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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.

24 Hours by Claire Seeber

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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

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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)

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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)”