Brooke is delighted when Oliver decides to rent her old family home with his three-year-old son Finley. Finally someone to bring happiness to the rundown house across the street. They seem like the perfect tenants, but Brooke is a little unnerved when they move in with just a single bag between them. Where are their belongings?

When Brooke asks Oliver about his past, he quickly changes the subject. Her best friend tells her to leave it, after all Brooke has been through enough trauma in her life. But Brooke can’t shake off the feeling that something isn’t right. Why aren’t her new tenants’ names listed anywhere online?

Then Brooke arrives home to find orange flames dancing in the upstairs windows. As her whole life goes up in smoke, she is convinced it wasn’t an accident. And when she finds Finley drawing a picture of an angry burning house with terror in his eyes, her blood runs cold. What is Finley so frightened of? And why does Oliver snatch the drawing away the moment he sees it?

Brooke is convinced Finley is in serious danger, but given her past, she’s not sure anyone will believe her. Is Brooke ready to face up to her own demons to save the little boy? And when the truth is finally revealed, who is really the one in danger?

My Thoughts:

I loved the sound of this thriller, when new tenants move in Brooke is pleased that they may bring a bit of life back into the house that has got a bit rundown, but when things start happening that are suspicious Brooke does not know what to do, is it them that are doing these things? when she starts asking questions Oliver and Finlay start acting strange. What will the truth be? I found this a good thriller with lots of layers, once you start peeling them off you start to uncover secrets and stuff about the past you want left behind. I was shocked at the ending, as I didn’t and couldn’t believe it. A book I would recommend.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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In his riveting new book, A Short History of Coffee, Gordon Kerr investigates the fascinating history behind the global obsession with coffee, from its Ethiopian origins, the legends, myths, geographical locations and somewhat eccentric characters that have helped make it the staple that it is today.

Proliferating in high streets, towns and cities across Europe, coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years, and has succeeded in creating new and exciting hubs of commerce, news and debate, where deals could be done and revolution could be incited. Yet, despite coffee’s very modern role, its origins stretch back to the days of intrepid travellers and merchants, who told tales of this new and exotic beverage that uplifted and enlivened the drinker.

Following the growth in popularity through to the 21st century explosion of coffee shop culture, A Short History of Coffee lifts the Vegware lid on both the business of coffee, as well as the pleasures that it brings its drinkers. Gordon Kerr masterfully balances an exploration of the history of this iconic beverage, whilst also delving into the frothy brew of business, politics, and money that accompanies it.

My Thoughts:

I am not a big fan of Coffee but found this story interesting. The author Gordon has done a cracking job on this factual story, there are facts on every page. When you make your cup of coffee in the morning, how many people actually think about where your coffee has come from. We go from the early history of coffee to methods used to make the coffee. It was a really interesting read and one where I think I might give coffee a try. This book is well researched and you can see how much the author has put his effort into writing this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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At dusk on a November evening in 2020 a woman slips out of her garden gate and turns up the hill. Kate is in the middle of a two-week quarantine period, but she just can’t take it any more – the closeness of the air in her small house, the confinement. And anyway, the moor will be deserted at this time. Nobody need ever know.

But Kate’s neighbour Alice sees her leaving and Matt, Kate’s son, soon realizes she’s missing. And Kate, who planned only a quick solitary walk – a breath of open air – falls and badly injures herself. What began as a furtive walk has turned into a mountain rescue operation . . .

My Thoughts:

I don’t normally like books that are set in real time with certain things that are happening in the world right now. But I made an exception for this book as it sounded intriguing. It actually made me take a step back and realise how everyone is affected not just myself and my family. Kate is in the middle of a two week quarantine when she just cannot take anymore so goes for a walk on the moors. But when something really bad happens what is going to be the outcome? as she shouldn’t of left her house in the first place. The story shows the impact the pandemic has over certain things happening. It has affected all of our lives at one time or another, I am not saying every author needs to write it into their books but I feel as though Sarah has shown in her story the impact of how our lives were before and during this time. I like the fact the story is not too heavy and it is a short story too.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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For Bo Grayson, Christmas has always been the most wonderful time of the year. Well, until she had her heart broken last December…

At a local summer fete, Bo and her friends meet the mysterious fortune teller Madame Odette, and they are each given the same prediction: You will meet the love of your life by Christmas Day.

With just a few months until the festive season, they dismiss the predictions out of hand. Bo’s attentions are focused on creating the best seasonal menu for her Boatyard Café, and her rock and roll dance group – the Falford Flingers – who are hard at work getting ready for their Christmas Spectacular show.

The last thing she imagines is that she’ll be ready to open her heart again. But will fate – and perhaps a sprinkle of Christmas magic – change her mind?

My Thoughts:

I couldn’t wait to return to Cornwall and read about what the characters were getting up to in Falford where the book is set. It sounds such a wonderful place with a great community. This is Bo’s story, she loves Christmas or she used to until something happened one year that has changed her life, she puts all her attention into her work on the Boatyard Cafe and surrounds herself with good friends, until she goes to see a fortune teller that tells her something she doesn’t believe at all, but will it come true for Bo? This book is the perfect Christmas escapism, it is full of love, friendship and good food and Christmas. Phillipa is such a fantastic writer that she brings such warmth to her books and all her books are brilliant reads.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Fiercely resilient and impeccably dressed, Veronica McCreedy has lived an incredible 87 years. Most of them alone, in her huge house by the sea.

But Veronica has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife.

More specifically, a love for penguins!

And so when she’s invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance.

Even though it will put her in the spotlight, just when she thought she would soon fade into the wings.

Perhaps it’s never too late to shine?

My Thoughts:

After reading Hazel’s previous novel called Away with the penguins, I couldn’t wait to read this one. It is all about a very special lady called Veronica who is 87 years old and now in her later life has discovered things that she wished she had discovered along time ago, but she is making up for it now. She has a love for penguins and when she gets invited to help present a wildlife documentary she jumps at the chance to get near to her feathered friends. It is such a beautifully told tale and with penguins involved too it makes it more special. I really came to love Veronica as a person, she is so kind and just such a lovely lady. This story really warmed my heart. It was such a great read and one that I will have to re read as it is just so good.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Cameron and Lisa Murdoch are successful New Zealand crime writers, happily married and topping bestseller lists worldwide. They have been on the promotional circuit for years, joking that no one knows how to get away with crime like they do. After all, they write about it for a living.

So when their challenging seven-year-old son Zach disappears, the police and the public naturally wonder if they have finally decided to prove what they have been saying all this time… 

Are they trying to show how they can commit the perfect crime?

My Thoughts:

This was a fantastic read, it is full of suspicion and suspense. I like how Paul leads you into misdirection and it is packed with twists and turns too. With the characters you never really know who to trust and who not too. I loved the sound of the plot for this book and from the first chapter I knew it was going to be a great read, I like how they ask the question can a crime writing couple get away with murder? it is such a fresh and original idea and it really works. The first half is a bit of a slow burner but do not be put off as the second half will blow you away, and you will never really know to to trust. I have not read any of Paul the author’s books but I will be from now on. I really enjoyed it.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Jenny Tanner opens the box she has cherished for decades. Contained within are her most precious mementoes, amongst them a pebble, a carving and a newspaper cutting she can hardly bear to read. But Jenny knows the time is finally here. After the war, in a mountainside village in Italy, she left behind a piece of her heart. However painful, she must return to Cinque Alberi. And lay the past to rest.

After a troubled upbringing, Candice Barnes dreams of a future with the love of her life – but is he the man she believes him to be? When Candice is given the opportunity to travel to Italy with Jenny, she is unaware the trip will open her eyes to the truth she’s been too afraid to face. Could a place of goodbyes help her make a brave new beginning?

My Thoughts:

I have only read a couple of Kathryn’s books and always ask myself why I don’t read more of her books as they are really good reads. This story we get transported from 2019 back to 1940, I like reading some books that are set in that era as it is interesting to find out what life was like then. This story involves Jenny who now is 100 years old and lives in a residential home. Her carer is Candice who loves looking after Jenny and hearing about her life. When Jenny tells Candice that she would love to visit Italy to pay her respects we see Jenny flitting to the past and we hear her story about why she wants to go to Italy. Meanwhile we also hear Candice’s story and the two run alongside each other but also intertwine. I think the story had a great pace and it kept me captivated reading Jenny’s story, I hoped she would make it in time to go to Italy and be at peace. I like how the chapters are different years and either Jenny or Candice. There are also a couple of twists that I was not expecting that seemed to come out of nowhere but brilliantly written in. It was such a good story one that has impacted on me and one that I will not forget. I look forward to Kathryn’s next book but in the mean time I will catch up and read her previous novels as I feel as though I am missing out on another great read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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The most magical time of the year…

For the first time in ten years, Freya is back in the little village of Middlemass for Christmas. The streets might be twinkling with fairy lights, but after the recent loss of her mother, she’s never felt less festive.

Forced to sleep under the same roof as her handsome neighbour Finn, Freya realises she’s going to need a distraction – fast! So she sets herself a challenge: to cook the ’12 Days of Christmas’. Her delicious food soon brings the villagers together, and as each day passes, old friendships are renewed, memories stirred and there’s even the flickering of romance…

She was only meant to stay for the holidays, but could Middlemass – and Finn – steal her heart forever?

My Thoughts:

I would compare this book to a warm hug, it was cosy, comforting and festive but most of all it is centered around food. Not just any food but Christmas food. It was such a lovely read to dip in to and I wanted to devour the whole thing and the food staright away, but took my time as I knew I was going to enjoy the story and I really did. Poppy sets the scene in Middlemass a little village that is tucked away and we see Freya who has returned because of a loss in the family. She is grieving and lonely and needs a distraction and that comes in the form of Finn and some cooking too. I loved the idea of cooking the 12 days of Christmas, all the food Freya makes sounds delicious, I couldn’t stop my mouth from watering. Can Finn help Freya to open up? might there be a little festive magic for them both? who knows. I also enjoyed the recipes at the back of this book and I am going to try my hand at them too.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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After eighteen-year-old Samuel finds himself in the middle of a drug deal gone wrong, he is forced to leave home in a hurry. Heading south, he finds refuge in a sleepy coastal town, working as a live-in assistant to the son of a wealthy family.

When the body of a young man washes up in Stockholm’s southern archipelago, investigator Manfred Olsson is called in to work the case. With his two-year-old daughter in a coma, he is reluctant to leave her bedside – but once another body is discovered, his search for the killer intensifies.

As Samuel adjusts to life under the radar, he begins to feel safe, even with a gang out for blood and the police on his trail. But it isn’t long before he realises that his sanctuary may be home to a deadly secret.

My Thoughts:

I have enjoyed Camilla’s books in the past so was looking forward to reading this one. I found it a tense and eerie thriller that made me have goose bumps throughout. The story is full of suspense and you never really know which way the story is going to lead. Samuel is going through a lot as a teenager, he is caught up in stuff that really is bad, so when he has to flee his home he manages to find a place where no one knows him and works as a live in assistant for a family. Manfred is an investigator and is investigating a murder but his mind and heart is not really in what with his little girl lying in hospital in a coma. It is kind of two stories in one and we see how they intertwine throughout the story. It was a very interesting and tense story, it was definitely a mystery as to what would happen. I enjoyed it none the less.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1838774351/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=echoesinanemp-21&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1838774351&linkId=34e3e9dec9af7e4642c83e4e0b63bf9e

As lockdown has caused us all to revaluate our lives, becoming more self-reliant and living in closer harmony with nature have emerged as important priorities. Many of us have decided to up sticks and leave the city behind for a less frenetic existence in the country. Whether you’ve already made the move, or are dreaming of doing so one day, this is the book for you.

Covering bee-keeping, poultry rearing, pig farming, bread baking, wood-chopping, fire-laying, bartering and much more, How to Live in the Country is the perfect source of inspiration for old hands and beginners alike: useful, informative but also refreshingly honest and realistic.

My Thoughts:

I loved reading this book, it was something a little different from my usual reads but I really enjoyed it. I have always wanted to live in the Country and hopefully one day I will, this book has inspired me to go and live my dream. There are all different chapters on a number of different things to do with living in the country, they are all what to do in the different months. It is a very detailed and informative book, one I really enjoyed reading and felt as though I learnt a lot from.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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