REVIEW: Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

I'm delighted to share my review of the fifth psychological thriller by one of my favourite authors, Ruth Ware. Another compulsive read that like main character, Rowan, had me lying awake at night on high alert for strange noises.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK, Vintage Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Published: August 2019 (Paperback 2 April 2020)

The blurb 
Their dream house will become her worst nightmare…

When she stumbles across the advert, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss: a live-in nanny position, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten by the luxurious ‘smart’ home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare – one that will end with a child dead and her in a cell awaiting trial for murder. She knows she’s made mistakes. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty – at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.

The Review 
I love author Ruth Ware - she is the absolute master at crafting a disturbing, sinister atmosphere. This one was quite similar to one of her other books 'The Death of Mrs Westaway' with a large, isolated, old house providing the perfect ghostly setting for unexplained noises and things that go bump in the night. The mood created is so realistic that main character, Rowan, wasn't the only one lying awake at night - I too was terrified to sleep. Not to self don't read Ruth Ware alone in the house at night. 

The premise of this book was a nanny in prison awaiting trial for the murder of one of the four children she'd been employed to look after. In fact the entire book was one (very long) letter from Rowan to a potential solicitor pleading them to take her case and trying to convince him of her innocence by describing the events leading up to the child's death. However, refreshingly for a main character, Rowan is not always likeable - she's a nanny who doesn't like children and therefore has an ulterior motive for accepting the job. 

Aside from the haunted house and ghostly going-ons this was full of creepy elements. The house might have been old but fascinatingly it was also a 'smart house with the parents able to watch the children (and nanny) via the cameras installed in every room of the house, turn lights on and off remotely, and control things via their voice or phone. And, it wasn't just Rowan who less than perfect, most of the characters were dark and mysterious - none more so than second child Maddie who seemed possessed at times. 

But, it is these elements and the skilful telling that made this completely compulsive. I was completely hooked from start to finish. With the author's clever telling throughout you're just focused on reading a gripping narrative and it's only afterwards that you realise that in fact every detail and word is completely relevant to the plot. 

Some have criticised the ending. For me it worked but it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. Not that I guessed it - because I didn't - but that it was fairly straightforward and slightly unimaginative. It felt like the easy option rather than the dramatic expose I was expecting from the author. To be honest I also didn't completely understand it, not the reveal but more the epilogue, as it was a bit ambiguous. 

The ending didn't detract from my enjoyment of this. Once again its another 5 stars from me for this latest offering by one of my favourite authors.

The author
Follow @RuthWareWriter or find out more at ruthware.com

PREVIEW - Hold Your Tongue by Deborah Masson

I'm delighted to share my review of 'Hold Your Tongue' by Deborah Masson. This is not for the squeamish but it's really rather good - a great debut from an exciting new author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Released: 20 November 2019 (ebook) and 26 December 2019 (paperback)

The blurb 
A brutal murder. A young woman’s body is discovered with horrifying injuries, a recent newspaper cutting pinned to her clothing.

A detective with everything to prove. This is her only chance to redeem herself.

A serial killer with nothing to lose. He’s waited years, and his reign of terror has only just begun . . .

In my opinion 
I was intrigued by the title, description and cover of Deborah Masson's debut novel but immediately thought I'd made a big mistake as this is quite violent and unnervingly descriptive from the very first page, making it quite uncomfortable reading in places. I'm not sure why it shocked me as the clue is very much in the title " Hold Your Tongue" referring to the serial killer removing his victims' tongues whilst they were still alive. Anyway I took a deep breath and carried on and am so glad I did as it turned out to be really rather good. 

I really enjoyed the style of writing which is short, snappy and to the point. It's really easy reading with the fairly short chapters continually tempting you to just read one more, particularly as the story starts quickening to its explosive ending. The narrative is principally the voice of the lead investigative detective, DI Eve Hunter, but interspersed with the odd chapter or section by the killer and other members of Eve's team which kept things varied and grabbed attention.

Following the police investigation is definitely my favourite style of crime writing as it provides a fascinating insight into police work. I always feel like I am a member of the team examining the evidence, looking for clues and trying to solve the crime alongside the characters. The best thing by far about this novel, however, was my total inability to guess the identity of the killer, due almost entirely to the author's clever misdirection throughout.

What's more Deborah Masson has a unique gift for characterisation. The four main characters, the police officers, are all flawed but still relatable and on the whole likeable. And, it's these flaws which make for such a captivating dynamic between the characters as they resent, distrust, dislike, compete and grieve with each other whilst trying to work together as a united front. Again it's the author's talent and incredible writing that enables you to put yourself in every character's shoes, understanding why they are and act the way they do - even the mentally disturbed killer.

A nice touch was that the book didn't end with the big reveal, instead it continued briefly exploring the aftermath of the case. We saw how the four main characters were coping and working towards putting their past and strained relationships behind them in order to move on as a supportive close-knit team.

Not for the squeamish but I really recommend this - a great debut from an exciting new author. I would've given it five stars except for the gruesomeness of the tongue scenes.

The author

Follow @deborah_masson on Twitter.

REVIEW - Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts

I'm delighted to share my review of the new novel in the Pudding Pantry series by Caroline Roberts. Well worth a read with all the ingredients for a perfect festive romcom. This one will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Released: 31 October 2019

The blurb
The first snow is falling over Primrose Farm, the mince pies are warming, and Rachel can’t wait to share a kiss under the mistletoe with her gorgeous new flame, Tom. If only it was all comfort and joy.....but the arrival of Tom’s ex brings an unwelcome chill to the farm. And despite Master Baker Mum Jill’s valiant efforts, the new pudding pantry business is feeling the pinch.With a spoonful of festive spirit, a cupful of goodwill with friends, and her messy, wonderful family by her side, can Rachel make this a Christmas to remember?

In my opinion

Well worth a read with the inclusion of festive recipes providing a nice extra touch too. And, for me the book itself had all the ingredients for a perfect romcom:

·         Budding romance

·         Countryside village setting

·         Close-knit family

·         Cosy friendships

·         Entrepreneurial spirit

·         Cute animals and children

·         Christmas cheer

Yes like most chicklit it follows a tried and tested ‘recipe’ but it’s a formula that works and is one I love. However, this had more breadth than your typical sugar-coated romance. It was heart-warming but also real, embracing the ups and downs of life including illness, grief, single parenting, British farming and starting up a small business.

Essentially this was the story of the Swinton family - four generations of warm, strong women working together to make a success of their new business and keep their beloved farm. I loved the lead character, Rachel, a hard-working, driven, independent, kind, family-orientated young woman. Although I did find it hard to believe that Rachel was 24 – I mean being a young single mum is likely to make you grow up quickly but still the most mature, sensible 24 year old I’ve ever come across.

Five-year old Maisy, Rachel’s daughter, was obviously adorable too, providing many of the comedic moments. The best of these was undoubtedly the school nativity play where the farm’s overgrown lamb, Petie, played a supporting role alongside shepherd Maisy. Cue Petie lunging for a mouthful of hay, toppling Baby Jesus out of the crib, before leaping into the audience and galloping up and down only to poo on the floor on his way out.

As Christmas titles go this one was actually very festive, unlike many. It had Christmas puddings, the infamous nativity, snow storms, Christmas fairs and decorations galore. Although to be fair it also had fireworks and bonfires as it covered the run-up to Christmas too - so a real seasonal delight.

Seemingly this is the second novel in the Pudding Pantry series, with hints of a third to come. But, don’t let that put you off as it works perfectly well as a standalone too. All in all a great read which will certainly get you in the festive spirit (and make your mouth water will all the mentions of scrumptious sounding puddings).

The author

Follow @_caroroberts on Twitter or find out more on the author's own website.

REVIEW - Rewrite the Stars by Emma Heatherington

I'm delighted to share my review of the latest novel by Emma Heatherington. This book explores the concept of fate and whether you can actually rewrite the stars. A concept I loved but for me whilst this had all the perfect ingredients for a great story overall I liked it rather than loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Released: 17 October 2019

The blurb 
From the moment they meet one December day there’s something between Charlotte Taylor and her brother’s best friend, Tom Farley. But Tom’s already taken and Charlie has to let him go. It’s another five years before their paths cross again only a secret from the past forces Charlie to make a choice. She promises herself she’ll never look back. The years pass and Charlie moves on with her life but she can never forget Tom. He’s always there whispering ‘What if?’. Can Charlie leave the life she has built for one last chance with Tom? Or is the one that got away not really the one at all?

In my opinion
This book is so much more than just a romance. Firstly, the author delivered a deeper exploration of love and relationships than your average romance novel. But, more significantly, it was really thought-provoking exploring a number of other themes and ideas alongside the romantic story line.

I absolutely loved the whole concept of this book regularly considering the idea of fate and destiny myself. There was a similarity with the film “Sliding Doors”, exploring the different paths that a woman's life might have taken depending on her reaction to one momentous event. For the record I believe in destiny and that everything happens for a reason. Although author Emma Heatherington says it better saying: “No matter how we try and shape it, fate will always make sure we end up exactly where we are meant to be.”

Love Interest #1 Tom is main character Charlotte’s first crush and soul mate. Five years later they bump into each other again on the same night that she meets Jack, Love Interest #2, for the first time. But, their reunion is short lived as a family tragedy forces them apart yet again. Charlotte then goes onto marry Jack but can’t stop wondering ‘what if’ with regards to Tom. Unfortunately it did mean though that the story was a bit repetitive at times as the main character continued to brood over her past, present and future.

Similarly, I was also captivated by the idea of life not turning out as we planned. As children we dream of being astronauts or doctors or whatever we want, we truly believe we can be anything we want. Which of course we can but the reality is that we often find ourselves on a different path for whatever reason. Like Charlotte who dreamed of being a singer songwriter but ended up as a teacher enjoying singing songs to a delighted audience of primary school children instead.

Lastly, deeper topics of mental health and family ties were explored. For me though, whilst I understood and emphasized with Charlotte’s brother’s mental health issues, the same couldn’t be said for my feelings towards the main character herself. Charlotte has a gorgeous, kind husband who adores her, idyllic country living in a beautiful cottage, a supportive circle of family and friends, and a rewarding career as a teacher – yet she is miserable. I understand that mental health doesn’t work like that and is extremely complex and uncontrollable but to me Charlotte just came across as a bit whiney and ungrateful rather than truly in a dark place like her brother. As such I couldn’t really connect with her.

And, because of that I just liked this novel rather than loved it. It had all the ingredients for a great story yet for me there was something slightly missing.

The author
Follow @emmalou13 on Twitter to find out more.

REVIEW - A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

I love a heart-warming romance set in a charming village location and especially one set at Christmas. As such I was really excited to be given the opportunity to NetGalley and publisher Avon Books UK to read Phillips Ashley's new novel before publication.

Released: 31 October 2019

The blurb 
Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner but after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is. So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further. Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?

In my opinion
As I said I love a heart-warming romance set in a charming village location and even more so one set at Christmas. And, this was exactly that. Like sisters Scarlett and Ellie I too fell in love with the Cornish seaside village of Porthmellow with its cosy cafes, welcoming pub, village traditions and bracing seascape. The sense of community spirit as all the locals got involved in the Solstice celebrations and annual Boxing Day swim was really inspiring and heart-warming. The characters were also all extremely likeable, from main characters Ellie and Scarlett to supporting villagers such as the Carman's. 

It was a bonus to be treated to not one but two budding romances, with both sisters falling for a hot, single local. However, this was also a slight negative for me as having two lead characters, along with a third person narrative, meant that it wasn't really anyone's story. As such, whilst I liked all the characters, I didn't really connect with any of them to any great extent.

The book started extremely dramatically and promisingly with Scarlett gate-crashing the pub's Christmas Day Lunch for the Lonely after a family history gift revealed her Dad wasn't actually her real Dad and her mum doggedly refused to comment. However, unfortunately this also set the scene for the rest of the book as her mum continued to remain silent, and continued and continued for chapter after chapter. As such the story was a bit slow and drawn out in places.

That said regarding the identity of Scarlett's father there were plenty of hidden twists along the way, and his eventual identity was completely unexpected, if a little far-fetched. However, after such a long build-up and such devastating effect on the family, surprisingly it was all over and done with in a matter of pages concentrating too much on the reveal rather than the back story. Similarly there were lots of other intriguing themes that were introduced, such as Aaron's post-traumatic stress, Auntie Joan's hedonistic lifestyle and Judge's jolting fiancee, but these were never really explored. I would have loved to have heard more on each of these.

Overall, this was an easy, enjoyable read but just not a must-read in my opinion. Because it was set over the course of a year it was sufficiently festive for a Christmas book but not so much that it couldn't be enjoyed at any time of the year. I believe this is the second of author Phillipa Ashley's novels to be set in Porthmellow, with some of the original characters making cameo appearances, but it

The author
Follow @PhillipaAshley on Twitter or find out more at phillipa-ashley.com

PREVIEW: Three hours by Rosamund Lupton

I'm delighted to share my preview of the forthcoming thriller by Rosamund Lupton. In a word.....wow! This book was unlike anything I've read. It was truly mind blowing and really got under my skin. I would urge anyone and everyone to read it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Penguin Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: January 2020 

The blurb

Three hours to save the people you love.

From the Sunday Times bestselling author, Rosamund Lupton, comes an electrifying, pulse-racing new novel that takes us deep into the heart of what it means to be human.

Three hours is 180 minutes or 10,800 seconds. It is a morning's lessons, a dress rehearsal of Macbeth, a snowy trek through the woods. It is an eternity waiting for news. Or a countdown to something terrible. It is 180 minutes to discover who you will die for and what men will kill for.

In rural Somerset in the middle of a blizzard, the unthinkable happens: a school is under siege. From the wounded headmaster in the library, unable to help his trapped pupils and staff, to teenage Hannah in love for the first time, to the parents gathering desperate for news, to the 16 year old Syrian refugee trying to rescue his little brother, to the police psychologist who must identify the gunmen, to the students taking refuge in the school theatre, all experience the most intense hours of their lives, where evil and terror are met by courage, love and redemption.

In my opinion
First, I must first apologise, however, as it's actually quite hard to talk about this book without spoiling it by giving anything away. Anyway it wasn't just the story - of a school under siege by gunmen - that affected me but the clever telling of that story. Throughout there were references to real-life atrocities such as school shootings in America and other topics that we're familiar with from the news. Parts were narrated as text message extracts or newspaper headlines and parts from the perspective of the police investigation. And, I think it was these things that made it horrifyingly realistic. It invaded my consciousness in much the same way as a real rolling news story would - in that I couldn't stop thinking about the children and their families and my own loved ones until it was over. 

Author Rosamund Lupton somehow manages to write in a way that is both beautifully deep and emotional and yet at the same time thrillingly fast-paced and tense. She tackles a variety of difficult subjects with compassion and sensitivity including mental health, diversity, politics and relationships. Whilst each chapter focuses on a different time segment counting down from the first gun shot to the nail-biting conclusion three hours later. 

The story is told through the perspectives of a large cast of characters, each with their own stories which shape their behaviours and response to trauma, but all providing a fascinating and unique insight into the human psyche. Side by side are good and bad, brave and withdrawn, socially confident and awkward, those who've already faced adversity and those who haven't, and police, victims and perpetrators. For example, at one point you have the joyous relief of parents who hear their children have been evacuated to safety playing out in front of the anxious heart-broken families of those who don't yet know the fate of their children.

I liked this more than I can put into words. It was totally addictive - one where you're torn between enjoying it so much you never want it to end and being so gripped that you can't stop yourself from racing through the pages. A must read.

The author

Follow Rosamund Lupton on Twitter https://twitter.com/rosamundlupton or find out more at www.rosamundlupton.com.

I'll Be Home for Christmas - Karen Clarke

I'm delighted to share my preview of the forthcoming Christmas romcom by Karen Clarke. I'm a sucker for a feel-good story set in a quaint village with a strong female entrepreneurial character running her own business whilst trying not to fall in love - and this didn't disappoint. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and author Karen Clarke for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 14 October 2019 

The blurb

Nina Bailey has come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart. She is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn’t her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year.

Can Nina resist the magic of Christmas - and stick to her no-romance rule?

My review

The awkward second read....having recently read and absolutely loved The Beachside Sweet Shop I was keen to read another by this author but it's always with some trepidation  - will it be as good or was it just a one off? I needn't have worried - I loved this one too.

Firstly, lets get the obvious out of the way - yes it's a Christmas book and yes its September but that doesn't matter. Yes this story was set at Christmas and had the usual references to snow, mince pies, and tinsel but unlike some it was a subtle undertone which means that whilst it would undoubtedly be a great read in the run-up to the festive season, really getting you in the mood, it is basically just a funny feel-good story totally enjoyable at any time of the year.

Romance is definitely the last thing on Nina's mind when she arrives to stay at her Aunt Dolly's cosy cafe in a picturesque French village after calling off her wedding - instead she needs to work out what she's going to do with her life. But, Ryan, her cousin's infuriatingly annoying but handsome best friend, is also hiding out at Dolly's.

What I loved most about this book was it's relatability. Whilst thankfully I've never been caught by a really cute guy doing a koala-dance complete with koala noise whilst dressed in a koala onesie, I can't be the only one who can totally relate to those type of cringenly embarrassing situations. It wasn't just the humour though that I could relate but also Nina's predicament of wanting a job she loves but not knowing what that is.

As well as a strong entrepreneurial female lead character, this book had all my other favourite ingredients necessary for a good romcom. There was the super hot, really nice single guy with a complicated past and a charming village setting providing a whole host of great support characters such as Mathilde the mafia granny and Delphine the cat.

Once again I loved Karen Clarke's style of writing - witty and modern but also refreshingly PG, describing connections and spine-tingling kisses rather than x-rated sex scenes. She has a knack of describing things and characters, without being overly explicit, so that you can easily imagine (and fall in love with) them yourself. In fact so much so that I wanted to be in this book - to visit the cafe, date Ryan and be friends with Nina.

My only criticism (if you can call it that) is it that for me it couldn't quite rival The Beachside Sweet Shop, which unsurprisingly is about running a successful and innovative village sweet shop - whilst getting over a heartbreak. This one was similar but as I'm a sucker for a story about female characters running entrepreneurial village businesses I would have loved more about Nina's House Whispering business idea which sadly took a bit of backseat to the romcom in this one.

Never mind, I loved it all the same and it has totally cemented Karen Clarke as one of new favourite authors.


The author
Follow Karen Clarke on Twitter @karenclarke123 or find out more at www.karenclarkewriter.com.

Book Review - Violet by SJI Holliday

I'm delighted to share my review of the latest novel by British writer SJI Holliday. A psychological thriller about obsession, manipulation and toxic friendships as two strangers travel together from Asia to Russia, experiencing the highs and lows of drink, drugs and sex along the way. This was altogether darker and more disturbing than is my usual taste and so not really for me unfortunately.

Many thanks to The Bookbag for giving me the opportunity to read this book direct from the publishers.

Released: 14 September 2019 (Paperback edition will be released 14 November 2019)

When two strangers end up sharing a cabin on the Trans-Siberian Express, an intense relationship develops. But, as the journey continues, through Mongolia and into Russia, things start to unravel - because one of these women is not who she claims to be....

My Review
I've never been but understand that travelling is all about meeting new people and forming instantaneous bonds with people often in chance situations. Well that's exactly what happens when the two main (only) characters meet in a travel agency in Beijing - Carrie is unsuccessfully trying to get a refund on a spare ticket for the Trans-Siberian train whilst Violet is trying to unsuccessfully buy a ticket for the same sold-out journey. As the two team up, travelling through Mongolia, Serbia and into Russia, it could've been the start of a beautiful friendship but this is a thriller after all so it quickly becomes a tale of obsession, manipulation and toxic friendships.

Similarly with the travelling theme this could've been a story set amongst a backdrop of cultural references and spiritual experiences but it’s actually a hedonistic, sexual and drink/drug-fuelled journey of exploration. There’s nothing too graphic, shocking or hard-core but all the same it’s not necessarily everybody’s thing (myself included).

The two characters are completely different - Carrie is outwardly fun-loving, personable and easy-going whereas Violet is intense and unnervingly focused with changeable mood swings. But, are either girl what they appear to be? It is cleverly written in the first person from the perspective of Violet but with regular email extracts written by Carrie, which worked really well to give both characters’ stories. However, unfortunately I didn't particularly relate to or champion either character, finding them both a bit creepy, and this hindered my enjoyment of this book particularly when there was a lack of other characters to immerse myself in. You know how sometimes you can dislike a dark character but still understand and even sympathise with them, well it didn’t happen for me in this case. Some of the problem was perhaps that this story was very much focused on the present; the author didn't really delve too much into the past and the events that had shaped and made these characters who they were.

Despite starting intriguingly with a dead body in the prologue and ending with an unexpected twist, the pace was quite slow. It really was a tale of sinister relationships rather than crime writing, with the book following the girls’ friendship from passing strangers to the gradual development of an intense, unhealthy, obsessive relationship - the dead body wasn’t revisited until the latter stages of the book. In life and fiction I like to see people to get the fate that they deserve but that’s not what happened here and disappointingly the fate of one of the characters was also left slightly unresolved.

Author SJI Holliday is hailed as one of the most gifted psychological thriller writers, with a number of books under her belt. But, unfortunately overall this book wasn't for me, most probably because it just wasn't what I was expecting. As a psychological thriller it was twisted rather than twisting, it developed rather than gripped you, and was altogether darker and more disturbing than is my usual taste. However, for fans of SJI Holliday and those who like a sinister story then I have no doubt that you'll love it.

Follow SJI Holliday on Twitter @SJIHolliday or find out more at www.susiholliday.com.

Book Review - A Year at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn

I loved this book and can't wait to read more from the Star and Sixpence series. Utterly charming this is a real feel-good read with great characters - I just wish the Star and Sixpence was real and I could pop in for a Gingerbread Martini.

First published in the UK: December 2016

When sisters Nessie and Sam inherit a little pub in a beautiful country village they jump at the chance to escape their messy lives and start afresh. But when they arrive at the Star and Sixpence, it's not quite what they imagined - it's pretty much derelict, ruined by debts, and it's going to be a huge job to get it up and running again. But they are determined to make the best of this new life and they set about making the pub the heart of the village once again. Their first year at the Star and Sixpence won't be easy, though nothing worth doing ever is. 

But when the sisters' past comes back to haunt them, they start to think that the fresh start they needed is very far away indeed…

My review
I loved this book but then it did have all my favourite ingredients - country village setting, love interest in the form of a hot single dad with cute kid, strong female lead characters and entrepreneurial spirit. It was also favourite type of narrative - charmingly innocent (ie romance rather than sex) but realistically modern (ie one of the characters has a PR/celebrity background).

Sisters Nessie and Sam inherit a little pub in a beautiful country village, giving them the chance to escape their messy lives and start afresh. Both sisters are extremely likeable characters, with Sam a feisty, creative, carefree city-girl whereas Nessie is warm, calm, practical and home-loving. Aside from the sisters there's other great characters in the form of the villagers including nosy, self-righteous post-mistress Franny, glamorous ex-starlet Ruby, brooding blacksmith Owen and cute kid Luke.

The story is really cleverly written split into four distinctive parts relating to the four seasons and a special seasonal event at the pub, ie a Halloween party or the Valentine's Celebrity Chef Dinner. This means that the story moves on and the characters develop but at a realistic pace, unlike some books where characters seemingly fall in love in the space of days/weeks, and without the unnecessary filler either. Although apparently this book was originally four separate novellas that have collected together as one for the first time - which makes sense.

Probably because I would love to run my own small business, I loved backdrop of the pub and the sisters learning a new trade and turning around the fortunes of the place (despite local opposition) with a variety of creative, entrepreneurial ideas. But, I guess the main story is that of family and relationships with both sisters surprised to find love again after previous disastrous relationships. Of course neither romances run smoothly with Sam's predictably a passionate, tumultuous, short-lived love affair and Nessie's more of a will-they-they-won't-they dilemma.

I can't wait to read more of author, Holly Hepburn, and in particular the Star and Sixpence series to see what happens next to the characters of Little Monkham.

Follow author Holly Hepburn on Twitter at @HollyH_Author.

Book Review - The Daughter by Michelle Frances

Whilst not a typical twisty/turny psychological thriller I would definitely recommend this the third novel from author (and TV producer) Michelle Frances.

First published in the UK: August 2019

Getting pregnant as a teenager was never part of Kate's plan, but when it happens she's determined to do right by her daughter, showing her the love she never had as a child. Life as a single mother is hard, sometimes impossible, but it only brings Kate and Becky closer together. By the time Becky is making her own way in the world as a tenacious trainee journalist, Kate couldn't be prouder.

But when the unthinkable happens, Kate's life is changed forever. Desperately trying to understand, Kate stumbles across a story Becky was researching.

Is it possible that this cruel twist of fate wasn't an accident? The Daughter is a gripping, powerful story of a mother's courage and devotion, by the number one bestselling author of The Girlfriend.

My review
Overall I enjoyed this book even though it wasn't quite what I was expecting. 

The reason I love this genre is the chilling twists and turns, the gripping suspense and the mind-boggling race to try (often unsuccessfully) to work it all out before the main character. I've not read any of Michelle Frances' other books but this one certainly wasn't like that - in fact for a psychological thriller it was quite predictable. It also bore more than a passing similarity to the Erin Brockovich story - a similarity which was even referenced by the main character.

That said it was really well written and the characters were expertly developed and brought to life throughout the book. So, despite the small negatives I really liked this book because I absolutely loved the main character Kate and became totally invested in her story and fate. Kate is the ultimate underdog - an intelligent and passionate woman full of self doubt following a teenage pregnancy which saw the direction of her life change to focus solely on her daughter and her needs at the expense of all else. 

This was also written in one of my favourite styles where the chapters alternate - in this case between the current day, pre 'the accident' and the past. The past was largely irrelevant to the story but seeing as I fell in love with Kate I guess it was probably a large part of that.

So whilst not a typical psychological thriller I would definitely recommend it and would like to try another from this author.

Visit author Michelle Frances' website to find out more at michellefrancesbooks.com.

Book Review - The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson

I'm delighted to share my review of the new novel from award-winning British author and Queen-of-Chicklit Milly Johnson. This is a charmingly well-written book with strong characters and a totally modern story line featuring, Sophie, the loyal wife of a rising politician whose affair has made tabloid news. 

Many thanks to The Bookbag for giving me the opportunity to read this book direct from the publishers.

First published in the UK: July 2019

Sophie Mayhew looks like she has the perfect life. Wife of rising political star John F Mayhew, a man who is one step away from the top job in the government, her glamour matches his looks, power, breeding and money. But John has made some stupid mistakes along the way, some of which are threatening to emerge. Still, all this can still be swept under the carpet as long as Sophie 'the trophy' plays her part in front of the cameras.

But the words that come out of Sophie’s mouth one morning on the doorstep of their country house are not the words the spin doctors put in there. Bursting out of the restrictive mould she has been in since birth, Sophie flees to a place that was special to her as a child, a small village on the coast where she intends to be alone.

But once there, she finds she becomes part of a community that warms her soul and makes her feel as if she is breathing properly for the first time. Sophie knows she won't be left in peace for long. Now she must decide: where does her real future lie?

My reviewI liked this book. Whilst not necessarily a page-turner, this was a thoroughly enjoyable heart-warming read from the Queen of chick lit, Milly Johnson.

Despite being a best-selling author I've not actually read one of Milly's books before but she writes in a very pure, understated and realistic way which I really like. It's hard to explain but she describes romance rather than sex, makes a suggestion and ignites your imagination to develop the characters and ideas yourself. Her style is also humorous with in this case is added to by the presence of stereotypical politicians, an adorably cute small boy, and busy-body parishioners.

That said the charming narrative is combined with a totally modern and relatable storyline. In fact it addresses some fairly heavy issues such as emotional abuse and bullying but in a light-hearted way. When a kiss and tell story appears in the tabloids, emotionless Sophie Mayhew, wife of a rising politician, is expected to publicly stand by her husband. Instead she flees to a small Yorkshire village where she reinvents herself as 'Pom' a down-on-her-luck French woman. Why is it that every fictional village has a hot-but-he-doesn't-know-it single guy often with a philanthropic job (in this case a vicar) just waiting to fall in love with the mysterious newcomer? Not that I'm complaining as it's a formula that I love - I just wish that the same was true of real life villages (aka the one where I live). Anyway as Pom, Sophie gets a taste of how life could be - a life of kindness, friendship, freedom and even love. But, how long can she keep up pretences and which life (or man) will she choose?

The main characters are fascinating, probably because their characters really develop throughout the book. For example, at the start, the character of Sophie totally fits her nickname of ‘Sophie-the-Trophy’ as in she looks good but there is not much else going on. But, then you realise that she is actually a vibrant, rebellious, creative, strong female who has been ground down by her husband and family to the point of ignoring her own needs and wants. There’s also the hot-vicar who is bringing up his son alone after a whirlwind and totally unsuitable romance, his strong direct-speaking sister trying to move on after a bad marriage, and a sullen teenager mourning her mother.

With its short chapters this book is also a really easy read. I would definitely recommend it, as there’s really nothing not to like but it is more easy-reading rather than something that’s really thought-provoking, gripping or unique.

Follow Milly Johnson on Twitter @millyjohnson or find out more at millyjohnson.co.uk.