Best Of June 2021

Wherever you're reading this summer, there's plenty of new
releases to get stuck into this June.

Hostage by Clare Mackintosh (22 Jun 2021)

You can save hundreds of lives. Or the one that matters most . . .

The atmosphere on board the first non-stop flight from London to Sydney is electric, and the world is watching the landmark journey. Soon after the plane takes off, flight attendant Mina receives a chilling anonymous note. Someone wants to make sure the plane never reaches its destination. They're demanding her cooperation . . . and they know exactly how to get it.

In my opinion: ★★★★★

Wow - I absolutely loved this. It's brilliantly smart, chillingly realistic, extremely addictive, nail-bitingly tense, excitingly fast paced and powerfully emotional (so many adjectives)! I was gripped from the very first to last page, reading long into the night. I've never read the author before but the story telling was vivid with its hour by hour account and well done - the opening made me imagine an entirely different ending and the passenger extracts gave understanding to events unfolding. And, then the actual ending was twist after twist and completely unexpected as well as perfectly apt. Initially I didn't take to Adam, Sophia or Mina (particularly one of her decisions but I guess that's the point of moral dilemmas we never know how we'd react) but the author developed their characters brilliantly, with the dual narrative, until I found myself totally connected them. Like Lisa Jewell blurbs on the cover I too can really see this being made into a blockbuster movie.

The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman (30 Jun 2021)

When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book! The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.

In my opinion: ★★★★★

A book about a book club - what's not to like? And, I didn't just like it, I loved it! I knew I would though from the intro when the author describes its as "one for all bookworms, book clubs, book bloggers and book readers. And also for all fans of romcoms, chicklit, romance and happy ever afters." It is a charming yet contemporary story of love, friendship and books with an adorable dog thrown in too. The members of the book club provide a great cast of diverse characters and unlikely friendships with my favourite definitely young-at-heart octogenarian Audrey who likes books featuring "rumpy-pumpy". Throughout the book the group read and discuss many such books including some of my favourites and some that I now can't wait to read myself. I just wish The Beach Reads Book Club was real so I could join and perhaps also bookshop owner Matt too - as like main character Lottie I fell for him a bit too!

The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman (24 Jun 2021)

A woman has gone missing. But did she ever really exist? Mia Eliot has travelled from London to LA for pilot season. At an audition she meets Emily, and what starts as a simple favour takes a dark turn when Emily goes missing and Mia is the last person to see her. Then a woman turns up, claiming to be Emily, but she is nothing like Mia remembers. Starting to question her own sanity, she goes on a desperate and dangerous search for answers, knowing something is very, very wrong. In an industry where everything is about creating illusions, how do you know what is real? And how much would you risk to find out?

In my opinion: ★★★★

Author Catherine Steadman is also an actress and perhaps because of this her big climatic reveals seem pretty far fetched, frenetic and OTT - and definitely movie like in terms of the fight scenes where people people keep getting knocked down only to get up again and again. But, I just love the way she writes and this was another unusual plot that really captured my interest. So, even though I was disappointed with the ending (well the driving force behind the ending) I still loved the journey - and any book that pulls you in and keeps you wanting to read has got to be worth reading!

A Racing Murder by Frances Evesham (15 Jun 2021)

Belinda Sandford feels like the luckiest girl in the world as her beautiful grey racehorse, ‘Butterfly Charm’, thunders past the finishing post first at Wincanton Racecourse. But a stewards’ enquiry overturns the result and awards the race to her long-time rival, Alexandra Deacon. When Alex is found dead, Belinda's distraught mother begs Adam Hennessy, retired police officer and publican, to help clear her daughter’s name. As Adam, and local hotelier Imogen Bishop, dig deep into the murky and powerful undercurrents of the horse racing world, they lay bare the lives and loves of local jockeys, grooms, trainers and owners.

In my opinion: ★★★★

This is the second book in a series, and what a delightful cast and setting the author has created in Ham Hill. Village life revolves around the hotel, the pub and village shop with the three social hubs providing plenty of gossip and leads for the amateur sleuths to follow-up. I also enjoyed the added insight into the world of horse racing in this one and side helping of romance. It was a bit of a slow burn on the murder mystery front but that was to be expected as it's billed as a "cosy mystery". This enjoyable read is exactly what it says and works perfectly well whether you've read the previous one or not.

Where The Grass Is Green by Lauren Weisberger (10 Jun 2021)

Peyton Marcus is the anchor of the most-watched morning show in New York, with a husband who adores her and a daughter who’s headed to one of the best Ivy League schools. Skye, her sister, is a stay-at-home mom with a knack for helicopter-parenting. Max, Peyton’s bright and quirky seventeen-year-old daughter, is poised to kiss the fancy private school she hates goodbye – and all of its spoiled rich kids – and head off to pursue her dreams in film. But suddenly the grass isn’t looking so green. One little lie. That was all it took. Will any of them survive the truth?

In my opinion: ★★★★

Lauren Weisberger is, and always will be, an auto-read author for me. Instantly I was reminded why when in the opening restaurant scene a wooden stool is provided for designer handbags to be seated on. I love these ridiculous over-the-top satirical glimpses into the world of the rich and famous that provide the basis of her books. But, somehow this one just felt a little different, a little less fun and a little less satirical than normal. At first I thought it was because her characters are usually normal people who temporarily become self-absorbed after getting thrust unexpectedly into a privileged lifestyle before finding themselves again - but that actually is still true of main character Peyton. This one focuses more on family than romance so maybe it's that or that I didn't much care for Skye or the sub-plot involving her. But, then at the end Weisberger confides that she struggled creatively writing a book during a pandemic so maybe it is just a little flatter than her usual trademark style. That said it's still an entertaining read, with an enjoyable storyline (the main one) and two very likeable characters in Peyton and her genuine, quirky daughter, Max.

The Lies We Tell by Jane Corry (17 Jun 2021)

Sarah always thought of herself and her husband, Tom, as good people. But that was before their son Freddy came home saying he'd done something terrible. Begging them not to tell the police. Soon Sarah and Tom must find out just how far they are willing to push themselves, and their marriage, to protect their only child . . .

In my opinion: ★★★

From the blurb I was expecting some kind of moral dilemma where Sarah and her husband, Tom, have to decide how far they're willing to go to protect their only child after he confesses to murder. Disappointingly, however, this very much concentrates on the build up rather than the aftermath. The story opens with the confession but then it's not until the latter half or third of the book that we get back to that. Don't get me wrong the back stories are compelling and integral to the present day and the author does a brilliant job of character development explaining how these two very diff people ended up married but it just wasn't quite the story I was expecting.

Best of May 2021

There's plenty of new releases for book lovers to look forward to this May, and I'm lucky enough to have been able to preview some of them for you.

#1 The Cancer Ladies Running Club by Josie Lloyd (13 May 2021)

When Keira first receives her breast cancer diagnosis, she never expects to end up joining a running group with three women she’s only just met. Totally blind-sided, all she can think about is how she doesn’t want to be part of a group of fellow cancer patients. Cancer is not her club. And yet it’s running – hot, sweaty, lycra-clad running in the company of brilliant, funny women all going through treatment – that unexpectedly gives Keira the hope she so urgently needs.

In my opinion: ★★★★★

Wow - this packs an emotional punch! It made me laugh and cry, fearful yet inspired, entertained and educated, and everything in-between. It had me before it even began with the 'Dear Reader' letter in which the author reveals the book is based on her own cancer journey. Knowing that, at first I couldn't get my head around the characters in that Keira isn't an author but owns a shop and Tom is a regular husband and not part of one of my favourite author double acts. But I soon forgot that and those elements (teenage angst, poorly pets, difficult colleagues, leaky conservatories, etc) added something else to the story as like in real life cancer doesn't take place in a vacuum. Don't get me wrong the author doesn't shy away from the heartbreaking realities of cancer but her easy-going, contemporary, witty writing style makes for an enjoyable and uplifting read despite the melancholy subject. Everyone should read this - especially as I really can't do it justice in my review! 

#2 Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland (4 May 2021)

Every family has its secrets, and at Hedgehog Hollow there is no exception. When her self-absorbed cousin, Chloe, unexpectedly turns up at the farm - swiftly handing over her baby to Samantha to care for – trouble is definitely brewing. Especially as Chloe won’t tell anyone why she’s left her husband, James. As Samantha juggles new hedgehog arrivals, family dramas and her own health challenges, it soon becomes clear that she needs to start putting herself first for once. Little does she know that life-changing secrets from the past are about to unravel and turn their lives upside down...

In my opinion: ★★★★★

I loved this just as much as the previous one. Disappointingly there didn't seem to be as much of the hedgehogs and rescue centre in this one. But it was just like catching up with old friends, finding out what Sam and her family and friends had been up to since last time. I don't know how the author does it because this is a crazy cast of characters where everyone is somehow related to or been dating everyone else and all have turbulent pasts - it really should be too much. But, somehow it works and despite the drama it's still easy, warm, charming and light-hearted. This is the third in the series but don't worry if you haven't read the others as there's a helpful introduction (or recap) to the characters and story so far at the start. It's good to know that there's definitely going to be a fourth - I can't wait!

#3 The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall (13 May 2021)

As a professional bridesmaid, Sophie is secretly hired by brides to be their right-hand woman, ensuring their big day goes off without a hitch. From wrangling rowdy hen dos to navigating last minute portaloo cancellations, there's no problem she can't solve. So when she's employed by an actual Marchioness to help plan the society wedding of the year, it should be a chance for Sophie to prove just how talented she is. Of course, it's not ideal that the bride, Cordelia, is rude, difficult and determined to make Sophie's life a nightmare. It's also a bit inconvenient when Sophie finds herself drawn to Cordelia's posh older brother, who is absolutely off limits. 

In my opinion: ★★★★★

As a fan of chicklit I loved this! My favourites are multi-dimensional storylines with a smattering of romance alongside strong friendships, family bonds or community spirit and/or a creative job or small business. And, this was exactly that - a fun story based around Sophie's unusual job as a professional bridesmaid, creating the basis for an unlikely friendship and little romance too. A nice touch - and some of the funniest bits - were the email and text exchanges between Sophie and her brides detailing their crazy demands such as dying her hair to match the other bridesmaids. Sophie was a very likeable character supported by a cast of equally likeable supporting characters.

#4 Perfect on Paper by Gillian Harvey (13 May 2021)

Clare Bailey's life is perfect. Successful career, loving husband, two kids and a gorgeous townhouse. At least, that's how it looks from the outside. In fact, she's never felt more invisible. Her boss barely remembers her name, her husband is distracted by his new TV job and her daughter has never found her more embarrassing! But when she's given a chance to turn her life upside-down she wonders whether she should risk everything she loves for a life that's more than just 'perfect on paper'...?

In my opinion: ★★★★

This book is loosely based on Britain's Got Talent with the main character accidentally entering a reality TV talent show. And, much like reality TV it was good fun, ridiculously unrealistic, laugh-out-loud funny, light-hearted entertainment and pure escapism. Whilst I couldn't relate to Clare - a middle-aged woman whose family take her for granted - I could totally relate to some bits of her life such as being given a cupboard for an office. This everyday situational humour was both funny and also a nice balance with the fantastical reality show element. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed her contemporary, fun writing style. Enjoy this for it is and I'm sure like me you'll love it.

#5 The Couple by Helly Acton (27 May 2021)

Millie is happy, she's successful and, with a great support network of friends and family (and a very grumpy cat), she's never lonely. The last thing she needs is romance messing up her perfectly organised world. Besides, normal people just don't have romantic relationships. Everyone knows that being in a couple is a bit . . . well, odd. No, Millie is more than happy with her conventional single life. So, when Millie lands a new project at work, launching a pill that prevents you falling in love, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. That is, until she starts working with Ben. Will Millie sacrifice everything she believes in for love?

In my opinion: ★★★★

I absolutely loved the author's previous book #TheShelf, totally relating to so many of the refreshingly real, contemporary, feminist and hilarious view points and life lessons of a single woman in her early thirties “trying to find someone to do life with” whilst wondering if that's even what she wants. So, I was really excited to read this especially as in her introductory note Helly explains she wrote this imaging a society that doesn't question why women are single but why aren't they. I guess it was that with main character Millie more than happy with her conventional single life in a world where normal people just don't have romantic relationships, St Bridget's Day is celebrated, double occupancy fees exist and popular songs such as "I Will Always Love Me". But instead of a celebration of single life it seemed like a bit of a mickey take with its alternate society and extremes - kind of like being anti-men as opposed to feminist/pro-women. And, for me that feeling overshadowed everything to the detriment of the fabulous writing, wit, characters and romcom (which is the reason why I've rounded up from a 3.5 rather than down).

#6 The Guest Book by C.L. Pattison (27 May 2021)

Charles and Grace wanted a quiet staycation honeymoon, but when their train terminates early due to a storm up ahead, they wonder if they made the wrong decision. Forced to take shelter in the nearest seaside town, Saltwater, they discover that there is only one guesthouse left. Unlike the rest of Saltwater, The Anchorage is entirely deserted. That night, with the storm howling relentlessly, Grace is woken by a child crying. She is haunted by the sound, until Charles convinces her it was only her imagination. But the next day, she finds a warning scrawled in the guest book: Leave now. Do not trust them.

In my opinion: ★★★

This was an odd one - normally I'm gripped and love the read but then am disheartened once I know how it all pans out. Weirdly this was kind of the other way round - the story didn't really capture my imagination or connect me during the telling but once I understood it I saw everything in a completely different light. The cast was quite small, the characters fairly ordinary and under-developed and the pace quite slow which is why I wasn't captivated at the time. But in hindsight it's a heart-breakingly sad and unexpected tale - I just wish certain characters had been been given the air time they deserved and readers somehow given a deeper insight into them and their story.

#7 Stranger by Karen Perry (13 May 2021)

Abi Holland is worried about her daughter Beth. So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, it's a relief to see her daughter making a friend. But the Holland family have lots of secrets, and Corinne is quietly listening to them all. Watching. Waiting. Ready to show them what they should really be worried about . . .

In my opinion: ★★★

Having loved every single one of their books, Karen Perry is one of my all-time favourite authors. But, sadly this one just wasn't for me. I felt uncomfortable from the off with the early hints of what might be to come. With a cast of adolescent girls and young adults combined with a theme of sexual relations and abuse I really didn't enjoy the storyline and wouldn't have picked it up had I known.