Tag: RATED 5/5

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)”

A Parcel for Anna Brown by Miranda Dickinson

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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

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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

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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!

Liar, Liar by M J Arlidge (Helen Grace #4)

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Synopsis: In the dead of night, three raging fires light up the city skies. It’s more than a tragic coincidence. For DI Helen Grace the flames announce the arrival of an evil she has never encountered before.

Because this is no Firestarter seeking sick thrills, but something more chilling: a series of careful, calculating acts of murder.

But why were the victims chosen? What’s driving the killer? And who will be next? A powder keg of fear, suspicion and dread has been laid. Now all it needs is a spark to set it off…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Having only recently (from Nov 14) starting to read M J Arlidge books this series is brilliant and fast becoming a firm favourite. This is book 4 in the series and features DI Helen Grace who is a fantastic character and one that I have been looking forward to reading about again. Alongside Helen is her colleague Charlie who is also another favourite of mine and I think the series works well with both of them in it.

Charlie is back at work following the birth of her daughter and we see her juggling both career and Motherhood. In addition Helen is working alongside a new boss who I really like and think he makes a good fit it the series. When they are called to the scene of a fire, it’s clear pretty quickly that this was no accident. The reader sees glimpses of the killer and their rambled thoughts by way of a Blog, and these small snippets actually worked really well.

I must say that I am a little squeamish when it comes to fire and MJA does a cracking job of being extremely descriptive when writing the scenes of the victims in the moments when they realise what they are faced with. The story seemed to pick up extreme pace for the last quarter and I had no idea what was going on or who was responsible. The one thing I will say is that I had a shock when it was revealed who it was but in a good way as I love that surprise element.

However there are two loose threads that have been left wide open meaning the next book is bound to be explosive. My absolute favourite thing happened with this book. Just when you think it’s all sorted out that very last sentence that makes you shout out “Nooooo”. Yep, that! M J Arlidge you have seriously raised the bar with this latest instalment and I am literally on tenterhooks waiting to see what the next book will bring. Thankfully we don’t have too long to wait as ‘Little Boy Blue’ is due out in March 2016. This was a tense and heart stopping read that got better with each page!

The Great Village Show by Alex Brown (Tindledale #2)

downloadSynopsis: Tindledale is in a tizzy . . .

The Village Show competition is coming around again and after last year’s spectacular failure, the villagers are determined to win. Meg, teacher at the local school, is keen to help and to impose some much-needed order.

After a terse encounter with a newcomer to the village, Meg discovers that it is celebrity chef and culinary bad boy, Dan Wright. Meg thinks he is arrogant and rude but rumour has it that Dan is opening a new restaurant in the village which could really put Tindledale on the map.

As things come together, villagers old and new all start to come out of the woodwork, including new arrival Jessie who seems to have it all. But first impressions can be deceptive and Meg discovers that when it comes to Tindledale – and Dan – nothing is ever quite as it seems . . .

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “The Great Village Show by Alex Brown (Tindledale #2)”

A Sister’s Promise by Renita D’Silva

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Synopsis: Two sisters. Bound by blood. Torn apart by love. My sister – the glue that held our family together and the gatekeeper to the memories of our shared childhood. The girl I made a pact with – to protect each other for life. The woman who destroyed my family, my future. And the only one who can save my daughter. Set against the dramatic backdrop of India, A Sister’s Promise is a powerful, emotional tale of family secrets, love and the ties that bind sisters together.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Wow! I wasn’t sure what I expected when I knew I had the new Renita D’Silver book to read. I certainly enjoyed the first one I read, but the synopsis for this latest book didn’t seem very enticing. Now I have finished the book, I can understand why it is written in the way it is. I picked up this book and to be honest for the first few chapters was wondering if this was the same author. It seemed disjointed, who were all these people and what on earth was going on? It turns out that Renita was doing what she was clearly born to do. She was weaving her web in your subconscious, waiting for the moment maybe 5 or 6 chapters in when you just knew anything you had planned for the next few hours was NOT getting done.

Like I say by the time Renita had me in her clutches I wasn’t getting out of it that easily. My dinner, ironing and anything else remotely housework like was discarded because I just couldn’t stop reading. We meet two sisters Sharda and Puja, both completely different, but with good reason. It’s extremely difficult to explain anything about this storyline without giving away far too much. Half the love of this story was the finding out part.

What I can tell you is that the book took me on a journey, one that was filled with love, laughter and sadness all wrapped up into one. Renita has a magic ability to transport you in this case from London to India. I could almost smell the smells and see the sights. From the moment I was collared I didn’t put the book down until I was finished. I can truly say I finished this book and felt breathless it left such an impact. I love the fact that you are reading about a different culture to the one here in England and the writing and storytelling was truly magnificent. With just over half the year gone, I am convinced that this will be one of my top 3 books for 2015 in this genre. This was an exhilarating and emotional read that will leave you wanting more.

I truly can’t explain just how wonderful this book was. If you want to read something a little bit different I would urge you to give this a go. At first glance it may not seem your thing, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the story Renita has in store. Wonderful!

In addition to this maybe check out the Publisher Bookouture, these guys are giving the Big Boy Publishers a run for their money with the amount of cracking authors they have producing first class books lately.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

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Synopsis: With a missing girl in the news, Claire Scott can’t help but be reminded of her sister, who disappeared twenty years ago in a mystery that was never solved.

But when Claire begins to learn the truth about her sister, nothing will ever be the same.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: After reading the first few chapters of the new Karin Slaughter I wondered what was going on. Although it starts with a very pacey opening, I just couldn’t get into it. This in itself is slightly unusual. However, having now finished the book I think Karin Slaughter decided that if she injected the same amount of terror into the start as she did at the end, her readers may not make it through the book alive!

First off you need to understand that even though this book is not part of her brilliant Georgia series, it is by no means any less compelling. It’s also not short on violence and degradation, so if this isn’t your thing you may want to give it a miss. If it doesn’t bother you in the slightest with fiction, you really do need to go and get yourself a copy as soon as humanly possible.

Claire Scott is constantly reminded of her sister who disappeared twenty years prior and was never found. However, her life now seems to be in perfect order with a loving and successful husband and more money than you can shake a stick at. Claire’s other sister Lydia no longer has a relationship with Claire and their lives could not be further apart. Initially Lydia was the character I was more compelled to read about, however when the story really starts to take a shift, Claire became just as compelling if not more so.

Although a slow starter, Karin Slaughter has once again written an absolutely outstanding book. I was literally on the edge of my seat and there were so many twists in the story I may as well have been on a real rollercoaster. There were times I actually held my breath, before realising I really wouldn’t make it to the end of the book if I did that. By the end of the book I realised that Karin Slaughter is quite simply a genius. This was without a doubt one of the most hair raising books I’ve read this year. It’s certainly a stomach churner (especially with content) but one that I wouldn’t swap for all the tea in China!!!! A MUST READ!!!!!

The Little Flower Shop by The Sea by Ali McNamara

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Synopsis: The blossom is out in the little Cornish harbour town of St Felix. But Poppy Carmichael’s spirits aren’t lifted by the pretty West Country spring. Inheriting her grandmother’s flower shop has forced her to return to Cornwall, a place that holds too many memories.

Poppy is determined to do her best for the sake of her adored grandmother, but she struggles with the responsibility of the more-shabby-than-chic shop. And with the added complication of Jake, the gruff but gorgeous local flower grower, Poppy is very tempted to run away… The pretty little town has a few surprises in store for Poppy. With new friends to help her and romance blooming, it’s time for Poppy to open her heart to St Felix and to the special magic of a little flower shop by the sea!

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “The Little Flower Shop by The Sea by Ali McNamara”

Those We Left Behind by Stuart Neville (Serena Flannigan #1)

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Synopsis: When 12-year-old Ciaran Devine confessed to murdering his foster father it sent shock waves through the nation.

DCI Serena Flanagan, then an ambitious Detective Sergeant, took Ciaran’s confession after days spent earning his trust. He hasn’t forgotten the kindness she showed him – in fact, she hasn’t left his thoughts in the seven years he’s been locked away.

Probation officer Paula Cunningham, now tasked with helping Ciaran re-enter society, suspects there was more to this case than the police uncovered. Ciaran’s confession saved his brother Thomas from a far lengthier sentence, and Cunningham can see the unnatural hold Thomas still has over his vulnerable younger brother.

When she brings her fears to DCI Flanagan, the years of lies begin to unravel, setting a deadly chain of events in motion.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

My Review: Well, well, well…looks like I’ve been missing out. When I had the opportunity for an early copy of a Stuart Neville book I decided to take it as I haven’t got around to reading his other stuff. It also looks to be the start of a series of books featuring CDI Serena Flannigan so I figured also a good place to start. I am SO glad I made that decision because this book was an absolute corker. Disturbing alright, but a corker all the same.

Serena Flannigan is a bloody fabulous woman. Although a lot of leading women have problems with authority, Serena is not one of them. She just has a huge chip on her shoulder and an attitude the size of a house. I LOVED her from the get go. Paula Cunningham is at the other end of the police spectrum and is a probation officer dealing with newly released prisoners. She was also a great character and seemed like she was constantly teetering on the edge of alcohol! The story centres around two brothers that have spent time in prison for the murder of their Foster Father. Ciaran and Thomas are quite frankly bewildering and disturbing characters to read, it’s also what makes them almost addictive reading.

As Ciaran is released Paula Cunningham is allocated as his probation officer. However, Serena  is pulled into the mix as Paula needs her input on the sort of character Ciaran is. Serena was part of the initial investigation into the murders and as the story progresses we are taken back in time to when she interviewed and investigated both Ciaran and Thomas. The story gets more and more involved and if I’m being honest I really didn’t want to put it down. It keeps building in pace and towards the end I wondered if anybody was going to make it intact.

Stuart Neville is an author that wills tick in my memory now that’s for sure. An absolutely brilliant start to what I hope is an ongoing series. An absolute corker of a book and one that will have you gripped from start to finish! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Serena Flannigan.