Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature 🙂

On the first Friday of each month I like to have a little 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 get the chance, I’d love to see your posts!

Here are my reviews from February 2020 and a link to previous February FBFs….

https://chataboutbooks.blog/2020/02/07/flashbackfriday-february-2020-with-jokbaldwin-rachelamphlett-tessmakovesky-leolightdragons-cazengland-carolewyer-bookreviews/

I have loved all the books in the Christopher Timothy series and The Drop of Death has been no exception. These books just get better and better!

I love when Alison has a new book out and I get to catch up with Chris again, although he seems a bit cranky these days. Understandable though given the circumstances. In The Drop of Death Chris, and the team, are faced with a more personal investigation when a man is found dead, apparently having fallen from the balcony of the flat he shares with his sister. I was shocked, and saddened, to learn who the victim is as he is a regular character throughout this series, and I was as keen as the team to find out who was responsible for this tragic loss of life. I was even more saddened when the circumstances of his death are realised.

Alison Lingwood always draws me in from the very first page of her books. I love her writing style and her books are so easy to enjoy.

I love that this book is set in my hometown. I love the police procedural aspects of the story. I also love that we get a glimpse in to the personal lives of the regular characters and learn that little bit more about them as the series progresses.

Reading a book by Alison Lingwood is always a treat. If you haven’t read this series yet, then I highly recommend that you do.

Many thanks to Alison Lingwood for my signed paperback copy 😊

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new to the series? here’s the link to book 1….

happy reading!

I finished Song Of The Psychopath late last night. Wow, what a read!

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that I have read every book, Mark Tilbury has published, and I have loved them all! Song Of The Psychopath is no exception. Awesome writing, as always!

This is no easy read, by any stretch of the imagination, from the point of view of the difficult and disturbing subject matter. The story centres around teenager, Tommy Scarlett, who had been missing from home for a year before being found with serious head injuries, leaving him unable to recall who he is, where he has been or what has happened to him during all that time. He has some extremely concerning scars also.  Tommy suffers from severe depression and has lost all hope which is just heart-breaking to read. My heart went out to him. To his family too, who finally have Tommy back but not really. He doesn’t recognise any of them at all, or his friends, or anything about his life. I can’t even imagine. His Dad finds him a therapist in the hope of unlocking his memory and it starts to work. With what he has been through though, I’m not sure I would want to ever remember. There are other boys at risk though, and despicable excuses for human beings who need to be caught and brought to justice for their horrific crimes.

When things go from bad to worse, it seems there is no hope….

Harrowing doesn’t even begin to describe this story. However, Mark Tilbury always manages to captivate me with his writing. It’s quite hard to explain how he makes such horrifying subjects so readable, but he just does. If you have read his books before you will know what I mean. He treats the victims in his stories with such compassion and sensitivity you feel like you are right there with them, sharing their pain, and willing them to hold on to the hope of a brighter future. I was praying for a positive outcome for Tommy.

Many thanks to Mark Tilbury for my review copy.

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I have to admit that I was unaware of the Bridgerton’s until we watched the fabulous series on Netflix recently. We watched the whole thing in a weekend and absolutely LOVED it! So, naturally, I was straight on to Amazon to purchase the first book in the series, The Duke and I, and as is often the case the book is even better!

Obviously, I already knew Simon and Daphne’s story, but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this book in any way. There are a fair few differences between the book and the television series, as you would expect, and I have thoroughly enjoyed Simon and Daphne’s story all over again. There are many obstacles in their way, including a promise Simon made to his father before his death. Daphne also has older brothers! It seems like everything is against them. However, love always wins and the chemistry between them is obvious, no matter how hard they try to deny it at first.

I loved everything about this book.

I love the time and place, the language, the formality, the tradition, the family values, the romance and the drama.

I love Daphne’s character. She is quite hilarious at times. I love the banter between herself and her family. Her mother is brilliant! I love how her relationship develops with Simon and how she helps him to face his demons.

I love that Simon is completely besotted with Daphne.

I just love it!

This story has it all! If you love a historical romance full of passion with its fair share of heartache, arguments, and laugh out loud moments then you will love it too. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I have book 2 on pre-order!

Buy now!

happy reading! 🙂

Family is an excellent read which has kept me very well entertained over the last few days. Losing myself in a book has always been my favourite hobby but given the state of world at present it’s more needed than ever. Losing myself in a book like Family, which is about as different to my life as you can possibly get (thankfully), has been good. I know many families are complicated, but to say the Glass family are dysfunctional would be a massive understatement! All they have known is a life of crime. How do you escape such a life once it has a firm grip on you?

Danny Glass is a terrifying character. The fear of him seems to control many, including some police officers who’s job it is supposed to be to protect people from psychopaths like Danny.

Luke Glass is a likeable character despite serving a seven year sentence for murder. He is released at the beginning of the book and he could not possibly be prepared for what life is going to throw at him next. Having said that he knows being Danny’s brother means he’s not likely to ever live a quiet life.

Their sister, Nina, is an understandably flawed character given how she was brought up. She’s quite fearless and I wondered how far her risks would get her.

I found the Glass family, and their stories, fascinating despite the horrific violence throughout. I was shocked by jaw dropping truths which are uncovered along the way.

This is a tense, hard hitting read full of dodgy characters, secrets, and lies with deadly consequences.

Brilliant writing. I loved it!

Many thanks to Owen Mullen for the ARC I won as part of a Giveaway.

OUT NOW!

happy reading 🙂

http://bowensbookpublicity.com/2021/01/14/free-book-promotion-opportunity/

Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen is such a gorgeous read! It is the perfect story to lose yourself in and forget the real world for a little while.

Cathy is an instantly likeable character, and you can’t help but feel for her. She is facing her first Christmas alone since the death of her mother, who she spent many years, selflessly, caring for. She has inherited their cosy cottage and her mother’s love, and natural flair, for baking. She works part time at a florist in the market and loves her job, but there isn’t much else going on in her life when we first meet her. That is until she goes along to a church coffee morning. Little did she know then how much this would eventually change her life!

I love that a church community is such a big part of this book. I am part of a church family and I found this aspect of the story very relatable. I did have to smile at some of the characters who seemed most familiar to me 😉 Brilliant writing and laugh out loud funny at times. I love it!

There are ups and downs within any church family, as with any family but, ultimately, they all pull together when needed. I love how this family embrace Cathy and encourage her to share her talent for cooking and baking with her local community.

Tansy is an interesting character. Not at all easily likeable but you can understand why she is how she is to a certain degree. It’s a testament to Cathy’s character how she perseveres in developing a relationship with her.

And as for Matt, well, he is just the most adorable bloke. I am not surprised in the least that Cathy is drawn to him so easily. They are so obviously made for each and I was routing for them the whole time. I have to admit to panicking when Cathy’s ex turns back up on the scene!

As well as being a love story, I enjoyed the friendships throughout this book especially the one Cathy shares with her boss. Having a good relationship with those we work with is priceless.

This is a lovely, lovely book and I thoroughly enjoyed every page. I’m sure you would love it too and I don’t think it really needs to be Christmastime to enjoy it either. Treat yourself now and cheer up your January!

*****

As the snow flutters down in the little village of Linnetford, escape to a cosy farmhouse kitchen, scented with the rich aromas of fruitcake and gingerbread, where a love of baking is about to unite two lonely hearts…

Cathy cooked at her mother’s side her whole life and could bake a fairy cake before she could ride a bike. Now she is facing her first Christmas without her beloved mother, she’s determined to use her memories for something positive. She decides to organise a weekly cooking class, sharing her mother’s precious recipes with other lonely souls.

There’s just one small spanner in the works: teenager Tansy, who attends Cathy’s classes even though she’s rude to everyone there and seems to hate every minute. Cathy is poised to ask Tansy to leave, but her uncle, physiotherapist Matt, begs her to give the teenager another chance. And Cathy can’t resist Matt’s sparkling hazel eyes and incredibly kind heart…

But just as Cathy is feeling she might find joy again, her ex returns to Linnetford, desperate for a second chance. With Matt becoming distant as his life gets more complicated, it seems so easy to return to the safe embrace of someone she knows so well. Can Cathy avoid the temptation of falling back in love with the man who broke her heart and let Christmas bring her the greatest gift – that of happiness?

Filled to the brim with sweet Christmas treats, Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen is the perfect book to enjoy curled up by the fire. An emotional feel-good read packed with heart and hope.

What everyone’s saying about Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen:

‘I’ve yet to find a book by this author which doesn’t warm my heart and leave me with a big soppy smile!!… was delightful… had me completely hooked and, once started, I couldn’t put the book down!… plenty of laughs… storyline was perfect, holding my attention and mesmerising me with Cathy’s story. A fabulous festive read, which I would definitely recommend!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘One of my first Christmas reads of 2020 and I just adored this book… This is such a delightful read with great characters. It kept me wanting to turn the pages and I loved all the baking. A perfect Christmas read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a wonderfully charming holiday themed book… fills you with Christmas cheer and warms your heart. The story really tugs on your heartstrings and has you feeling as warm and gooey as one of Cathy’s baked treats. I enjoyed how the book was filled with love, compassion, friendship and, especially, the spirit of Christmas. A beautiful holiday read…’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous real Christmas book full of fun Christmas thoughts and baking can highly recommend.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a treat! Perfect cozy little read-right up my alley! I was a huge fan and will definitely be reading more from this author!’ Goodreads Revivewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A nice feel good love story… I enjoyed it. Perfect for a curl up read on a cold weekend’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is a really cosy read and the story felt very fresh. … I really enjoyed the varied characters and the gentle storyline, the teenage character Tansy added a great depth to the story and a little good for thought.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Such a delightful read for the holidays, with everything going on in the world. Cathy Christmas kitchen it a hear warming feel good book. I highly recommend this book 5 star read…’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is such a good read, full of joy, the smell of cakes, friendships and possibly a little love? A delight to devour in a few short hours.’ Goodreads Reviewer

happy reading 🙂

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