A golden summer, and six talented friends are looking forward to the brightest of futures – until a daredevil game goes horribly wrong, and a woman and two children are killed.

18-year-old Megan takes the blame, leaving the others free to get on with their lives. In return, they each agree to a ‘favour’, payable on her release from prison.

Twenty years later Megan is free.
Let the games begin . . .

My Thoughts:

I liked the sound of the plot and I have read Sharon’s previous books and enjoyed them, six friends with their whole lives ahead of them, decide to play a game which goes horribly wrong, none of them want to take the blame so when Megan says she will, the others are concerned. But Megan has ideas of her own and she will only do it for when she gets out of prison each friend has to do her a favour. Twenty years later and Megan is out, but what is she going to demand from her so called friends. I liked the way the story flowed through out, you knew what was coming but at the same time was a little unsure if the story was going to go how you predicted. The second half is a lot better than the first half, mostly when Megan comes out of prison and what happens next. It is a very dark read that will pull you in and won’t let you out until the very last page.

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

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It’s their daughter’s graduation and Rachel and Ed Hartley are expecting it to be one of their family’s happiest days. But when she stumbles and falls on stage during the ceremony, a beautiful moment turns to chaos: Gemma has been shot, and just like that, she’s fighting for her life.

PI Matthew Hill is one of the first on the scene. A cryptic message Gemma received earlier in the day suggests someone close to her was about to be exposed. But who? As Matthew starts to investigate, he finds more and more layers obscuring the truth. He even begins to suspect the Hartleys are hiding something big—from him and from each other.

While Gemma lies in hospital in a coma, her would-be killer is still out there. Can Matthew unravel the family’s secrets before the attacker strikes again?

My Thoughts:

I found this a great thriller which is action packed right from the beginning of the story. At a graduation Rachel and Ed’s daughter Gemma is up on stage when she is shot, the story is all about the police and how they are trying to find the suspect who did this. I like how the author has written each chapter as a different character so we can see all the different views, it makes it more interesting, but also I like how it is not each person’s name, it will say the private investigator for example. It made it easier for me which I liked. I liked how deep we got with each of the characters and how many twists there were through out the story. The other part to the story was the mother and daughter bond and the love that they have for each other reminded me how close me and my mum are. It was lovely to see. I would certainly recommend this book for anyone looking out for a really good thriller.

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

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You can cover up the truth, but every murder leaves a trail…

The rain was relentless. It stung Ruth Prendergast’s face as she dashed towards her house, desperate to escape the cold and settle down for an early night. But upon entering her bedroom, she finds a man, lying on her bed – a knife buried in his chest.

When Detective Isabel Blood and her sergeant arrive on the scene, Ruth claims she’s never laid eyes on the victim before. But with no sign of a break-in, how did the killer gain access to the house?

Then Ruth disappears, leaving Isabel and her team to fear the worst. Has their lead suspect escaped, or is Ruth in danger herself?

Forensic evidence at the crime scene is sparse, and it’s proving impossible for Isabel to make a breakthrough. With Ruth still missing, time is running out.

But how can you catch a killer that doesn’t leave a trace?

My Thoughts:

This was such a brilliant whodunit thriller that I didn’t want to put down. I picked it up in the morning and by lunchtime I was finished. I liked the idea of the story and the police procedural really had me intrigued. I liked getting to know Isabel Blood the Detective and finding out a bit about her, I reckon the series is going to be very popular. When Ruth gets home to find a man dead in her bed, the question on her lips is who is he and what was he doing there? she doesn’t know him, but when the police start to investigate Ruth goes missing but why? can Detective Isabel Blood work out what went on here and where Ruth has gone? It had a gripping pace the whole way through and is full of interesting characters and lots of suspense. You never really know who to trust. This is Jane’s first book and I cannot wait to read the next one as this one was incredible.

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

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Arriving in 1970s’ London as a fresh-faced Canadian, Bruce Fogle assumed that because he knew the language, he would understand the English. As a graduate of the world’s best veterinary school, he also thought his profession would come naturally to him. He quickly learned not to make assumptions…

Bruce began his career at the prestigious Woodrow & Singleton surgery in the heart of the Knightsbridge. Frequented by Britain’s most distinguished pet owners, from Duchesses and Sultans to Paul McCartney and Elizabeth Taylor, it also cared for the exotic inhabitants of the Harrods’ ‘Zoo Department.’

Over the next few years, an arc of clients would cross Bruce’s table, from cats and dogs to alligators, pumas and even a capuchin monkey. Each adventure taught Bruce far more than any textbook ever could, while skilful veterinary nurses provided the greatest lessons of all.

My Thoughts:

I love reading books like this that are all about animals. Bruce Fogle is a vet in the 1970’s and this book is stories that he has shared with his readers as his time as a vet back then. I found it really interesting reading about Harrods department store and all the exotic animals they used to sell. I love the way the stories are all written, and there are some sad stories but also funny ones too. Bruce is actually Ben Fogle’s dad who I have followed for a long time and love watching him on Longleat, so I was excited to read about his dad’s life. I felt with this book that I got swept along with the stories and didn’t want to leave, I loved seeing the bond some pets have with their owners as a pet owner myself I can fully understand where some of Bruce’s clients were coming from. It was just a wholesome read.

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

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Clare Greene and Sam Wilson are getting married and everyone in Little Bramble is excited for the event of the year. But Clare and Sam are busy people and have left organising their wedding to the last minute.

Luckily, wedding planner Hazel Campbell has recently moved to the village. She had what she thought was a wonderful life in Edinburgh with a successful business, a loving fiance and her own wedding coming up. But when she caught her groom-to-be in bed with her best friend she fled, leaving everyone and everything behind.

Little Bramble seems like the ideal place for Hazel to start over. As she throws herself into planning the perfect country village winter wedding, she starts to find herself again. And soon she realises that a second chance at happiness might just be on the cards . . .

My Thoughts:

I loved going back to Little Bramble and seeing what everyone was up to since the last book. This is the story about Clare and Sam and their big wedding day. Hazel has not long since moved to the village and she is going to help them organise the wedding as she is a wedding planner. But why did Hazel leave Edinburgh and is this little village the best place to forget about what happened before? Can Hazel find her happiness here in Little Bramble? and how will the wedding of the century go down. I loved reading about what the characters of Little Bramble were up to, seeing old faces and meeting new faces, it is such a warm and uplifting read that is a perfect pick me up. I would love to go to Little Bramble, Cathy writes so that the place sounds so inviting and scenic. I look forward to the next installment in this series. They have all been so great so far.

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

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1930s Leningrad. As a mood of fear cloaks the city, Investigator Vasily Zaitsev is called on to investigate a series of bizarre and seemingly motiveless murders. In each case, the victim is curiously dressed and posed in extravagantly arranged settings.

At the same time, one by one precious old master paintings are going missing from the Hermitage collection.

As Zaitsev sets about his investigations, he meets with suspicion at practically every turn, and potential witnesses are reluctant to provide information. Soon Zaitsev himself comes under suspicion from the Soviet secret police. The embittered detective must battle increasingly complex political machinations in his dogged quest to uncover the truth.

My Thoughts:

This story is set in 1930 in Leningrad, Russia. It was interesting to learn about the country in that era and what was going on then. When Investigator Zaitsev is called on to investigate a murder, he realises something is not right, but then other things that are suspicious come to head and Zaitsev is forced to work out what is going on before it is too late. The story was an interesting one that made me feel like an investigator and want to work out the case before Zaitsev, the only problem I had was trying to pronounce the names, it kind of took it away from the story for me. The author Yulia has obviously done her research onto that era as there is a lot of information and she describes it well.

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

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Carmen has always worked in her local department store. So, when the gorgeous old building closes its doors for good, she is more than a little lost.

When her sister, Sofia, mentions an opportunity in Edinburgh – a cute little bookshop, the spare room in her house – Carmen is reluctant, she was never very good at accepting help. But, short on options, she soon finds herself pulling into the snowy city just a month before Christmas.

What Sofia didn’t say is that the shop is on its last legs and that if Carmen can’t help turn things around before Christmas, the owner will be forced to sell. Privately, Sofia is sure it will take more than a miracle to save the store, but maybe this Christmas, Carmen might surprise them all…

My Thoughts:

I am a big fan of Jenny’s and all of her books I have loved. This one has to be my favourite at the moment. I had to re-read it just because it is such a feel good story. When Carmen’s job comes to an end she considers moving to Edinburgh which is closer to her sister and the job is at bookshop. But what Carmen finds is not what she was expecting, is this job too much for her? she needs to help the owner turn it around and if she can it will be a miracle. The place is in rack and ruin and really needs a good clean, Carmen is determined to help and turn the bookshop around and what she does with the place is incredible. The best thing she does are the window displays it really warmed my heart. It was a wonderful read and I love how Carmen evolves as a person, all she does for everyone else too. This book is the perfect escapism but also give you the Christmas vibes too. It is a magical story that I will not forget in a hurry and one that got me more excited about Christmas.

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

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It was supposed to be Christy Sullivan’s perfect Christmas escape – a dream trip to Lapland with her family and best friend, Alix. But facing a make-or-break marriage crisis, Christy desperately needs time alone with her husband, Seb. Her solution? Alix, along with Seb’s oldest friend, Zac, can take Christy’s daughter on the planned Lapland trip, and they will all reunite there for Christmas Day. After all, what are friends for?

There’s nothing Alix won’t do for Christy, but Christy’s plan to save Christmas is testing their friendship. Especially as Alix and Zac have a difficult history of their own.

As long-held secrets unravel, and unexpected romance shines under the Northern Lights, can Christy and Alix find the courage to fight for the relationships they really want? And could this Christmas escape save the precious gift of each other’s friendship?

My Thoughts:

Christmas is not Christmas without a Sarah Morgan novel in your hands. I couldn’t wait to read this perfect festive read, it really good me in the festive mood too. This is about two love stories and a family reunion, the characters are all brilliant and relatable, I fell in love with the setting and have always wanted to see the Northern Lights, it sounded so magical. The story line is one that is uplifting and joyous and it really is a great treat to be able to dive into this book early. Sarah’s stories just get better and better and I look forward to reading her next book very soon. It feels a privilege to be able to read Sarah’s books.

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

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When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

My Thoughts:

This was such a fun and festive read, that got me in the festive mood for Christmas. It is about Laurel and what happens when she returns to Middledip, she has had quite a lot going on and she is looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Fat chance of that what with her sister who has her own problems and also an old flame to contend with, will Laurel ever get back on her feet and find her peace and quiet. I liked how the story flowed throughout, I feel as though Laurel and her sister Rea both have relatable problems in their life so people will be able to relate to them. I absolutely loved the last few chapters, it made me feel warm and cosy thinking about settling down with friends and family and being at peace with each other. Such a perfect Christmas read to snuggle down with.

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

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When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby.

They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B.

But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think…

My Thoughts:

I have read a few of Jo’s books now and have always enjoyed them, they are the perfect escapism with such beautiful settings that you wish you could step into the book. When Fliss and her sisters inherit a Chateau in France after their grandfather dies, they cannot believe it, but little do they know how much work the chateau needs, it is very run down but can Fliss and her sisters give it all the TLC it needs to be opened up again with much needed paying guests? there are always people that are going to stand in their way but can they work together and put a plan into action? I loved everything about this read, the setting in France, doing up a Chateau, and I found the characters just made this delightful read.

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

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