Friday, May 30, 2025

My Review for A Fresh Start at Polkerran Point by Cass Grafton

May 30, 2025  , , , , , ,  No comments


'The sing song of conversation was punctuated by cups clinking in saucers and plates being passed around. A Mad Hatter's tea party of sorts - with less hats and perhaps slightly more madness'.

'It's beginning to feel like all roads lead to Polkerran Point.'

In this visit to Polkerran Point, we are with Kate, who has made the move to Polkerran to get away from her ass of an ex-husband, and brought along her teenage daughter Mollie. I predicted that the love-interest this time around would be Dev, and I was right! 

Once again, Cass has brought me sunshine and joy with her book, as I excuse myself from real life and disappear into the gorgeous community that makes up Polkerran. I love that Cass can pick me up and deposit me around Anna's kitchen table, as I mingle with the batty locals. Or sit me on Kate's terrace with a glass of wine, listening to the sea in the distance and contemplating life. 

The 'Friends' reference at the beginning of each chapter relates to what the chapter is about and  is brilliantly thought out - you know what I mean 'the one with......'

Of course there is a 'happy-ever-after', I wouldn't expect anything less. Cass's books always make me feel as though someone has picked me up and wrapped me in a massive hug, and no matter what sort of day I was having, I always feel better as I turn the last page. 

I'm thinking Bella might be next - presuming there is another book - please don't stop writing Cass, your books make me happy. 💛

Thank you to Canelo Books, Love Book Tours and Cass Grafton for the gifted copy of A Fresh Start at Polkerran Point.




About the Book

They've both been burned by love before, but will they take a second chance? A year on from the demise of an unhappy marriage, Kate Stretton grabs the opportunity to move to the other end of the country and start afresh in Cornwall with her teenage daughter, Mollie. Unused to the slower pace of life, Kate leaps at the chance to take on Polkerran Point’s ailing annual arts and music festival.

Soon, though, she locks horns with local Rick Devonshire, the main sponsor for the festival. Rick’s marriage has fallen apart in spectacular fashion, and the last thing he needs is Kate pushing to go against the festival’s traditions.

Between unhelpful locals, taunting messages from her ex and trying to be present for her daughter, Kate’s life is rapidly spiralling out of her control. It will take the whole village to make the festival a success, but with her determination and growing friendship with Rick, she might just do it…

About Cass - by Cass

I began my writing life in Regency England, enlisted Jane Austen's help to timetravel between then and the present day and am now happily ensconced in 21st century Cornwall.

Well, in my imagination and soul; my heart and physical presence reside in northern England with my ever-patient husband and Tig and Tag, our cute but exceptionally demanding moggies.

A bit of a nomad, I’ve called three countries home, as well as six different English counties, but my aspiration is to one day reunite with my beloved West Country.

In the meantime, I write feel-good contemporary romances set in Cornwall and, in doing so, manage to live there vicariously through my characters and settings.































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Thursday, May 29, 2025

My Review for Shaedes of Fire by Jenny Grimes

May 29, 2025  , , , , , ,  No comments


'A dragon will always catch you when you fall.'

This is such an incredible sequel to the first book, and if it was possible, I adored it even more. Opal, Farris and Edmym - I did not see that coming! 🌶️ But they handled the whole situation with maturity and even a little bit of humour!

As our adventurers are tasked with their missions, the amazing Jenny Grimes does an awesome job of taking us along for the ride - quite literally in some cases! Who doesn't want to be able to pop into a hole and transport to another realm, or even just get somewhere that little bit faster - it definitely beats catching the bus!

I loved Nell and that's all I'm going to say about her, you need to read this for yourself and continue along with Nell on the High Shaedes journey, as they encounter wizards, sarcastic dragons, and make some difficult decisions. 

If you haven't read Shaedes of Power, then read that first. If you love Fourth Wing and ACOTAR then I guarantee you will love this too. Now I'm off to make myself some 'honey cakes and daphweed tea' whilst I find my next read!

Thank you so much to Jenny Grimes for including me on her ARC team for Shaedes of Fire. How long do I have to wait for the next book??!!

About the Book

“Lesson A dragon will always catch you when you fall.”

Months have passed since Opal returned to the Shaede Court after defeating the Night Prince and experiencing the epic loss of her family. While so many things seem like they are falling into place for the High Shaedes, Opal must now navigate the dueling affections of her charming faerie lover, Farris, and Edmyn, the handsome and relentless Moon King.

In addition to dealing with all the complications that are revealed about her magical bond, dragons have come out of isolation and attacked the Night Court for no known reason, leaving the faerie realm both puzzled and crippled with fear. Add some drama with the faerie-worshipping wizards in the south and some unusual nightmares plaguing her best friend, and the hard-won peace that Opal and her friends thought they’d achieved begins to quickly unravel, leading them to places they have never been before.

What begins as a journey to discover the truth in Opal’s heart, quickly transforms into a high stakes quest, which involves a magical rock hunt, dragons with bad attitudes, wizards who become family, and a spicy love triangle that wants to be so much more. Welcome back to the Seam, where magic abounds, dysfunction festers, and love grows.


About Jenny

Jenny Grimes writes fantasy romance novels that focus on the blurred lines between worlds, the darkness you’ll find in all of them, and the love that resides there too. She creates her characters and spins her stories from her home in the human realm, where she raises her three little book dragons with her husband, and spends a healthy amount of time reading, travelling, and creating art.


























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Wednesday, May 28, 2025

My Review for Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop by Jaimie Admans

May 28, 2025  , , , , , ,  1 comment


'Would he be a better person if he drank lemonade instead?' 'At least it might fizz him up a bit!'

I don't ever want this series to end, not ever! 💖 I'm sure this is the effect that Ever After Street is having on many readers. This time we get to read Mickey and Ren's story. They are polar opposites, Mickey has dyed red hair like Ariel from the Little Mermaid, she wears seashells in her hair and loves everything mermaid 🧜‍♀️ and believes in fairytales. Ren is sensible, strait-laced and Ava, his teenage daughter thinks he's boring. But together they work - well eventually they do - as they set off on a mermaid adventure together.

Ava was awesome, for a thirteen-year-old, she was pretty perceptive and not without her wily ways to try to get her grumpy Dad and awesome new friend together. She's sassy and fun and I liked her a lot. 

We have shops like Mickey's Curiosity Shop close to where I live. Sort of antiquey crossed with a jumble sale! 🤣 You never know what you're going to find in there and I love the mystery that comes with a visit to any shop like that.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop by Jaimie Admans.




About the Book

Don't miss the gorgeously romantic and BRAND NEW story from Jaimie Admans, guaranteed to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face! In a shop full of stories, some magic is real.

Mickey Teasdale loves her quaint curiosity shop, where every item feels magical to her. She loves imagining the past owners of her knick-knacks and telling her made-up tales to customers, but lately, the magic has dimmed; the shop feels cluttered, and even her stories seem as worn as the items she sells.

Everything changes when the grumpiest customer Mickey’s ever met—single dad Ren Montague—walks in with his surly teen daughter, Ava. Ren hates mess and clutter and prefers order and calm, but he'll do anything to see Ava smile. Yet, something shifts in him when he meets Mickey, who seems like she stepped out of her very own fairy tale.

When Ava discovers a secret diary, hidden from years long ago, she and Mickey believe it must have once belonged to a real-life mermaid! Ever sceptical, Ren tries to protect Ava from disappointment, but as they unravel the mystery together, something special happens…

Ren learns that happy ever afters still exist if you're brave enough to look for them, and Mickey discovers that real-life can sometimes be way more magical than anything she could have ever imagined.

About Jaimie

Jaimie is a 38-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. 

She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. 

She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.


























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Tuesday, May 27, 2025

My Review for A Honey for the Beekeeper by Nina Crespo

May 27, 2025  , , , , , ,  No comments


'She never stayed in one place for long…
Until she felt the sweet sting of love'.

A Honey for the Beekeeper was a gorgeous and beautiful book. From beginning to end, it made me feel all warm and cosy inside. Brooke and Gable were adorable, and at first, they appear to be on the very same page, just up for an 'in the moment' relationship. No strings, no ties, and all ready to enjoy spending time together while they're living in the same place. Short-term is what they both want...or is it?

If I had the space and an agreeable husband, I'd love to try my hand at beekeeping, what better way to spend those summer days than caring for the delightful honeybees. Surprisingly I learnt quite a lot, just from reading Nina's lovely book!

I loved how Nina sensitively dealt with both Gable and Brooke's individual stories, how they come to terms with loss and eventually how communicating with other people, can actually help.

If you are in the mood for a cute, sweet romance, then pick up a copy of Nina's new book. I'll definitely be back for the next in the series. 

Thank you to Literary Media Tours and Nina Crespo for the opportunity to read and review A Honey for the Beekeeper.

About the Book

She never stayed in one place for long…
Until she felt the sweet sting of love.

Brooke Bishop thrives on adventure, from skiing slopes to sailing yachts—anything to avoid her family's bee farm. But when Brooke and her estranged sister inherit the farm, she’s stuck there until her sister can buy her out. And then Brooke meets country singer Gable Kincaid—and she finds herself wondering if wanderlust is a bit overrated…

Seeking refuge from fame and a painful past, Gable finds Brooke is just the balm he needs. As their budding attraction blossoms, the music industry he’s trying to avoid threatens to reclaim Gable. And Brooke would rather head out of town than feel the sting of that loss. As they’re pulled down separate paths, will Brooke and Gable discover that, sometimes, home is a place found in each other?

About Nina

Nina Crespo is an award-winning romance author known for her captivating and steamy novels. She writes in various subgenres of romance, including contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romance. Her books often feature strong, independent heroines and charismatic heroes who navigate passionate and sometimes complicated relationships. Nina’s work has been published by Harlequin, Pocket Books, Kensington, and Entangled Publishing.

When she’s not writing, Nina indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing.




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Monday, May 26, 2025

My Review for The Crash by Freida McFadden, read by Leslie Howard

May 26, 2025  , , , , , ,  No comments

I was disappointed....

I’ve never read a Freida McFadden before, no particular reason, it just hasn’t really been on my radar, plus I have an ARC backlog of 9 million years, plus an endless and ever-growing TBR! But, #bookstabritsbookclub chose The Crash for their May read and so here we are. 

I listened to this one and it was enjoyable, if predictable. To be honest, Tegan, who was the female main character was a bit of a wet lettuce. At the beginning I thought she was going to have a lot more spunk than it turned out she had! Hank was two sandwiches short of a picnic and Polly was just devious, manipulative and as mad as a March hare! 

There were inconsistencies that annoyed me, and if this had been an ARC, I would have overlooked them - knowing (hoping) they’d be picked up in the final edit. However this wasn’t an ARC and so I couldn’t just ignore them. A couple of people I spoke to said they were part of the story/plot but actually, I don’t think it was. I was disappointed, there are so many people who rave about this author, but nope, I just didn't get it. 

Anyway, it wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, it passed a few hours whilst I was listening, but would I rush back to read another one - no, probably not. 

About the Book

Tegan is eight months pregnant, alone, and desperately wants to put her crumbling life in the rearview mirror. So she hits the road, planning to stay with her brother until she can figure out her next move. But she doesn't realize she's heading straight into a blizzard.

She never arrives at her destination.

Stranded in rural Maine with a dead car and broken ankle, Tegan worries she's made a terrible mistake. Then a miracle occurs: she is rescued by a couple who offers her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears.

But something isn't right. Tegan believed she was waiting out the storm, but as time ticks by, she comes to realize she is in grave danger. This safe haven isn't what she thought it was, and staying here may have been her most deadly mistake yet.

And now she must do whatever it takes to save herself—and her unborn child.

About Freida

#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.

Freida lives with her family and cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.




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Friday, May 23, 2025

My Review for Break Every Rule by Brian Freeman read by Scott Brick

May 23, 2025  , , , ,  No comments


.... when the lives of the people you love are at stake, rules are made to be broken.

Have I really not read a Brian Freeman book before? 🙈 Of course I've seen the Jason Bourne movies, and perhaps I did read these before I got back into reading - I can't remember though. Anyway, I loved this, from beginning to end. It was fast-paced, exciting, and there were so many twists and turns, I met myself coming backwards, more than once! Honestly, I was exhausted by the time I took my AirPods out for the final time!

At the start I thought Tommy was a bad man, but he really isn't, he loves his wife and daughter more than anything in the world and if he has to kill to avenge their kidnapping, then that's exactly what he'll do. Along the way, he has unexpected assistance from professionals and amateurs alike, all of who are looking for the same outcome. 

Scott Brick did a sterling job as the narrator, throwing me into every single scene as though I really was there too, fighting off the bad guys and chilling in the bars. 

I would one hundred per cent recommend this book to anyone who loved a hectic thriller where you don't get a moment to stop and think!

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Libro FM for the opportunity to listen to and review Break Every Rule by Brian Freeman.

About the Book

Tommy Miller is a man with deadly skills, hiding in Florida under a false identity. After being set up on an overseas mission, he’s on the run from terrorists—and from the government who betrayed him. So when his wife and daughter are violently abducted, it seems his ghosts are finally catching up with him.

But Tommy isn’t the only one with secrets. His wife, Teresa, has been concealing her own dangerous past, and as Tommy races to rescue his family, he must peel away the clues she’s left behind. With a hotshot police detective, Lindy Jax, close on his trail, Tommy follows a twisted path from Florida to the Bahamas, one that brings him face to face with ruthless enemies.

His search for answers soon puts him on the wrong side of the law—hunted by the police and pursued by men who want him dead. Worst of all, if he hopes to save Teresa and their daughter, Rosalita, he must become the man he once was—a killer operating from the deepest shadows.

But when the lives of the people you love are at stake, rules are made to be broken.


About Brian

Brian Freeman is the bestselling author of thirty novels that have been sold around the world and translated into 23 languages. His novel SPILLED BLOOD won the award for Best Hardcover Novel in the annual Thriller Awards, and his novel THE BURYING PLACE was a finalist for the same award. His novel THE DEEP, DEEP SNOW was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original, and his debut IMMORAL was an Edgar finalist for Best First Novel. In 2019, he was selected by Putnam and the Robert Ludlum estate as the official author to continue Ludlum’s famous Jason Bourne franchise.

“My goal is to write books with haunting characters and a lightning-fast pace,” Brian says. “My stories are about the hidden intimate motives that draw people across some dark lines. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages, and each piece in the puzzle gives you new insight into the heroes, victims, and villains.”

“I don’t like books where the characters are all good or all bad,” he adds. “I want them to live in the real world, where morality means tough choices and a lot of shades of gray. I hope that’s why readers relate so intensely to the people in my books.”

He is particularly known for the “you are there” sense of place in his novels, from dead-of-winter Minnesota to the tropical storms of Florida. He scouts real-life locales for all of his books and brings to life dramatic settings such as Duluth, San Francisco, Tampa, Las Vegas, and Door County, Wisconsin. “Nobody writes weather like Brian Freeman,” says one reviewer.

Brian lives in Florida with his wife, Marcia, who is his partner in life and in the book business. They both stay closely connected to Brian’s readers.



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Wednesday, May 21, 2025

My Review for Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson, read by Samantha Summers and Flint Park

May 21, 2025  , , , ,  No comments


Just when you were expecting a sweet romance......

...and once again I dive headlong in without reading the synopsis, 🤣 but hey, it all adds to the excitement and uncertainty of a book right! There I was, pootling around the garden, pulling up weeds, thinking I was listening to a cute little romance, coming from the shores of Loch Ness. The narrators were dragging me in (especially Flint with his Scottish accent) and I was all set for love and romance, and maybe a little bit of resistance from one of the main characters. What I wasn't expecting was the steaminess between Key and Lachlan. But that was fine, I don't mind spice in a book at all, as long as it's done well and this one was. What I REALLY wasn't expecting was the paranormal aspect! 🦕 That's all I'm going to say, I don't want to spoil it for anyone else who doesn't read the book description or reviews. 😝 

Apart from the surprise of what I realised I was reading, I loved the story. Nothing was out of my comfort zone, I read spice and paranormal, fantasy and romance - sometimes all together. I judge a book by its cover and that cover does not say 'monsters'! 

Lana - your book was so, so good and I will definitely be having a look at your backlist. Thank you for creating Key and Lachlan, I adored them both and Samantha and Flint brought them to life.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Libro FM for the opportunity to listen to and review Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson.

About the Book

Keyanna “Key” MacKay is used to secrets. Raised by a single father who never divulged his past, it’s only after his death that she finds herself thrust into the world he’d always refused to speak of. With just a childhood bedtime story about a monster that saved her father’s life and the name of her estranged grandmother to go off of, Key has no idea what she’ll find in Scotland. But repeating her father’s mistakes and being rescued by a gorgeous, angry Scotsman—who thinks she’s an idiot—is definitely the last thing she expects.

Lachlan Greer has his own secrets to keep, especially from the bonnie lass he pulls to safety from the slippery shore—a lass with captivating eyes and the last name he’s been taught not to trust. He’s looking for answers as well, and Key’s presence on the grounds they both now occupy presents a real problem. It’s even more troublesome when he gets a front row seat to the lukewarm welcome Key receives from her family; the strange powers she begins to develop; and the fierce determination she brings to every obstacle in her path. Things he shouldn’t care about, and someone he definitely doesn’t find wildly attractive.

When their secrets collide, it becomes clear that Lachlan could hold the answers Keyanna is after—and that she might also be the key to uncovering his. Up against time, mystery, and a centuries old curse, they’ll quickly discover that magic might not only be in fairy tales, and that love can be a real loch-mess.

About Lana

Lana Ferguson is a sex-positive nerd whose works never shy from spice or sass. A faded Fabio cover found its way into her hands at fifteen, and she’s never been the same since. When she isn’t writing—you can find her randomly singing show tunes, arguing over which Batman is superior, and subjecting her friends to the extended editions of Lord of the Rings. Lana lives mostly in her own head, but can sometimes be found chasing her corgi through the coppice of the great American outdoors.

Lana hopes to give the world all sorts of sexy stories between two dummies sharing a single brain cell—but until then: practice safe text, use commas.



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Monday, May 19, 2025

My Review for Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, read by Helena Bonham Carter

May 19, 2025  , , , , , ,  No comments


 Eye-opening, heartbreaking and insightful.

Thanks to #classiclitbookclub I am revisiting many of the books I read as a child or in my teenage years and The Diary of a Young Girl is one of them. I'm unsure whether I read it at school or on my own but I was fascinated and heartbroken, then and now. Fascinated that such a young girl - Anne was just thirteen when he family went into hiding in the 'annexe' - wrote her diaries in such an adult and eloquent way, and despite the hardships surrounding her, she wrote with wit and humour, often making the best of an absolutely horrendous situation. She had a sarcasm about her that made me giggle as I was listening to the amazing narration of Helena Bonham Carter, who brought Anne's personality to life as she retold Anne's writings. 

Of course we all know the ending, which was devastatingly heartbreaking, as Anne was eventually captured and sent to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where, at just fifteen years of age, she met her death. Knowing the outcome, made the diaries, all the more difficult to listen to, because Anne had so many dreams about what she wanted to do when the war ended, and for me, personally, knowing that wasn't going to happen was excruciatingly difficult.

The version I listened to had the original censored parts reinstated which I understand happened after Otto Frank passed away. In the original publication her father omitted the sexuality references as well as the parts where Anne was particularly rude about some of those she was in hiding with.

If you haven't read Anne Frank's diary and you have the slightest interest in WWII, then I would urge you to pick this up. It's eye-opening, heartbreaking and insightful and should be on the school curriculum for everyone.

About the Book

In Amsterdam, in the summer of 1942, the Nazis forced teenager Anne Frank and her family into hiding. For over two years, they, another family and a German dentist lived in a 'secret annexe', fearing discovery. All that time, Anne kept a diary.

An intimate record of tension and struggle, adolescence and confinement, anger and heartbreak, Anne Frank's diary is one of those unique documents, famed throughout the world.It portrays innocence and humanity, suffering and survival in the starkest and most moving terms.

About Anne

Anne Frank was born in the German city of Frankfurt am Main in 1929. Anne’s sister Margot was three years her senior. Unemployment was high and poverty was severe in Germany, and it was the period in which Adolf Hitler and his party were gaining more and more supporters. Hitler hated the Jews and blamed them for the problems in the country. He took advantage of the rampant antisemitic sentiments in Germany. The hatred of Jews and the poor economic situation made Anne's parents, Otto and Edith Frank, decide to move to Amsterdam. There, Otto founded a company that traded in pectin, a gelling agent for making jam.

Before long, Anne felt right at home in the Netherlands. She learned the language, made new friends and went to a Dutch school near her home. Her father worked hard to get his business off the ground, but it was not easy. Otto also tried to set up a company in England, but the plan fell through. Things looked up when he started selling herbs and spices in addition to the pectin.

On 1 September 1939, when Anne was 10 years old, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, and so the Second World War began. Not long after, on 10 May 1940, the Nazis also invaded the Netherlands. Five days later, the Dutch army surrendered. Slowly but surely, the Nazis introduced more and more laws and regulations that made the lives of Jews more difficult. For instance, Jews could no longer visit parks, cinemas, or non-Jewish shops. The rules meant that more and more places became off-limits to Anne. Her father lost his company, since Jews were no longer allowed to run their own businesses. All Jewish children, including Anne, had to go to separate Jewish schools.

The rest of Anne's story is told in her book, 'The Diary of a Young Girl'.





















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Friday, May 16, 2025

My Review for All the Lost Pieces by Lara Martin

May 16, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments


'All the pieces of herself she'd lost along the way, well, it was time to start recapturing them'.

First, my sincere apologies to the author who kindly gifted me a copy of her book back in 2023, and I'm ashamed to say it's taken me two years to read it. Over commitment is my only excuse, but I am trying to do better this year!

I adored everything about this book. I loved all the characters, although Tammy was the one exception, she was a real piece of work! Each of them bring their own unique charm to the story and I especially fell in love with Ano - the things that man can do with food - if only this book had the ability to send cooking fragrances through the pages!

I lived alongside Nina as she navigated her way through finding the right job for her, attempting to win people round, but also being mindful not to tread on any toes as she finds pleasure and happiness in her personal life as well as her career. It's rare that I shed a tear when I'm reading, but I have to admit that there were a couple of times towards the end of this one that I had to stifle a sniffle!

I wish I hadn't waited so long to read this, and I will definitely be working my way through Lara's other books very soon.

Thank you to Lara Martin for the opportunity to read and review All the Lost Pieces.

About the Book

Twenty-nine-year-old Nina Abrahams is not in a good place. She’s been fired from her restaurant manager job after she stands up to her bully of a boss, her motivational speaker mother is helping other people get their lives on track and ignoring the derailing of her daughter’s, and her best friend, Lucas Wilson, the guy she’s loved since she was eighteen, can’t seem to look beyond the girl in braces to the woman she is now.

When a new opportunity comes up, Nina decides it’s the perfect time to start over. The restaurant needs a reinvention and so does she. Unfortunately for Nina, the restaurant comes with hostile servers, a belligerent chef, and an owner averse to change.

But if Nina’s brave enough to take on the restaurant and tackle the people out to sabotage her, perhaps she can find the courage to tell Lucas how she really feels, even if it means risking the most important relationship in her life.


About Lara - by Lara

I was born in South Africa, lived for twelve years in Melbourne, Australia and now call a cozy village in England my home.

I have tried a variety of amazing and awful jobs: video game reviewer, graphic designer, insurance claims agent, proofreader, feature writer and magazine editor.

But all of those jobs have been about putting food on the table and collecting stories that worm their way into my books. Writing fiction has always been – and no doubt always will be – my first occupational love.

Writing love stories started with my first kiss. I was number four in a long line of 14-year-old girls queuing in the hot sun outside a shed to kiss the tallest and cutest boy in our after-school centre. When it was my turn, I entered the gloomy, musty-smelling shed to glimpse a tower of car tyres next to a dark silhouette.

My first crush. Waiting for me. 

Nerves tingling, heart galloping, I climbed the tower, hooked my arm in one of the tyres and leaned over to where I calculated his cheek would be. I found his cheek, but lost my balance, toppling into him, his startled shout echoing in my ear as my braces gouged a groove in his cheek.

In the humiliating aftermath, I came away with a resolve that yes, my characters will go through turmoil, they’ll each have their Horror Shed Moments, times when I’ll push them further than they want to go, but they will ALWAYS get their happy ending.

My happy ending came at the age of twenty-four when I met Craig. After a classic best-friends-becoming-something-more love story, we got married. Happily, I can tell you that after you’re married the two are no longer mutually exclusive – your husband can be your best friend and the love of your life.

When I’m not working on my next novel, my two children keep me busy with life questions I can’t always answer and math problems that make me wish I’d concentrated more in school.




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Thursday, May 15, 2025

My Review for This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter, read by Kathleen Early

May 15, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments

One toxic family. Eight suspicious guests. Everyone is guilty. But who is a killer?

I may be a bit of a dunce, but I had no idea what a locked-room mystery was - but now I've worked it out! Duh - pretty self-explanatory, really! Anyway, this is one, and I loved it, it was such a great listen, and because we are kept in the dark about so many things, it was really difficult to try to work out who the killer was. Throughout, I was guessing, and with each chapter I was wrong and had to try to think again!

I enjoyed the constant back-and-forth from the present time, to specific times before the murder, it made it much more exciting and definitely helps clarify events, so the reader can decide who is and isn't in the frame!

Each and every one of the characters brought an element of 'screwed up' to the story and yep, many of them had a reason to be the killer! Kathleen Early as the narrator brought that element of mystery and suspense to the story, which always makes a book stand out for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter.

About the Book

One toxic family. Eight suspicious guests. Everyone is guilty. But who is a killer?

Welcome to the luxury McAlpine Lodge…

Nestled in the misty mountains, it’s the perfect getaway. Until a woman’s body is found.

Everyone is a suspect.

The cruel father.

The toxic mother.

The bitter family.

The silent staff.

The suspicious guests.

Each of them is guilty of something. But only one is a killer. You’ll never guess who…

About Karin

Karin Slaughter is one of the world's most popular and acclaimed storytellers.

She is the author of more than twenty instant New York Times bestselling novels, including the Edgar–nominated Cop Town and standalone novels Pretty Girls, The Good Daughter, and Pieces of Her. She is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. Pieces of Her is a #1 Netflix original series starring Toni Collette, and WILL TRENT, based on her Will Trent series, is on ABC (and streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally). False Witness and The Good Daughter are in development for television. Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.




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