An Interesting Festive Read

 

I was so pleased when the publishers contacted me via NetGalley to read and review this  fab festive  read.

 

Wow, family and drama, lies, secrets and rags to riches thrown into this mix.

Friends since school, Fliss and Tara ( daughter of Lord Oliver) who spend the long school holidays on the Oliver's country estate. This continues and they keep in touch spending Christmas together, but something happens that pushes them apar, so for years they have had no contact. Then Fliss is invited back for Christmas but Tara and her brother are out to make her visit unconfrtable with them being downright horrible to Fliss. Infact as the festive period moves closer the relationships of the family appear to have broken down also. 

We see truths and secrets coming out with some interesting characters.

A really recommended read this festive period, I so enjoyed this read. Carol Kirkwood packs a punch with this story.

Readers do not have long to wait for publication as this is set for October 22nd 2026 - in time for the half term holiday.

Wow

 

Wow what a story and a debut novel too. I was asked by NetGalley to review this gothic story encompasses the artic, Victorian era and some gay horror into the mix.

This story has so many twists and eerie turns with such interesting characters, well written and well researched.

Such a great layered scary and errie book.

Due for publication on half term so will make a good scary read over Halloween

So recommended

A great read

 

I was asked to review this beautiful book from the publishers via NetGalley.

This is yet another great story from Karen Sawn. 

There is a dual timeline weaving its way through this beautiful story. we have 1960s and present day. 

There is Lise's life as the young wife of a diplomat in Paris in 1961, alongside the present-day story of Dulcie, who is caring for her dying grandmother Lise near Lake Geneva. A mysterios visitor from Lise past arrives- we learn of secrets from the past. 

This book is full of secrets, glamorous Paris and Lake Geneva, tales of diplomacy, romance, and intrigue thrown into the mix.

I could not put this story down - I loved it.

Due for publication October 8th 2026.

Beautifully written

 

I was asked by NetGalley to review this 

There are approximately 35 chapter so this makes this an easy read. 

This is essentially about story telling and what nature brings us and this is incorporated into a story the author has written. 

I loved the history of rituals associated with nature which added to the author story telling along with the illustrations which are beautiful.

Loved this and will seek this author's work out.

So recommended and due for publication on half term week.- October 29th 2026.

Beautiful

 

I was asked to review this beautiful story by NetGalley.

This story is set in a town called Solace. Jack has recently lost his wife. He finds tow casualties in the road a dog named Lola and Chris avoiding military service. Surprisingly both have similar injuries and Jack is needed to care for them with the help of a local Nurse Ellie and the local policeman's wife helps Chris.

This is a story about how connection can help us and help someone lonely have purpose and move on. This can be when we least expect it. What a beautiful story and an author I will now seek out.

This is so recommended and due for publication November 19th 2026.

Beautifully written

 

I was pleased when I was asked to review this novel.

The story is set in the 50s in Lisbon and Murtosa. Maria's marriage is in severe difficulties.  Benedicto comits a crime that he has to go into exile.  

his wife Maria Lucilia begins to get letters from another Maria and there is a connection with Benedicto. They write to each other and thus begins a bond between the two women.

There is thousands of miles between the Maria's, but there is something that brings them together, but there are secrets, fears and hopes that neither have said.

This was such an intriguing story 

I really enjoyed reading this.

Due for publication March 4th 2027, so will be ideal for the Easter holidays.

Beautifully written

 

I was pleased when NetGalley asked me to review this novel. I have read a great deal about World War 2 and Natzi occupied Poland. My dear friend Mitetek's parents fled Poland and so I always think of them and others during this dreadful time.

This was really well researched and the story told in both truth and non fiction.

Lena lives through this time and it is how she manages to cope with this shocking time and loss. Lena uses stories some she has made up and those stories she has heard.

This is about this shocking time, loss, love, family and so much more. As Lena moves from camp to camp she befriends a bear named Wojtek the extraordinary Syrian brown bear adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II. (true story) even more interesting but not part of this story Wojtek died in my home town in a zoo a year before I was born.

A novel that will have lasting memories long after this book is read.

Due for publication October 3rd 2026- so ideal read for October half term.

So recommended