Book Review - Locked Away by M A Comley

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Title: Locked Away

Author: M A Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 16th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

When the past catches up with the present...

... the result can be deadly.

DI Sara Ramsey and her team are tasked with finding an elusive kidnapper. Someone driven by dark secrets. Several women have been abducted, some in broad daylight, but why?

With few clues and even less evidence, can Sara find the women before their abductor moves onto the next stage in their warped plan?

In the midst of one of the most depraved investigations of her career, Sara is dealt a shocking blow by her partner, Carla. Sara is pushed to her limits personally and professionally.

Can she remain true to herself and prevent a massacre from happening?

I loved this latest DI Sara Ramsey thriller. 

We get to see things clearly from both the villain and the police's point of view, and even I was wondering how on earth Sara and her team were going to solve this one. 

And I continually was wondering about the motivation for one person to adduct multiple women after clearly stalking them to learn their routines, and in some cases in broad daylight too. 

I was also rather invested in the latest progression of Carla's storyline, and at times I was completely despairing with her in this book, while feeling for her too. 

It's another wonderful addition to this rather addictive series. I couldn't get enough of trying to see how it may unfold, and really enjoyed all the continuing storylines with the team too. 

Was also really interesting to see so closely into the mind of the abductor, who I didn't' sympathise with at all even when we learn the motivation,. 

Just another fabulous book from one of my favourite authors. 

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

Book Review - A Summer of Surprises by Rosie Green

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Title: A Summer of Surprises

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 30th June 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

When Ruby Watkiss lands a job at the True Loaf Bakery, she feels as if the sun has finally come out. Having been through a traumatic time, it’s a joy to be working for Ellie, and now all Ruby wants is to lead a quiet life and support her mum in getting the help she needs.But life, it seems, has other plans for Ruby.Working alongside the bafflingly rude Hudson Holmes would be bad enough – but then odd things start happening. It seems that someone is out to sabotage the café and bakery, and to her horror, Ruby finds the finger pointing at her.Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with the most unlikely person in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Tailing suspects and hiding in bushes isn’t something she ever imagined she’d be doing, although her partner in mystery-solving seems the perfect man for the job. Can they clear Ruby’s name by discovering the real culprit? 

With all the drama afoot, at least there’s no time for romance. Because that’s the very last thing on Ruby’s mind these days. Or is it…?

I'm absolutely amazed at how after 16 books Rosie Green still manages to keep this series fresh and original.

At no point would I have guessed that this latest instalment was more like a cosy mystery, and I was hooked.

From the prologue which had me on tenterhooks, all the way through to the family secrets in Ruby's family, to just why it is Hudson sometimes behaves strangely and just who seems to have it in for Ellie, this is a book that certainly kept me on my toes. 

If you are new to the series then don't worry I feel this could definitely be read as a standalone, as although some of the regulars are present it's predominately about all new characters.

This really is a series that is going from strength to strength,  and I already can't wait for book 17.  You know its a good series when you are still eager to read more even after this many books. 

Plenty of events I didn't see coming,  adds to the interest and rather addictive nature of this tale.

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

Book Review - Safe at Home by Lauren North

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Title: Safe at Home

Author: Lauren North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 9th September 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

What if you left your child alone, and something terrible happened?

Anna James is an anxious mother. So when she has to leave eleven-year-old Harrie home alone one evening, she can't stop worrying about her daughter. But nothing bad ever happens in the sleepy village of Barton St Martin.

Except something goes wrong that night, and Anna returns to find Harrie with bruises she won't explain. The next morning a local businessman is reported missing and the village is sparking with gossip.

Anna is convinced there's a connection and that Harrie is in trouble. But how can she protect her daughter if she doesn't know where the danger is coming from?

What an addictive read this is, I was hooked from the first few pages and really wasn't sure what to think at times. 

I mean we quite early on realise something terrible happened to Harrie the only night she was allowed stay home alone for what was meant to be 20 mins.  We know there is a missing person, and there are other things being hinted at - with the various interviews we see transcripts of. 

But everything is revealed rather slowly, as a way to tantalise into reading further and it worked, as while I wasn't sure what the real truth was for a large amount of the book and even then there are revelations right up to the last possible moment - I had a million and one theories running through my head at all times. 

I wasn't even 100% convinced if our main characters would still be alive by the end of the book - and I'm not telling you whether they are or not! 

The narrative is split between Anna and Harrie, as was discover just what happened in the run up to Halloween and just after it.  I was terrified for Harrie even without initially knowing why, just due to the immense change in character.  

This had me on the edge of my seat and it was a wrench at 4am to leave the last 20% until I was awake, as I really didn't want to put it down!

This is another fabulously gripping story from Lauren North, who is becoming a force to be reckoned with when it comes to these psychological dramas. 

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

Book Review - Can I Give My Stepkids Back? by Aurelie Tramier

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Title: Can I Give My Stepkids Back?

Author: Aurelie Tramier

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 25th February 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

As a childcare centre director, Morgan has to deal with kids every day but would much rather run her own boarding kennel. Snoopy - Morgan's beagle - is indeed the only living being she has considered family these past few years. When her sister and brother-in-law die in a terrible car crash, she has no choice but to adopt their two children.

The unexpected addition to her household is clearly unlikely to get her closer to her canine goals. And as if this wasn't enough, she seems to be getting it all wrong with her "stepkids", ordering bedding her new son Elliot finds terribly childish, and forgetting to bake a cake for school on Lea's birthday. Grandma Catherine is convinced she'd do a much better job...

When Snoopy sprains his leg, the kids are swept off their feet by the handsome single vet who's nursing him back to health. They're convinced he and Morgan would be a match made in heaven. Now they only need to convince Morgan...

From a rather emotional and rocky beginning this grows into such a beautiful and loving story that I couldn't get enough of.

Morgan especially changes over the course of the book and for the better as although I was intrigued by her, it took a while to really like her.

Where as Eliot whose 10 the chapters from his point of view are heart wrenching, realistic and just seem so tender.

He and sister Lea are suddenly thrust into the care of aunt Morgan after their parents die. Morgan has never really known what to do with kids and is grieving herself too. 

Yet this is her dying sisters wish so has to somehow do her best. And slowly they all get used to each other. We also understand more of her past that has moulded her, and explains a lot.

I loved a lot of the secondary storylines too, some really great characters.

I found this was a fast read, that I didn't really want to put down, and was thinking about when not reading.

Thoroughly enjoyable book. 

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

Book Review - Katie's Cornish Kitchen by Rosie Chambers

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Title: Katie's Cornish Kitchen

Author: Rosie Chambers

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 6th July 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

After the heartbreak of being jilted by her fiancé, Katie Campbell has been mending her broken heart in Bali. She has local restaurant owner and new friend Agatha to thank for providing a listening ear in her moment of need. When Katie confides she’s worried about going back to what’s left of her life in London, Agatha has just the opportunity for Katie – to manage her old café in the beautiful, picturesque village of Perrinby in Cornwall.

Although reopening the café and making it profitable won’t be easy, Katie is determined to make the most of her fresh start. She quickly makes new friends in florist Jay, waitress Talia and handsome neighbour Oscar, and focuses on making the café a welcoming place for the community – from hosting floristry workshops to pizza-making nights and even the local knit-and-natter group. But, with the café under threat from the local property developers circulating just as she’s starting to grow closer to Oscar and finally feeling at home, can Katie find the recipe to make her Cornish Kitchen a success?

Escape to Cornwall in this heartwarming romance – perfect for fans of Julie Caplin, Phillipa Ashley and Debbie Johnson

Before you start reading this book make sure to have a large number of snacks,  especially cake nearby as it will definitely make you hungry.

It also though brought a massive smile to my face seeing how Katie gets to grips with running this cafe in Cornwall, and all of her wonderful initiatives.

As much as I enjoyed the authors first book, this was a clear step up and I am really impressed by all aspects of this story. 

I loved the various characters in Cornwall, especially Jasper the florists enthusiasm for all things flowers, and Talia, oh Talia deserves her own book or series. The creativity of her various outfits and insanely brilliant hats as well as her love of astrology, plus her ability to just slightly misunderstand some words just gives us one woman who brightens up any page she is on.

Really enjoyed the setting in Cornwall and the whole community.  As well as Katie's own development during the book.

A joy to read, definitely need to read more from this author in the future. 

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

Book Review - Welcome to Ferry Lane Market by Nicola May

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Title: Welcome To Ferry Lane Market

Author: Nicola May

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 22nd July 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Although thirty-three-year-old Kara Moon loves her hometown of Hartmouth in Cornwall, she has always wondered if she should have followed her dream of going off to study floristry. But she couldn't bring herself to abandon her emotionally delicate single father, and has worked on Ferry Lane Market's flower stall ever since leaving school.

When her good-for-nothing boyfriend cheats on her and steals her life savings, she finally dumps him and rents out her spare room as an Airbnb. Gossip flies around the town as Kara welcomes a series of foreign guests to her flat overlooking the estuary.

Then an anonymous postcard arrives, along with a plane ticket to New York. And there begins the first of three trips of a lifetime, during which she will learn important lessons about herself, her life and what she wants from it - and perhaps find love along the way.

Nicola May is onto the start of another winning series here, as I loved Welcome to Ferry Lane Market and already feel the wait for the next book will be too long to cope with!

Admittedly I did find it took a while to feel fully at home with this book, I was missing Hot the dog from Cockleberry Bay (from the author's previous series), although a cat called James Bond and a terrapin called Sid Vicious are great animal companions, to go alongside Kara, and everyone at Ferry Lane market. 

I really took to Kara quite quickly and once I sorted out all the other characters I was fully engrossed in the story, The sheer amount of story, character developments, surprises that are jam packed into this book is so impressive, and it all works together so well. 

For me the book really took off to another gear of my love of it when the plane ticket to New York that is mentioned in the blurb, happens. I won't go into details as its far enough into the story that it would be spoilery - but the travel lover in me was loving Kara who has barely never left Cornwall, suddenly abroad and seeing how she sees the world, and gains confidence is just so wonderful to see. 

Kara is loyal to her family, who I really enjoyed getting to know, has a fab best friend, Star, and a nightmare of a boss who clearly doesn't appreciate Kara.  

Full of heart, mystery, laughter, travel, hear warming moment, humour, romance, mystery, set to a great back drop with incredibly real characters that you will take to your heart, this is a gem of a book! 

There is just so much to love about this book, and feel like it has set up the rest of the series perfectly, given how much I really want to read the next book instantly! 

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

Book Review - Meet Me In London by Georgia Toffolo

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Title: Meet Me In London

Author: Georgia Toffolo

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Mills and Boon

Publication Date: 15th October 2020 

Rating: 4 Stars

What do you do when your fake engagement starts to feel too real…

Aspiring clothes designer Victoria Scott spends her days working in a bar in Chelsea, and her evenings designing vintage clothes, dreaming of one day opening her own boutique. But these aspirations are under threat from the new department store opening at the end of her road. She needs a Christmas miracle, but one is not forthcoming.

Oliver Russell’s Christmas is not looking very festive right now. His family’s new London department store opening is behind schedule, and on top of that his interfering, if well meaning, mother is pressing him to introduce his girlfriend to her. A girlfriend who does not exist. He needs a diversion. Something to keep his mother from interfering while he focuses on the business.

When Oliver meets Victoria, he offers a proposition: pretend to be his girlfriend at the opening of his store and he will provide an opportunity for Victoria to showcase her designs. But what starts as a business arrangement soon becomes something more tempting, as the fake relationship starts to feel very real. But when secrets in Victoria’s past are exposed will Oliver walk away, or will they both follow their hearts and find what neither knew they were looking for…

Oh I do love a book featuring a fake date, or fake engagement scenario.  There is something rather familiar about the basic plot device, while I'm able to greatly enjoy the always different reasons why someone may be willing to enter into such an agreement. 

Victoria wants to be a fashion designer and is in fact helping less fortunate teenagers to have a chance at learning fashion design. Oliver is heir to the Russel & Co Department store chain, and is facing pressure from his family to settle down and marry. And due to his father's health not being the best he just wants to give them help. 

The more I got to know both Victoria and Oliver, the more I enjoyed them, understood them and wanted to read more.  My full enjoyment over this book crept up on me until by then end I was considering reaching for the next Meet Me In book instantly. 

For I didn't just love Victoria, I was enjoying starting to get to know her friends, and their deep friendship is really lovely. And I really am looking forward to reading more of these characters. 

I'm rather relieved given I read this very much out of season for me unusually, that this wasn't an overly festive book, in fact Christmas is at a minimal, and although I read it on one of the hottest days of the year it didn't cool me off at all, which I had kind of hoped!  But does mean it is a very pleasurable read all year around! 

I very much enjoyed this first book from Georgia Toffolo, and with locations such as Hawaii and Tahiti in her next books, I can't wait as I do love an exotic setting! 

Book Review - Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James

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Title: Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 27th May 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to the sun-drenched island of Corfu this summer with this gorgeously uplifting romantic comedy, the first in a brand-new series from the author of The Cornish Confetti Agency and Villa Limoncello.

Welcome to the Hummingbird Hotel!

When florist-to-the-stars Abbie Coleman catches a glimpse of her boyfriend through the window of Tiffany’s, she couldn’t be more excited. Keen to share her happiness, she organises a huge surprise party for all their family and friends… except things don’t quite work out as she expected, and instead of planning a flower-filled wedding, she finds herself single, and fired from a job she loves.

Desperate to escape her heartbreak, she jets off to her aunt’s quirky Hummingbird Hotel on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Little did she know that instead of spending her time lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails, and soaking up the sun, she’d be stepping into the role of the island’s newest hotelier.

The arrival of unexpected guests sends Abbie into a tailspin of panic, and she’s forced to turn to snippy, but charismatic, vineyard owner-turned-chef, Nikos Angelopoulos, for help. Why does the kitchen fill with smoke whenever she makes coffee? Why is there a naked man swimming in the pool? And why do the hotel’s toiletries turn their guests’ hair pink?

Despite all the chaos, the Hummingbird Hotel works its magic on Abbie, and she finds herself with a decision to make. Will she return home to the drizzly grey skies of London? Or will she take a leap of faith and embrace the new opportunities that little corner of paradise has to offer, and maybe, just maybe, discover a sprinkle of romance along the way?

Let Daisy James whisk you away to gorgeous Corfu with a feel-good summer read filled with sun, sea and a sprinkle of romance. Perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot, Sue Roberts & Sandy Barker.

Fantastic start to a new series featuring a fabulous location,  great food, wine, a small mystery, and a journey to learn more about yourself.

I just loved everything about this book, it had me hooked and eager to absorb every last word. 

What I also loved are the small references to Daisy James previous series,  something that as a fan of the author makes me smile while at the same time this is 100% a new series, new characters and definitely a standalone. 

The setting of corfu is stunning and I loved the descriptions of the Hummingbird hotel, and felt as though I was there alongside Abbie. 

This is a wonderful holiday read and will brighten up your day instantly just by reading it.

So incredibly enjoyable and I cant wait to read the next book in the series.  

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

Book Review - Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life by Carmen Reid

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Title: Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life

Author: Carmen Reid

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 27th July 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Tess Simpson needs a break!

No one appreciates her at home. No one appreciates her at work. And now her dog has died. She’s had enough!

Maybe what she really needs is a break from hopeless husband, Dave, the ungrateful ‘kidults’ and the lacklustre job.

River Romero needs a break!

She’s had success in the past, but screenwriting is a tough career in a tough town and her next script has got to fly or River’s dream career is over.

The swap!

Everything about River’s L.A. life sounds exciting to Tess, from the condo with a pool, to the Hollywood glitz.

Everything about Tess’s English country life sounds so calming to River, from the wisteria over the front door to the peaceful bedroom.

Both women want their lives to change, but real life isn’t like the movies.

And what if getting away from it all isn’t all it’s cracked up to be?

A laugh out loud emotional read, perfect for fans of Fiona Gibson, Tracy Bloom and Sophie Ranald!

First let me say how overjoyed I am to see a brand new Carmen Reid book, I've been a massive fan of the author in the past, and it is such a pleasure to be able to read a new story from her.  And I'm delighted to say it doesn't disappoint. 

This is a wonderful book, it's uplifting, emotional in places, funny in others and I really wasn't sure how how it was going to end, although it does have the most perfect ending! 

I loved the chapters from both River and Tess's points of view, it was great getting to know these two rather different women as they swap homes for a few months.  River so she can spend time in Shakespeare country to help with her new script project - and Tess going to LA as she's taking a 3 month work sabbatical after being overlooked for a promotion and just needs to shake things up in her life. 

From their tentative first steps in their new locations it was wonderful to see how both of these women started to thrive. 

What added a more sombre tone to the the book were the chapter's from Alex's point of view, Tess's grown up, young adult son, who I couldn't help but feel for and also be rather scared for.  It's an important storyline, sensitively written that raises awareness of male mental health in the young. 

I thoroughly enjoyed every last second of this book and was desperately trying to find moments to pick it back up and read some more.  I just really hope the wait for this author's next book is considerably shorter than the amount of years I've been waiting for this one! 

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

Book Review - Stolen by Tess Stimson

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Title: Stolen

Author: Tess Stimson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 5th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

You thought she was safe. You were wrong…

Alex knows her daughter would never wander off in a strange place. So when her three-year-old vanishes from an idyllic beach wedding, Alex immediately believes the worst.

The hunt for Lottie quickly becomes a world-wide search, but it’s not long before suspicion falls on her mother. Why wasn’t she watching Lottie? 

Alex knows she’s not perfect, but she loves her child. And with all eyes on her, Alex fears they’ll never uncover the truth unless she takes matters into her own hands.

Who took Lottie Martini? And will she ever come home?

A totally addictive thriller, with a twist you just won’t see coming. Fans of Lisa Jewell, Louise Candlish and T.M. Logan will be totally gripped from the very first page.

Wowser!  I didn't see all of that coming.  It's been a while since I last read a book by Tess Stimson and thus had forgotten just how impressive her storytelling is. 

I was completely hooked in with the prologue and spent a bit of the book wondering just how it fitted in, as we learn of Lottie's disappearance. 

I liked how it was likened to the Madeleine McCann real life disappearance, and there are all sorts of matters touched on, that had me thinking. 

It really is every parent's worst nightmare, taking your eyes off your child for a few moments and them not being there afterwards. It is shocking to see that a child can disappear from a wedding when there are so many people around. 

At first it was hard to really like Alex, her initial very honest thoughts of of motherhood, but it soon becomes apparent how much she really does care about Lottie, and how the not knowing where Lottie is, or if she is still alive or not being the hardest thing to cope with. Her tireless efforts to keep the story in the press and the search afoot were incredibly heartening to see. 

At points during the book I pretty much suspected everyone at being involved and what is clear is Alex's anguish is real. As is the pain of anyone else in a similar situation. 

I really quite enjoyed the chapters from Quinn's point of view, she is troubled with her demons, but also quite determined.

I was reading the last quarter on the tube and it was a miracle I got off at the right stop as I was so engrossed in the story.

Truly wonderful and gripping  that I was utterly hooked on.

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