Here comes April and with it the release of books by three authors that I've only recently discovered authors - Alexandra Potter, Sally Hepworth and Mhairi McFarlane. Time to see how their latest releases stack up against their much-loved previous reads.
One Good Thing by Alexandra Potter (28 April 2022)
Liv Brooks is still in shock. Newly-divorced and facing an uncertain future, she impulsively swaps her London Life for the sweeping hills of the Yorkshire Dales, determined to make a fresh start. But fresh starts are harder than they look and feeling lost and lonely she decides to adopt Harry, an old dog from the local shelter, to keep her company. But Liv soon discovers she isn’t the only one in need of a new beginning. On their daily walks around the village, they meet Valentine, an old man who suffers from loneliness who sits by the window and Stanley, a little boy who is scared of everyone, hides behind the garden gate and Maya, a teenager who is angry at everyone and everything. But slowly things start to change…
In my opinion: ★★★★
I liked this - my second read by Alexandra Potter - a lot. Once again I loved the multi-generational unexpected friendships between the great cast of characters, especially the slowly developing friendship between forty-something Liv and eighty-odd reclusive Valentine was especially touching but also Liv and the much younger Maya or even Liv and toyboy Ajay. Likewise the life lessons and advice such as "ageing is a privilege", "courage is doing something despite being afraid" or to "play every day" as taught and practised by rescue dog Harry. And, the relatable humour such as Liv's realisation that her last yoga class cost forty quid in terms of her gym membership usage. My only criticism is that whilst it was funny it wasn't hilariously funny or as good as 'Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k-Up' but seeing as that's one of my all-time favourite books it would be almost impossible for it to have been.
As seems to be the norm with this author's books this touched on a lot of deep themes including mental health, addiction, rape, psychological abuse and domestic violence. But I enjoyed the read and was captivated by the three female characters, all of whom are damaged and struggling with different addictions as a result. With chapters alternating between the three you get a sense of who each is women is and three different perspectives to pick through. I didn't really get the ending though - maybe that was the point casting doubt on the reliability of the narrators or maybe I missed the point altogether. I'm not too sure but either way I didn't get it. I also found the present wedding day bits jarring as they just appeared mid chapter.
Who's Lying Now by Susan Lewis (14 April 2022)
Jeannie Symonds is a force to be reckoned with – an eccentric, award-winning publisher, spending lockdown with her husband in a house near Kesterly-on-Sea. She seems to have it all: a high-flying career, a happy marriage, a niece she adores. And then one day, she vanishes.
Cara Jakes is a new trainee investigator – young, intelligent and eager to prove herself. She is determined to find out what has really happened to Jeannie. Cara begins to question the residents of this close-knit community, sure that someone has a secret to hide. But how can she separate the truth from the lies?
In my opinion: ★★★★
I love the way Susan Lewis mixes interesting police investigations seamlessly with strong character stories - and this was no exception. It was a bit of an awkward start, however, with the two strands, multiple POVs and ad hoc timelines. But once the story caught up to the present-day then things got really interesting and I was totally captivated with absolutely no idea 'who's lying' and how it all connected. Although everything I did know was then cast into doubt by the epilogue and I'm still 100% sure if the accused did in fact do it.
Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane (14 April 2022)
Two strangers. One big coincidence. Driving each other crazy is just the beginning…
Harriet Hatley is running away from everything. Getting married. Her boyfriend’s family. Her past. A dream house-share seems like the perfect place to hide, but her unlikely housemate Cal is no stranger to running away himself. And he's also hiding secrets of his own . . .Can these two take a crazy risk, face the past and finally find a reason to stay?
In my opinion: ★★★★
I loved 'Last Night' for the fabulous writing, dry humour and great characters. But this one felt more serious in tone and definitely not as witty. I also found main character, Harriet, kind of annoying and self-indulgent agreeing with her former best mate Roxy that she brings a lot of the drama on herself and "has a way of making herself the victim, even when she's at fault". At one point Harriet herself even acknowledges that ex-boyfriend "Jon had legitimate complaints" yet still feels he should take responsibility for his actions, also despite his moving on supposedly 'making no difference to her'. Disappointing although I did obviously have extremely high expectations going into this having loved the author's previous book so much.
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth (7 April 2022)
Tully and Rachel Aston are murderous when they discover their father has a new girlfriend. The fact that Heather is half his age isn't even the most shocking part. Stephen is still married to their mother, who is in a care facility with end-stage Alzheimer's disease. Heather knows she has an uphill battle to win over Tully and Rachel, all the while carrying the burden of the secrets of her past. But, as it turns out, they are all hiding something. A garage full of stolen goods. An old hot-water bottle stuffed with cash. A blood-soaked wedding. And that's only the beginning . . .
In my opinion: ★★★★
