My Review for Villa of Secrets by Patricia Wilson

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I listened to Villa of Secrets, by Patricia Wilson, as an Audiobook from Borrowbox. Read by Lucy Paterson, I was so taken with the story that it only took me a couple of days to reach the end, listening as I went out for a long walk with my dog and then planting tomatoes in my greenhouse! Books and gardening - I couldn't have been happier.

Sisters, Naomi and Rebecca, were raised by their grandmother, Pandora Cohen and the story is told through Pandora's diaries which Naomi and Rebecca are given to read. Unbeknown to the girls, their grandmother was a Freedom Fighter for the Andartes during World War II and risked her life to help free the Greek island of Rhodes from German occupation. Rebecca and her family had a falling out, ten years previously, and we also learn how this affected Naomi and Dora and how Rebecca eventually comes back into their lives.

Although a work of fiction, Villa of Secrets is based on some fact, I wasn't aware of how affected Greece and her islands were by the second world war. Patricia Wilson's attention to detail, and descriptive ability, bring to life the often harrowing and heartwrenching times of this war on the Greek communities.

There were humorous moments coupled with often very sad moments in Villa of Secrets, I didn't want some of the characters' stories to end the way they did, but I guess life doesn't always pan out the way you want it to, and because some of this novel was based on fact, it does bring home the reality that sad things sometimes happen to good people.

I would recommend Villa of Secrets to anyone who enjoys reading about World War II, particularly the lesser-known aspects of the German invasion. However, this is by no means a historical war novel, yes there is an element of this, but it also brings together the importance of family and friends and love and romance.

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My Review for Three Weddings and a Proposal by Sheila O'Flanagan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Review for the opportunity to review Three Weddings and a Proposal by Sheila O'Flanagan before the publication date.

Delphine Martens is a thirty-something Executive Assistant to Conrad Morgan, a multi-millionaire businessman. Delphie has a great home by the sea, and, although single, she loves her life and her friends, everything is going well until she receives a phone call on the night of her brother's wedding, a phone call that turns her life upside down.

Once again Sheila O'Flanagan draws the reader into the story, bringing the characters to life and creating people that you would like to be friends with. Delphie has had a difficult few months but she has the strength of character to deal with each episode clearly and concisely, usually ending up with the best outcome for her.

Sheila O'Flanagan's books are enjoyable and heart-warming, a comfort read that you could easily digest in one sitting. Grab a cup of tea (or whatever takes your fancy) and curl up with Three Weddings and a Proposal and simply enjoy it.

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Favourite Book Quotes

 Favourite Book Quotes

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." This is the first line from 'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier and is my most loved book ever. I can honestly say, that apart from Enid Blyton books when I was a child, it is the only book I have read more than once.

The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady's maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives--presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.

I can't remember ever having read Anne of Green Gables but I love this quote so much. It brings fresh joy and hopes into your life and if you've had a bad day, then there is always tomorrow.

Anne Shirley is an eleven-year-old orphan who has hung on determinedly to an optimistic spirit and a wildly creative imagination through her early deprivations. She erupts into the lives of ageing brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a girl instead of the boy they had sent for. Thus begins a story of transformation for all three; indeed the whole rural community of Avonlea comes under Anne's influence in some way. We see her grow from a girl to a young woman of sixteen, making her mistakes, and not always learning from them. Intelligent, hot-headed as her own red hair, unwilling to take a moral truth as read until she works it out for herself, she must also face grief and loss and learn the true meaning of love.

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Cover Reveal & Book Description for Beta's Bane by Liv James

Due for release on 11 June 2021, Beta's Bane by Liv James has just revealed its cover!  The description for the book is here and I will post my review on publication day.

When Wolf Shifters pass from this plane to the next, their souls make the journey along the Pathway, to reunite with their ancestors and hunt the eternal forests.

Without the Pathway, their souls can know no peace.

The Pathway must be protected; at all costs.

When Alpha Cameron Archer of the Ridgeway and Pathway Packs installed his new law, he had no idea of the repercussions it would bring for his twin brother and Beta, Brodie.

Brodie and Iris are destined by the Moon Goddess to be together. Torn apart by their Alpha, they find themselves fighting a sexual chemistry that threatens to consume them until one fateful night changes everything.

Once Brodie finally tastes his fated mate, can he be parted from her again, or will he challenge his brother? And the safety of the World.

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My Review for Into Thin Air by Phillip Jordan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to the author, Phillip Jordan for the ARC of his new novella, 'Into Thin Air', a Detective Inspector Taylor thriller.

'Aido Quinn went for a run and didn't come back'. 'Into Thin Air' is part of the Belfast Crime Series and Detective Inspector Taylor and her team set out to uncover what or who is behind the disappearance of Adrian Quinn. On the surface, Adrian seemingly has a loving family and is the Company Director of a successful business, but all is not as it seems.

As the book progresses, Phillip Jordan introduces and describes the relevance of the characters to the reader. I had a soft spot for some, indifference for others and annoyance at many. There were many twists and turns throughout the story and there were times when I skipped down to the end of the page because I just needed to know what was coming! The outcome was a surprise and although I had an idea towards the end, there were still plenty of moments when anything could have happened.

Phillip Jordan is great at explaining Belfast police procedure which will be crucial for those reading outside the UK and I would recommend 'Into Thin Air' to anyone who likes a fast-paced crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.

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My Review for Off-Road with Clarkson, Hammond & May by Phillipa Sage

⭐⭐⭐⭐  Thank you to NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers for the opportunity to review 'Off-Road with Clarkson, Hammond & May' before its publication date. 

Now I've always loved watching 'the boys' on TV. When I still lived at home, it became a Sunday night ritual to all sit down together to watch Top Gear, and this continued when I moved out. I thankfully found a husband who was also into the boys' antics, and we continued my tradition of Sunday night viewing, so when I was given this opportunity to read all about their escapades on tour, I jumped at the chance.

Phillipa Sage, the author, became a piece of the furniture when Clarkson, Hammond & May were on tour, I can't remember what her official title was but she held everything together, dealing with Jeremy's diva moments (and yes, there were many), whilst organising hotels, restaurants and seemingly every little thing related to the tours. Phillipa reflects on her memories of the years she was with the boys, entertaining us with her stories of what went on behind (and not behind) the scenes! She shares with us the list of things that HAD to be available to them all at every venue, as well as the list of necessities they required before they even got to where they were going. Who knew that a Range Rover was 'that' important!

I really enjoyed reading Off-Road with Clarkson, Hammond & May, and I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in Top Gear, the three 'boys' and some degree, cars in general. However, there isn't actually a lot of time dedicated to cars in this book, it's more about the people and how they all lived and worked together in 'the bubble' and for this reason, it offers a greater appeal to a wider audience.

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My Review for From Something Old by Nick Alexander

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the opportunity to review 'From Something Old by Nick Alexander as an Advance Reader Copy.

From Something Old is the first novel I have read by Nick Alexander, but it won't be the last. I loved it from beginning to end.

The lives of two couples, Ant and Heather and Joe and Amy, randomly begin to intertwine, with perhaps unforeseen consequences. Initially brought together by their children who are at the same school despite them barely knowing one another, they decide to holiday together in Spain, and there begins the sometimes distressing journey for them all.

The author creates his characters well, and I warmed to those who were endearing, whilst wanting to yell at the ones who were annoying and mean! Often in life, we are the way we are because of our parents and/or the way we have been brought up, and Nick Alexander explores this in detail with the characters he brings to life.

From Something Old is a lovely read, ideal if you have a few hours to spare and you can switch off, with your feet up and immerse yourself in the story.

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