This is Me Trying by Jenna Adams - #bookreview #blogtour

 

The Blurb

In this contemporary coming-of-age YA novel, a teenage girl navigates a romance with an older boy when they're cast as the leading roles in their drama group's production of Romeo and Juliet.

When Brooke and Matt are cast as romantic leads in their drama group's performance of Romeo and Juliet, they don’t mean to actually fall in love. Secrets and lies seem a small price for Brooke to pay for an older boyfriend, until they take their relationship to the next level one night in an empty auditorium. After she learns of the illegality of Matt’s actions, Brooke’s anxiety reaches breaking point and she makes a decision that changes her life forever. Years later, Matt is reunited with Brooke, desperately seeking redemption. But what sense can they make now of a love that never did run smoothly?

Exploring mental health, co-dependency, and the blurred lines of sexual consent, this captivating debut recounts a young woman’s journey to independence as she strays beyond all she has ever known to confront her traumatic past.

Previously published as Can I Stray.

My Review

This was a five-star read for me, and I enjoyed every page.

The two main characters in this book meet at a drama group when Brooke is fourteen, and Matt is eighteen. They are cast in the roles of Romeo and Juliet. Brooke already has a crush on Matt, and it is not long before her feelings are reciprocated. What follows is a complicated, messy romance, which made for fascinating reading. 

The chapters are alternated between Brooke and Matt and cover the coming few years. We can observe them mature through their individual narratives, which gave a fabulous insight into their thoughts and emotions. 

This is a very heartfelt and emotive book. There were times when I felt heartbroken at the story that they had to tell. They both had to face some very complex issues. The author did a fantastic job of portraying the range of emotion and complex needs that both Brooke and Matt have to face.

Thus, the book deals with some difficult themes, and Ms. Adams deals with them with sensitivity and compassion. The issues of consent, depression, and codependency are covered in this book with realism and honesty. My heart went out to Brooke in particular, and how her lack of self-esteem affected her and those around her. It would be impossible not to feel devastated on behalf of her mother.

This is Me Trying is being published tomorrow, and I highly recommend that you get your hands on a copy. However, I should add some trigger warnings to that recommendation. Issues of consent, mental health issues, and abandonment are all present in this book. But it is a brilliant book and well worth reading.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1917275101

Publisher:  Neem Tree Press

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  432 (paperback)

Previously published as Can I Stray

Preorder Links

Bookshop.org

Blackwell's

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the Author

Jenna Adams began writing at the age of fourteen and now writes from her third-floor flat, which is full of houseplants. She has written for a variety of publications including The Book Network, Brook Charity, and The Content Wolf, and is passionate about exploring mental health, consent, and codependency in her writing.

You can also find Jenna at:

Author Website

Instagram

Tik Tok

Facebook

Why not check out some of the other fabulous bloggers on this tour.

 

(ARC and media courtesy of The Write Reads)

(all opinions are my own)

(Bookshop.org affiliated)

The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley - #bookreview #blogtour

 The stars were hidden at my birth. There was no moon. A tempest rising in the west sent clouds that settled like a veil of black across the night sky, and my father feared this total darkness was a sign of trouble...

***

1613: Scotland and England, unified under one crown, are reeling from the sudden death of King James' popular eldest son, Henry, as rumours swirl that the prince was poisoned.

Andrew Logan, one of the King's Messengers, is sent north with secret orders to find and arrest the man the king suspects.

Phoebe Westaway cannot abide Andrew Logan. But when her ageing father is tasked with helping Logan, Phoebe finds herself with no choice but to join them in their quest to capture Sir David Moray, once Prince Henry's trusted courtier, and carry him to London to stand trial for the prince's murder.

It's a journey rife with complications. Sir David has no intention of allowing himself to be delivered to London, and as he draws them deeper into the dark web of court alliances and rivalries, Phoebe realises she might have more need of Logan than she believes.

A story of justice, honour, truth and love - and survival against impossible odds…

***

I like Susanna Kearsley's books, and I have read a few in the past; Mariana, Sophia's Secret, The Firebird and A Desperate Fortune. I have enjoyed all of them and thus, had high expectations of The King's Messenger.

I am delighted to say that this book completely lived up to those expectations. It is well written and had everything that you would expect to find in a historical fiction novel. There were a handful of characters based on actual historical figures mixed in with some fictional ones, and these came together to create an excellent work of historical fiction that I really enjoyed reading.

The chapters were written from the points of view of four of the characters: Phoebe Westaway, Andrew Logan, Sir David Moray and Queen Anna, the wife of James I of England/VI of Scotland. I really enjoyed reading this story from the perspectives of each of them, especially Phoebe and Andrew. Watching their relationship develop made for fascinating reading.

As you would expect from Ms. Kearsley, her research is meticulous and this really shows. It enabled me to really wallow in the 17th century. It is a period that fascinates me, and I enjoyed reading about Andrew's second sight. This period was around the time of the infamous witch trials, and I rather admire the author for not taking that road through the story, although I'm sure it would have been equally fascinating.

Instead, she focussed her story on the politics of the day, especially those surrounding the death of Prince Henry. Andrew, who is the titular King's Messenger, is tasked with escorting Sir David Moray back to London from Scotland in order that he faces trial as he is suspected of having a hand in the death of the young Prince Henry.

Watching the development of the dynamic and relationships between the characters on this journey was riveting. I enjoyed reading about the way they interacted with one another, and how with time and observation they were able to change their preconceived opinions. 

I was already a reader willing to pick up any book that has Ms. Kearley's name attached to it, and this book has reinforced that opinion. She is a great writer and story teller and I heartily recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.

ISBN: 978 1398514362

Publisher:  Simon and Schuster

Formats:  e-book, audio and hardback

No. of Pages:  384 (hardback)

About the Author:

Susanna Kearsley is a former museum curator who loves restoring the lost voices of real people to the page, often in twin-stranded stories that interweave present and past. Her award-winning novels are published in translation in more than twenty five countries. She lives near Toronto.

(ARC and all media courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

Bring Me Sunshine by Alex Brown - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Sinking her toes into the sand, she savoured the soft sensation as the plump, peach sun streaked the sky amber, bathing the sea with its shaft of shimmering gold. Leaning into him, she rested her head on his shoulder as they sat together on a large rock at the water's edge listening to the waves tumbling over the sand. The holiday was almost over...

***

Mamma Mia meets Shirley Valentine in the brand-new holiday romance for 2024 from the International No.1 bestseller.

Gina Bennett has had enough after her husband of twenty-seven years lets her down one time too many. Deciding to choose herself, she embarks on a transformative solo journey to break free from the monotony of her life.

She escapes to the gorgeous Greek island of Kalosiros, where she holidayed in her youth, and where she had her first romance with the handsome Nico. Encountering two kindred spirits in Rosie and Deedee, the women bond over art classes and cocktails, renewing their lust for life and a shared quest to find Gina's lost love.

Together, they navigate the challenges of middle-age, self-discovery, and the liberating power of skinny-dipping. Will Gina find love again with her teenage sweetheart Nico, her husband, or with someone new? 

Bring Me Sunshine is a wonderfully uplifting, coming-of-middle-age story about female friendship, romance and starting over, set on a gorgeous Greek island in the sun. The perfect summer read!

***

This is a wonderfully uplifting read which is perfect for summer.

When I saw a new release from Alex Brown was being offered on a blog tour I jumped at the chance to get my hands on it. I have previously read two of her titles, The Great Village Show and The Great Christmas Knit Off. You can find my review of the latter by clicking here..

Bring Me Sunshine would be an ideal book to read on the beach. However, it worked perfectly well for me on a rainy day in June in the UK. It may have been a typical English summer day here in the UK, but the book filled my heart with sunshine. It was an uplifting read and I sighed with satisfaction when I turned the final page.

The main character, Gina, is a lovely creation. She has lost her confidence due to her husband, Colin, criticising her. When he refuses to join her on a planned holiday to Greece, she boldly goes by herself. There she meets DeeDee and Rosie who help her to rediscover the confident and brave woman that she really is. I was rooting for her every step of the way. Additionally, I was really hoping that Colin would get his comeuppance for the horrible way he treated her and took her for granted.

I loved the strong friendship that these three women formed. Each of their voices were very distinct and hugely likeable characters. Ms. Brown is able to bring her characters fully to life on the page.

The book is well written, and I could have sat and gobbled the whole thing up in one had time permitted. The descriptions of the Greek island of Kalosiros were sublime. I have been lucky enough to visit Greece in the past and it is every bit as beautiful as the author conveys on the page. I was left longing for hummus and hot pitta bread after reading it described in the book.

This is a novel to get completely lost in, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book. I highly recommend it.

ISBN:  978 1836030782

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Formats: e-book, audio, hardback and paperback

No. of Pages:  232 (paperback)

About the Author:

Alex Brown is an international #1 bestselling women’s fiction author. Her novels have been published in twenty-one countries and have sold over a million copies. Previously published by HarperCollins, her first title for Boldwood, Bring Me Sunshine, will be published in June 2024.

(ARC and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(all opinions are my own)

How Not to Murder Your Ex by Katie Marsh - #bookreview #blogtour

 

On the many occasions Clio had imagined murdering her husband, it had never been anything like this. Her mind's eye had always turned away from what came next - avoiding the gore that would accompany the click of a trigger or the scream that might follow his flailing body after it was pushed from a cliff. She had never been serious, anyway. Everyone knew that. It was just Clio saying her piece, moaning about Gary the way she always did. People thought it was funny - last week her darts team had even stuck his picture over the bullseye for their Friday night match...

***

It is 5:30 am on Clio's forty-fifth birthday and her hated ex is lying dead on her doorstep. Even worse, this is no accident. Someone’s killed him...

When single mum Clio’s ex Gary turns up dead on the doorstep of her caravan – the one she’s been forced to live in ever since he stole every penny she had – there’s only one suspect. Her.

What’s more, she doesn’t remember much about the night he was killed – not just because of the forgetfulness that’s been plaguing her along with the hot flushes – but because she definitely had one too many cocktails with her two best friends Amber and Jeanie.

Clio does remember them talking about how much they all hated him though. And, in the frame for murder, she has to ask herself – if she didn’t kill Gary, who did? One of his many enemies? Or someone a little closer to home? And can she and her friends find the real killer before it’s too late?

***

This is an excellent book about the friendship of three women, Clio, Amber and Jeanie. It is about the lengths they will go to protect their friend when she is wrongly accused of murder.

In fact, whilst there is much to recommend this book, it is the friendship between the three women that is to the fore. They never doubt one another, and at all times the bond between them is their focus, sometimes to the detriment of their own families. At other times, it is the wider family that drive their actions and cement their bond even further.

Throughout the book, the chapters are presented from the perspective of each of the three women which provides further insight into their thoughts and actions. However, the are also chapters devoted to the perspective of the murder victim, Gary. He was not a character that the author intended us to like. In fact, the insight into his mind and conceitedness was sufficient to make us sympathise with Clio even further.

There were sufficient twists and turns in the mystery element of this book to keep me guessing. In fact, it was only shortly before the reveal that I realised who the murderer was.

The book finished at a point where there is ample scope for this to become a series. I sincerely hope that the author does continue with this as the book was both engaging and entertaining and I would love to read more of these characters.

ISBN:  978 1785138768

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Formats:  e-book, audio and hardback

No. of Pages:  308 (hardback)

About the Author:

Katie Marsh wrote five bestselling, uplifting women’s fiction novels before turning to cosy crime for Boldwood. Previously published by Hodder, the first in her new crime series  How Not To Murder Your Ex, following the fortunes of the Bad Girls Detective Agency, will be published in December 2023.

(ARC and all media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(all opinions are my own)

Playing the Witch Card by KJ Dell'Antonia - #BookReview

 

Other people, when forced to start over, do so in appropriate places. New York. Los Angeles. Bozeman. Only Flair would wind up in Kansas, dragging a hand-painted, life-sized figue of Jack Skellington into her bakery and wondering where to hide it until the horror show that was Halloween in Rattleboro finally lurched to an end this weekend.

Flair hated seeing even the outside of her tidy space besmirched with the trappings of a ridiculous holiday that invited exactly the kind of chaos that she normally kept firmly at bay...

***

When Flair Hardwicke returns to the tiny town of Rattleboro to take over her grandmother’s beloved bakery, she believes she’s prepared for anything. All she needs is her daughter Lucie, and to get as far away from her cheating ex-husband as physically possible. But sweet treats weren’t the only thing her grandmother was known for in Rattleboro, and as determined as Flair is to avoid it, a misbehaving deck of tarot card-shaped cookies draws her back into the web of family magic she’s fought so hard to escape.

Even worse: her first love is in town. Flair hasn’t spoken to Jude Oakes, now a famous chocolatier, since he broke her heart at seventeen. When Flair finds she’s accidentally summoned Lucie’s father to Rattleboro under a curse she can’t break, the recipe for Halloween chaos seems to be complete.

But not everything in Rattleboro is as it seems. As Flair’s family is threatened, she is forced to put aside everything she thinks she knows about love, witchcraft, motherhood―and herself. Because Flair might think she’s done with magic, but magic certainly isn’t done with Flair.

***

This is a lighthearted cozy witchy book that is ideal to read in the run-up to Halloween.

Set in the town of Rattleboro, this book oozes with the atmosphere of this small town in America. It sparks with rivalry, romance and relationships. It was very much about the relationship between mother and daughter.

The main character, Flair, is at times funny and there were many times I chuckled at her reactions. Indeed, many of the characters were larger than life. I particularly enjoyed watching the relationship between Flair, her mother and her daughter play out. 

Flair originally left Rattleboro in an attempt to leave behind her magical skills, and she certainly does not want her daughter, Lucie, to be any part of it. However, now that she has inherited her grandmother's bakery, she is back in her home town, attempting to resist it's and her magic. However, when she makes tarot shaped biscuits they are imbued with a magic of their own and she and the magic are thrust back together.

This is a fun and entertaining read which will appeal to fans of light hearted witch themed books.

ISBN: 978 1803366845

Publisher: Titan Books

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  336 (paperback)

About the Author:

KJ Dell’Antonia is a New York Times best-selling author whose novels The Chicken Sisters and In Her Boots explore the same themes she once explored as a journalist: the importance of finding joy in our families, the challenge of figuring out what makes us happy and the need to value the life we’re living more than the one in our phones and laptops, every single time. Her third novel, Playing the Witch Card, throws magic into the mix, but witchcraft, like reality TV and literary fraud, rarely really solves anyone’s problems. She is also the former editor of the New York Times’ Motherlode blog, the co-host of the #AmWriting podcast,  and a passionate bookstagrammer (@kjda).  She lives in Lyme, New Hampshire, with her husband, children and assorted dogs, cats, chickens and horses.

(author photo and bio courtesy of the author's website https://kjdellantonia.com/)

(ARC courtesy of NetGalley)

(all opinions are my own)

The Cornish Rebel by Nicola Pryce - #BookReview #BlogTour #giveaway

 

The ship was rising and falling, the wind tugging at our cloaks. 'There - on that promontory - that's Pendennis Castle.' Mary James handed me the telescope and an outline of turrets and battlements sharpened into focus.

'The soldiers have got their telescopes trained on us.'

Around us, angry white crests peaked and broke; a fresh burst of spray carried on the wind and Mary clasped her cloak tighter. 'They'll be expecting us. Mr Trevelyan's very particular about letting them know we're coming. They'll recognise our flags. One shows we're from America and one shows we're carrying grain'...

***

In the wake of her mother's death, Pandora Woodville is desperate to escape her domineering father and finally return to Cornwall. Posing as a widow, she safely makes it across the Atlantic, bright with the dream of working at her Aunt Harriet's school for young women. But as Pandora is soon to learn, the school is facing imminent closure after a series of sinister events threatened its reputation.

Acclaimed chemist Benedict Aubyn has also recently returned to Cornwall, to take up a new role as Turnpike Trust Surveyor. Pandora's arrival has been a strange one, so she is grateful when he shows her kindness. As news of the school's ruin spreads around town, everyone seems to be after her aunt's estate. Now, Pandora and Aunt Harriet must do everything in their power to save the school, or risk losing everything.

However, Pandora has another problem. She's falling for Benedict. But can she trust him, or is he simply looking after his own interests?

***

Before I even begin this review I must tell you about the exciting giveaway you can take part in to win a copy of this lovely book, along with a tote bag, bookmark and postcard. How exciting is that? The link is below and I wish you the best of luck. It is only open to UK entrants.

Anyhow, onto the book. This is one of a series of books set in Cornwall by Nicola Pryce. They appear to be standalone novels with the setting being the linking factor. By coincidence, I have read a few books set in Cornwall recently. It is a beautiful county and I will never tire of reading the beautiful descriptions of the environment in any book.

This book offered everything that I like in historical fiction; a strong main character along with an immersion into the time and place in which it is set. The book is set during 1801 and Ms Pryce has researched her period extremely well and reading felt like a participatory event.

The main character, Pandora, was very likeable and easy to engage with. She is a resolute and determined character who faces the challenges in her life with strength and resilience. Along the way she discovers things from her own past and it was interesting to see how she dealt with uncertainty and revelation. When she meets Benedict, the main male character in the story, she is initially very wary of him. He is a surveyor for a Turnpike company who want to build a road going through land owned by Pandora's aunts school, and I will not say whether or not her fears were correct as I would hate to give away the very satisfying ending of this book.

I enjoyed this book very much. A story of courage and resilience all set in a beautiful environment in an interesting period of history. I highly recommend this book and I intend to read more by this author.

Don't forget to scroll down to enter the giveaway to win a copy of this marvellous book along with some book themed goodies.

ISBN: 978 1838959197

Publisher:  Corvus

Formats:  e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  480 (paperback)

Purchase Link - Bookshop.org*

About the Author:

Nicola Pryce trained as a nurse at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. She has always loved literature and completed an Open University degree in Humanities. She is a qualified adult literacy support volunteer and lives with her husband in the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. Together they sail the south coast of Cornwall in search of adventure.

Giveaway to Win a The Cornish Rebel Tote Bag and Paperback (Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

(author photo courtesy of Katia Marsh)

(book, giveaway and author info. courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(all opinions are my own)

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Suzy K. Quinn - #bookreview #blogtour

 

I've always hated school playgrounds. They are noisy, terrifying places whre lunchbox items, such as unwanted sandwiches or empty Ribena cartons, can fly at you from all angles. Sometimes, even whole lunchboxes come your way.

As I crossed the Great Oakley Primary School playground this morning, my hands were already positioned to protect my face. Everywhere was chaos. To my left, two boys engaged in an angry ballet spin, apparently trying to tear each other's shirts off. To my right, a group of children attempted a dangerous cheerleading pyramid, shrieking as they tumbled onto the hard tarmac.

Chaos...

***

Michael Lamb is not a manly man. So when he has to research tough, nine-year-old Callum Duffy for university research, he has certain, negative expectations.

Young Callum is the epitome of boy culture with his football boots, shaved head and love of chair kicking. So Michael fully expects his research to revolve around violence, aggression and toxic masculinity in low-income families.

Little does Michael know, he is about to hear a love story. The greatest love story ever told. And when Michael sees the world through Callum's eyes, he finally learns what real, courageous love is all about.

***

O my! This is a wonderful book. If I had not been reading to a deadline for this blog tour, I would have slowed down my reading so that I did not have to finish it so quickly. I would have loved to have kept reading this just a little bit longer.

It is a life affirming and very touching story about the relationship between Michael, a university researcher, and Callum, a nine year old school boy whom Michael expects will fulfil his preconceived ideas about toxic masculinity in lower income families. 

Whilst, on the face of it, the story is about Callum's relationship with a girl called Angel Rain, the connection which develops between Michael and Callum was something very special to read. In fact, this was one of those books which I kept thinking about when life made me put down my book and get on with other things. 

Not only were Michael and Callum fantastic but the secondary characters were equally enthralling. Callum's family, in particular, were well drawn and I loved each and every one of them.

The book is both humourous and poignant. The author is a skilled storyteller and this was well written. Whilst there are points of sadness, it was not depressing and the book left me with a feeling of hope and optimism.

At the end of the book, the author explains that she self-published this novel after several rejections from mainstream publishers. I was really shocked by this as it is such a super book and is well worth reading, and will easily make it into my top reads of the year.

I am delighted to learn that Callum's family feature in other publications by this author. The Bad Mother's Series follow Callum's aunt Juliette as she manoeuvres her way through single parenthood. If this book is anything to judge by I cannot wait to get started on this series.

ISBN: 978 1999866358

Publisher:  Devoted Books Ltd

Formats: e-book and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  372 (paperback)

About the Author:

Suzy K Quinn writes edgy romantic comedy and has sold over 1 million books worldwide. She is a bestseller in the UK, US and Germany and has plans for total world domination with literary love bombs in the near future. So watch this space. Then go read one of her books.

Suzy lives in Wivenhoe, Essex, with her husband Demi and two daughters. She is a twin, an incompetent parent of two and now fully decaffeinated. Her twin sister, Cate Quinn, is also a bestseller author.

Suzy loves her readers and is ALWAYS happy to chat on social media. You can find her @suzykquinn on most social media channels. Throw her an emoji ball, she is friendly.

(book, photo & all info courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

Semi-Detached by Deborah Stone - #promo #spotlight @DeborahStone_ @KellyALacey @lovebookstours

 

Not only is it the first day of May today but it is also a bank holiday here in the UK. I hope you all have a lovely day.

Today is also publication day for Semi-Detached by Deborah Stone.

Semi-Detached is a thrilling psychological drama from the bestselling author of What’s Left Unsaid and Me and My Shadow.

The Blurb

Bill and Amanda are living in a semi-detached house, stuck in a depressing rut of boredom and disappointment, when Terry and Fiona – glamorous, successful and very much in love – move in next door. Despite their different outlooks on life, the couples befriend each other and life appears to improve for both pairs. But all is not what it seems, and their increasingly interconnected relationships are fated for tragedy.

(book info courtesy of Love Book Tours)

Foxash by Kate Worsley - #BookReview

 

I thought he'd be here to meet me. I had it all crystal clear in my head. Letter said to come down twenty-eighth of January. Ticket was a single, same as his. Caught the ten-to-eight mainline, same as he had, three month back. I'd pictured him that day, arriving here about teatime, with the rest of the men from the Special Areas. Cold, hungry, tired, piling into an Association truck in a fog of white breath. All those nights since, I've conjured him up, stood here waiting on me. I'm not after a truck. Just my Tommy.

He's not written to say either way, of course. Not written once, bar that Christmas card. A robin, perched on the handle of a spade dug deep in snow. Crinkle edges. Greetings from the Association. And just Tommy, no love from, no news...

***

Worn out by poverty, Lettie Radley and her miner husband Tommy grasp at the offer of their very own smallholding - part of a Government scheme to put the unemployed back to work on the land. When she comes down to Essex to join him, it's not Tommy who greets her, but their new neighbours. Overbearing and unkempt, Jean and Adam Dell are everything that the smart, spirited, aspirational Lettie can't abide.

As Lettie settles in, she finds an unexpected joy in the rhythms of life on the smallholding. She's hopeful that her past, and the terrible secret Tommy has come to Foxash to escape, are far behind them. But the Dells have their own secrets. And as the seasons change, and a man comes knocking at the gate, the scene is set for a terrible reckoning.

Combining a gothic sensibility with a visceral, unsettling sense of place, Foxash is a deeply original novel of quiet and powerful menace, of the real hardships of rural life, and the myths and folklore that seep into ordinary lives - with surprising consequences.

***

Publishing today, Foxash is a remarkable novel which tells of a rural experiment during the 1930's in England.

From the very first page the author establishes a strong sense of voice with Lettie,  from whose perspective the narrative is told.

It is slow paced which echoes the changes in nature perfectly. Although this is about the characters, we also follow the story of the produce which is grown on their land. From sowing the seeds through to germination to packing up for sale, this book follows the rhythm of the natural growing season. Indeed, the land and plants are a significant aspect of the book.

The author understands her characters and the natural world with which they are surrounded extremely well. The intense and claustraphobic friendship that Lettie and her husband have with their neighbours is excellently portrayed and there were dark secrets hidden within. The truth of the plot is witheld to the very end and made this for an entralling read.

It is a disquieting book which has being beautifully written. It was involving and the atmosphere which Ms. Worsley created was palpable. She injected nature with a sensuality which we can observe through the behaviour of the characters.

I thought this was an excellent book, and I highly recommend it.

ISBN: 978-1472294876

Publisher:  Tinder Press

Formats:  e-book, audio and hardback

No. of Pages: 368 (hardback)

About the Author:

Kate Worsley’s first novel, She Rises, won the HWA Debut Crown for Historical Fiction and was shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Prize in the US. She was born in Preston, Lancashire and now lives on the Essex coast.

(author photo and bio from Tinder Press)

(ARC courtesy of the publisher)

Birthright by Charles Lambert - #bookreview #blogtour

 

She is washing the feel of the evening's cooking from her hands when Aldo calls her into the living room. She wipes her hands on a tea towel, picks up her tray and joins him on the sofa.

He is pointing at the screen. 'Isn't it remarkable?' he says. She looks across and sees a photograph of a girl with a fringe almost covering her eyes and the kind of blue-and-white-striped sweater she thinks of as Breton. The photograph has that deckled edge that photographs used to have and is set at an angle, which accentuates its vintage air.

'I don't know what you mean.' Her fingers grip the tray. For a second she thinks she might faint.

Aldo pours her a glass of wine. 'Come on, Liz, don't tell me you can't see the likeness.'

***

Sixteen-year-old Fiona inhabits a privileged world of English affluence, though her relationship with her widowed mother is strained. When she discovers an old newspaper clipping of a woman and her daughter – the little girl a mirror image of her own younger self – she becomes convinced she has a true family elsewhere. Four years later, with the help of charming fraudster Patrick, Fiona drops everything to seek out her doppelgänger in Italy.

Fiona arrives in Rome to find Maddy living hand to mouth with her alcoholic mother. Spooked by the appearance of this strange girl wearing her face and stalking her every move, Maddy wants nothing to do with her. Caught in a surreal push-and-pull, the two are both fascinated and repulsed by the oddly familiar other, each coveting a different life. But they aren’t the only ones trying to control their fate, and the two women will soon learn that people aren’t always what they seem – though blood may still prove thicker than water.

***

This is an excellent book, and I enjoyed reading it very much. As a psychological thriller it hits its target perfectly and kept me gripped throughout. In fact, the more I read, the more I wondered in which direction the author would take the story.

When Fiona travels to Italy to meet her doppelganger, Maddy, she attempts to insert herself into Maddy's life in a way that alarms Maddy and makes her very wary. The book is primarily about the chemistry and evolving relationship between these two characters, and I was fascinated by it. I could identify with the different feelings of both of them but then my sympathies would alternate between the two. It made for an enthralling and intense read.

I enjoyed the Italian setting and it made for the perfect backdrop to the drama and complex relationships, not only between Fiona and Maddy, but for the secondary characters also.

It is an intense read that has been written with intelligence and cleverness. It has left me wanting to read more of Mr. Lambert's work. I highly recommend this remarkable novel.

ISBN:  978 1913547288

Publisher: Gallic Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  407

About the Author:

Charles Lambert is the author of several novels, short stories, and the memoir With a Zero at its Heart, which was voted one of The Guardian readers’ Ten Best Books of the Year in 2014.

In 2007, he won an O. Henry Award for his short story The Scent of Cinnamon. His first novel, Little Monsters, was longlisted for the 2010 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. His novel Prodigal was shortlisted for the Polari Prize for LGBTQ writing in 2019. Born in England, Charles Lambert has lived in central Italy since 1980.

(author photo and bio. info. and book courtesy of the publisher)

The Time Trials by Jon and Dayna McConnell - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Finn Mallory's tie felt like a fancy, expensive noose. As he climbed the steps of Wharton Academy, an exclusive school that serviced the elite who could afford its hefty tuition, he lossened it with one hand and pushed open the doors to the school secretary's office with the other. His battered sneakers squeaked on the pristine marble floor almost in protest as he made his way to a chair that was more decorative than functional. A gramophone in the corner played light, classical music that bounced delicately off the dark, wooden paneling of the room.

Finn's eyes swept the room, falling on the secretary's trash can of all things. It looked like some kind of priceless artifact...

***

Walkman-toting, guitar-playing Finn Mallory blames himself for his parents' deaths and would do anything to turn back time and set things right. So, when he's recruited into a secret club at his new school that specializes in competitive time travel games, Finn sees a world of opportunity open before him.

The games, however, are far from benign.

Competition is cutthroat.

Scenarios are rigged.

And the mysterious timekeepers who organize it all have no qualms about using - or disposing of - players to suit their own sinister plans.

Now Finn must decide who he can trust while making peace with his past if he's to have any hope of leading his team to victory and surviving his junior year.

As the games commence, it's time to press rewind.

***

I read this book whilst part of the judging panel for The Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award 2022. It placed eighth and was fully deserved.

It is the first part of a two book series and I am looking forward to reading the second book, The Fifth Timekeeper, at some point soon.

Since H. G. Wells first published The Time Machine in 1895 there have been several novels written with a time travel machine premise. This one was interesting as it was set in a school environment and presented as an extra-curricular history project activity.

Finn was a great character who I enjoyed reading about. He was flawed, sensitive and easy to identidy with. He is well portrayed as a young person who doesn't feel that he fits in anywhere. I particularly enjoyed watching his relationship with his team develop. Four very different characters who grew into a strong team and formed close relationships.

It was suitably paced and kept me turning the pages. This book is aimed at a young adult audience, but speaking as a not so young adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it too. Readers who enjoy science fiction, books about friendships and adventure will like this book.

ISBN:  978 1946501349

Publisher:  Tiny Fox Press

Formats:  e-book, hardback and paperback

No. of Pages: 392 (paperback)

About the Authors:

Dayna teaches fourth grade. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading historical fiction, gardening, or stewarding their family’s Little Free Library. Born and raised in Los Osos, California, Dayna graduated from San Francisco State University. Her favorite part of writing is developing character arcs and relationships. When writing, Dayna is the “plotter” of the pair – she likes detailed outlines and playing with permeating themes and symbols.

Jon is a high school English teacher, Magic the Gathering enthusiast, and Buccaneers fan. A native of Atascadero, California, Jon graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He enjoys thrillers and horrors, and world-building is his favorite part of writing. Jon is a the “pantser” of the duo – he likes to jump into stories and see where they go!

(author photos and bio info courtesy of their website https://mcconnellwriting.com/ )

The Rescue by S. L. Rosewarne - #BookReview #BlogTour

 

'She's very bright you know,' Pip said to everyone when I was little. He may have been biased, but it was still gratifying to have my intelligence acknowledged.

He still said it now, five years on; most recently on their wedding anniversary, when we had a day out to our favourite beach. A little boy mis-hit a tennis ball which landed nearby and bounced over to me. I stood guard over it, my eyes fixed on the boy as he ran over.

***

When terrier Moll’s owner dies, she is determined to protect his widow, Suki. And that means finding her anew man to care for her.

As Suki navigates grief, dating and men with baggage of their own, Moll tries gently to push her beloved owner to moving on with someone Moll has chosen, with a good sense of humour, a generous heart, and a steady supply of biscuits.

But Suki has a frustrating habit of doing things the way she wants, instead of Moll’s way. Until she meets Ted, who Moll adores almost as much as Suki does.

Ted, though, has demons of his own - so is he really the right choice for Suki?

With Moll getting older, and Suki still struggling, can this devoted pup fulfil her promise to look after her owner, before her time runs out?

A quirky tale of second chances, told through the eyes of woman’s best friend.

***

Dog lovers will adore this book which is narrated by the authors dog, Moll. She tells the story of her owner, Suki's experience as she steers her through a journey of love and loss en route to finding happiness again.

It is a heartfelt account of the routes upon which grief can send you. However, at times it is humorous, at other times it's poignant and at all times it is an enjoyable read.

The descriptive passages of Cornwall made me want to hop on a train and walk through its countryside with my own dog. However, he is elderly and riddled with arthritis and cannot walk far but I think he would strongly identify with Moll's ability to enjoy a good sniff.  Although I have visited Cornwall in the past, and it is indeed a beautiful county, reading this book has initiated my desire for a return visit.

The book contains a certain charm, and it's being narrated by Moll elevates the story. Whilst based on the author's own experiences, it is imaginatively constructed and well written. I am already looking forward to reading the author's next book, Lainy's Tail.

I defy anyone who reads this not to fall in love with this little bundle of canine intuition.

ISBN: 978 1912009343

Publisher: Compass Publishing UK

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages: 308

About the Author:

S. L. Rosewarne writes contemporary women’s fiction with an underlying theme which can be overcoming grief, second chances, how to live with anorexia, dealing with a problem rescue dog - everyday dilemmas that many of us face. 

She hopes that by sharing her experiences, wrapped up in characters that have grown from her imagination, you may laugh and cry with her, and enjoy reading how she overcome her dilemmas.

(author photo and bio information courtesy of the authors website)

(book courtesy of Rachel's Random Resource)

The Orange Grove by Rosanna Ley - #BookReview

 

Holly flipped through the crumpled and stained pages of her mother's old recipe book and there it was, peeking from inside a  yellowing envelope. As if somebody (her mother?) had half wanted the recipe to be a secret one, half wanted it to be seen.

Carefully, she extracted the fragile sheet of paper from the envelope and smoothed out the folds with her fingertips. The original recipe was written in Spanish; she recognised a few of the words. Under this, the ingredients and instructions had been written much more clearly and in English, all of it in handwriting she did not recognise.

Seville orange and almond cake, she read. For an occasion. Well, she thought, if this wasn't an occasion - the day she made her big announcement...

***

An unforgettable story of past love and family secrets, set in sunny Seville

Holly loves making marmalade. Now she has a chance to leave her stressful city job and pursue her dream - of returning to the Dorset landscape of her childhood to open Bitter Orange, a shop celebrating the fruit that first inspired her.

Holly's mother Ella has always loved Seville. So why is she reluctant to go back there with Holly to source products for the shop? What is she frightened of - and does it have anything to do with the old Spanish recipe for Seville orange and almond cake that Ella keeps hidden from her family?

In Seville, where she was once forced to make the hardest decision of her life, Ella must finally face up to the past, while Holly meets someone who poses a threat to all her plans. Seville is a city full of sunshine and oranges. But it can also be bittersweet. Will love survive the secrets of the orange grove?

***

It may appear a little odd to you that I have read this book at a time when the temperature is about 3 degrees centigrade and the festivities are just around the corner. However, with the rainy days and the chill in the air, I have enjoyed spending time in the warmth and ambience of Seville. I have loved walking along it's streets, taking in the orange groves and smelling their sweet aroma.

You are just as likely to find me reading a book set at Christmas during the summer months. For me, seasonality is unimportant although I appreciate that this is not the case for all readers. 

This book made for a gorgeous read and I enjoyed every word. I particularly liked the dual timeline, being told from the perspective of mother and daughter, Ella and Holly. Seeing Ella's secretive past unfurl beside the contemporaneous experience of Holly in a city which meant so much to them both was engaging and thoroughly gripping.

Seville itself features as strongly as any of the characters and was delightful to read about. I challenge anyone who reads this to not feel as though they want to get straight on an aeroplane and go there.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I doubt it will be my last. One or two of Ms. Ley's books will be going straight onto my Christmas list. 

ISBN:  978 1787476349

Publisher: Quercus

Format: e-book, audio, hardback and paperback

No. of Pages:  448 (paperback)

About the Author:

Rosanna has written numerous articles and short stories for magazines, and her novels have been published in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Norway, Hungary, Portugal, Lithuania, Denmark, Bulgaria, Turkey, Israel and the Czech Republic. All Rosanna’s titles are also being published by Quercus in the US.

Rosanna has worked as a creative writing tutor for over 20 years. She has led courses for colleges and universities in England, and runs her own writing retreats and holidays in the UK and in stunning locations in Europe. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. She also mentors and appraises the work of new writers.

Travelling and cliff walking are two of Rosanna’s favourite things to do. She also likes tennis, swimming, reading, eating very dark chocolate and drinking Italian coffee (preferably in Italy…) She lives with her artist husband in West Dorset and her favourite writing place is anywhere with a sea view.

(photo and bio info courtesy of the author's own website)

The Sound of It by Alison Jean Lester - #bookreview

 

"Shall we sell both houses, then?" Jeremy Markwick-Low asked his girlfriend, Su Watkins, at her kitchen table. "Or just one?"

Only four months into their relationship, things were moving quickly, and neither of them had found any reason to put on the brakes. They were talking about building a house together.

"Show me the spreadsheets again?" said Su.

Jeremy loved how much Su enjoyed being shown his spreadsheets. There were two for planning - land purchase and house build - and one for financing both. She said they looked like scaffolding to her. A grid to build a dream on. She said that when he typed things in it sounded like tiny hammer blows, "nailing things in place for us."

***

When sound designer Su, a divorced mother of one daughter, falls in love with Jeremy, a widowed father of two sons, they want to build a new life together. As neither of their houses in Worcester is big enough for a family of five, they decide to build a dream home in farmland outside the city.

For Su, it's an opportunity to heal the past wounds of betrayal and loss, while failed entrepreneur Jeremy sees a chance to finally impress his overbearing father. But with financial misjudgements, secret transgressions and lies creating cracks where this new family attempt to blend into one, will they ever be able to cement their 'happily ever after'?

A sharp, addictive psychological drama, The Sound of It explores the complexities of parenting in a blended family - especially when expectations are high, dreams are big, and the Internet is a very dangerous place indeed.

***

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It is an excellent portrayal of a modern, blended family, and the author demonstrates this family with sensitivity and insight.

Additionally, the relationship between the two main characters, Su and Jeremy, is very believable. It is second time around for them both, having met later in life, accompanied by the difficulties that follow divorce and bereavement.

As the reader, watching their relationship develop we can detect upcoming problems long before the characters themselves can. I literally wanted to shout a warning to one of the characters and shake some sense into the other as I could detect a situation that was fast hurtling out of control.

It is a compelling story which carries the reader along with it. Perfectly paced with a spare narrative which makes every word count, it forces the reader to focus on the underlying issues rather than the surface story.

Bravo, Ms. Lester for such an honest and highly readable novel. I shall definitely be seeking out more titles by this author.

ISBN:  978 1838112455

Publisher: Bench Press

Formats: e-book, paperback

No. of Pages: 214 (paperback)

About the Author:

Alison Jean Lester was born in the US and has also lived for years in the UK, Singapore and Japan. She worked as an editor, journalist and voice over artist before moving to Singapore, where she developed a successful coaching and training business and continued to write. She is the author of novels Yuki Means Happiness, Lillian on Life, Glide, poetry, short stories, plays, and non-fiction books on communication. She currently lives in Worcestershire, England. 

And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke - #BookReview #BlogTour

 

It takes effort to hate the things that make you unhappy. Like cold winters, rude people and when it comes to world problems that'll never end, government corruption. I spend more time hating and being angry than I do smiling. I could go on, but what I really mean is, I strongly dislike these things just as much as being called the M-work by some young, toned, Gwyneth Paltrow look-alike with perfect breasts and a soft voice that adds a touch of sweetness to obvious condescension. Now there are those who might see this word as a courtesy, a sign of deference or respect, but in my world, ma'am is what you call someone you think is simple and safe. Old and inconsequential. Unless I become the Queen of England, don't ever call me ma'm. It's dismissive and ego bruising.

***

Marriage and midlife can be difficult. But when you add a controlling, manipulative, and self-absorbed mother-in-law into the mix, things can get worse—much worse. Toxic even. Especially when Allison Montgomery’s beloved father-in-law, and long-time confidant, George, passes away and her mother-in-law, Margaret, ‘temporarily’ moves in.

From rearranging the furniture and taking over the kitchen to embarrassing and undermining Allie at every turn, including funding her daughter’s escape and throwing hissy fits in public, Margaret turns Allie’s life upside down.

Allie bounces between a sincere desire to be supportive of her grieving mother-in-law and the occasional, intense urge to push her out the nearest window. Feeling annoyed, trapped and even a little childish, Allie struggles to avoid a complete meltdown with help from her fearless and audacious best friend, a plan for reinventing herself and, yes, a few glasses of Chardonnay. Can Allie survive her mother-in-law, all while navigating through the trials and tribulations of midlife, the anxieties of parenting adult children, and a twenty-two year-old marriage? Maybe…

***

From the very first page of this delightful book we get a glimpse into the life of the main character. Allie is a peri-menopausal woman who is juggling her job as a primary school teacher, family who rely on her and the effects of her beloved father-in-law passing away. Throw into that mix a cantankerous mother-in-law, and it is easy to engage with Allie's character.

The majority of this story focuses on the relationship she has with Margaret. It has clearly been difficult prior to the death of Margaret's husband but when she comes to stay the problems between them surge. Margaret is rude, antagonistic and quarrelsome with Allie, and I admired her ability not to retaliate but attempted to be understanding of Margaret's grief. 

Although Margaret is portrayed as a harridan and, as a reader my sympathies lay very much with Allie, it was also easy to assume that there was more to Margaret's character than was at first obvious. I think that Margaret was such a successful character because many of us have known a version of her.

There were several very funny elements in this book. In particular, I laughed when I read the following passage. For context, Allie has decided to become a children's author, and having written her story very quickly and emailed it to several agents she immediately says:

I anxiously checked my inbox for replies. Nothing. Oh, the pressure. The pressure of waiting to hear from an excited agent wanting to represent me was unbearable. Seconds later, I hit the refresh button. Still nothing. They must all be on lunch, I reassured myself."

This is a heart-felt novel, written with humour and sincerity, and I enjoyed reading it very much.

Carolyn will be back next month with her top books to take to a desert island. Watch this space!

ISBN: 978 1684339938

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of Pages: 258 (paperback)

About the Author:

Carolyn Clarke is the founder and curator of https://henlitcentral.com/, a blog focused on ‘life and lit’ for women over 40. And Then There’s Margaret is her first novel. She has been an ESL teacher for over sixteen years and has co-authored several articles and resources with Cambridge University Press, MacMillan Education and her award-winning blog ESL Made Easy. 

(ARC and all author info courtesy of the publisher)