I'm 47, married to Steve (50), Mum to two (24 & 23) and a Shih Tzu called Bella (13). I'm our Church Treasurer (on a voluntary basis) since July 2014. I started my Book Blog in October 2015. I created Bowen's Book Publicity in June 2020. I love to #sharethebooklove 💕
To the unsuspecting eye Dee Stephens has a perfect life as the vicar’s wife: a devoted marriage to her charismatic husband Reverend Vincent, an adoring congregation and a beautiful daughter.
EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE
But beneath the surface, Dee is suffocating. Vincent is in control, and he knows her every sin. Desperate, Dee escapes into a heady affair with Cal, an old schoolmate.
EVERY CONFESSION HAS A PRICE
But is Cal the saviour she thinks he is? What dark secrets does he harbour? And to what lengths will Vincent go to when he uncovers the truth?
WOW! If twisty psychological thrillers with plenty of jaw dropping moments are your kind of story, then you will love The Sinner!
There are some intriguing characters throughout this story and interesting relationship dynamics.
Dee is a likeable character and one you can’t help but feel for, more so as the story progresses. I could almost feel how oppressed she feels within her marriage, especially whilst dealing with unimaginable grief, a disrespecting daughter, and a controlling mother-in-law. My heart went out to her. Obviously, I don’t condone infidelity, but I can understand how she found herself drawn to Cal. He’s an intriguing character. There was obviously more to him than meets the eye and I was keen to learn his story.
I love the relationship Dee shares with her sister, Mari. I enjoyed Mari’s perspective on things and would never have guessed where her story would lead.
I loved the suspense throughout this book. The tension builds with each chapter. It’s an extremely difficult book to put down as I was desperate to find out where it was all going to end. And what an ending! Phenomenal! I LOVED it!
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC**
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Sophie is an instantly likeable character. My heart went out to her as it is devastating to lose a parent, especially when they’re only in their 50s. I can fully understand her need to get away for a while. When she finds there is the possibility that one of her mother’s paintings might be in Methoni, Greece, she makes it her mission to try to find it, giving her the perfect excuse to escape for a while.
Little does she know what she is about to discover.
I love how brave some people are when it comes to travelling alone as I can’t imagine me ever doing it. Methoni sounds like a gorgeous place though. I could almost feel the…
From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes the moving story of a man whose life is changed in an instant. How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known?
When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.
In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends―while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart―but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?
And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
The Light in the Hallway is such a beautifully written story and, overall, it is a heart-warming and uplifting tale. I personally have had so many mixed emotions throughout reading it though. Mainly due to my own anxieties and insecurities.
I was in too minds whether to publish this review as it seems I’m on my own with this one if other reviews are anything to go by. I don’t want it to come across that I didn’t enjoy the story as I really did.
Nick and Kerry are 35 years old. They are childhood sweethearts, they married young and have an eighteen-year-old son, Oliver. At the start of the story Kerry is on end-of-life care and Nick is battling with his own grief and emotions as well as trying to support his son. It doesn’t even bare thinking about. My heart broke for them both and their extended family.
What follows is Nick’s story about moving on and this is where I feel so conflicted. I totally agree that no one should face life alone after such a devastating loss if they can find someone else to love and share their life with and I certainly don’t think it’s anyone else’s business although I can understand the mixed emotions of close family members. However, I cannot for one second imagine being intimate with another man after only four months (or ever to be honest) if my husband went before me and I would like to think he wouldn’t be so quickly concerned by how much he missed sex if I was to go before him. That is my personal opinion though. I don’t think there is any right or wrong way to deal with loss. Everyone deals differently but the thought of my husband being with another woman makes me feel a bit sick, so I hope if I do go first and he moves on as quickly that I’m somewhere I won’t know about it. I hate that I feel that way, as I know how selfish it sounds, but I do. It certainly doesn’t mean I would want him to be miserable for the rest of his life, I just feel sad at thought of him replacing me so quickly. Like I said, conflicting emotions.
How would my children react? I really don’t know. They are both adults, but both currently still live at home. I’m not sure how they would react to another woman in our home. I could understand Oliver finding it difficult and I found his initial reactions very believable.
I really liked Nick though and my heart broke for him. I loved the relationship he shares with Oliver, and I did hope that their close bond would survive the heartbreak.
I loved Nick’s relationship with his best friend Eric, especially the flashbacks to when they were kids. They really made me smile.
I truly felt happy for Nick at the end, but at the same time sad for Kerry and the life that had so cruelly been snatched from her. Kerry is evidently a better woman than me though!
I do feel quite bereft after reading this book. It has been such a rollercoaster of emotions for me. That’s just me being me though. It is a genuinely beautiful story. It made me smile, it made me laugh at times, and it made me cry.
Amanda Prowse is a fabulous writer. I have enjoyed a few of her books now and I have others on my TBR list which I hope to get to soon. I think it goes without saying that this one hit a bit of a nerve for me personally. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend it as I really do. I think it’s quite a compliment to the author when a book evokes such strong emotions. This one certainly did that for me. It’s one that will most definitely stay with me for a long time to come.
Lucinda Green knows something is missing from her life. But what? Her catering business is enjoying modest success and she loves her cosy house, even if she does have to share it with her irritating ex-fiancé.
Whatever’s making her unsettled and edgy, Lucinda’s certain that a lack of romance isn’t the problem. How could it be when she doesn’t believe in true love?
But Lucinda’s beliefs are shaken by a series of electric encounters with Alex Fraser, a newly notorious actor who gradually proves himself to be infuriatingly funny and smart, as well as handsome.
Not that any of that matters. Because Lucinda doesn’t believe in all that ‘The One’ nonsense. That’s the rule.
But doesn’t every rule have an exception?
This uplifting grumpy-meets-sunshine romance is perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley.
Book Two in the Love in the Comptons series. These are standalone stories and can be read in any order. 1. Art and Soul (Becky and Charlie) 2. The Only Exception (Lucinda and Alex)
Having read and loved Claire Huston’s first two books (Art and Soul & Elle’s A to Z of Love) I was very excited to read The Only Exception and I have not been disappointed!
Lucinda is a bit of a prickly character to begin with but as we get to know her, we start to realise why she is how she is. I really warmed to her as the story progressed. Her first meeting with Alex Fraser is under rather stressful circumstances but it’s obvious they left an impression on each other. Lucinda doesn’t believe in true love though or that there is any such thing as ‘the one’. Her mother has always told her so.
Alex is such a lovely character. He is in a stale relationship with his younger actress girlfriend, and I couldn’t help but feel for him. I always find it quite sad when people feel they must settle for what they have when they could be destined for real happiness. The same goes for Lucinda’s situation.
I loved the time Lucinda and Alex spend together when invited to the grand home of the lady they saved. She’s a fabulous character! Not altogether likeable, but definitely interesting. The dog stole the show though!
There are some lovely characters throughout this story who add such depth and warmth.
There is so much to love about this book. It is sweet, and funny, and romantic, and uplifting. The ultimate feel-good story! So beautifully written. I LOVED it!
On the first Friday of each month I like to have a look back at the books I was reading during the same month in previous years, since starting my blog.
Please do join in if you have the time. I’d love to see your posts!
Here are my reviews from June 2021 (+ a link to previous June FBFs)….
One of them lied. One of them died. One of them is next.
Could you stay quiet about a murder? Killed on his way home from a night out, Kit Harper had lots of secrets. At the opposite end of the city, another man is found smothered in his bed. Jack Fletcher had secrets too.
A photo of a young woman reveals a clue and with dual cases to run, Detective Allie Shenton and her team are pushed to their limits. As attacks on a close group of friends continue, a link to a cold case twenty years ago is unveiled.
Can Allie figure out who is telling the truth about what happened on that fateful night? And who is lying through their teeth, to get away with murder?
Set within the gritty streets of Stoke-on-Trent, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with an emotional pull.
Hidden Secrets (Detective Allie Shenton Series Book 5)
What can I say? This series just gets better and better if that’s at all possible. Allie Shenton is one of my favourite detectives. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series so far and I can’t wait for book 6!
In Hidden Secrets Allie and the team find themselves frantically trying to piece together evidence for two murders, an attempted murder, and a cold case. The build-up of suspense throughout this book is almost palpable. There is so much going on I honestly didn’t know what to think. So many secrets and lies. How some people sleep at night I’ll never know. However, we’re not dealing with cold blooded murderers here. This story goes much deeper than that and you can’t help but have some level of compassion for those involved.
Short chapters compliment this fast-paced police procedural beautifully. The tension increases with each one, making it extremely difficult to put down.
As always with Mel Sherratt this book is full of colourful characters with intriguing backgrounds. People who could easily be living in your street. Real, relatable people, just possibly with more to hide than most.
The truth behind these crimes is as sad as it is shocking.
Another easy five stars for me. I loved it!
**Many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my review copy**
Congratulations to John Pye for winning this year’s Arnold Bennett Book Prize for Where The Silent Screams Are Loudest, previously featured on Bowen’s Book Publicity. http://bowensbookpublicity.com/2020/10/10/where-the-silent-screams-are-loudest-a-missing-girl-a-serial-killer-eleven-long-years-by-john-pye-cathedraloflies/
Welcome to the café on Marigold Marina, where the smell of freshly baked cakes fills the air and the boats bob merrily in the mellow evening sun. But will an unexpected meeting mean the chance to love again or a broken heart?
When Rosie inherits the café on Marigold Marina after her husband’s tragic death, she is determined to pour her heart into his dream. Nine months later, as she serves coffee and cakes to customers, she is all smiles and laughter. But when the sunshine-yellow doors of the café are closed, she allows her heart to break all over again.
Rosie doesn’t have much room in her life for anything but the café. But when Kit, the mysterious owner of a bookshop barge, starts to come by regularly for lunch, she finds it difficult to ignore his dark eyes, dishevelled curls and the fact that he has his own sorrows. Rosie finds it easy to talk to Kit and as they swim together in the sparkling marina waters she hopes she can help Kit the way he has helped her.
But just as she is letting herself open her heart, she learns the shocking secret that the husband she loved for so many years kept hidden from her. And when she discovers that Kit is hiding things too, she fears she has been foolish to trust again. Should she close her café and move away from the marina? Or take a risk and give love another chance?
An absolutely gorgeous and heartwarming read about what can happen when you leave your comfort zone and listen to your heart. Fans of Shari Low, Heidi Swain and Nicola May will fall in love with The Café at Marigold Marina.
The Café at Marigold Marina is such a gorgeous read! I LOVED it! Not that I’m surprised, of course, because all Tilly Tennant’s books are beautifully written stories, set in beautiful places, and are full of characters you fall in love with.
Rosie is such a lovely character. I really felt for her. I can’t even imagine being widowed at such a young age. Any age must be devastating. It doesn’t bare thinking about. To face running a business all alone after such a tragedy would be far too much for me to handle, I think. I take my hat off to her. Especially as we learn more about her husband as the story progresses. He made me really cross. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a deceased character so much before. However, they say everything happens for a reason and Rosie was obviously destined to find herself running her café alone. It was never going to be easy, but are there brighter days ahead?
Kit is the most adorable character. I think I fell for him myself! He adds such charm to this story. He has had, and still has, his own struggles. You can’t help but like him and want him to find happiness. He’s obviously quite easy on the eye too, which never hurts 😉
I loved the new friendships Rosie develops amongst her fellow business owners and her assistant. I loved the setting of this book too. It sounds like an amazing place to live and work.
I love the close relationship Rosie shares with her parents also.
I was happily swept away with Rosie’s story. It’s an emotional one, but heart-warming and ultimately uplifting. I can’t imagine anyone not loving it!
What other reviewers are saying about The Café at Marigold Marina:
‘I was completelyhooked by the end of the first pageand had it finished in a few hours! It is such a fabulous read that will pull on your heart strings and lighten your heart all in one go! Love, loved, LOVED it! Would definitely recommend!!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This has to be one of my favourite books by Tilly Tennant. It really got under my skin and into my heart… A fabulous story of friendship, family and secrets with a great cast of characters… A real heartwarmer this one, it got me so emotional too… I LOVED it!!’ StefLoz Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A brilliant rollercoaster of a ride… I read this book in one sitting in less than a day and loved every minute of it. A can’t-put-down book!… I read late into to the night because I just had to know what the ending was going to be.’ Netgalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a beautifully written story… This is a “can’t go to sleep because I want to know what happens next” book and even after the last page I’m still thinking about Rosie.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What an enchanting read! I felt like I’d moved to Marigold Marina myself… A perfect book that kept me entertained all the way through.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘What a charming, feel-good sort of book! This was a lovely weekend read and certainly makes me want to read more by this author in the future. Recommended!’ The Princess and the Pen
A new start can come from the most unexpected places…
It’s been years since Lizzie Lockhart spoke to her parents. But she was safe in the knowledge she knew everything about them. Once upon a time, they were as close as could be. Until they weren’t.
After receiving the earth-shattering news of their passing, Lizzie decides it’s time to unearth some family secrets and find out just who her parents really were… starting with Streamside Cottage. A cottage Lizzie never knew existed, in a place she’s never heard of: the beautiful English village of Leafton.
Leaving behind London, and the tattoo parlour she called home, Lizzie finds herself moving to the countryside. Faced with a tight-lipped community, who have secrets of their own, Lizzie is at a loss for what to do, until her rather handsome neighbour, Ben, steps in to help.
As Lizzie finally begins to piece together the puzzle of her family history she realises she has to confront the truth of the past in order to face her future.
Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage is a brilliant read. I absolutely LOVED it!
Lizzie is an instantly likeable character who recently lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. They were estranged which makes things even more difficult to deal with. When she discovers her parents owned a property in the countryside, she leaves her home in London to see if she can find any real reason her once close relationship with them had broken down without any room for discussion. It can’t just be because she had decided to train as a tattooist or because they didn’t like her boyfriend at the time, surely. How come they never told her about this cottage in Leafton? What else did she not know about her parents?
I thoroughly enjoyed Lizzie’s story. I was drawn in from the very beginning and found myself as desperate as she was to find out the truth behind her parent’s overprotective behaviour and their odd reaction to her choice of profession.
I love how Lizzie instantly felt at home in the cottage. It does sound idyllic. I know I’d prefer to live somewhere like that rather than in the middle of London.
I love how she has an instant connection with Ben, her neighbour and postie.
I love Taz!
I love how the community welcomes her but at the same time seem to be harbouring secrets of their own. Why will no one tell her what they know about this cottage and its history?
It’s such an intriguing mystery. One that certainly kept me turning those pages. My heart truly went out to Lizzie when she finally finds out the truth.
Such a heart-wrenching tale with a heart-warming conclusion.
