PREVIEW: The Vow by Debbie Howells

I loved the premise of this finding out your fiance has been living a double life with another woman as well as yourself. As such I'm pleased to review the new novel by author Debbie Howells.

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

Expected: 15 October 2020

The blurb 

Everything was perfect. And then her fiance disappeared....

Two weeks before her wedding, a stranger stops Amy in the street and warns her she’s in danger. Then that night, Matt, her fiancé, doesn’t come home. Desperate, Amy calls the police – but when Matt fails to emerge, she’s forced to call off her wedding day.

Then another man is reported missing, by a woman called Fiona – a man meeting Matt’s description, who was about to leave his fiancée for her.  He was supposed to be moving in with her – but instead, he’s vanished.

Amy refuses to believe Fiona’s lover can be her Matt – but photos prove otherwise, and it soon becomes clear that Matt has been leading a double life. As the police dig deeper, two conflicting, yet equally plausible stories emerge from two women who allegedly have never met.

The wedding day never happened. But the funeral might!

The review

I loved the premise of this finding out your fiance has been living a double life with another woman as well as yourself. It is told in alternating perspectives from Amy the fiancee, her daughter Jess, and the other woman Fiona also interspersed with events from 1996 from an as yet unidentified narrator.

There was lots to like but also some areas where it didn't quite fulfil its potential. The story and suspense built steadily throughout, with lots going on with the present day and past flashbacks to keep interest high. It also wasn't obvious the way it was going to pan out or who to suspect. However, that said the second half of the book lost a bit of momentum and I felt slightly let down in the way it turned out. In the end there were a lot of threads that didn't come to anything eg Matt's past love life, Cath and the mystery warning.

Most of the characters were really likable, particularly pragmatic, astute, loyal Jess and unreliable, contradictory Amy who will drive you crazy.  I was disappointed with Fiona though as her character less developed and consequently quite one-dimensional. I would have liked a bit more about what happened to her in the end.

So, overall a bit mixed but definitely worth a read.

The author

Debbie Howells is both a florist and best-selling author. Follow @debbie__howells on Twitter or visit www.debbiehowells.co.ukto find out more.

  

REVIEW: After the Silence by Louise O'Neill

A twisty page-turner of deadly secrets, I'm pleased to review this new novel by Irish author Louise O'Neill. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Quercus Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 3 September 2020

The blurb 
Nessa Crowley's murderer has been protected by silence for ten years. Until a team of documentary makers decide to find out the truth.

On the day of Henry and Keelin Kinsella's wild party at their big house a violent storm engulfed the island of Inisrun, cutting it off from the mainland. When morning broke Nessa Crowley's lifeless body lay in the garden, her last breath silenced by the music and the thunder.

The killer couldn't have escaped Inisrun, but on-one was charged with the murder. The mystery that surrounded the death of Nessa remained hidden. But the islanders knew who to blame for the crime that changed them forever.

Ten years later a documentary crew arrives, there to lift the lid off the Kinsella's carefully constructed lives, determined to find evidence that will prove Henry's guilt and Keelin's complicity in the murder of beautiful Nessa.

The review

Although this is being marketed as a murder mystery, it's really more of a psychological thriller focused on psychological domestic abuse. But, I enjoyed the storyline and would definitely recommend it to people who love human interest and character stories. In Keelin Kinsella, the author has written a brilliantly complex female character. It's similar to another book I've read recently (The Storm by Amanda Jennings) where the wife is not necessarily as much of a victim as at first seems and sometimes there is more to a story or toxic relationship than meets the eye. 

It was a difficult read, however. The timeline is all over the place and lacks any chapter headings to help. Also set on an Irish island, this was peppered with Irish words and phrases that I didn't know such as "mo stoirin" (my darling apparently) and grinds (private tuition). I got used but it just made it a bit awkward and harder reading.

The author
Irish writer, Louise O'Neill's first two novels were aimed at the “young adult” demographic, but widely read by not-so-young adults. Recent books focus on the toxic aspects of relationships, as does this one. Follow @oneilllo on Twitter to find out more.

REVIEW: The Little Cottage in Lantern Square by Helen Rolfe

A heart-warming tale of friendship, romance and community spirit. The Little Cottage in Lantern Square is Helen Rolfe's four Lantern Square novellas collected together for the first time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Orion Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 20 August 2020

The blurb 
Hannah went from high flyer in the city to business owner and has never looked back. In the cosy Cotswold village of Butterbury she runs Tied up with String, sending handmade gifts and care packages across the miles, as well as delivering them to people she thinks need them the most.

But when her ex best-friend Georgia turns up and wants in on the action, will Hannah be willing to forgive and forget? With her business in jeopardy she needs to maintain the reputation she's established, and discover who she can trust...

Meanwhile, a mysterious care package lands on her own doorstep at Lantern Cottage. Who is trying to win her heart - and will she ever be willing to give it away?

The review
This was my favourite type of book - a heart-warming tale of friendship, romance and community spirit. I loved the village setting with its cast of colourful characters especially nosy neighbour Mrs Ledbetter. I also love a story about setting up or running a small business - in this involving bespoke gift boxes (or care packages) themed around the recipients favourite things.

It was originally four novellas, brought together for the first time. This meant the collected story took place over the course of the year so was totally realistic in terms of the romantic developments.

But, this was more about friendship than romance anyway and I particularly enjoyed the intergenerational friendship of Hannah and the residents of Butterbury Lodge, the village's care home. 

Lovely, heart-warming escapsim but a nice read rather than must read.

The author
Helen Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending. Follow @hjrolfe on Twitter or visit www.helenjrolfe.com to find out more.

REVIEW: We Are Family by Nicola Gill

Here's my review of the second novel by author Nicola Gill. This was a story of sibling rivalry but in my opinion more of a nice read rather than a must read.

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

Expected: 3 September 2020

The blurb
Laura and Jess are sisters - but that's pretty much all they have in common... Laura has a laid back attitude to life. Her home isn't spotless, and after a hard day she likes to take to bed with a block of cheese.

Jess, on the other hand, is your classic overachiever: The Big Sister, Chief of Chivvying, Queen of the family WhatsApp. Her life is picture-perfect.

Laura and Jess lost their dad when they were kids, and now their mum is gone too. And one of the hardest times in life is made harder by the fact they can't agree on a single thing, from where to scatter the ashes to whether "passed away" is even an acceptable term.

But when Laura starts pushing her own boundaries and Jess agrees to let other people in to her (not so) perfect life, the two women realise they need each other more than ever. They might not be ready to admit it, but family is everything.

The review
For me this was one of those middle ground books where I didn't love it but didn't not like it either.

On the plus side it was a nice enough story - two sisters who used to be close but as polar opposites don't really get along as adults but are forced together again after their mother's death. Through flashbacks to their childhood we came to understand how the sisters had drifted apart and the things that had shaped their adult characters. Despite being told from just one sister, Laura's, perspective both characters were developed really well, flaws and all. It showed how we're not all the same, not all perfect and how different personalities can actually work together rather than against each other. It was also easy reading with short snappy chapters, and I enjoyed the surprise ending which I really hadn't seen coming.

Unfortunately though I found main character Laura really quite annoying (obviously though I did love her hilarious five-year-old son Billy). The thing is that Laura's quite negative with a habit of over-reacting and misinterpreting literally every action or conversation she has with anyone. This is particularly the case with her mum or sister and the cause of all the conflict- although obviously she blames the other person wholeheartedly and never herself. It was also didn't quite ring true that Laura lets everyone walk all over her, taking on extra at work and babysitting so her friend can go shopping despite the fact her mum's just died, but then is selfish when it comes to her sister who's seemingly the only person in Laura's life that genuinely cares about her. 

I also soon became tired of the nice enough storyline as the sibling rivalry and mother's favouritism quickly became repetitive, especially as this was book was really quite long. It was really a succession of busy nothings, such as the hamster escaping, accidentally replying all, a disastrous job interview, etc set against this constant back drop of sisterly conflict. 

I would have preferred many of the minor side-plots, such as sister Jess' online troll or Billy's bully, to have been left out and more time given to the ending of the story which felt rushed. The ending jumped forward eight months meaning that many of the important things happened off-page such as the sisters reconcilling and Laura getting together with Marcus. After such a long build-up it was frustrating to then 'miss out' on all the pivotal moments.

So, all-in-all a nice read rather than a must-read and one I'd recommend for fans of light fiction that prefer an emphasis on character over plot.

The author
Aged just five Nicola Gill knew she wanted to be an author. 'We Are Family' is her second novel. Follow @nicola_j_gill on Twitter.

REVIEW: Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell

I'm pleased to review the latest novel by one of my go-to authors, Lisa Jewell. Whilst not my favourite by this author I still enjoyed this thought-provoking read. However, be warned it did contain some themes that were slightly uncomfortable reading.

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

Expected: 6 August 2020

The blurb 
When Saffyre Maddox was ten, something terrible happened, and she's carried the pain of it ever since. The man who she thought was going to heal her didn't, and now she hides, learning his secrets, invisible in the shadows.

Owen Pick is invisible too. He's never had a girlfriend; he's never even had a friend.
Nobody sees him. Nobody cares.

But when Saffyre goes missing from opposite his house on Valentine's night, suddenly the whole world is looking at Owen.

Accusing him, holding him responsible for Saffyre's disappearance ...

The review
Despite loving the author this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The story is about a young woman who goes missing and is told from three points of view; Saffyre’s the missing girl with a troubled childhood, Owen a loner, and Cate the wife of a charismatic child psychologist.

As always I loved the author’s distinctive writing style which makes for easy reading. Likewise I enjoy the way she brings lots of seemingly unrelated different strands and characters together quite spectacularly by the end. And, this one had a great cast of interesting and troubled characters with some complex mental health issues that were well-handled by the author, and provided a fascinating sub-context.

Essentially the underlying concept was societal norms where misfits try to be invisible so as not to be noticed whilst truly vile characters simply mask their true nature to walk among us in plain sight. It really got me thinking, especially in these current times, about how easy it is to misjudge someone who’s different. For example, the “odd” loner who happens to be walking the same way as a young woman is creepy but the attractive runner brushing past somebody is overlooked. Although fiction it also depicts a shocking reality where people are shamed by public opinion, the names and life stories of suspects are widely reported and if they later turn out to be innocent well so what.

What I didn’t like, however, was the plot which contained themes that some readers (myself included) may find uncomfortable including rape and sexual assault. I also like a story where things are wrapped up neatly and the ‘bad’ people get what’s coming to them but without wanting to give anything away this one didn’t quite turn out like that. I also thought the epilogue should have been a bit later in time, as having handled the character’s mental health issues so sensitively this was kind of undone by the speed at which they seemed to easily overcome their issues at the end.

The author
British author Lisa Jewell's first book, Ralph's Party, came out in 1998. Since then, she's gone on to write eighteen contemporary novels and thrillers. Follow @lisajewelluk on Twitter or visit www.lisajewellbooks.com to find out more.

REVIEW: Our Story by Miranda Dickinson

I'm pleased to review the latest novel by Miranda Dickinson. Written in my favourite his and hers style, this was a light-hearted will-they, won't they romance.

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

Expected: 25 August 2020

The blurb 
Otty has just landed her dream job. She's about to join the writing team of one of the most respected showrunners in TV. And then the night before her first day, she's evicted from her flat.

Joe has been working with Russell for years. He's the best writer on his team, but lately something has been off. He's trying to get his mojo back, but when his flatmate moves out without warning he has other things to worry about.

Otty moving into Joe's house seems like the perfect solution to both their problems, but neither is prepared for what happens next. Paired together in the writing room, their obvious chemistry sparks from the page and they are the writing duo to beat. But their relationship off the page is an entirely different story, and neither of them can figure out why.

And suddenly the question isn't, will they, or won't they? It's why won't they?

The review
Since reading ‘Come Together’ by husband and wife team Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd many years ago, this his and hers narrative has been one of my favourites. I find the way two people, particularly of different sexes, can interpret the same event so differently absolutely fascinating.

Slightly disappointingly though was the mismatch between the two characters development. Whilst, the author really explored Otty’s character and back story, sadly the same couldn’t be said of the male lead, Joe. 

I really enjoyed the writing style and the quick-paced, sharp dialogue of each chapter. I also loved the setting of the writer’s room which not only provided an interesting insight into professional writing but also a highly-pressurised backdrop for the story. And, it was both of these elements that managed to keep my interest in what was otherwise quite a long, samey will they/won’t they storyline.

I don’t think it’s a plot spoiler to say that the whole story was leading to the two characters getting together or not. But, then disappointingly I found the ending a bit abrupt especially after the lengthy long build-up.

So, overall this was a nice, light-hearted contemporary romance with a great setting and smart writing. Not a must-read but perfect escapism nonetheless.

The author
Miranda Dickinson always wanted to be a writer....now she is the author of eleven books, including six Sunday Times bestsellers. Follow @wurdsmyth on Twitter or visit miranda-dickinson.com to find out more.

REVIEW: The Storm by Amanda Jennings

Set in a Cornish fishing village, I'm pleased to review the new novel by author Amanda Jennings. Whilst not quite what I was hoping for, this was a beautifully written dark drama nonetheless.

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

Expected: 23 July 2020

The blurb 
To the outside world Hannah married the perfect man. Behind the closed doors of their imposing home it’s a very different story. Nathan controls everything Hannah does. He chooses her clothes, checks her receipts, and keeps her passport locked away. But why does she let him? 

Years before, in the midst of a relentless storm, the tragic events of one night changed everything. And Hannah has been living with the consequences ever since. Keeping Nathan happy. Doing as she’s told. 

But the past is about to catch up with them. 

Set against the unforgiving backdrop of a Cornish fishing port in the ‘90s, this is a devastating exploration of the power of coercive control in a marriage where nothing is quite as it seems…

The review
This was one of those reads where I was disappointed but unfairly so. Wrongly I was expecting a mystery with plenty twists and turns, plenty of drama and plenty of suspense. But, this was more of a slow burn, domestic drama focused on the psychology of people's reactions to trauma. However, now having read up on the author that is exactly what she's known for so I completely my fault and not a reflection on this well-written story.

The story is told from the point-of-view of Hannah mainly but interspersed with some chapters from Nathan, her controlling husband, and Cam, an ex boyfriend. It also crosses two timeframes; the past where Hannah is a carefree, confident young women, and the present day where she is now a repressed, fearful wife and mother. I loved the contrast between the two and the gradual understanding of how and why Hannah chose such a life.

And, that's the brilliance of this author. At first glance you see a woman controlled by her husband but then realise through the depth of the characters and telling that Hannah is more of a willing 'victim' or player in this story than it would at first seem. She has chosen a path for a reason and uses her intelligence and wiles to control the situation herself as best she can.

So, like I said not quite what I was hoping for but a beautifully written dark drama nonetheless.

The author
Before writing her first book, was a researcher at the BBC. With a deep fascination for the far-reaching effects of trauma, her books focus on the different ways people find to cope with loss, as well as the moral struggles her protagonists face. Follow @MandaJJennings on Twitter or visit www.amandajennings.co.uk to find out more.

REVIEW: One To Watch by Kate Stayman-London

Here's my review of a debut novel by American Kate Stayman-London. Much like reality TV itself this quickly sucked me in with its superficial drama, love/hate characters and intrigue about who Bea would pick as her 'Main Squeeze'.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher John Murray Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 7 July 2020

The blurb

Bea Schumacher is a devastatingly stylish plus-size fashion blogger who has amazing friends, a devoted family, legions of Insta followers--and a massively broken heart. Like the rest of America, Bea indulges in her weekly obsession: the hit reality show 'Main Squeeze'. The fantasy dates! The kiss-off rejections! The surprising amount of guys named Chad! But Bea is sick and tired of the lack of body diversity on the show. Since when is being a size zero a prerequisite for getting engaged on television? 

Just when Bea has sworn off dating altogether, she gets an intriguing call: Main Squeeze wants her to be its next star, surrounded by men vying for her affections. Bea agrees, on one condition--under no circumstances will she actually fall in love. She's in this to supercharge her career, subvert harmful anti-fat beauty standards, inspire women across America, and get a free hot air balloon ride. That's it.

But when the cameras start rolling, Bea realizes things are more complicated than she anticipated. She's in a whirlwind of sumptuous couture, Internet culture wars, sexy suitors, and an opportunity (or two, or five) to find messy, real-life love in the midst of a made-for-TV fairy tale. In this joyful, razor-sharp debut, Bea has to decide whether it might just be worth trusting these men--and herself--for a chance to live happily ever after. 

The review
Obviously based around reality show The Batchelor, this was a captivating plot as much like reality TV itself it quickly sucked you in with its superficial drama, love/hate characters and intrigue about who'd eventually be crowned the winner aka 'Main Squeeze'. I was hooked trying to work out, like Bea, if any of the guy's were genuine or not, vibing Sam, hating Jefferson and trying not to be charmed by bad boy Luc. Annoyingly though it was also quite repetitive with the constant reminders that Bea is a plus size girl - granted a key part of the story but I'm not sure we needed reminding quite that much.

Kate Stayman-London is an American author and normally that's not something I'd even really notice (perhaps other than the setting) but which was very evident here. Perhaps because it's a very contemporary storyline and narrative but there were lots of modern cultural references that I just didn't understand. Likewise words that I had to look up such as "confucius" and "canonically" - not that it really mattered but I'm just saying. 

It was also written in a very contemporary style with lots of tweet, blog, email and media interview excerpts. I'm not entirely sure how I felt about it. On the one hand it worked with story and made it really believable as it genuinely did feel like something real I was reading about online. But, it was also slightly jarring at times. 

I think this book is probably a bit Marmite - fans of reality TV will love it but if not then you probably won't. I do and so this was a welcome and much-needed entertaining, trashy, escapism.
 
The author
Kate Stayman-London is a novelist, screenwriter, and political strategist. She served as lead digital writer for Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and has written for notable figures ranging from President Obama and Malala Yousafzai to Anna Wintour and Cher. Follow @_ksl on Twitter or visit www.katestaymanlondon.com to find out more.

REVIEW: How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

I'm pleased to review the gripping new psychological thriller from Sunday Times bestselling author Gillian McAllister. What an ending to a really unique storyline....

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

Expected: 9 July 2020

The blurb 
Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back. The only choice is to disappear.

To keep Zara safe, Lauren will give up everything and everyone she loves, even her husband. There will be no goodbyes. Their pasts will be rewritten. New names, new home, new lives.

The rules are strict for a reason. They are being hunted. One mistake - a text, an Instagram like - could bring their old lives crashing into the new.

They can never assume someone isn't watching, waiting.

As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy. Staying hidden is harder . . .

The review
I really enjoyed this unique storyline about having to 'disappear' into witness protection. The author writes in a note that she hopes it was believable as for obvious reasons witness protection is not a very easy subject to research. Well I found it totally believable and was totally fascinated by the thought-provoking. I really felt for Aidan who had to decide whether to disappear with his wife and step-daughter or stay behind with his own daughter and mother - a no-win situation either way.

A rarity but I actually liked all the characters, perhaps because they were so well developed with the author celebrating differences and the hidden strengths of every personality type. For example, the author’s sensitive portrayal of Zara and her insecurities about being serious, shy, bookish, and not fitting in because of those things but also her strength of character and maturity in doing the right thing. I also loved that for once it was a book with a blended family who actually love and care for each other rather than the usual step rivalries so often depicted.

I was particularly drawn to extroverts Lauren and Poppy but especially Poppy a remarkably selfless, mature, caring, positive individual caring for her mother full-time and trying to protect her step family whilst dealing with normal teenage stuff such as college applications. And, of course who wouldn’t love Bill Gates, the dog...

Annoyingly it was implied at times that there was more going on than there actually was – in terms of Jon for example. But, then the ending was a massive unexpected twist that really did deliver!

The author
Gillian McAllister is a former lawyer and the Sunday Times Top 10 bestselling author for her debut psychological thriller. Follow @GillianMAuthor on Twitter or visit gillianmcallister.com to find out more.

REVIEW: One White Lie by Leah Konen

I'm pleased to share my review of Leah Konen's debut psychological thriller....and what a debut! It’s brilliantly written with the author building the pace perfectly to a frantic finish with twist after shocking twist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 23 July 2020

The blurb 
It's only one small lie.....until someone turns up dead.

Imagine you've finally escaped the worst relationship of your life, running away with only a suitcase and a black eye.

Imagine your new next-door neighbours are the friends you so desperately needed - fun, kind, empathetic, very much in love.

If your new best friends needed you to tell one small lie, and all of these problems would disappear, you'd do it . . . wouldn't you?

It's only one small lie, until someone turns up dead...

The review
This is the story of new neighbours Lucy, Vera and John, as Lucy says “linked, the three of us, by our torrid backstories.” And, that kinda sums this up....complex characters with complex backstories embroiled in a complex plot. There really is a lot going from Lucy fleeing a bad relationship and her estrangement from her parents to worrying rumours about her new neighbours, strange goings-on in her new house and the ‘one white lie’.  

But, it’s the complex plot that help keeps you guessing. An almost constant change of perspective means you never really know throughout who’s the perpetrator and who’s the victim, who’s telling the truth and who’s not – feeling empathy for someone one minute and doubting them the next.

It’s brilliantly written with the author building the pace perfectly to a frantic finish. The latter part is twist after twist to the point where in Lucy’s words you “can’t handle any more secrets. It’s like emotional whiplash.” Some of the twists I guessed mostly because at some point you literally suspected everyone so some of them turned out to be true but the main twists were completely unexpected.

My reason for not giving this a five-star rating was Lucy, the threesome thing and murder motive. Lucy annoyed me from the start – she seems unbelievably naive and trusting for someone fleeing a bad relationship – and I really didn’t warm to her, although the reasons for both later became clear. Likewise I get that dynamic, people-person Vera is lonely after being ostracised by the locals but the intense (non-sexual) threesome thing her, John and Lucy quickly develop is plain weird. Finally, the murder motive is difficult to talk about but again two people having the same dark, obsessive personality is slightly unbelievable – I liked the twist but wanted something slightly different.

The author
Leah Konen is a journalist and author of young adult fiction. One White Lie is her debut psychological thriller. Follow @LeahKonen or find out more at www.leahkonen.com

REVIEW: The Wish List by Sophia Money-Coutts

I'm pleased to share my review of this funny feel-good contemporary romance by Sophia Money-Coutts. Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher HQ Stories for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 6 August 2020

The blurb 
Florence Fairfax isn’t lonely. She loves her job at the little bookshop in Chelsea and her beloved cat Marmalade keeps her company at night. She might have been single for quite a while – well, forever actually, if anyone’s asking – but she’s perfectly happy, thank you. And then Florence meets eccentric love coach Gwendolyn, and everything changes.

When Gwendolyn makes Florence write a wish list describing her perfect man, Florence refuses to take it seriously. Finding someone who likes cats, has the sexual athleticism of James Bond and can overlook her ‘counting’ habit? Impossible! Until, later that week, a handsome blond man asks for help in the bookshop…

Rory seems to fit the list perfectly. But is he ‘the one’, or simply too good to be true? Florence is about to find out that her criteria for Mr Right aren’t as important as she thought – and that perhaps she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places…

The review
This is the story of 32-year-old Flo who’s never had a boyfriend, finds one after a love guru gets her to write a ‘wish list’ for her ideal man so that the universe can deliver it to her – in the form of Rory the Tory. And, I loved the essence of this book which is that “having the wrong boyfriend is way more complicated than not having a boyfriend at all.”

It’s pretty predictable in that Flo naturally ends up not with Rory the Tory but the guy who doesn’t meet any of the criteria on her wish list and who she dislikes instantly upon first meeting. But, mostly this genre is pretty predictable and I think that’s the point, it’s a tried and tested formula that we love because it works.

This is also slightly quirky in that it’s a bit yin and yang. In some respects it’s quite twee with brace-wearing toffs, Cinderella style stepmothers, Dickensian bookshops and vocabulary like “calamitous”. But, it’s also weirdly contemporary with laugh-out-loud situational humour, descriptive sex scenes, bloggers and hashtags. I particularly enjoyed the bit where a teenage Instagram poet’s dog humps Flo’s leg live on stage at the bookshop’s first author event.

This is an easy read, despite long chapters, providing much-needed funny feel-good escapism. 

The author
Sophia Money-Coutts is a journalist, author and real-life person despite her name, which suggests she's a made-up character from a Jilly Cooper novel. Follow @sophiamcoutts or find out more at sophiamoneycoutts.com

REVIEW: Knife Edge by Simon Mayo

I'm pleased to share my review of Knife Edge from author Simon Mayo. I really enjoyed this gripping, chilling, intelligent and frighteningly believable story.

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

Expected: 20 August 2020

The blurb 
6.45am. A sweltering London rush hour. And in the last 27 minutes, seven people have been murdered.

In a series of coordinated attacks, seven men and women across London have been targeted. For journalist Famie Madden, the horror unfolds as she arrives for the morning shift.

The victims have one thing in common: they make up the investigations team at the news agency where Famie works. The question everyone’s asking: what were they working on that could prompt such brutal devastation?

As Famie starts to receive mysterious messages, she must find out whether she is being warned of the next attack, or being told that she will be the next victim...

The review
I'm really not sure if I loved this or not. To explain, it's a compelling story but a frighteningly too plausible or realistic one as well. When I first started reading this, and the terrifying opening description of seven knife attacks in 27 minutes, I slept badly my mind imagining the scene over and over again.  I read for escapism and this was just like a real-life news story (in more ways than one).

And, I tend to avoid the news for that reason - the truly upsetting crimes and atrocities that happen day in day out around the world. As such I'm not particularly up on political affairs so I did find this slightly confusing at times. Even by the end I don't think I got it entirely. As well as political references, there was also a lot of characters (some just known as Tattoo Man or Sweating Man), and a lot going on to keep track of. As main character, Famie, said a couple of times: "This is messy."

But, that was undoubtedly what made it so compelling though as well. The whole thing was expertly done - well-researched and well-written with the changing voices adding extra depth and pace. Overall, it's a gripping, chilling, intelligent and deeply shocking read based around a really current and frighteningly believable storyline.

The author
Simon Mayo is one of Britain’s best-loved radio presenters and author now too. Follow @simonmayo on Twitter.