Year: 2015

24 Hours by Claire Seeber

51Ppo6vDoFL._SY346_

Synopsis: My best friend, Emily, is dead – killed last night in a hotel fire.

But it was meant to be me.

Now I have 24 hours to find my daughter.

Before he finds out I’m still alive.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I haven’t read any of Claire Seeber’s previous books but had seen positive things about her new release 24 hours so was looking forward to reading it. The title says it all, and the book is set over a 24 hour time period featuring Laurie who is racing against time to get to her daughter. This 24 hour time period is set over half the book, and the other half is spent in the past featuring one of each for alternate chapters and this is done incredibly well.

From the early stages we know that Laurie is running, from what becomes clearer with each passing chapter. There is a reason the synopsis is short, and I won’t really say any more about the story itself as that is half the suspense of the book. From the very early stages of the book the tension is ratcheted up and there is a real sense of urgency about everything. It really is quite addictive to read, even with the minor flaws of Laurie making some ridiculous decisions. Somehow though, it kind of makes sense why she is being irrational and certainly didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book.She write the male characters well and I was so glad that conclusions were drawn at the end, as sometimes not knowing about secondary characters and what happened to them can really irritate!

There is certainly a lot of punch packed into this book, although there were parts in the middle that dragged a little bit. With that aside, the reader is kept guessing and it seems every person in this story appears guilty of something, making it very absorbing. I also really liked her writing style and found I was swept along with the pace of the story and my reading speed seemed to match the speed of the story (well after all I read it within 24 hours!). Although I haven’t given it a full 5 stars this is a solid 4 star read and one that is pretty gripping. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for the next Claire Seeber.

Bella’s Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson

51UbgoEUE6L._SY346_

Synopsis: Bella Bradley is the queen of television baking – a national treasure. Her Christmas specials have been topping the ratings for years and her marriage to Peter ‘Silver Fox’ Bradley is the stuff of Hello magazine specials. But this year things are going to be different. 

For Amy Lane, Bella’s best friend from school, life hasn’t held quite the same sparkle. And when Amy’s husband walks out three weeks from Christmas, it seems their lives are further apart than ever. 

Amy has watched Bella’s rise to fame fondly, despite the fact Bella was always a terrible cook. But when she realises that Bella’s latest Christmas book is made up entirely of Amy’s mother’s recipes, the gloves are off. After winning a competition to appear on Bella’s TV show, Amy is going to make sure that for Bella and her viewers, this will definitely be a Christmas to remember… 

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Thankfully, I have my Sue Watson fix under control with her latest release Bella’s Bake Off. SW covers are as always incredibly enticing and since the Great British Bake Off has now finished for 2015, this was a perfect solution now I no longer had any left to watch. The book doesn’t wait to launch into Sue’s comedic patter between characters and launches straight into a very funny scene featuring Amy Lane and her husband. Within a matter of pages I was (as usual with these books) laughing my socks off and immediately fell in love with the slightly crazy Amy. The thing is it soon becomes apparent Amy Lane is far from crazy. She is the sort of character you can empathise with; you just know full well that one of your friends fits the bill for Amy’s life.

Amy spends her lead up to Christmas watching Bella Bradley, who is the queen of Television baking. She appears to have absolutely everything with her high flying career and amazingly gorgeous husband. The thing is Amy and Bella were best friends all the way through their childhood. It becomes clear from the beginning that Sue is giving nothing away that easy about why they stopped speaking but slowly and surely things start to unravel and make sense to the reader. When Amy decides to enter a competition to appear on Bella’s show you just know there are high jinks ahead.

When Amy finally makes it to Bella’s TV show the book goes from being brilliant to being AMAZING. Sue Watson has such a knack for the humorous side of characters and she is an author I have fallen a little bit in love with from very early on. Her humour, writing style and stories never fail to hit the spot and are guaranteed to cheer me up, make me laugh and generally improve my mood. Sue has once again swept me off my feet with the characters, although my first love (her book Love, Lies and Lemon Cakes) will always remain my all-time favourite. Please don’t look for any hidden meanings, secret morals or anything that you take away and seriously debate. However, if you want a book to make you laugh you’re a*se off and cheer you up then Sue Watson needs to be top of your list!

Death Trap by Dreda Say Mitchell (Rio Wray #2)

download (1)

Synopsis: Teenager Nikki Bell is the only witness to the brutal murder of two members of her family and their cleaner. She’s lucky to be alive. But the murder isn’t a one-off. It’s part of a bigger, more violent attack planned on affluent families in the area – and now Nikki, as the only living witness, is a dangerous threat to the well-orchestrated scheme.

As the net draws tighter around the killers, DI Rio Wray must do whatever it takes to keep Nikki alive. But when you’re dealing with criminals, there’s no line they won’t cross… In a kill-or-be-killed-world, who will be first to pull the trigger?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “Death Trap by Dreda Say Mitchell (Rio Wray #2)”

Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin (White Cliff Bay #2)

Synopsis: Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself… 

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance. 

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George. 

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas? 

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin (White Cliff Bay #2)”

What Remains by Tim Weaver (David Raker #6)

download

Synopsis: Missing persons investigator David Raker specializes in finding the lost. Whether dead or alive, he brings home the truth to the families left behind. But there’s one person he’s never been able to save.

Colm Healy was one of the Met’s best detectives – until the unsolved murders of a mother and her twin daughters consumed his career, his family and his life. For him, there can be no redemption without justice.

Re-opening the case together, Raker soon learns the hard way how this puzzle breeds obsession. But the worst is yet to come.

Because, at the end of this trail of tragedy and darkness, an elusive killer watches, waits – and prepares to bury the truth forever…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I’ve not read any previous Tim Weaver books and although you can read this on its own I think I would have preferred to have read the previous books in the series to get a better feel for David Raker. That said, I certainly enjoyed this book and will almost certainly be looking out for future books by Tim Weaver. David Raker is a Missing Persons Investigator and in the early stages we see him help his old friend Colm Healy. Healy used to be one of the Met’s best Detectives but he has had a fall from grace and is now homeless, penniless and obsessed with his last unsolved case.

The writing is absolutely fabulous and I was instantly drawn into their world seamlessly and effortlessly. Although I hadn’t read any previous Raker books there is enough background given that you have an idea of his history and it certainly didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. Raker’s past seems very tragic and complicated and he is currently learning how to adjust to having a daughter in his life. It made Raker an altogether more endearing character as we see him battle with keeping everyone happy.

The plot line is very intricately weaved and extremely well thought out. There were avenues that surprised me as they were not immediately obvious and whether this was the characters strengths coming through or just superb plotting I couldn’t tell. What I did know was that I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more in the future. Maybe not reading the first few books put me at a slight disadvantage but if anything it just makes me more determined to go back and read them all in order now. I can see now why Tim Weaver has such a loyal following, looks like ANOTHER series I need to keep up with.

Those Girls by Chevy Stevens

51FC1x+DCaL._SY346_

Synopsis: How far would you go to protect the ones you love?

Life has never been easy for the three Campbell sisters. Jess, Courtney, and Dani live on a remote ranch where they work hard and try to stay out of the way of their father’s temper. One night, a fight gets out of hand and the sisters are forced to go on the run, only to get caught in an even worse nightmare when their truck breaks down in a small town. As events spiral out of control they find themselves in a horrifying situation and are left with no choice but to change their names and create new lives.

Eighteen years later, they are still trying to forget what happened to them. But when one of the sisters goes missing, followed closely by her niece, they are pulled back into the past. And this time there’s nowhere left to run…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Those Girls by Chevy Stevens”

A Parcel for Anna Brown by Miranda Dickinson

download

Synopsis: Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn’t exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift – one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her – and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: If I’m being 100% honest the synopsis for this book didn’t exactly set the world on fire. I would even go as far as to say it sounded rather mediocre for a Miranda Dickinson book. Thankfully, I’m a complete idiot and the book not only proved how wrong I could be, it literally proved that some things are too hard to resist! Read in a day from cover to cover I just didn’t want to stop reading this one. Having read and enjoyed a few of MD’s other books I was looking forward to this one. Anna Brown the main lady is a normal woman, with a normal life and a very average job. I worried when I started reading that I just wasn’t going to like her. When a parcel turns up for her, she has no idea that this little thing would change everything, and not just for her.

After a few chapters I realised that Anna Browne was a lot more that it outwardly appeared. With an endearing personality you can’t help rooting for her from the very early days. The reason I make this point is that I wasn’t rooting for her because she was a ‘poor me’ type. No, it was quite the opposite. She was just a really likeable character who had blinkers on when it came to herself. HJer job as a receptionist was made so much more interesting with the brilliant characters surrounding her such as the Security Guard Ted (who was just outstanding in my opinion) and colleague Sheneice.

In addition to receiving not one but numerous parcels, Anna finds herself getting more involved with the Newspaper Company where she works which makes her look at things in a whole new light. In addition to the ladies we have the male characters Ben and Jonah both of whom are very readable. To say any more would ruin the story but there was definitely something magical about this and the mysterious parcels that Anna receives. I have to be honest and say this is possibly my favourite book of Miranda’s so far. This really is a book to be enjoyed, preferably with a roaring fire and a large glass of wine.

Christmas Gifts At The Beach Cafe by Lucy Diamond

51J5bnGjSML._SY346_

Synopsis: With her Cornish Beach Café closed for the winter, Evie Flynn should be looking forward to lazy days and a happy Christmas, with nothing more pressing to think about than when to have her next mince pie.

But her sister Ruth is coming to stay, in a cloud of heartbreak and bitterness following her marriage breakdown, along with her three unhappy children, and Evie knows she’ll have her work cut out, trying to spread some festive cheer. Then her boyfriend Ed breaks the news that he’s going to spend Christmas in London, for family reasons, and her heart sinks even further.

Add in to the mix a lost dog plus the hotly contested village Christmas bake-off and before long, Evie is feeling the strain. But there are still a few surprises in store for her, that look set to make this Beach Café Christmas the most memorable one yet…

*Note: If you plan to read The Beach Café first followed by Christmas at The Beach Café, please do not continue to read my review as it will inevitably contain spoilers*

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I very recently read Christmas at The Beach Café which was a novella follow on to her novel The Beach Café. I loved the second novella (unusual for me as I’m not keen on shorts) and was so pleased when I realised Lucy had another Novella. This one is set the following Christmas and is just as good as the last novella. All this succeeded in doing was making me realise that Lucy Diamond needs to write quicker and luckily for me I still have 2 full length novels (her latest 2) all ready to read on my Kindle…yay!

This latest Christmas novella we see Evie’s sister Ruth and her children come to Evie for Christmas following a messy divorce. In addition Ed is dealing with the loss of his Dad. This offering is short but very sweet, and giving us THE best set up for the next book (at least I hope there is a next one!). We see brief glimpses of a couple of villagers, and we also see Ed’s Mum make an appearance. There isn’t one character I dislike in these books and just can’t wait to see them all again.

Yes it’s only 90 pages, and yes it’s a novella, but….it’s brilliant! Another cracking read and I can’t wait to gets started on another Lucy Diamond book!

Christmas At The Beach Cafe by Lucy Diamond

51miy5IJf7L._SY346_

Synopsis: A Christmas short story from bestselling author Lucy Diamond, revisiting her Beach Café characters.

After a hectic summer running her beach café in Cornwall, Evie Flynn is looking forward to her first Christmas with new boyfriend Ed – she’s determined that it’s going to be the most perfectly romantic one ever. Cosy nights in front of the fire, spicy mulled wine, mince pies . . . what’s not to love?

But the peace is shattered when Ed’s ex suddenly gets in touch again, and then some unexpected guests arrive: Ed’s surly brother Jake and Evie’s heartbroken best friend Amber. Add in the stress of trying to finish her very own recipe book, snow blizzards and family dramas and Evie’s Christmas starts to look as if it’ll be a total turkey. Will any of her festive wishes come true . . . or is this Christmas just a recipe for disaster?

*Note: If you plan to read The Beach Café first please do not continue to read my review as it will inevitably contain spoilers*

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Just recently I have been ploughing through all my novella’s and short stories, as they are never my first choice. Although I say that and it’s usually the case, this novella was absolutely wonderful. It didn’t take me long to get reacquainted with Evie in her beautiful café in Cornwall. This will be her first Christmas there and now she has her boyfriend Ed around the excitement gets to her.

Evie is a funny character and one that you fall in love with quite easily. In this latest short story her ideal Christmas is planned out in her head. Evie and Ed, all alone in front of that log fire, except her Christmas is going to turn out far from what she imagined. We meet Ed’s brother Jake, Evie’s friend Amber as well as half the people living in Evie’s village.

The story is witty, warm and full of magic. Although it’s only 100 pages long it makes me realise how much I love Lucy Diamond books. I am so pleased she has since released another Beach Café ‘Christmas’ Novella so I know what I will be reading shortly. Absolutely loved this!

Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton

51NWmdGDmqL._SY346_

Synopsis: What’s the worst thing your best friend could do to you?

Admittedly, it wasn’t murder. A moment’s carelessness, a tragic accident – and two children are dead. Yours.

Living in a small island community, you can’t escape the woman who destroyed your life. Each chance encounter is an agonizing reminder of what you’ve lost – your family, your future, your sanity.

How long before revenge becomes irresistible?

With no reason to go on living, why shouldn’t you turn your darkest thoughts into deeds?

So now, what’s the worst thing you can do to your best friend?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I have recently read Sharon Bolton’s series featuring Lacey Flint and really enjoy those books so was looking forward to reading a standalone. Catrin, the lead character is a dark and disturbed woman and its clear from the beginning that her past totally and utterly consumes her. The location for this book was the Falkland Islands and to be honest this for me was one of the highlights of the book. Sharon Bolton almost takes you there and her descriptive narrative sets the scene perfectly. With Catrin’s two small children dead her life has little meaning, however it soon becomes apparent that her sole focus is on that of the person she holds responsible for her children’s death.

In one respect there is a depressing element to this book but although that impression is built the level of tension, pace and sheer atmosphere keeps you engaged as a reader. The book is told from the perspective of not only Catrin, but also Callum and ex-soldier and Rachel, Catrin’s old best friend. We see an investigation take place with another small child gone missing on the island as well as Catrin’s determination to seek revenge.

To say any more would ultimately ruin the storyline, so I guess you will have to read this for yourself to find out. I enjoyed the book and it was certainly different, however in my opinion still not as engaging as the Lacey Flint books. This certainly has a completely different feel to it and is an extremely absorbing read which I enjoyed.  I will certainly look forward to another Lacey Flint book, but will also now be keenly looking out for any other standalone books in the future by Sharon Bolton.