Year: 2015

Lost Girls by Angie Marsons (Kim Stone #3)

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Synopsis: The couple that offers the highest amount will see their daughter again. The losing couple will not. Make no mistake. One child will die. When nine-year-old best friends Charlie and Amy disappear, two families are plunged into a living nightmare. A text message confirms the unthinkable; that the girls are the victims of a terrifying kidnapping.

And when a second text message pits the two families against each other for the life of their children, the clock starts ticking for D.I. Kim Stone and the squad. Seemingly outwitted at every turn, as they uncover a trail of bodies, Stone realises that these ruthless killers might be the most deadly she has ever faced. And that their chances of bringing the girls home alive, are getting smaller by the hour…

Untangling a dark web of secrets from the families’ past might hold the key to solving this case. But can Kim stay alive long enough to do so? Or will someone’s child pay the ultimate price?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Lost Girls by Angie Marsons (Kim Stone #3)”

One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggott

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Synopsis: The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish … to start over. 

With her daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for adventure. But there’s more to New York than twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has her own Christmas wish – to find her real dad. 

While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked. 

Can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might come true – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever? 

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they realise life isn’t just about filling the minutes … it’s about making every moment count.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review:  Oh my…..I think that because it’s the lead up to Christmas I am going crazy with the Christmas themed books and this one is no exception. I apologise to those die hard Crime, Thriller & Mystery fans, but a girl needs a break from all that! Very recently I have had the absolute pleasure of reading many Bookouture authors and it seems they have a theme going on…it’s called signing awesome authors! Having fallen in love most recently with the likes of Holly Martin and Jenny Hale as well as longer standing authors like Sue Watson it seems I can add another Bookouture author to that must read list with Mandy Baggot.

The Christmas themed cover is one of many being released in the run up to Christmas, but I must say I really like these covers and although they are ‘christmassy’ they are also pretty eye catching. The main character is this book is Hayley Walker along with her daughter Angel. Now don’t get me wrong I really liked Hayley but her daughter Angel totally stole the show. She was a funny and endearing child who has a never ending supply of information that you never knew. When Hayley and Angel visit Hayley’s brother in New York, neither of them have any idea of how their Christmas will turn out.

Hayley’s brother Dean works for the big global company and his boss Oliver Drummond has something of a reputation. Oliver was instantly likeable but as his personal story unfolds some of his behaviour starts to make more sense. Nearly all of the characters in this book have been constructed so well you feel like you know them, and the fact that certain situations are far from believable in the sense of the normal everyday life…I didn’t care. Not one bit! There were many funny moments in this book as we see Hayley trying to secure some part time work (albeit illegally), as well as find Angel’s father who isn’t even aware of Angel’s existence. Although Hayley and Angel are the main stars, Oliver and his friend Tony also made for brilliant reading. A New York Billionaire and his best friend Tony as they make their way from club to bar, picking up as many women as they can.

The story has a very magical feel to it and certainly puts you in the mood for Christmas. This was a totally and utterly enchanting and magical read that will steal a little bit of your heart. This was my first Mandy Baggot but most certainly won’t be my last. An addictive and feel good romance that is food for the Book Geek’s soul!

Written In The Scars by Mel Sherratt (Estate #4)

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Synopsis: Scars. Sometimes they’re visible. Sometimes they’re hidden deep within. After years of living as a single parent, all Donna Adams longs for is someone to make her smile, to share hopes and dreams with, to keep her warm at night. But when that certain someone gives her the attention she craves, true love doesn’t always follow the right path. 

Home from the army, Lewis is a changed man. Angry and consumed by grief, troubled by nightmares and flashbacks, his mind is worse now than ever. Shutting out what he’s seen isn’t easy, but he risks losing everything he’s come back to if he doesn’t, including his sanity. 

Megan Cooper hides her scars for fear of being rejected. Mary Marshall can’t always remember how she got hers. If the past could be erased to make a better future, we’d all want that, wouldn’t we? But life is never that easy for the residents of The Mitchell Estate… 

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “Written In The Scars by Mel Sherratt (Estate #4)”

Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher

Synopsis: Sarah is doing just fine. Sure she’s been single for the last five years, and has to spend an uncomfortable amount of time around her ex-boyfriend, his perfect new girlfriend and all their mutual friends. And yes, her job as a PA to one of the most disgusting men in London is mind-numbingly tedious and her career is a constant disappointment to her mother. But it’s really okay. She’s happy (ish).

So it’s not surprising that when Sarah starts dreaming about a handsome stranger, she begins to look forward to falling asleep every night. Reality isn’t nearly as exciting. That is until her dream-stranger makes an unexpected real-life appearance, leaving Sarah questioning everything she thought she wanted.

Because no one ever really finds the person of their dreams… do they?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I’ve had this review copy on my Kindle for a while and finally got round to reading it, and boy am I glad I did. This looks to be Giovanna’s third book and I can tell you for sure I will be certainly getting the other 2 to read before too long. The synopsis sounds bog standard for this genre (sorry to sound mean, but you know what I mean) so I wasn’t expecting this deliciously funny book to captivate me as much as it did!

Sarah is trundling along okay, but that’s it…just okay. Her ex-boyfriend Dan is still part of her group of friends along with his new girlfriend she named ‘Perfect’ Lexie. She has a mediocre job working as a PA and a bog standard neurotic mother. What instantly hit me about this book is the charming reality of it. As a (clears throat) late thirty something woman this pressed all the right buttons on the humour scale for me. Sarah is nothing if not funny. In the early part of the book we get taken along for the ride when she dreams of a night. That in itself is funny to read about, because as we all know dreams are a jumbled mess of ridiculous circumstances!

The story unfolds nicely as Sarah is forced into a situation where she realises she wants a promotion and the hoops she needs to go through make for some fantastic scenes. Sarah’s dreams involve an acquaintance from her University days and when he shows up in real life it makes her behaviour even funnier. It’s really difficult to go into too much detail because the unfolding of the story is part of the beauty of this book. What’s even better is that it’s so normal and familiar feeling. A group of friends whose weekly meet up for the pub quiz becomes something so intense you would think they were playing for millions.

Finally, the absolute best part of this book for me was some of the dialogue and conversations between Sarah and her friend Carly. Don’t get me wrong there were some sad and poignant moments in this book, but for me the humour absolutely smashed all that out of the park. There is one particular scene I read THREE times, where Sarah is getting ready for a Works do. It had me laughing harder with each time I read it. I thoroughly loved this book and though it was a near on perfect read! Bravo Giovanna, I look forward to the next one! This is definitely a ‘One To Watch’ author.

CHRISTMAS WISHES AND MISTLETOE KISSES BY JENNY HALE

Synopsis: Single mother Abbey Fuller loves her family more than anything, and doesn’t regret for a moment having had to put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold. But with her son, Max, growing up, when a friend recommends her for a small design job she jumps at the chance. How hard can it be?

Nick Sinclair needs his house decorated in time for his family’s festive visit – and money is no object. What he doesn’t need is to be distracted from his multi-million dollar business – even if it is Christmas.

When Abbey pulls up to the huge Sinclair mansion, she has a feeling she might be out of her depth. And when she meets the gorgeous, brooding Nicholas Sinclair, she knows that she’s in real trouble…

With the snow falling all around, can Abbey take the chance to make her dreams of being a designer come true? And can she help Nick to finally enjoy the magic of Christmas?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: Abbey Fuller is a lovely character and as a single mum to her young son Max she is a very likeable character. She currently works looking after the health of Caroline Sinclair who subsequently recommends Abbey’s decorating services to her Grandson Nick. With Abbey’s dream job at her fingertips she is nervous but this could be the breakthrough she needs. When Nick is introduced, it took me a while to like him. At first he seems like such a cold fish, which is in complete contrast to Abbey.

Jenny Hale does a wonderful job of creating the beautiful house in my imagination and I found myself wondering if I could ever visit of stay ion somewhere so beautiful! In addition to Abbey, Max and Nick, we also see glimpses of Abbey’s Grandfather and Mother, although if the truth be told I would have like to have seen more of them. We go along for the journey with Abbey while she works through her dream job and turns Nick’s house into the perfect home in time for his festive family get together.

The book got so much more interesting once we also met Nick’s family. As the story progresses I warmed so much more to Nick as you see him come out of his shell and make some good decisions. The ending was wonderful and the epilogue was the icing on the cake. This book would be the perfect gift for somebody at Christmas, along with an open fire and large glass of wine. I’m looking forward to reading much more from Jenny Hale as she is yet to produce a book I haven’t enjoyed.

Time To Die by Caroline Mitchell (Jennifer Knight #2)

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Synopsis: Don’t ever cross his palm with silver. 

He will reveal your most shameful secrets. 

He will predict your death. 

He is hiding a secret. 

He is hiding a monster. 

And all his predictions come true. 

Investigating a series of chilling murders, Detective Jennifer Knight finds herself tracking a mysterious tarot card reader known only as The Raven. 

As the death toll rises, Jennifer and her team build a picture of a serial killer on the edge of sanity, driven by dark forces. But these are not random killings. And the method behind the madness could be the most terrifying thing of all … Especially when it seems the death of one of their own is on the cards. 

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “Time To Die by Caroline Mitchell (Jennifer Knight #2)”

Don’t Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell (Jennifer Knight #1)

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Synopsis: As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave.

When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. What she discovers is more chilling than she could possibly imagine. The murders mirror those of the notorious Grim Reaper – from over twenty years ago. A killer her mother helped convict.

Jennifer can no longer ignore the personal connection. Is there a copycat killer at work? Was the wrong man convicted? Or is there something more sinister at play …

With her mother’s terrifying legacy spiralling out of control, Jennifer must look into her own dark past in a fight not only to stop a killer – but to save herself and those she loves.

My Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “Don’t Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell (Jennifer Knight #1)”

Sunday Dinners by Jon Rance

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Synopsis: The Wilde family have always had a roast dinner on Sundays. Greg Wilde made sure of it. Him, his wife, Lizzy, and their three children around the table; for years it was the glue that held them together. 

But now with the children all grown up and moving out, and Greg and Lizzy’s marriage facing an uncertain future, their lives are becoming increasingly unstuck. Greg soon begins to realise that creating a happy family is one thing, but staying that way is an entirely different story. 

Told from each of the family’s perspectives at their monthly Sunday roast dinners, this is a bittersweet comedy about parenthood, marriage, love, life and roast dinners. 

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: Having never read a Jon Rance book I had no pre-conceived ideas about whether I would like it. I certainly liked the sound of the synopsis and even better was that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The book is laid out by the month in which the Wilde Family Roast Dinner is taking place. The great British Institute that is a Sunday Roast it is an all too familiar setting, but one which you slim into seamlessly. The family consists of Greg and Lizzy, the husband and wife along with the three children Holly, Lucy and Matt. There is a prologue which gives you enough background from 1995, so that when the book then starts 13 years later you have a broad understanding of the characters.

I have to hold my hands up here and admit that when I realised each chapter represented a family member along with the consecutive months, I wondered if my attention would stray. Thankfully it was the exact opposite that happened and I quickly became embroiled to the point I may as well have been another member sitting around the table. The characters are all very readable but in all honesty I found it the hardest to like the Mum Lizzy. Having said that, although she may not have been my favourite she sure made up for that in the humorous situations she put herself in (you will understand when you read the book, especially the ‘retreat’ she visits).

Each family member is going through some sort of trauma or drama and as each month unfolds you see the impact it has on the family and their take on it. The book is light-hearted, and very funny in parts, however still manages to maintain that family bond. The way this book was written was pretty unique and I haven’t read a book laid out like that with a month by month for each chapter. I have to say it really did work and made the book so much easier to read. I must say that although I haven’t read any other Jon Rance books, I will certainly be reading his other stuff as well as looking out for new releases too. This was a fantastic read for both men and women that I would definitely recommend.

Fighting For Survival by Mel Sherratt (Estate #3)

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Synopsis: When Caren Williams finds herself back on the estate she fought so hard to get away from, little does she realise she’ll be living opposite her arch-enemy, Gina Bradley. Gina thinks she and her family rule Stanley Avenue so when Caren starts to become popular, she decides to hit her where it will hurt the most – she wants her husband. Lonely and depressed, Ruth Millington turns to drinking and self-harm to get her through the dark times but finds it’s a constant struggle. Spiralling out of control, maybe she should let Gina’s husband help her out when he comes calling. Twins, Rachel and Claire Bradley, took control of the girl-gang, the Mitchell Mob, when their leader was sent to a juvenile detention centre for assault. But Stacey Hunter is out now and wants to hold the position again. No one will back down – let battle commence. Brawling in the street, fighting on the square and conforming to peer pressure – it all comes down to holding your nerve. But this time not everyone will stay alive on the notorious Stanley Avenue…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Fighting For Survival by Mel Sherratt (Estate #3)”

Behind A Closed Door by Mel Sherratt (Estate #2)

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Synopsis: Housing office Josie Mellor loves the community spirit of the notorious Mitchell Estate – when it doesn’t involve benefit cheats, aggression, or murder and mayhem, that is. 

But it isn’t exactly a party for some of her tenants. Kelly Winterton thinks Josie is sticking her nose in where it’s not wanted. Her partner’s just been packed off to prison and she’s left worrying how to fend for herself and her young daughter. Charlotte Hatfield has fled from her violent partner. With four children in tow, she lives in fear of him finding her again. Amy Cartwright has learning difficulties. She finds it hard enough looking out for herself and her six-month-old baby without being taken advantage of. 

In the midst of it all, Josie has secrets of her own. Trapped in a loveless marriage, she struggles to escape her controlling husband and, as her home life deteriorates, she realises only a thin line separates her from the people she’s trying to help. Can Josie save herself and return the estate to relative normality when a spate of burglaries causes havoc and deadly violence erupts? Or will both she and her tenants become victims of violence that no one will see?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: It’s funny how when you haven’t read something for a while you forget the reason you loved it in the first place. I am certainly a fan of Mel Sherratt, however when I realised book 4 was due for release I caught up with book 3, only to realise I also hadn’t read book 2! Thankfully all the reasons I like these books came rushing back and this one was no different. Book one I thoroughly enjoyed, book 3 was an absolutely brilliant read as was this (although book 3 has the edge). Josie Mellor seems to be the heart of these books (although not necessarily the main focus of stories). As the Housing Officer for the Mitchell Estate where these books are set, she is a pretty central and important character.

In addition to Josie in this book we meet Kelly Winterton who is a charming woman although young and a little naïve. She and her daughter are now fending for themselves after her boyfriend is sent to prison. Her boyfriend, is certainly a character you can love to hate. However, I liked the way that multiple stories are told and we get to see another Tenant Amy Cartwright try to make her way as a young mother with learning difficulties. Add on top of this the death of a resident and multiple burglaries on the estate and you have lots of drama at every turn.

The nicest thing about this particular book is that Josie actually plays a larger part in it than in book 3, and you get to see a lot more about her personal life, which makes for an exciting plot line on its own. It took me only a couple of sittings to finish this and I really did enjoy immersing myself in the gritty worlds of the tenants living on the Estate. I think the only thing that made finishing this book less depressing, was knowing that I have book 4 lined up and ready to go.