Beautiful

I was asked to review this by the publisher via NetGalley as I have read several of this author lovely stories.

This did not disapoint, I real this in the shade during the hottest weather we have had and this cooled me down. 

So Christmassy, full of magic, sparkle, love and promises. 

We meet Gwen who gets a knowck on her door form a social worker called Lara. Her late husband cousin little Will (Willow) is in need of a Foster home. Her life changes, she finds out so much of herself. Will is s gorgeous little boy. 

Such a beautiful story with the backdrop of a magical Christmas, emotional and lovely at the same time. 

So recommended and due for publication just at the right time for half term and the start of Christmassy reads.

Interesting

 

I was asked to review by NetGalley interesting book and author 

Found this to have a lot of spoilers - Yes I know some of the books are over 100 years old, but not everyone has read Agatha Christie. I can understand the author wanting to explore plots, storylines and the background to the crimes.

What I took from reading this book is to read Agatha Christies books in order, Poirot, Marple, Tommy and Tuppence and so forth. So a trip to Hay on Wye will be in order when it gets colder as I know they sell original paperbacks too. I will read over half term and the long Christmas holidays. 

The author writes well but since Agatha Christies death January 1976 there are good books out there such as Lucy Worsley's book -Agatha Christie which I feel is a ground breaking biography. 

I enjoyed the authors style of writing but this was not really for me. 

Readers this is due for publication September 10th so you can makes your own minds up.

Cosy read

 

Wow this is book 11 in the Nosey Parker series and I was asked by the publisher via NetGalley to review this.

I read this in the shade on an amber heat day, wishing it was October. Really cosy spooky Halloween. Well written took me away to a cooler Cornwall and kept me gripped on this really well written story.

Fiona writes well and has great characterisation 

An abandoned convent at St Ann’s is to be redeveloped The town is unsettled and then the discovery of scary voodoo‑dolls hidden in the walls adds to an eerie feeling. The Bonfire Parade and Halloween preparations are underway. Jodie Parker starts to get  pulled into to scary things such as the unsettling of the town, voodoo dolls, Halloween with witches and warlocks. Then the icing on the cake a builder is found dead. is there foul play or is the supernatural to blame?

Loved this and is due for publication next month September 24th 2026 just in time for autumn and Halloween. So recommended.

A Great Read

 

I was asked to review this book by NetGalley 

I really enjoyed this storywhich is set across three timelines. There is Saffie and Pearl who were friends and this disintegrated before Pearl went to Canada to live. Then their paths cross again when Saffie's Grandmother is rushed into hospital.

Then there is Nancy who in 1929 is a kitchen maid, but other duties were cleaning and whilst cleaning Master Albert's room, she come upon a draft of a novel. Whilst reading this she adds to it and then she helps him wirite his novel. 

It is about love, friendship, secrets, stories we tell to one and other with a sense of hope. A really uplifting story.

Readers will need to wait for this as will be published around February half Term and will be a cosy read.

Lovely Read

 

Came across this book in a charity shop so it has been ideal with the South West England heatwave.
Really interesting read of her upbringing in Liverpool and post war, her fantastic family, how she started in acting and her journey too. I was aware of Alison from and early time as recall Abigail's Party.
Alison is a beautiful lady through and through and for those readers who only know her from Fat Friends or Gavin and Stacey you are in for a treat
Recommended

Interesting Read

 

I was glad when NetGalley asked me to review this well researched novel set in Natzi occupied Paris in 1940.

This is the Ritz in Paris steeped in French history but Frank the bar man is having to serve a very different clientele - high ranking Nazis - there is a problem also as Frank is hiding the fact he is Jewish. 

Readers you would have though Frank would have tried to escape before France was occupied but he did not, without really being aware the Nazis help Frank discovers secret that in fact helps to keep him and his friends and loved ones - who are Jewish also.

Areally interesting read. 

Due for publication August 20th 2026.

Scary

 

Wow thank you NetGalley - it is super hot in this heat wave and I could not put this down sitting in the garden in the early hours to cool off.

Totally unable to put down, but reading in the darkness was a little scary and I will be reluctant to go out at sea. It had the feel of dont look round, dont go that way.

Totally gothic and scary.

Recommended and due for publication August 11th 2026.