REVIEW: His & Hers by Alice Feeney

I'm pleased to share my review of the latest novel from Alice Feeney which I found to be an addictive, unpredictable, page-turner with a great unexpected end.

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

Expected: 28 May 2020

The blurb 
If there are two sides to every story, someone is always lying…

Jack: Three words to describe my wife: Beautiful. Ambitious. Unforgiving.
Anna: I only need one word to describe my husband: Liar.

When a woman is murdered in Blackdown village, newsreader Anna Andrews is reluctant to cover the case. Anna’s ex-husband, DCI Jack Harper, is suspicious of her involvement, until he becomes a suspect in his own murder investigation.

Someone is lying, and some secrets are worth killing to keep.

The Review
As the title implies this was written in my favourite style with chapters alternating between 'His and Hers' side of the story. 'His being DCI Jack Harper the police detective leading a murder investigation and 'hers' being Anna Andrews a news presenter covering the story - with both quickly realising that they knew the victim.

This was a real fast-paced, addictive, conundrum that kept me guessing from start to finish. I didn't guess the eventual identity of the killer, continually changing my mind with every twist and turn, and indeed every chapter as alternating between Jack and Anna's conflicting perspectives. I particularly loved the ending which apparently is a trademark of Alice Feeney but which having not read her before I was totally unprepared for. In explanation, you think it's all over when the author starts wrapping things up, having led you to a convincing conclusion, but then on the very last page she delivers a massive u-turn with one crazy last twist.

The author is also known for putting the psycho in psychological thriller - and this was no exception. Pretty much every character could be considered slightly psychotic or flawed, dysfunctional, dark and disturbing at the very least. Weirdly though, despite not being likeable, I still found myself rooting for some of the characters - and as such was really pleased with the unexpected swerve ending.

In terms of the plot itself there was quite a lot going on - and unnecessarily so in my opinion. There was obviously the murder investigation, which naturally was linked to a long buried but not forgotten secret, but there were also two other incidents. You could argue these added more intrigue, red herrings, etc and one perhaps did provide a bit of context but the other was really irrelevant and just devalued it a bit as I thought "really, all that happened to one person?' Just a warning too that there were some sensitive themes covered. I can't give specifics without spoiling the plot and it was nothing too disturbing but just a bit darker, gritted than some.

Overall an addictive, unpredictable, page-turner with a great unexpected ending - definitely worth a read.

The author
Follow @alicewriterland on Twitter or find out more at www.alicefeeney.com

REVIEW: Us Three by Ruth Jones

Not what I was expecting from Ruth Jones of 'Gavin and Stacey' fame but I'm thrilled to share my review of her second novel 'Us Three' as I totally loved it.

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

Expected: 3 September 2020

The blurb 
Meet Lana, Judith and Catrin. Best friends since primary school when they swore an oath on a Curly Wurly wrapper that they would always be there for each other, come what may.

After the trip of a lifetime, the three girls are closer than ever. But an unexpected turn of events shakes the foundation of their friendship to its core, leaving their future in doubt – there’s simply too much to forgive, let alone forget. An innocent childhood promise they once made now seems impossible to keep...

The Review
Ruth Jones is best known for 'Gavin and Stacey' aka outstanding and award-winning television comedy writing and as such I was expecting this to be a comedy. I was wrong but also pleasantly surprised.

This was about friendship; Lana, Judith and Catrin who swore on a Curly Wurly wrapper, aged eight, that they would be best friends forever. It's written in my favourite style with chapters effortlessly alternating between the three girls (with occasional guest chapters from one of the supporting cast) and three parts (or decades). We see how the girls navigate a lifetime of love, family life, work, betrayal, tragedy and life events that irreversibly shape each one and stretch their friendship to breaking point.

Of late I seem to have gravitated to romcoms (or thrillers), but one of my first and favourite ever authors is the late Maeve Binchy. And, in many ways, with its focus on relationships and their ever-changing dynamics, this reminded me of her and reignited my passion for this genre.

The three main characters are in their own words as different as "chalk, cheese and chocolate". But that's what made it so compelling as you see how each one handles life and the same events so differently. It also meant that I related to each one at different times. Ruth Jones describes each character so brilliantly that I felt like the fourth friend and that I'd also known them all my life.

The author
Follow @RuthJonesAuthor on Facebook.

REVIEW: My Lies, Your Lies by Susan Lewis

Here's my review of the gripping new book from bestselling author, Susan Lewis. I can't adequately put into words how well written and thought out this was in every respect. I literally cannot wait to read some of her other work.

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

Expected: 16 April 2020

The blurb 
His life was destroyed by a lie. Her life will be ruined by the truth.

Joely tells other people’s secrets for a living. As a ghost writer, she’s used to scandal – but this just might be her strangest assignment yet.

Freda has never told her story to anyone before. But now she’s ready to set the record straight and to right a wrong that’s haunted her for forty years.

Freda’s memoir begins with a 15-year-old girl falling madly in love with her teacher. It ends in a way Joely could never possibly have imagined. As the story unravels, Joely is spun deeper into a world of secrets and lies. Delving further into Freda’s past, Joely’s sure she can uncover the truth… But does she want to?

The Review
I've never read this author before and if I'm honest I found this a little hard to get into initially. First up there was a lot of talk about the main character's marriage breakdown and family relationships, which at the time seemed irrelevant particularly as I just wanted to get on with the mystery.

Chapters also switched between the present-day narrative and the past story of an as-yet-unidentified 15-year-old girl. The two were written in such different styles - and even fonts - that it was quite jarring and almost like reading two completely different books/authors.

Thirdly, Freda asks her ghost-writer Joely: "Do you think sex should be portrayed in graphic detail or should it be approached with the use of subtle innuendo and metaphor?" To which Joely answers: "Probably the latter" and with which I totally agree. And, as such some of the early extracts of the young girl were a bit much for me particularly given the nature/age of those involved. This leads me to a warning that this book does include paedophilia or more correctly hebephiliac (involving adolescents rather than children) - it's not stomach-churning but it is there nonetheless.

Anyway I preserved and I am so glad I did because from about a third of way in I became totally and completely hooked, didn't want it to end and would even go so far as to say one of favourite reads of the year so far. And, once you get into it you realise how relevant the seemingly irrelevant actually is, the reason for the different styles and the subject matter also becomes less significant.

Once underway this kept me continuously guessing - even though every single thing/sentence is totally relevant meaning that the clues are there all along, I just didn't predict any of the many twists and turns. And, there were so many (twists and turns), and Susan Lewis so masterful at dropping them at the exact right pace, ie just before you worked it out.

I also loved the characterisation and development. I don't want to give anything away but I was totally fascinated by one of the main characters who's somewhat accurately described as "Cool. Weird but cool." I loved the way that the others rallied around that person in the end despite some of the despicable things they'd done - it was a truly fitting and great ending. There's also a bit at the end where the 'weird character leaves a parting gift for another character which was genius and the exact thing that the character would've done if they were real.

I know (now) that the author is the best-selling author of over thirty gripping, page-turners but I can't adequately put into words how well written and thought out this was in every respect. I literally cannot wait to read some of her other work.

The author
Follow @susanlewisbooks on Twitter or find out more at susanlewis.com

REVIEW: The First Date by Zara Stoneley

Here's my review of the latest romantic comedy by Zara Stoneley - an author I've been meaning to read for ages. This was full of promise but unfortunately fell a bit flat.

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

Expected: 24 April 2020

The blurb 
Right place. Right time. Wrong guy …

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up in person.

Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Stood up.

Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …

The Review
Zara Stoneley is described as an author of sex, scandal, live, lust and laughter. I was really looking forward to this expecting a witty, racy romcom but sadly found it a bit flat and a struggle to finish. I guess it had the sex, love and lust but was certainly missing the scandal and laughter.

The two main problems were the repetitiveness and the fact that nothing really happens. Newly single Rosie meets flirty, casual water Noah after her first date in fifteen years stands her up. Both obviously like each other, despite really not wanting to, and so run with the idea of Noah giving Rosie dating lessons pretty much as a reason to see each other again and again.

From the first meeting until the end, where they predictably and eventually get together, it's just a series of nice dates (aka lessons) between the same people, with the same feelings and intentions just a different setting/date activity each time. And, with no real drama, comedy or sub-plots it unfortunately starts to drag.

Also Rosie's dad is a cheater, Rosie's newly single, Rosie doesn't want to fall for a charmer and Rosie's pretty direct - I got it. I got it within the first few chapters yet the author felt the need to reiterate these things over and over again which was super repetitive and annoying.

Unfortunately, Rosie herself was also quite annoying as a character, moaning constantly about her Dad issues and wanting Noah to make all the moves or apologise even when she was the one in the wrong.

So, as much as I hate to say it disappointingly I just didn't really enjoy this - it definitely didn't live up to the blurb.

The author
Follow @ZaraStoneley on Twitter or find out more at www.zarastoneley.com

REVIEW: We Just Clicked by Anna Bell

Having absolutely loved this I am pleased to share my review the second novel from romantic comedy author Anna Bell. As one of the funniest books I've read in ages I totally recommend it.

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

Expected: 16 April 2020

The blurb 

Izzy Brown has always dreamed of being an Instagram influencer. So when fellow Instagrammer Luke suggests they ‘fake date’ to boost their profiles, Izzy says yes – against her better judgement.

Now Izzy’s profile tells the story of a confident, glamorous thirty-something with the perfect boyfriend, and her follower numbers are shooting upwards. So what if Izzy can’t stop bickering with Luke, his habit of checking his quiff in every single mirror is driving her insane, and behind the scenes she’s hiding a secret heartache? Everyone tells a few fibs on social media, right?

But when Izzy runs into Aidan, the mysterious stranger who saved her the day her world fell apart two years ago, major sparks start to fly between them. Izzy’s sure she can have the online success she’s always dreamed of, whilst continuing to fall in love – and heal her heart – in real life. After all, Aidan doesn’t use social media… what could possibly go wrong?

The Review
I absolutely loved this - one of the funniest books I've read in ages, perhaps even ever. 

The situational and observational humour was spot-on from the colleague who never makes tea to going out for the night but wondering how long you have to stay before it's acceptable to go home and get into your PJs. There's also the awkwardness of a glass-walled ensuite in your swanky hotel or not realising your girlfriend has a flat full of people when you start discussing your sex life over the flat' s intercom. 

A great contemporary story highlighting the difference between people's perfectly-filtered life online and their real life - including in Izzy's case a fake boyfriend. But, it wasn't all superficial hashtags though there's also deeper themes of a family moving on after the death of a loved one - which the author managed to blend seamlessly within the light-hearted romantic comedy. 

There's a great posse of characters from main character Izzy, whose feeds show Louboutins and candlelight dinners but really wears 80s slogan sweatshirts and eats ready-meals to work colleague Mrs Harris aka the winner of the Great Office Bake Off and also the one who never makes tea because of her dodgy knee. They are all people you'd love to know and be friends with in real life. I even loved fake boyfriend and fellow instagrammer, Luke, secretly hoping there were actually genuine feelings developing on his side.

I couldn't get enough of this, reading it at every opportunity and was gutted when the pages ran out as I just didn't want it to end. In case you hadn't guessed I would totally recommend this hilariously funny, fast-paced romance and can't wait to read more from this author.

The author
Follow @AnnaBell_writes on Twitter or find out more at www.annabellwrites.com

REVIEW: The Switch by Beth O'Leary

I'm delighted to share my review of the latest novel by an author I've wanted to read for ages, Beth O'Leary. Such an original and hilarious concept for a story with a great cast of lovable characters - I totally recommend.

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

Expected: 16 April 2020

The Blurb 
Eileen is sick of being 79.
Leena's tired of life in her twenties.
Maybe it's time they swapped places...

When overachiever Leena Cotton is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, she escapes to her grandmother Eileen's house for some overdue rest. Eileen is newly single and about to turn eighty. She'd like a second chance at love, but her tiny Yorkshire village doesn't offer many eligible gentlemen.

Once Leena learns of Eileen's romantic predicament, she proposes a solution: a two-month swap. Eileen can live in London and look for love. Meanwhile Leena will look after everything in rural Yorkshire. But with gossiping neighbours and difficult family dynamics to navigate up north, and trendy London flatmates and online dating to contend with in the city, stepping into one another's shoes proves more difficult than either of them expected.

Leena learns that a long-distance relationship isn't as romantic as she hoped it would be, and then there is the annoyingly perfect - and distractingly handsome - school teacher, who keeps showing up to outdo her efforts to impress the local villagers. Back in London, Eileen is a huge hit with her new neighbours, but is her perfect match nearer home than she first thought?

The Review
I loved the concept of this - 79-year-old Eileen swopping life in a Yorkshire village with that of her granddaughter Leena, who's in her twenties and lives in London. It was such an original idea and one which provided almost limitless opportunities for cross-generational and situational humour. Thankfully it was also one that delivered and was as good as the blurb suggested. 

It has the predictability and formulaic approach of most romcoms ie resolutely single girl falls for conveniently local, hot, single guy or two people that seemingly can't stand each other fall in love. There's nothing wrong with that, however, because it's something that works and that I love but the generational life swop gave this romcom a fresh, unique spin. 

As did the amazing cast of characters. It goes without saying that my favourite was obviously Eileen - a fiercely loyal, kind-hearted and enigmatic pensioner with lots of attitude, a quick wit and a blunt honesty that was hilarious. I was totally invested in her story, reading with a mix of admiration and protectiveness as she threw herself into online dating in London. She was truly inspirational and I can only hope that I'm like her when I'm her age. 

The side characters were just as lovable as the main ones and really involved in the story. Again I particularly loved Arthur, Eileen's crotchety, nosy neighbour. Who forms an unlikely friendship with Leena. The plot is similar, in that alongside the core storyline there's plenty of other things and sub-plots going on involving the supporting cast. 

Beth O'Leary is a brilliant storyteller, capturing the idiosyncrasies of the characters and British life perfectly with her trademark observational humour. Her portrayal of village life where everybody knows everybody's business versus London where people are immediately suspicious of anybody who tries to make eye contact let alone strike up a conversation. 

I would say, however, that I found the alternating narrative slightly confusing at times as both characters were so interlinked in terms of their back stories, supporting cast and life swop that sometimes I had to double-check whose chapter it was. Not that it detracted from my enjoyment but I also found it slightly repetitive. Both characters needed a life change as they struggled to cope following the death of a family member, hence the life swop. And, whilst this was important and the catalyst for the entire story we were unnecessarily reminded of the fact again and again. 

I really enjoyed this though, giving it a 4.5 rating, rounded up to 5 stars.

The Author
Follow @OLearyBeth or find out more at www.betholearyauthor.com

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