Tag: RATED 4/5

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.

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.

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.

What Remains by Tim Weaver (David Raker #6)

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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.

Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton

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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.

The Girl Who Broke The Rules by Marnie Riches (George McKenzie #2)

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Synopsis: When the mutilated bodies of two sex-workers are found in Amsterdam, Chief Inspector van den Bergen must find a brutal murderer before the red-light-district erupts into panic.

Georgina McKenzie is conducting research into pornography among the UK’s most violent sex-offenders but once van den Bergen calls on her criminology expertise, she is only too happy to come running.

The rising death toll forces George and van den Bergen to navigate the labyrinthine worlds of Soho strip-club sleaze and trans-national human trafficking. And with the case growing ever more complicated, George must walk the halls of Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, seeking advice from the brilliant serial murderer, Dr. Silas Holm…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: George McKenzie is back, and this time she is flitting between London and Amsterdam. We also see the return of Chief Inspector Paul van den Bergen. The actual storyline was very engaging and I found myself falling into the storyline very quickly. As usual George is being pulled in different directions and its clear from the outset that her current personal set up isn’t all that great.

With the request from Van den Berg for her to help him with his current case everything else get moved down the list of importance. Paul starts a murder investigation which quickly escalates into so much more. In addition to this we see George interviewing convicted sex offender as research for her studies. Her conversations with the offender for some reason gave me the heeby jeebies. I think that’s always a sign that the writer is ‘getting it right’. The pace picks up as the book moves on keeps at a steady pace inching up as the ending nears.

There is plenty of action, drama along with moments where I thought I knew who was doing what, but no I was wrong. The book certainly touches on issues involving the sex industry and at times is unsettling. There is a gritty realism to her books which I love and I was absorbed right up until the end. The only thing for me that was lacking was my ability to like  George more than I do. Paul is a great character and although not without his issues is incredibly likeable. It’s just a shame that I don’t feel like that about George, however this may be because she is written as such a brash character due to her tendency to self-protect.

I really enjoyed this book and am certainly looking forward to reading what happens next. Luckily there isn’t too long to wait with the third part being released in October 2015 entitled ‘The Girl Who Walked in The Shadows’. I would certainly recommend this although it’s probably an idea to read the books in order. 

Stirred with Love by Marcie Steel

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Synopsis: Sometimes the best friends can be found where you least expect them …

Still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, Lily Mortimer is determined to do something with the time she has left. After the end of her fairytale marriage, thirty-something Kate is trying hard to mend her broken heart.  Chloe, a young woman with the world at her feet, is struggling to know what to do with her life.

When Lily embarks on a new venture in the picturesque town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around.  But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add neighbouring competition, local heart throbs and heartbreak to the mix. When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: For those that maybe don’t know, Marcie Steel is a pseudonym used by a very popular Crime Writer Mel Sherratt. Now I am a fan of Mel’s crime work so was interested to see how she fared in this genre.  The story sounds familiar, but in this genre that’s not unusual and it sounded like a warm and comforting read about women determined to do things their way. I settled down and before I knew it was over halfway through the book.

Lily Mortimer is getting on a bit but has decided to re-open her once thriving café in Somerley. Since the loss of her husband she hasn’t been able to deal with it, but now seems the right time and as you read about Lily there is something of a quiet determination about her. The other two characters are Kate who is recovering from the breakup of her marriage and the young and exuberant Chloe who although only in her late teens has the world at her feet.

All three characters were extremely likeable and they all fit well together. I have to say that I leaned more towards Chloe as her blunt retorts and black and white view of the world made her a very likeable young girl. Kate certainly didn’t have as much of an impression on me but was a great character all the same. The story itself is certainly not new to this genre, but by no means did this make it any less enjoyable.

However, maybe I am being overly critical but there were things that maybe didn’t sit right with me. For example, for some reason it felt like there were chunks of the book where we skip from the premise of a thread to the conclusion with nothing in-between (if that makes sense). I just thought that sometimes, I wanted to know a lot more about what was going on, the whys and where’s etc, in short I think I would have happily sat through another 100 pages which made me feel more integrated with the story. Other than that a solid read and one I thoroughly enjoyed, I just felt a little short changed because as a reader you were left wanting a little bit more. Even though I have been critical, the fact that I enjoyed it and read it in 2 sittings I think means it thoroughly deserves a 4/5.

Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes by Karin Slaughter (Short Story)

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Synopsis: A missing girl in the news reminds Julia Carroll of herself: nineteen, beautiful, blonde hair, blue eyes.

Julia begins to dig deeper and plans an article for her college paper. She becomes gradually more obsessed with the case, never imagining how close she herself is to danger.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: First off the best advice I can give is to read Pretty Girls, which gives the basis for this short story featuring Julia Caroll, a 19 year old girl. It certainly was a short story and the 8- pages flew by, however I absolutely loved Pretty Girls and this was a fantastic short story to tie in with that book.

Julia is absent in the book Pretty Girls but this gives you a real insight into the character of Julia and how that ties in with the previous full length book. It certainly turned the pages for me but can only give it 4 stars as I am really not a fan of short stories, and felt this could have been built into the original book somehow. Still a typical ‘Slaughter’ style book and I would highly recommend the reading of Pretty Girls

Blood Axe by Leigh Russell (Ian Peterson #3)

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Synopsis: ‘Silently dipping his oars in the water he made his escape. It was a weary journey, with few spoils to show for it. Next time he would do better. He looked back over his shoulder. The bridge had disappeared, swallowed up by the darkness. From its walkway he too had become invisible. Only the bloody body of a woman showed he had been roaming the streets that night.’ DI Ian Peterson investigates a series of gruesome and brutal murders in York. As the body count mounts, the case demands all Ian’s ingenuity, because these are murders seemingly committed at random, and this is a killer who leaves no clues

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: There is a warrior lurking around York and within the first few chapters we have the most grisly crime scene played out in all its gory glory. The first few chapters are pretty absorbing and I would imagine quite a draw for a reader who maybe hasn’t read any of Leigh Russell’s books in the Ian Peterson series. Clues are lacking at the beginning although the only thing that seems to make sense is that the murder is somehow linked to a Viking Museum.

I like Ian Peterson and his spin off series has in my eyes been a total success. I sometimes feel like I want Ian to return to the Geraldine Steel, which is the series in which we meet him originally. We do see very brief glimpses of Geraldine as Ian and his former boss have stayed in contact. One of my most irritating issues within this series actually revolves around Ian’s wife Bev. Although this certainly isn’t a predominant feature in the series it still forms part of Ian’s life. Thank god Leigh Russell decided to deal with this issue in this current book and I am thrilled at the way the book was left.

The murderer seems to elude Ian and his colleagues and as bodies pile up, there seems to be less and less evidence and clues for them to work from. I liked Ian’s colleague Ted, but was less keen on Naomi. Having said that, the team plod on and work the case to the best of their ability. I was certainly engrossed and read this in two sittings. It still doesn’t quite pull me in like the Geraldine Steel series, but after this latest book I have a feeling that might all be about to change. Another solid read in the Peterson series.  Can’t wait for book 4 now!

The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell

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Synopsis: When a tragedy breaks a family apart, what can bring it back together?

The Birds seem to be the perfect family: mother, father, four children, a picture-book cottage in the country. But when something happens one Easter weekend, it is so unexpected, so devastating, that no one can talk about it. The family shatters, seemingly for ever. Until they are forced to return to the house they grew up in. And to confront what really took place all those years ago.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: The Bird Family on the surface seems to have it all. However this book tells the tale of what goes on behind closed doors. Loreli and her husband Colin have 4 children – Megan. Bethan, and twins Rhys and Rory. The descriptions of their beautiful and rambling house in the Cotswolds made me want to visit. The story actually spans over a long time frame continuously flicking back and forth in time frames. This is down with ease and you feel like you are peeling back layers with each part of the story that is revealed. Other than that in terms of story I really don’t want to elaborate for fear of ruining the element of surprise.

The synopsis gives away very little and I think this adds to the beauty of reading the story with no idea of what will happen. There is an element of sadness to Lisa Jewell’s books which makes them pretty realistic and poignant and this one is no different. Loreli has become an obsessive hoarder and this element of the story and how it impacted her family made for absorbing reading. This book was full of intrigue and the characters made you not want to put the book down. It wasn’t the best Lisa Jewell book I have read, however a fantastically solid read that will keep you turning the pages.