Sophia’s Secret By Julie Ryan

Sophia’s Secret By Julie Ryan

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sophias-secretKat has never understood why she was sent at the age of seven from Greece to live in England with her Aunt Tigi. When she receives an email from her grandmother, the first contact in over twenty years, informing her of her mother’s death, she knows this could be her last chance to find out the truth. Little by little she finds out the shocking facts as her grandmother opens her heart.

It seems everyone has a secret to tell, not only her grandmother, as Manoli, her school friend, also harbours a guilty secret. Then there’s a twenty year old mystery to solve as well as a murder and what happened to the missing Church treasure?

My Thoughts:

The cover of this book drew me to it immediately. You can imagine being there, feeling the warmth on your skin and smelling the beautiful flowers. I now am pretty sure that’s where I would love to go on holiday and explore the breathtaking scenery. I loved the plot of this story and the different array of characters were bought to life by Julie. This book is written in four separate parts going from past to  present which I found very easy to follow. A brilliant must read, though wish I could of been on the Greek Island when I was reading it.  Now am going to read Jenna’s Journey which is Julie’s first novel. Thank you for letting me review your book Julie Ryan. 🙂

 

This Northern Sky By Julia Green

This Northern Sky By Julia Green

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Kate’s relationship with her boyfriend has ended badly – very badly. And now her parents are taking her on holiday with them to a cottage on a remote island in the Hebrides. Kate can’t imagine anything more boring. But Kate is also scared. Her parents have bjulia greeneen fighting and she knows that this holiday is make or break.

Once at the cottage, Kate escapes as soon as she can – outside, anywhere. And there she meets the warmth of the islanders, who are prepared to accept her and to listen to her. And possibly fall in love with her…..

 

My Thoughts:

I was drawn straight away to this book not because of the blurb, but because of the very pretty cover. One thing I will say is that the synopsis is a bit misleading as it says “And there she meets the islanders, who are prepared to accept her and listen to her. And possibly fall in love with her. You find out quite quickly this is never going to happen.  They love her, but nobody falls in love with her, which I was disappointed with. Overall I did find the book enjoyable, it is meant for teenagers so it’s a good short story but I was left wanting more and to tie up loose ends.

 

Step Back In Time By Ali McNamara

Step Back In Time By Ali McNamara

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ali mcnamaraHow far would you travel to find the love of a lifetime?

When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic life: everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s.

The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second – hand record store. If she’s ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she’s jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?

My Thoughts:

If your interested in time travel and the Beatles, then this is the book for you. I enjoyed it when Jo-Jo the main character jumped through time from the 1970’s to the 1990’s. I have read quite a few books like this now, this book has quite a few twists so you don’t know what’s going to happen next which adds a certain mystery to the story. Nice easy read.

 

The Teashop On The Corner By Milly Johnson

The Teashop On The Corner By Milly Johnson

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milly johnsonLife is full of second chances….. if only you keep your heart open for them. Spring Hill Square is a pretty sanctuary away from the bustle of everyday life. And at its centre is Lenni Merryman’s Teashop on the corner, specialising in cake, bookish stationery and compassion. And for three people, all in need of a little TLC, it is somewhere to find a friend to lean on. Carla Pride has just discovered that her late husband Martin was not who she thought he was. And now she must learn to put her marriage behind her and move forward. Molly Jones’s ex- husband Harvey has reappeared in her life after many years, wanting to put right the wrongs of the past before it’s too late.Will Linton’s business has gone bust and his wife has left him to pick up the pieces. Now he needs to gather the strength to start again.

Can all three find the comfort they are looking for in the Teashop on the corner? And as their hearts are slowly mended by Leni, can they return the favour when she needs it the most?

A story of love, friendship and second chances that will warm your heart and rekindle your hope.

My Thoughts:

This book was such an enjoyable read. I was hooked just from the first page. If only there was a teashop on everyone’s corner. I know I would be in there everyday, decadent cakes, pretty literary based stationary and also they customers who like nothing more than to have a good discussion about books. There are many characters in this book but need not be afraid as Milly brings them to life particularly well. They all get to know each other very well and form real friendships and they seem to find something that has been missing in their lives. I fell in love with each and every character but I think Molly was my favourite.

This is a book that will stir up all your emotions. Just be warned by the end you will need a box of tissues at the ready as it is a real tear jerker. Best book I’ve read so far of 2014.

When I see your Face By Devika Fernando

When I see your Face By Devika Fernando

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Cathy has had enough. Having run away from her abusive husband, she tries to pick up the broken pieces of her life in a remote village, focusing on her dream to start her own cake business. Finding true love is the last thing on her mind.

When she comes face to face with a man who looks exactly like the one she is struggling to forget, life throws tdevika fernandohe biggest challenge yet at her:

Should she give in to his charm and care or is history going to repeat itself?

My Thoughts:

This is well worth a read. It’s not too long and pleasantly enjoyable. The title of this book fits the story brilliantly, I personally was excited when I saw in the blurb about the cake business. Everyone loves a bit of cake and Devika somehow seems to write with sympathy and has obviously done alot of research into personal issues that some women may be able to relate to. Fascinating read. Well Done Devika Fernando, will keep my eye out for your next novel.

Deceitful Desires – Love, Lies & Limos series 1 By Maggie Caldwell

Deceitful Desires – Love, Lies & Limos series 1 By Maggie Caldwell

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maggie caldwellWhen serious marital problems arise between Kevin and Melanie Jones, Melanie is tempted by ex-flame- handsome, sweet and gentle Andy Smith. Will she manage to resist Andy’s charms and save her troubled marriage or give everything up to be with him?

Meanwhile Victoria Harper is trying to juggle a moody husband, two hyper children and a career while also trying to keep away from sexy, tall and wickedly cheeky Dougie Patterson. Will she keep her family together against the turmoil in her life?

Follow the two best friends on their emotional rollercoaster lives as they struggle with matters of the hear, uncovering shattering secrets and betrays in the search of happiness.

 

My Thoughts:

Maggie Caldwell is a lovely lady who heard recently I had had a operation and kindly enough sent me her book to read. What a gripping read. Even after the first chapter I was hooked. The characters were well written I especially loved the children. Maggie has a way of writing so that you feel like you know the characters and she deals with personal issues sympathetically. There are parts in this book that made me laugh and others that were quite emotional. I managed to read this book in a couple of days as I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next book Maggie.

A Place To Call Home By Carole Matthews

A Place To Call Home By Carole Matthews

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In the dead of night, Ayesha takes her daughter, Sabina, and slips quietly from her home, leaving behind a life full of pain. Boarding a coach to London, all Ayesha wants is a fresh start.

Hayden, a former popstar, has kept himself hidden away for years. He’s only opened up his home to two people – Crystal, a professional dancer with a heart of gold, and Joy, an ill-tempered retiree with a soft spot for waifs and strays.carole matthews

When Crystal asks Hayden if Ayesha and Sabina can stay with them, he reluctantly agrees and, as different as they may be, they quickly form an unlikely bond. So when enemies threaten their peaceful home, they will do all they can to save it and each other.

My Thoughts:

What can I say Carole Matthews has done it again. A very moving read, one that will stay with me forever. Carole seems to bring real life situations into her book but with a great deal of sympathy. The character I liked the most was little Sabina. She had been through so much and seen so much and she came out of it such a sweet happy child. I think Suresh got what was comming to him as I didn’t like him one bit. Carole Matthews has done it again. What a remarkable read!

Long Lost (The Centuries Of Love Trilogy book 1) By Michelle Read

Long Lost (The Centuries Of Love Trilogy book 1) By Michelle Read

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michelle readLong Lost sometimes the past can be your future.

Emily Case is a lonely woman. No family, few friends, job she hates and is single. Life is one long struggle for her. Then one morning she wakes up two hundred years in the past and her whole world is turned upside down, as she is faced with a new era she knows nothing about. However she soon becomes attached to her new lifestyle and the people in it.

On meeting William Chester, owner of the Westfield estate, Emily quickly falls for him, and believes he feels the same, until she is threatened by a rival of his affections. But when she realises this life is all she’s ever wanted she is torn away from it and back to her life two hundred years into the future.

Not willing to accept the twenty-first-century is where her destiny lies she endeavours to seek out the truth of the life she led in the nineteenth-century.

What will she discover on her journey? Was it reality or all just a dream?

My Thoughts:

This was a great read from a new author. I loved the plot it was very interesting and captivating. The history side to it was fantastic  as Michelle has obviously researched it very well as everything was spot on. I felt I knew the characters my favourite was Sarah as she reminded me of a friend I have. I wasn’t too keen on Catherine though as she was very snobby at some points in the book. This book really came alive for me and I felt like I was there in the book with all the characters around me. I loved this book will definitely be recommending it and look forward to Michelle’s next book.

Learning To Love By Sheryl Browne

Learning To Love By Sheryl Browne

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learning to love

Widower, Dr David Adams, has recently moved to the village – where no one knows him, ergo there’s no fuel for neighbourhood gossip – to start afresh with his ten year old son, if only he can get to a place where his son wants to speak to him. Angry and withdrawn, Jake blames his dad for the death of his mother, and David doesn’t know how to reach him. Andrea Kelly has too many balls in the air. With three children and a “nuts” mother to care for, her fiancé can’t fathom why she wants to throw something else in the mix and change her career. Surely she already has too much on her plate? Because her plates are skew-whiff and her balls are dropping all over the place, Andrea points out. She needs to make changes. Still her fiancé, who has a hidden agenda, is dead-set against it. When Andrea ‘s house burns mysteriously  to the ground and Andrea and her entourage are forced to move in with the enigmatic Dr Adams, however, the village drums soon start beating, fuel aplenty when it turns out someone does know him – the woman carrying his baby.

 

My Thoughts: This is the second Sheryl Browne book that I have now read, and I will definitely be reading more. Sheryl writes with light heartedness but with a serious perspective. The events that go on throughout the book and the characters are believable. I absolutely love David Adams with his kind and caring ways. Sheryl Browne makes you feel with the characters that you know them already and you feel what they are going through. I managed to read this book in a day and a half, I was so gripped about what was going to happen next. I will certainly be reading more of Sheryl Browne’s books and recommending them to my friends.

The Edge Of Sanity by Sheryl Browne

The Edge Of Sanity by Sheryl Browne

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sheryl browne

How far would YOU go to protect your family?

A decent, ordinary man, a man who has already suffered the loss of one child. Daniel Connor is forced by extaordinary circumstances into being a hero. Tortured, forcible drugged – heroin still pulsating nauseatingly through his veins – his wife and daughter degraded. Daniel knows their kidnapper is beyond reasoning with.

But does being punished one step beyond endurance justify doing the unthinkable?

High on drugs, indebted to his supplier, and desperate, Charlie Roberts takes Daniel’s wife and daughter hostage. Daniel does everything within his power to rescue the situation bloodlessly. Eventually though, Daniel realises that with or without violent mood swings induced by amphetamine and cocaine, Charlie Roberts is a psychopath. He wants more than Daniel’s money.

He wants him.

My Thoughts:

I have never read any of Sheryl Browne’s books before as I normally just stick to the authors I know and love. But I must say this book was gripping. I managed to read it in two days and I just couldn’t put it down. This was a book that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck and puts you on the edge of your seat. Sheryl Browne seems to draw you into this book with its dramatic plot and you literally have no idea what is going to happen next. The characters were brilliant in this book, I felt like I knew them, Kayla even with everything going on is still that stroppy fifteen year old. Jo and Daniel are husband and wife who are going through some very real communication issues and of course Charlie well what can I say about him…. Well you will just have to read the book and make up your own minds….

A must read!