My Review for The Start of Something by Miranda Dickinson, Read by Claire Morgan and Simon Pothecary

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Do people ever really get together by writing notes to each other in windows? I’m not sure they do, but I wish they would. The Start of Something is just a lovely, happy story for those incurable romantics out there. There are lots of times when I wanted to slap the two main characters, Lachlan and Bethan, just for being so pig-headed and not talking to each other! Come on, you’re adults, stop behaving like kids!

Bethan doesn’t want Lachie to know she is a single mum and Lachie doesn’t want Bethan to know he’s suffering from a severe leg injury, each have their own reasons for keeping things to themselves - for now.  

Lachie is currently on leave from the army, recovering from a car accident. He has a dog and a cat called Bert and Ernie. The names made me smile and the antics of the two were entertaining throughout the story. Bethan has a three-year-old son called Noah, works in a garden centre and is trying to rebuild her life following a difficult break-up. 

I enjoyed The Start of Something as an Audiobook, read by Claire Morgan and Simon Pothecary. They were brilliant and made each character seem real and believable. Particularly Claire, with her Welsh accent was fantastic, bringing the character of Bethan to life. 

I would recommend The Start of Something for anyone who loves a cheesy romance. It’s an easy read or listen, and ideal for whiling away a few hours on the beach. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review an ARC of The Start of Something by Miranda Dickinson.

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My Review for The Boy in Makeup: TikTok made me buy it by Anthony Connors-Roberts

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wanted to get this review out before the end of Pride month and June 20022. A great read, and ideal for younger people who are perhaps coming to terms with their sexuality. The Boy in Makeup is fun, entertaining and in parts heartbreaking as we follow Cory as he deals with the people who can often be narrow-minded, uneducated and prejudiced as well as his close friends who accept him for who he is. He is an inspirational young lad who knows what he wants and goes all out to make it happen despite the obstacles that appear in his way.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters and the author was adept at drawing me into Cory’s life. I was invested in how he was going to deal with bullies and teachers who perhaps weren’t quite as understanding as his friends.

As The Boy in Makeup is a short story, a lot happened in a short space of time, this would be great as a prequel to lots more full-length novels about Cory and I hope Anthony Connors-Roberts continues to write and I’d love to read more about Cory and the challenges he faces as he becomes a young man and leaves school. 

My only comment and the reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that this perhaps needed a final edit as there were a few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. However, this in no way detracted from the story and I’d recommend The Boy in Makeup, to everyone, young or old, that may be interested in the difficulties faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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My Review for The Girl From Jonestown by Sharon Maas

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m not sure whether I’ve been living under a rock for the last forty-odd years but I knew nothing about the Jonestown cult and the horrific things that went on there so when I read the synopsis for The Girl From Jonestown by Sharon Maas, I knew I needed to find out what had happened.

Inspired by actual events, Sharon Maas sympathetically retells the story of how the cult came about and what happened in the following few years. To say I was shocked to the core was an understatement. Few things shock me these days, but The Girl From Jonestown made me shudder and recoil and really just wonder how and why! 

Our protagonist, Zoe, was determined to find out all about the noises she hears in the night. Other people just wanted to brush everything under the carpet and let people get on with their lives, regardless of right and wrong. I know this is true of people and places everywhere in the world, but looking the other way doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do. 

Sharon Maas captures the entire story and tragic events brilliantly and with compassion. I was compelled to read as fast as my daily life would allow to discover an ending I sort of realised was going to happen, but not what happened to every character. 

If you’ve got a strong stomach and you enjoy historical fiction based on facts, then I urge you to read The Girl From Jonestown. It’s a story that everyone should be aware of. 

I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this book, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Girl From Jonestown by Sharon Maas.

Book Description

The woman looked at me, anguish brimming in her eyes. I picked up the note she’d left and read the scrawl: HELP!!! Then: Mom. Followed by a number.

A gripping and heartbreaking read, based on the true story of the Jonestown cult, one of the darkest chapters in American history.

When journalist Zoe Quint loses her husband and child in a tragic accident, she returns home to Guyana to heal. But when she hears cries and music floating through the trees, her curiosity compels her to learn more about the Americans who have set up camp in a run-down village nearby. Their leader, Jim Jones, dark-eyed and charismatic, claims to be a peaceful man who has promised his follower's paradise.

But everything changes when Zoe meets one of his followers, a young woman called Lucy, in a ramshackle grocery store. Lucy grabs Zoe’s arm, raw terror in her eyes, and passes her a note with a phone number, begging her to call her mother in America.

Zoe is determined to help Lucy, but locals warn her to stay away from the camp, and as sirens and gunshots echo through the jungle at nightfall, she knows they are right. But she can’t shake the frightened woman’s face from her mind, and when she discovers that there are young children kept in the camp, she has to act fast.

Zoe’s only route to the lost people is to get close to their leader, Jim Jones. But if she is accepted, will she be able to persuade the frightened followers to risk their lives and embark on a perilous escape under the cover of darkness? And when Jim Jones hears of her plans, could she pay the highest price of all?

A powerful and unputdownable novel inspired by the true story of Jonestown, about a woman’s brave attempt to save people who were promised paradise but found only lies. Fans of Where the Crawdads Sing, Before We Were Yours and The Girls will be captivated by The Girl from Jonestown.

Author Bio

Sharon Maas was born to politically active parents in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1951. She was educated in England, Guyana, and, later, Germany. After leaving school, she worked as a reporter with the Guyana Graphic in Georgetown and later wrote feature articles for the Sunday Chronicle as a staff journalist. Sharon has always had a great sense of adventure and curiosity about the world we live in, and Guyana could not hold her for long. In 1971 she set off on a year-long backpacking trip around South America, followed by an overland trek to South India, where she spent two years in an ashram. She lived in Germany for forty-three years and now lives in Ireland. She is the author of The Violin Maker’s Daughter, The Soldier’s Girl, Her Darkest Hour and many other novels.

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My Review for The Hotel Nantucket, Read by Erin Bennett

When lots of my bookish friends started talking about The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand, I knew I just needed to read or listen to a copy. When my request for the Audiobook was approved, I couldn’t keep the smile from my face! Read by Erin Bennett, I was enveloped completely into The Hotel Nantucket and its staff, residents and ghost (yes you read that correctly) from the moment they opened their doors to guests.

Following a fire in 1922 in which Grace, aged 19, tragically perished,, the hotel has never really been the same again, until now, when a billionaire from London has purchased it and wants The Hotel Nantucket to be simply the best. Elin takes us on the hotel’s journey and I definitely felt that the characters were becoming friends as I got to know all about them. 

I have never travelled to Nantucket, but after listening to Erin Bennett put the author’s words so imaginatively into my ears, I would love to go. It sounds just like my sort of place. Nantucket now needs to be on an itinerary for one of our road trips! 

I am new to Elin Hilderbrand and I really enjoyed my first insight into her world. I am now off to put her other books on my ‘to be read’ list. 

An ideal book to tuck into your beach bag this summer. Just don’t get so captivated that the tide comes in behind you! 

Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review an ARC of The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand.

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My Review for The Hideaway by Norma Curtis

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well, there was a tear in my eye within the first couple of chapters, and it was more about how The Hideaway by Norma Curtis was written, rather than what she was writing about at that moment. Right from the beginning, I wanted to be the one to move into The Hideaway for the summer, nestled somewhere in Wales, and somewhere you could go and dangle your feet in the water! 

A dual timeline story, set both in the present day and towards the end of the Second World War in Belsen Concentration Camp. Hedi was a German Prisoner of War and we learn all about the traumatic ordeal she and her friends underwent, and we discover how she met her husband Harry whilst there. Thea is their granddaughter and Hedi tells her story to Thea each night, sitting on the jetty with a glass (or bottle) of wine in hand. 

Historical fiction, romance and a little bit of mystery all mixed into one, Norma Curtis just picks you up and drops you down, right in the heart of both Belsen, with Hedi, and The Hideaway, with Thea and Hedi. I loved it; I loved the writing, the story, and the vivid descriptions throughout and I loved how close Hedi and Thea became as they got to know each other properly. 

I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this book, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Hideaway by Norma Curtis.

Book Description

Thea placed her hands on the soft, aged leather of her grandmother’s suitcase, the one the slight old woman never let out of her sight. The thunk of the lock sounded very loud in the stillness of the cottage and Thea froze, her eyes on the bedroom door. Hearing nothing, she held her breath and peered inside…

Hedi Fischer, aged ninety, smooths her hair and applies a touch of red lipstick from the tube. Over her pristine wool skirt suit, she has knotted a men’s tartan bathrobe, frayed with age. Hedi hasn’t taken it off since her darling Harry passed. Since the day she gave away everything but the battered little suitcase that holds all the memories she’s tried her best to lock away.

Thea has never met her grandmother Hedi, so she’s surprised when she receives a call to take her home. She’s not sure how Hedi will fit into her new life – the one where she’s left her boyfriend and moved into a run-down cottage miles from the nearest town. And Hedi refuses to talk about her past, or why she and Thea’s mother haven’t spoken for more than thirty years. So when Thea spots Hedi’s case on the table, she can’t resist taking a peek inside…

What Thea finds there is more heartbreaking than she could have ever imagined. It is a story that begins in World War Two, when young Hedi arrives by train at a Nazi concentration camp, from which she has no hope of escaping alive…

A heart-warming and emotional read that will have you reaching for the tissues! Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lily Graham and Rachel Hore.

Author Bio

Norma Curtis's first published stories were for teenage magazines and she began writing novels when she joined the Romantic Novelists' Association. Her first novel won the New Writer's Award and was chosen as a WH Smith Fresh Talent title. 

A couple of years after being invited onto the RNA committee she was made chairman and following her two-year term of office, she studied creative writing at City University before taking an MA in Prose Fiction at Middlesex University. 

The Drowned Village is her sixth novel and she lives in North London with her family.

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My Review for An Island Summer by Jenny Hale

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awww, An Island Summer is such a lovely read. I’m a sucker for ‘a girl who leaves a busy life/boyfriend behind and moves to the coast’ sort of story. Usually, it’s set in the UK though, so to read one based in the US is a change for me. 

Meghan returns to Hatteras Island with her best friend, Tess, moving into her Pappy’s old cottage that he left to her when he passed away. Meghan is set on creating a new life for herself away from NYC, and Tess, well, Tess has come along to support Meghan and have a bit of fun at the same time. 

Jenny Hale deals delicately with dementia issues and how they can affect family and friends. I felt for Toby as he was trying to come to terms with his past and move ahead with his future. Tess is absolutely the best friend that anyone could wish for and absolutely always has Meghan’s back and only wants what is best for her. 

I loved all of it, from the descriptions of the Atlantic Ocean, the little fishing cottage that Meghan slowly brings back to life to the Hollywood-esque history of an old movie star. An Island Summer is an ideal book to disappear into the sunshine with and retreat into someone else’s life for a while. 

I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of An Island Summer by Jenny Hale.

About the Book

In the summer, everything feels possible… A heartwarming small-town romance about new beginnings, old secrets and how home is truly where the heart is. Fans of Susan Mallery, Pamela Kelley, and Mary Alice Monroe will fall head over heels for this romantic page-turner.

All that Meghan Gray has left of her beloved Pappy is his cottage on the edge of the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Longing to feel close to her grandfather, she returns to the golden sands of Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks for the summer, clutching the manilla envelope he gifted her tightly in her hand.

On her first night on the sun-drenched island, she meets brooding Toby Meyers, a local businessman. She might feel lost without Pappy, but looking into Toby’s sparkling blue eyes feels like coming home.

The beach house where she spent her childhood is just how she remembers: a shingled bungalow with two rocking chairs on the porch and shutters on the windows. As Meghan strolls along the sand with Toby, breathing in the salty air, she realizes she is making new memories…

When Meghan opens the envelope, she finds a black-and-white photograph of someone she doesn’t recognize. If she can find out its meaning, and why Pappy gave it to her, she’ll unlock a secret that has been hidden for decades. The truth has the power to change everything Meghan and Toby thought they knew about their lives—and it will either bring them together, or break their hearts…

Author Bio

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family. Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers.

When she isn’t writing, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favourite pastime.

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My Review for The River Between Us by Liz Fenwick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love Liz Fenwick, one of my favourite authors who writes about Cornwall, and The River Between Us didn’t disappoint. We are currently looking at houses in Devon and Cornwall, possibly a small renovation project, but nothing quite as big as the one Theo, our protagonist, took on in Boatman’s Cottage on the banks of the Tamar.

Theo is escaping from the breakdown of her marriage and, whilst looking around her new home, she discovers some love letters written during the First World War. The story is then told between the two time periods, 1914-1920 and 2019. We come to learn how and why the letters were written and how Theo and her family fit into the storyline. 

The author covers a variety of subjects in the wartime part of the novel, including same-sex relationships, marrying for money and titles, but not for love, and the control parents had over their children. I enjoyed both timelines equally, and it was interesting to see how each was going to play out.

The River Between Us is a title true to its name, as love flourished on either side of the Tamar. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading novels set in Cornwall, with lots of Cornish history throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The River Between Us by Liz Fenwick.

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My Review for Too Close by Gayle Curtis, Read by Imogen Church

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love Imogen Church as an Audiobook narrator, so when I was at a loss for a new book to listen to, I just had to choose Too Close by Gayle Curtis from the Borrowbox list I was perusing!

Slow to begin with but quickly picking up the pace, Too Close follows the lives of twins, Cecilia and Sebastian and the dark and troubled journey they both endure. The book is tense, troubling, violent and sometimes just plain weird, but I loved it. There is so much going on, and as we get towards the end of the story, it jumps backwards and forwards between characters and the plot so much that my head hurt - in a good way!

Gayle Curtis is a master at giving us only the snippets of detail we need, right at that moment, and bringing more explanations to the story when it’s necessary. This kept me intrigued throughout and often wondered what she was going to throw in next.

As I said before, Imogen Church is a brilliant narrator and once again, she doesn’t fail to bring the characters into your head. Whether they’re lovable or evil, she will reel you in.

For lovers of a dark, suspenseful thriller, check out Too Close as soon as you can.

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My Review for The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Heartbreaking, shocking, unbelievable, and harrowing. These are just four words that only make a dent in how The Midwife of Auschwitz will make you feel. Inspiring, courageous, graphic and brilliant. Another four words that only make a dent in how Anna Stuart has written about and portrayed the events that occurred in Auschwitz-Birkenau between 1943 and 1944, from the point of view of the midwives that were imprisoned there but who helped to birth over 3000 babies during that time.

Ester and Ana, one Jewish and one Catholic, become friends and ultimately end up in the concentration camp. Ana is there because she has become part of the resistance and is captured as she tries to help others. We follow the journey of the two women and those they care for as World War II continues and they await liberation.

I’m finding it difficult to express how I feel about The Midwife of Auschwitz. I just love, love, love reading about events during both World War I and II and in particular, books that are inspired by true events. Yes, this was hard-going in parts, but a real page-turner too. All the time, I was completely appalled by the actions of the Nazis, but also astounded by how the women reacted to them and continued to fight for their lives. After all, what had they got to live for if not hope?

Anna Stuart is an incredible author and The Midwife of Auschwitz is an incredible story. Brilliantly researched and sympathetically written. I cannot imagine how difficult this was to research. It’s painful enough just reading it over a few days, but to research for months is just astounding.

As I’ve said before in my reviews, everyone should know the atrocities of the Second World War and fiction based on true events is a great way to learn.

I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart.

Book Description

Auschwitz, 1943: As I held the tiny baby in my arms, my fingers traced the black tattoo etched across her little thigh. And I prayed that one day this set of numbers, identical to her mother’s, would have the power to reunite a family torn apart by war…

Inspired by an incredible true story, this poignant novel tells of one woman’s fight for love, life and hope during a time of unimaginable darkness.

Ana Kaminski is pushed through the iron gates of Auschwitz beside her frightened young friend Ester Pasternak. As they reach the front of the line, Ana steps forward and quietly declares herself a midwife – and Ester her assistant. Their arms are tattooed and they’re ordered to the maternity hut. Holding an innocent new-born baby, Ana knows the fate of so many are in her hands, and vows to do everything she can to save them.

When two guards in their chilling SS uniforms march in and snatch a blond-haired baby from its mother it’s almost too much for Ana to bear. Consoling the distraught woman, Ana realises amidst the terrible heartache there is a glimmer of hope. The guards are taking the healthiest babies and placing them with German families, so they will survive. And there are whispers the war is nearly over… Ana and Ester begin to secretly tattoo little ones with their mother’s numbers, praying one day they might be reunited.

Then, early one morning, Ana notices the small bump under Ester’s thin striped clothing…

An absolutely heartbreaking and page-turning WW2 novel of one woman’s bravery and determination to bring life and hope into a broken world. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Nightingale will be gripped.

Author Bio

Anna Stuart lives in Derbyshire with her campervan-mad husband, two hungry teenagers and a slightly loopy dog. She was hooked on books from the moment she first opened one in her cot so is thrilled to now have several of her own to her name. Having studied English literature at Cambridge University, she took an enjoyable temporary trip into the ‘real world’ as a factory planner, before returning to her first love and becoming an author. History has also always fascinated her. Living in an old house with a stone fireplace, she often wonders who sat around it before her and is intrigued by how actively the past is woven into the present, something she likes to explore in her novels. Anna loves the way that writing lets her ‘try on’ so many different lives, but her favourite part of the job is undoubtedly hearing from readers. You can reach her on  Facebook or Twitter

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