Book Review - That Jewish Thing by Amber Crewe - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: That Jewish Thing

Author: Amber Crewe

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 13th January 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Tamsyn Rutman is at yet another wedding, for yet another cousin. She wouldn't mind - the food's pretty good, the location is fabulous and there's a moderately famous singer crooning away - but what is a Jewish wedding if not the perfect opportunity for the bride to do a bit of matchmaking on behalf of her single, workaholic cousin? Tamsyn's not at the table with her parents and her family, she's sitting next to Ari Marshall.

Ari is everything Tamsyn doesn't want for herself, and everything her family want for her. Stubbornly determined not to fall into the trap of someone else's happily ever after, Tamsyn decides to focus on work, and while interviewing London's hottest new chef, finds herself being swept off her feet . . . by someone her family definitely wouldn't approve of.

But somehow, Ari and Tamsyn keep crossing paths, and she's about to find out that in love, and in life, it's not always easy to run away from who you really are...

This book really resonated with me, as it was full of situations, locations and even the odd bid of Yiddish that were so familiar to me. 

Even Tamsyn's thoughts on Judaism are similar to mine, add in her parents live in same town I used to live in and know well, and I recognise so much from my own experiences and well this was certainly a great book for me to read. 

I loved the various romances in this book, as well as all the family dynamics.  

The writing engaged me, and I just thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, from the big Jewish Wedding, to the incredibly lavish and OTT Bar Mitzvah, from the various Friday night meals, be they full Shabbat or not, to even just mentions of Tour (which I never did but know plenty that went).  This was fabulous! 

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

Book Review - Ready or Not by Alex Lake

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Title: Ready or Not

Author: Alex Lake

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 14th October 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A happy family…

Alice and Tom Sark seem to have it all – a wonderful marriage, a gorgeous baby, a beautiful home. And now Alice, a journalist, starts investigating a story which could make her career – a serial killer in their town.

A murderer lurking in the shadows… 

Very quickly though, the murder case takes its toll. Alice and Tom begin fighting all the time. Their baby daughter just won’t stop crying. And sometimes it feels almost as if they’re being followed…

Not everyone will live to tell the tale… 

The killer has found a new family to target. And the clock is ticking for Alice and Tom to stop their worlds being destroyed forever.

Woah, how did I not see that coming, I had some half inklings but my brain couldn't connect the dots, whereas what was actually written was fantastic. 

Once again Alex Lake has written a truly addictive and chilling story, that had me jumpy when a phone rang while reading it, as I had totally forgotten I was due a supermarket delivery, I was that addicted to the pages and finding out just what happened. 

And well this is definitely one of those books where if I say anything at all about the plot or characters there is a chance of me accidentally giving spoilers. 

What I think its safe to say it that someone really doesn't like babies, you aren't sure who but there are right from the start occasional chapters with thoughts about babies.  And there is other rather key baby in the story which I spent the whole book fearing for. 

Loads of short chapters make this rather easy to read, but do remember to notice which character is heading the chapter, and also the time line, just to avoid confusion, as there is a lot going on, and it all fits together so so well. 

Another enthralling book from one of my favourite psychological crime authors that kept me guessing and on tenterhooks right up until the last few pages. 

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

Book Review - Truly, Madly, Like Me by Jo Watson

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Title: Truly, Madly, Like Me

Author: Jo Watson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Eternal

Publication Date: 18th August 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

She's used to faking it. Now it's time to get real.

It all started with a faulty elevator...

When social media influencer Frankie Paulson's followers turn on her after an embarrassing public break-up with her perfect #couplegoals boyfriend, and she almost plummets to her death with two strangers in a faulty elevator, all she wants to do is hide.

A town with no internet is the ideal sanctuary, but Frankie has never done anything without sharing it on one of many apps she can't live without. After all, surely it's much more satisfying to take the perfect photograph of her breakfast than eat it?

When Fate, in the form of a new four-legged companion, plays a hand in keeping her in the town, Frankie starts to make tentative but genuine connections with the people she meets. Suddenly every rule she's been living by seems far less meaningful and she begins to wonder if her apparently #blessed life wasn't as real as she thought...

I thought I might be slightly obsessed with social media at times, or with my phone, but wow Frankie take it to a whole other level.  To say she is addicted would probably be an understatement, so when things start go wrong and she is losing followers by the thousand, she flees. 

And of all the places to flee to its a small town that is completely offline, internet is actually banned due to the waves affecting the local space station, and allows her to hide out. 

Well it would if she didn't keep reaching for a phone that doesn't work, and had any idea what to do with her time, as she literally seems to have lost the ability to live in the real world.  (If I ever get that bad, please do tell me to read this again, it would probably bring me back to reality!). 

There is without a doubt a message about the absurdity of life as influencer in here, as Frankie is essentially detoxing, and starting to get to know people in this small town. 

There is Mark who you feel is clearly hiding something, but just what I hadn't completely guessed, and there is my absolutely favourite character Harun. 

Harun enters Frankie's life with a purpose, and is determined to make things happen for her.  However it takes a while for Frankie to realise her feelings for Harun, but it really is a love that grows fast once she gives in to it. 

It's a really social town, and everyone really knows everyone, and there are always community events going on, if it wasn't for the lack of wifi, and the fact its in the middle of the desert then I'd be tempted to move to such a friendly place myself - but I fear the heat would be a problem! 

I loved seeing how Frankie starts to know herself a whole lot better than when she was with her controlling ex Kyle, and I loved how much depth and character development was present. 

This book is technically connected to You, Me, Forever and Just The Way I Am, as they each feature one of the three ladies that was in a faulty elevator, but it is completely  a standalone and you don't particularly hear of the other ladies, so if you want their stories, you had better read their books which I also was hooked on. 

Yet another truly fabulous story from Jo Watson, an author who I seem to like more and more if that is even possible with ever book she writes. 

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

Book Review - A Home in the Sun by Sue Moorcroft - #HolidayReading UK Cruise

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Title: A Home in the Sun

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 19th August 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Home is where the heart is…but what if your heart is broken?

When Judith loses her partner, she loses her life in Malta too – including the beautiful view from her sun-warmed balcony of the sparkling blue waters of Sliema Creek.

Back in England, Judith finds a spare room in her sister’s house where she grew up – but with it comes a whole host of family dramas.

Nursing a broken heart, Judith knows she must find happiness again – and rebuild her life on her own terms. Could an island in the sun be the answer she is looking for?

A wonderfully escapist summer read, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Carole Matthews.

**Previously published as Uphill All the Way**

As a massive fan of Sue Moorcroft for many years, I've read the majority of her books but not her first ever published novel, which has just been re-released A Home in the Sun, with some editing.

And it certainly is a good debut novel, although being honest I prefer her newer releases, but there is nothing wrong with this story at all.

Set between Malta and the UK, we have Judith who was having a relationship with Giorgio, not that it was recognised by his friends and family, and that ends in the most terrible way. 

Trying to come to terms with it all she flees back to the UK, into her sister's not so loving house while trying to kick Adam Le Blond who she used to fancy back in her school days out of her house, as he is renting from her at the moment. 

Nothing goes quite according to plan, and this is about her getting her life back on track,

I enjoyed Judith's interactions with many people but especially her ex-stepson to whom she is still really close., and who is involved in a tricky storyline of this own. 

All the characters felt real and well formed and some certainly left more of an impression than others. 

Set in the early 2000s, it was nice to be back in a pre-Covid,  pre Brexit world for a bit, and to feel safe amongst these pages, knowing they have been crafted by an author who has gone on to write some rather impressive books! 

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

Book Review - A Wedding at the Beach Hut by Veronica Henry - #HolidayReading UK Cruise

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Title: A Wedding at the Beach Hut

Author: Veronica Henry

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 28th May 2020 

Rating: 4 Stars

Escape to Everdene Sands, where the sun is shining - but is the tide about to turn?

Robyn and Jake are planning their dream wedding at the family beach hut in Devon. A picnic by the turquoise waves, endless sparkling rosé and dancing barefoot on the golden sand . . .

But Robyn is more unsettled than excited. She can't stop thinking about the box she was given on her eighteenth birthday, and the secrets it contains. Will opening it reveal the truth about her history - and break the hearts of the people she loves most?

As the big day arrives, can everyone let go of the past and step into a bright new future?

Always a treat to return to Everdene and the beach huts, and this was no exception. 

This is just an all around lovely and joyous book, sure to bring a smile to your face.

I loved Robyn and Jakes story, but even more so I loved Emily's story, I was hooked on finding out just what happened next to her, and love how it was all resolved. 

There is such a great family feeling to this book, as many of the Jake and Robyn's family's make big decisions, or change directions in life, and they all seemed so supportive of each other.

It was a real pleasure to read this lovely book, written with Veronica Henry's normal warmth and skill. 

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

Book Review - The Library by Bella Osborne - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: The Library

Author: Bella Osborne

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 2nd September 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Teenager Tom has always blended into the background of life. After a row with his dad and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library.

Pensioner Maggie has been happily alone with her beloved novels for ten years – at least, that's what she tells herself.

When they meet, they recognise something in each other that will change both their lives for ever.

Then the library comes under threat of closure, and they must join forces to prove that it's not just about books – it's the heart of their community.

They are determined to save it – because some things are worth fighting for.

Although a change of direction from Bella Osborne's previous books, this one is also so accomplished it really does add another string to her writing bow, 

And it hooked me in quite quickly with Tom saying how invisible he felt.  And I loved his unexpected friendship with Maggie. 

What the troubled teen and the older woman have in common is they are both lonely, both bookworms and both rather keen to help save the library.

It's a book that booklovers will adore, and I think we can all resonate with the the fact that libraries must be allowed to stay open and help their communities. 

This is a really heartwarming story that I completely adored.  

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

Book Review - I Can See You by M. A. Comley

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Title: I Can See You

Author: M. A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 17th November 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A tortured mind. A deadly endgame. A city brought to its knees.

The bodies are stacking up for DI Sara Ramsey and her team. Resources are stretched thin, every clue leads to another dead end, and according to the evidence: the nightmare has only just begun.

Can Sara beat the killer at his own murderous game, or must she call his bluff and risk everything to win?

From the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who brought you the Justice Series, M.A. Comley presents I Can See You! A fearsome new Police Procedural delivering an all-new thrilling dose from an author who has sold nearly four million copies worldwide.

Mind blown...

OMG...
What on earth did I just read...

M. A. Comley has done it again...

Simply phenomenal...

Wow...

I'm not remotely capable to coherent thought at the moment having literally just finished reading I Can See You, and I have to wonder just how dark and twisted M. A. Comley's mind really is to come up with such a killer. 

They were vile, the first murder in the opening chapter, I really wish I hadn't read while I was eating, as it did put me off my food, it was so despicable, and things escalated from that point rather fast. 

In the mean time DI Sara Ramsay, Carla and her team have absolutely no idea who or what they are dealing with, and the book built to the most spectacular of finales. 

As a reader we know exactly who the killer is, but even with that info I still had no idea how on earth the police were going to work it out. 

It's fast paced, and completely addictive and another winning entry into the DI Sara Ramsay series. I can't wait for more! 

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

Book Review - A Winter Memory by Lulu Taylor

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Title: A Winter Memory

Author: Lulu Taylor

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan 

Publication Date: 25th November 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A house full of secrets lies at the heart A Winter Memory from Sunday Times top ten bestselling author Lulu Taylor, an absorbing family drama perfect for the winter months.

Now

When, years ago, Helen fell for the charming Hamish, she was also enchanted by romantic Ballintyre House, which sits elegantly on the edge of a loch in the west of Scotland and has been home to the Ballintyre family for decades. Now, seeking refuge from a scandal that has cost Hamish his job, they are living with his older brother Charlie at the house, while the boys’ troubled mother is never too far away. Struggling with her own problems, Helen is surprised to find that Charlie’s wife has vanished. No one else seems at all concerned. Where has she gone, and why?

Then

In 1968, sixteen-year-old Tigs is madly in love with James Ballintyre, her childhood friend and hero. When he marries Josephine, her heart is broken. She knows it’s hopeless but she can’t help how she feels. She tries to find her way to a new life and a new love, but somehow everyone is called back to Ballintyre in the end, and Tigs is no exception . . .

Forever

Ballintyre has always been the setting for revelations of love, obsession and betrayal. Now, as Helen seeks the answer to Charlie's wife's whereabouts, she is forced to confront her own difficult truths – and the events of the past reach forward to touch the lives of those who still call Ballintyre home, and reveal their secrets . . .

I have no idea where to start other than congratulating Lulu Taylor on another truly wonderful book. It was rather epic, and it took me a while to get to grips with the various timelines, but once I knew roughly what characters were where, I was hooked. 

I needed to keep reading to see where the prologue fitted in, and just how the timelines fully interconnected. I needed to know like Helen, just where Sylla is, and ultimately what the truth is about so many different things. 

We are also treated to Tig's story which is heart-breaking too about love that is seemingly impossible. 

I loved the setting in Scotland, and of Ballintyre and two other key properties nearby.  There is so much I would love to say but I fear I'd be spoiling things. 

Rest assured this is Lulu Taylor at her best, incredibly descriptive and gripping writing, characters that feel real, and plenty of secrets to be unwrapped.  There is a lot going on over the course of the book and given the time span it covers, which is clearly marked at the start of each chapter, along with which character we were hearing from, and it has great depth and so much going for it. 

Simply superb writing. 

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

Book Review - The Cosy Cottage in Ireland by Julie Caplin

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Title: The Cosy Cottage in Ireland

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 29th September 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Snuggle up in your favourite armchair and take a trip across the Irish sea for comfort food, cosy cottage nights and a heartwarming romance…

Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell wants a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so she books herself a place at the world-renowned Killorgally Cookery School in County Kerry. But on her first night In Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next six weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin…

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breathtaking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together again–for better or worse.

I've come to expect from a Julie Caplin book - that there will be a fabulous location, a gorgeous romance, and some delicious sounding food - and this has all that and more in spades. 

First the location, a cooking school in County Kerry in Ireland. The working farm and cookery school that focuses on local produce, is so well described, that I felt i even knew some of the chickens that Hannah was feeding each day quite well.  There is a real taste of Ireland and I feel like I was transported there in my armchair. 

A gorgeous romance, well Conor is rather handsome and the first meeting between him and Hannah is rather memorable and definitely made me smile. And although I could see it was likely it wouldn't be quite the one night stand they both thought it might be,  it really is a slow burner after that initial meeting, mainly due to various misunderstandings! 

And food, well Hannah along with 5 other guests are on a 6 week intensive cookery course, they are all at various abilities, in Hannah's case well she is better at cooking than me, but that isn't saying much!  I loved all the food descriptions and did feel hungry while reading. 

Then there are the other guests on the course, you definitely need to keep an eye out for Fliss and Jason - I just loved their banter, was always entertaining to see them sniping at each other! 

I actually loved all the guests, and also the whole of the Byrne family whose Cookery school they are all at. 

This was a warm and cosy read, which I loved every second of. Yet another fantastic romantic escape from an exceptionally talented author. 

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

Viva España!! I'm off to Tenerife! Merry Christmas!

Let's start by wishing everyone that is reading this a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I greatly appreciate everyone that reads this blog whether its only once, or a tad more regularly. I would love to thank the authors and publishers that trust my to review their books, and especially Netgalley which has been my main book source for many years! 

Unless there are any new rule changes from the UK or Spanish governments in the next 14 hours or so, which would be coming in immediately - I am off to Tenerife in the morning to spend Christmas in hopefully the sun, or at least warmer weather than here. 

I can't wait and I should be able to spend some of the festive period with my sister who lives out there, when she isn't working. 

So I'm going to be staying in this absolutely gorgeous looking hotel, and for those of you that are Facebook Friends with me, (and possibly those on twitter depending where I remember), I will be posting pic during the holiday (after all how else do I prove to my mum that I'm still alive otherwise), so feel free to take a look and hopefully there will be sunny vibes coming off the screen to warm you all up! 

This should be a relatively relaxing holiday, I will be reading, sunbathing, sleeping, hopefully finding good food to eat and spending some time with my sister although fairly sure that will be doubling up with eating... and hopefully watching some evening entertainment. 

I have no plans for excursions I've been to Tenerife plenty of times in the past, and frankly just want a fortnight of no work, no thinking, no real energy expenditure just relaxation and remember what it is like to be somewhere that isn't where you live! 

Ah to have time to hopefully make a dent in my 81 strong Netgalley shelf. But would you believe I've had the following running on a loop for the past few days in my head...

Which book should I start my holiday with? How should I pick books this holiday? Will I ever get to those books I've had on my kindle since 2019? Should I focus on just reading my favourite authors? Will I just opt for books that I know should be quick to read? Should I make sure to read the books, I have copies of in paperback which mum wants to read, but I won't give her until I've read my copy? Or perhaps I should make sure to read those books that I am touring with ahead of their tours? And other thoughts along those lines - which are all pretty standard thoughts for me ahead of a holiday!  And if anyone has the answers to any of those questions I'd love to know! 

So before I share what is on my Netgalley shelf and thus on my radar to be read this holiday, I would just like to apologise to all the authors and publishers that are about to show that had books out this year and last year that I haven't got to yet... I get there eventually, just checked my pre-Christmas holiday post from 2019 and only 1 of those books remains unread... so I do get there eventually!! 

And like in that post just referenced, decided to do my end of year / pre holiday / what's on the bulk of my TBR separated by publishers, in the hopes that when I inevitable come over all indecisive on what to read next, that either the comments from you lovely people with suggestions will help, or I'll try to even out how many outstanding I have with each publisher, as that may be a fair way of doing things. 

Anyways, take a look at all these fabulous looking books and let me know what you have enjoyed? What you would like to see reviews of? What of the books not out yet that you may be looking forward to yourself?

And above all no matter what you are doing over the Christmas holiday season, make it a good one if at all possible. 

Currently my next post is on 3rd January but I may between returning home and then do a couple of posts depending on whether I remember or not!  So Happy New Year too! 

Having just sorted those I have to say I'm impressed to see how many publishers I am requesting books from, I keep thinking it's the same few but I am reading across many! 

And how many books do you think I'll read on this holiday.. place your guesses now!