistry, there are knives, there are tough decisions, and above all there is a growing connection between our heroes. 

I have absolutely no idea what I would have done in that situation, so I think I'll stick away from one night stands on boats, especially when both people think they own the boat, and both aren't great at following instructions while inebriated! 

I just had to keep reading to know if there was going to be any hope of survival, I was completely gripped and was totally unaware of my surroundings while I was on the boat with Lexi and Zeke and floating around in the North Sea. 

Just amazing.  Totally loved this book. 

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

Book Review - The Cornish Beach Hut Cafe by Jane Linfoot

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Amazon UK

Title: The Cornish Beach Hut Cafe

Author: Jane Linfoot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 12th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A fresh start among old friends…

Florence May never expected to trade the high life of London for the cosy comfort of a beach hut in her Cornish hometown, but the moment she steps inside she knows it was the best choice she ever made. The fact that it comes with a requirement that she sets up a business on site? A minor setback that’s easily fixed by opening up a surfside outpost of her friend Clemmie’s Little Cornish Kitchen … where Floss finds herself unexpectedly flourishing.

And when the hotel owner next door sets out to buy the land out from under her? Floss calls on her loyal friends to help her save her little slice of heaven. Because if there’s one thing the community of St Aidan does well, it’s banding together to make the most of every second, whatever life throws at you.

It' is always a sheer joy to return to St Aidan, Cornwall in Jane Linfoot's novels and especially when there is a cafe involved. 

Florence May against her better judgment has ended up as an outpost of Clemmie's Cornish Kitchen, in her brand new beach hut that she can only live in, if its a business too. Florence bought the beach hut in order to lick her wounds and ideally be a hermit.

Instead she is thanks to the mermaids, her close friends, thrust into the centre of life in St Aidan.  There are flirtations, there is a fight to save the beach hut, and above all there are...

...desserts! 

This is a book for anyone with a sweet tooth. The connections Flossie comes up with had my mouth watering, and my stomach rumbling. They sounded delicious. 

Between catching up with familiar residents from previous books, to getting to know Flossie and her family better, as well as Kit, this is just a pleasurable read that I loved every moment of. 

It can easily be read as a standalone novel but the series is so good, why not read more than one. Jane Linfoot is a fabulous author and this is another entertaining book that really hit the spot for me. 

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

Book Review - The Forever Home by Rosie Green

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Amazon UK

Title: The Forever Home

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author Supplied Copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 31st January 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Ellie is over the moon to be moving into her dream house with Zak and Maisie. But when she discovers some surprising secrets contained within its walls, affecting someone close to her, she'll have to solve a decades-old mystery to bring about a happy ending . . .

I devoured this over the course of one evening, I just couldn't stop reading it. 

It was wonderful to have Ellie back as one of our main characters, given she is one of the original Little Duck Pond Cafe crew and I've been enjoying and following her story across 38 books so far either close up or from a slight distance! 

I love Ellie, but whether she has bitten off more than she can chew with a house renovation while very pregnant is another matter.  Especially as she never seems to know when to slow down. 

We also get to meet Rhona who is new to Sunnybrook, and she has a heart-breaking secret. We get chapters in the past where we learn more about Rhona and it was compulsive reading. 

I loved seeing how the characters came together, and just what is Zak hiding from Ellie as it is clear things aren't quite as smooth as I would have liked between them at the moment. 

Another fabulous and fresh story in this really long running and awesome series.  Just brilliant as I have come to expect from Rosie Green. 

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

Book Review - Murder in the Tuscan Hills by T. A. Williams

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Title: Murder in the Tuscan Hills

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 2nd February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A picturesque scene… 🍇

As grape harvest season rolls around, retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his beloved canine companion, Oscar, are looking forward to a nice quiet September. But when Dan is contacted about a mysterious death out in the Tuscan Hills, it seems that work must come before pleasure.

A suspicious find… 🔎

At first it appears that the body found lying outside a prestigious winery has been the result of a tragic hit and run. But then the police discover that this is a cover up for murder…but who would kill in such an idyllic spot and why?

A face from the past? 😎

As Dan investigates, he meets famous ex rock star, Digger, owner of the winery and prestigious Podere Dei Santi hotel. Digger’s guests include wealthy businessmen, tourists, and, among them, suspected mafia hitmen. But more significant for Dan is a face he knows only too well from his own past and he soon finds that wine isn't the only thing fermenting around him.

Could this murder be the start of a gangland war, or do the killer’s motives lie much closer to home? Will complications from Dan's past return to trouble his future? Either way, Dan and Oscar must work around the clock to solve another mystery.

I think by this stage of the series it is fairly safe to say that Oscar is fat becoming one of my all time favourite detectives.  Don't let the fact he is a gorgeous labrador fool you, he is once again a key component of the Dan and Oscar team. 

His nose for clues is uncanny, his ability to tell a good person from a bad one is impressive, and he is utterly key in the finale section of this book too.  

I just want to raise a steak to Oscar, one of the best canines I know! 

Don't get my wrong Dan has loads of good points too and it was a pleasure to see him working with the local police once again, this time in a case that surprisingly has him come face-to -face with his ex-wife.  Which is the first time we have met her, and I definitely prefer Anna! 

Ah yes there were definitely some murders in this story, the body count kept rising, but just why people were being killed, and who was doing it, was a lot easier to ask than to discover.  

There are many theories floated about and I was never sure what to believe and I definitely didn't have a strong feeling towards any of the suspects apart from not liking some of them. 

It's a lovely and complex case for Dan and the police to work on, and there are some very interesting discussions too. 

I am a massive fan of this series and already can't wait to read the next book.  Long may it continue! 

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

Book Review - The Serial Killer Support Group by D B Stephens

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Title: The Serial Killer Support Group

Author: D B Stephens

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 8th May 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Justice will be served…

Therapy just got deadly

When Jess Pendle agrees to attend a support group to meet other women who have lived similar experiences, she doesn’t expect much.

The group has been set up for like-minded women to come together, but when their therapist leaves, they close the blinds and find a new, and altogether more deadly way to support each other…

Wow, what an addictive book and better yet its the first book of what is promising to be a fabulous series. 

I've only ever read one book before from this author, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it referenced in this one too.  And it did remind me that I said even years ago that I needed to read more from them, so am glad I've rediscovered them. 

What starts as a relatively straight forward psychological thriller with it being made very obvious who the killer is, soon becomes so much more involved and impressive story, with so many levels to it. 

And with it comes a moral dilemma, and also brings one rather harrowing issue the forefront of readers minds, and makes me wonder how I would cope, or what I would be willing to do if I was in the same situation. 

I loved the core group of women in this story, and Jess is very brave, but at the same time incredibly empathetic too. 

I was totally hooked on this, and loved every second of it.  And there is no way I could have guessed the ending, that was totally fabulous.  Bring on the next book in this series. 

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

Book Review - A Villa With A View by Julie Caplin

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Title: A Villa With A View

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 29th February 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast – but that dream hadn’t included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable – and insufferably handsome – Raphael Knight, her father’s business manager.

When an old black and white photo proves Lia’s claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn’t have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight.

As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph’s forced proximity lead to something more like… amore?

Whenever you sit down with a new Julie Caplin novels you can be assured of the following - 

- A desire to jump onto a plane to whichever is the featured destination in the book

- Feeling incredibly hungry as you read, there is often a foodie theme somewhere in the book

- A delicious love story that will have you rooting for both people

And this book had all of this and a whole lot more besides. 

I was transported to the Amalfi Coast and really felt for Lia, as life as she had known it had just been turned on its head as she had discovered the man who raised her isn't her birth father, and she is in fact related to an Italian superstar actor. 

Although getting access to Ernesto is rather tricky when his step son, the gorgeous Raph who acts as his business manager too, is determined to see the worst in everyone. 

As Lia eventually meets and starts getting to know the Italian side of her family, I fell more and more in love with this story. 

I love that Lia is a textile artist, I loved Aurelia teaching her to love food a whole lot more and the gastronomy tour was amazing. It had my mouth watering, while I could feel the heat between our leads even if they try to deny it.

This totally transported me to Italy and into the lives of Raph's family. I adored every single second of it, from the great characters to the sunshine feeling from the book. Just another totally wonderful read from a queen of escapist fiction. 

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

Book Review - Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

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Title: Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd April 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A lost love…

A&E Nurse Amy Spencer lives a very ordinary life in Port Kara. She loves her job at the hospital and has a great group of friends, but there is something or someone missing from her life. Amy’s tried dating but no one ever compares with the one boy that got away – Lijah Byrne.

A surprise arrival…

Lijah’s life since he left Port Kara has been what dreams are made of. But lately Lijah has started to feel hollow – the fame and celebrity he once craved now makes him feel trapped. The only place he’s ever felt safe is Port Kara… so maybe it’s time to go back home?

A reunion written in the stars.

When Amy bumps into Lijah again, she only sees the boy she once loved with all her heart. But their lives are so different now. Amy knows a rekindling of their past love will end in heartbreak, but she can’t give up her second chance to be with the man she loves.

Another brilliantly emotional and uplifting read guaranteed to have you laughing and reaching for the tissues. If you love Doc Martin, you will love this! Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

I can't work out whether I want to cheer that we finally get Gwen as a leading lady of one of Jo Bartlett's book, or whether I want to berate the poor author for just what she put Gwen through during this book. 

For Gwen is easily one of my favourite fictional characters in recent years, she has been a tonic in all of these 3 Ports area medical romances, and is utterly fabulous, so to see her suddenly having health issues was upsetting. 

But it is a storyline that is told sensitively and I feel like this won't be the last we see of St Piran's matriarch. 

And the other focus of this book was Amy's story and romance with old flame Lijah who just happens to be back in town.  They are nowadays worlds apart and Amy is not sure whether she can dare fall for him once again. 

We also get to catch up with the rest of the regular characters from the series and there were definitely some heart in mouth moments of drama. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and am already eager to hopefully read the next book in the series, assuming there is one, or whatever else Jo Bartlett writes next!  I love this author and her setting and can never get enough of it. 

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

Book Review - A Class Act by Julie Houston

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Title: A Class Act

Author: Julie Houston

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 30th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Robyn Allen is finally getting closer to her dream of West End stardom. And along with her role dancing in the latest hot musical, she’s being wined and dined by an equally hot man – the wildly successful and well-connected Fabian Carrington. But one slip up and her dreams are shattered, and Robyn has to hobble back to the Yorkshire village of Beddingfield, and the life she hoped she’d escaped.

Moving back into her mum’s house with her recalcitrant teenage sister Sorrel, next door to her older sister Jess who’s fed up with picking up the slack, is not how Robyn pictured her year. But there’s more to come. Sorrel needs a new school, and the school needs a new drama teacher. Despite having vowed never to teach again, Robyn knows she has to support her sister.

So together Sorrel and Robyn vow to take on St Mede’s – home to jokers, tearaways and trouble-makers, but with a hidden heartbeat ready to be inspired. And who knows, the kids might have something to teach Robyn about life too…

Welcome to the village of Beddingfield and the first book in bestseller Julie Houston’s new series set in Yorkshire. Funny, fabulous, heart-warming and hilarious, you’ll never forget the Allen sisters and their one-of-a-kind community. Perfect for fans of Jo Bartlett, Cathy Bramley and Philippa Ashley.

My first thoughts on finishing this fabulous book, are next please, I definitely want to read the next book in this series. 

I am loving the Allen family and was drawn to this book by Robyn, as she dreams of being a West End star in musicals and the first part all about her journey and career to date really appealed to me, being a massive musicals fan. 

And then the story progresses and she ends up in Yorkshire helping out with her family, all of which need her help and also gets persuaded to be a teacher while up there (she has the qualifications but was determined never to go back into a classroom). 

And watching Robyn's growth during the story, as well as hearing about her past was great to see.  And the change in her younger sister Sorrel was rather impressive too. 

It's a bit of a dysfunctional family but in the best way, I loved every member of the family, especially the more we saw of them.   And I really hope to see more of 10 year old Lola in future books, she is fabulous. 

I've really enjoyed every page of this story, that had be totally unaware of where I was on a tube journey, as I was that absorbed in what was going on. 

Between Robyn's love life and interesting choice of men, to her mother's long term condition, her younger sister's attitude and her older sisters passion for food we have a truly heartwarming story and the starting point of what promises to be a fabulous series. 

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