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Daisy’s War (A Family at War Book 1) by Roberta Grieve 

Daisy’s War (A Family at War Book 1)

by Roberta Grieve 

Daisy’s War was a lovely read!

Daisy is a very likeable character who is desperate to do her bit for the war effort, along with everyone else, so she finds herself a job in the NAAFI. It’s hard work, but she loves it (apart from her suspicions that someone might thieving from the stores).

Her childhood sweetheart, boy next door, Bob has been sent abroad, and she fears she may never see him again. She has promised to wait for him though, so when Lofty strolls into her life she tries her hardest to resist him. She is so determined to be true to her Bob and I thought that was so sweet. We can’t help who we fall for though and I really felt for her as she wrestled with her conflicted feelings. Bob and Lofty are both lovely characters too.

I can’t imagine living through a world war with air raid threats, rationing, and your whole life being turned upside down. I know how it feels to be left behind whilst someone you love is in a war zone for months at a time though as my husband was in the Army for 22 years. Even though he was never front line there was always that niggle of worry that each time he went away might be the last time I saw him alive. It’s difficult getting up each day and just carrying on as ‘normal’ but there was nothing else I could do. Especially with two small children. I found Daisy’s worry for the uncertainty of her future very relatable.

Daisy’s family and friends are a good bunch of characters too. Each adding their own depth to the story. I really enjoyed it and hope to read book two in the series before too long. I would have jumped straight into it, but I have other reading commitments right now.

If you love a historical romance, I think you’ll love this book.

** According to Amazon I purchased the kindle edition of this book on the 10th of July 2021 **

Daisy’s War is a historical romance set on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent during World War Two. Daisy is too young to join the WAAFs like her glamorous sister Sylvia and opts instead to work in the NAAFI which serves the sailors and soldiers stationed in the dockyard and garrison with snacks, cigarettes and toiletries. She has vowed to stay true to Bob, her childhood sweetheart. But Bob is serving overseas and she fears he will not return. Enter tall handsome soldier Christopher, known to his friends as Lofty.

Happy reading!

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The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards @mredwards @MichaelJBooks

The Wasp Trap

by Mark Edwards

WOW!

I have been a fan of Mark Edwards for a good while, so I know I’m in for a treat when I get to read another one of his books. I think he’s outdone himself with this one.

The Wasp Trap is about a group of ex-colleagues/friends who meet up for a dinner party twenty-five years after they all worked together on a project which aimed to change the online dating world forever. That project ended in tragedy, and they all parted ways, apart from two of the friends who married. It’s their big posh house the others have been invited to. Would I have gone along after such a long time? I’m not sure. Maybe curiosity would get the better of me. After reading this book, probably not! Lol!

Will is an instantly likeable character. He feels like something isn’t right on arrival, but others think he’s being paranoid. They soon find out that his instincts are spot on!

OH. MY. GOODNESS!

I could never have imagined the direction this story takes.

It’s an extremely fast-paced story, which kept me gripped throughout. It flits between the dinner party night and back in 1999, building on their history together. Someone is keeping a secret from back then, and someone wants them to confess. The suspense and intrigue kept me turning the pages. I was desperate to find out what was going on, who had what secrets to tell, and how it was all going to turn out if whoever was hiding something didn’t own up, and I found myself panicking along side these people.

Just when I thought I might have it sussed…. nope, another curve in the road!

The ending really shocked me, and the epilogue made my blood run cold.

Such a brilliantly written, highly entertaining read, with a very clever character driven plot. I LOVED it!

I loved the hint of romance too.

An easy five stars for me.

** Many thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC **

Summer 1999. Will joins five other idealistic graduates working for an eccentric psychology professor. They’re going to launch a website to change online dating forever.

No-one expects it to end in tragedy.

Twenty-five years later, Will gets an invitation: a dinner party. A chance to see the old gang again.

But as soon as he arrives, something doesn’t seem right.

There’s an unexpected guest. The hosts are clearly keeping a secret. And on the way in, Will is sure he heard crying.

Everyone has something to hide about what really happened that summer.

But only one of them is willing to kill to find the truth…

Pre-order now and brace yourself for what is sure to be your favourite read of the summer….

Happy reading!

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In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware @RuthWareWriter

In a Dark, Dark Wood

by Ruth Ware 

Wow! This is quite a story!! It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept me intrigued throughout. I’m not sure I would have made the same decision as Nora; to go the hen weekend of a friend I hadn’t spoken to for ten years. Then again, I can see how curiosity might get the better of you and I understand her desire to make amends, especially as they were best friends back in the day. Also, she had the back up of another mutual friend who had been invited, so what could possibly go wrong!

OH. MY. GOODNESS!

As the story progressed, I really felt for Nora. I didn’t warm to Clare at all. She grated on me. There was something about her that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. The more I learned about her, the more I understood why. She is not a nice person. She didn’t deserve Nora’s friendship back in their school days, but I can understand why Nora was drawn to her.

Nina is an odd character too. I couldn’t make my mind up about her. I still can’t.

They’re an odd bunch of friends.

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller with short, sharp chapters, interesting if not entirely likeable characters, and an intriguing plot which kept me invested. It’s one of those books that I was thinking about when I wasn’t reading it and couldn’t wait to find out which direction it would go in. It made me question everything and everyone. It made me question what I would do in the same situation. I’m pretty sure my decisions would be quite different to those of these characters, but I’m quite boring. The drama that evolves throughout this book made for extremely tense, sad, shocking, and highly entertaining reading.

** I purchased a paperback copy of this book for the purposes of a buddy read with some of my lovely Bookstagram friends. Great choice, @_shannonslibrary_ **

Nora hasn’t seen Clare for ten years. Not since the day Nora walked out of her old life and never looked back.

Until, out of the blue, an invitation to Clare’s hen party arrives. A weekend in a remote cottage – the perfect opportunity for Nora to reconnect with her best friend, to put the past behind her.

But something goes wrong.

Happy reading!

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#FlashbackFriday March 2025

Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature!

On the first Friday of each month, I like to look back at the books I was reading the previous year during the same month.

Please do join in if you have the time, I’d love to see your posts 🙂

A big thank you to those who already join in regularly! xx

Here are my reviews from March 2024 + a link to previous March FBFs…

The Rabbit Girls by Anna Ellory 

Mission Black by Mick Williams @mickwilliamsau2

Good Girl, Bad Blood: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder: Book 2 by Holly Jackson @HoJay92
#FlashbackFriday March 2024

Happy reading!

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Family Matters (Detective Allie Shenton Gritty Crime Thrillers Book 7) by Mel Sherratt @writermels #PublicationDay

Family Matters (Detective Allie Shenton Gritty Crime Thrillers Book 7)

by Mel Sherratt

Allie Shenton is back!!!

I love it!

I have loved every one of the books in this series and this one has been no exception.

The story starts with the suspicious death of local teenager, Katie Frost, found very close to home in what initially appears to be a random attack. How is her mother supposed to cope with yet another devastating loss. She has already quite recently lost her husband, Katie’s dad, to cancer. So much sadness for one family to endure. Heart-breaking.

Allie and the team are tasked with finding her attacker and get them off the streets. As is often the case, there turns out to be more going on behind closed doors then they had anticipated! How quickly can they piece it all together and get back to spending more quality time with their own families who don’t see much of them at all during a murder investigation. It’s all hands on deck until the perpetrator is behind bars.

This is another fast-paced police procedural featuring some regular characters I feel like I now know personally. Allie’s team is a brilliant. They work well together as colleagues, and friends, with a deep respect for each other and their jobs. I love following them through their processes and celebrate with them when they solve a case.

There are obviously a few dodgy characters throughout this story, as expected (which isn’t unheard of in Stoke-on-Trent 😉 ) No, seriously, I love that these books are set in Stoke. I’m proud to have been born here (although I’ve always lived in Newcastle-under-Lyme 😉 I.Y.K.Y.K ) There are honestly more good people than bad, as with most cities/towns. Mel Sherratt is one lovely lady who does us proud!

** Many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my review copy of Family Matters. Proud to be part of #TeamSherratt **

A deadly party. A vicious attack. A list of suspects.

When Katie Frost is murdered a few metres from home, a family is left in turmoil. Who would kill their beautiful girl? DI Allie Shenton and her team delve into the teenager’s background, bringing many secrets to light – from her acquaintances, neighbours and friends.

No one has a bad word to say about her, but everyone else has things they’re trying to hide, especially after a recent birthday celebration. With limited forensic evidence coming in, Allie’s work is doubled when another girl is attacked. Further investigations reveal she too was at the party.

Can Allie work out the truth hidden within the lies to find out who is wreaking havoc on a family’s loved ones? And, as threats from the past rear their ugly head within her own team, will she be able to keep them safe at the same time?

If you haven’t yet been introduced to Allie Shenton then you really should give this series a go!

As I publish this post, books 1-6 are available as a set on Kindle for just 99p!!! An absolute bargain and the perfect excuse to add this series to you TBR list. I have no idea how long this offer with last so grab them now. 99p is practically giving them away!

Happy reading!

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What Happens At The Beach… (Mills & Boon True Love) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52

What Happens At The Beach…

by Rachael Stewart 

What Happens At The Beach…. is the most adorable read! I absolutely loved Fae and Rick’s story.

I also wouldn’t mind a week or two (or three, or four….) in one of their houses on the beach 😉

Fae took a little while to grow on me, if I’m honest, but I think she is probably meant to. She seems to have a bit of a chip on her shoulder, and it takes a while for us to understand why. She is quite rude to Rick at first which I thought was unfair considering she had only just met him.

The hostility doesn’t last long though, understandably. Rick does sound like he could sweep any single lady off their feet! Fae soon softens but is conflicted, which is easier to understand as you get to know her better.

Their dogs help though, which I love!

This is a book full of sunshine, beach walks, long talks, and romance, with a few bumps in the road but ultimately the happiest of endings.

Another gorgeous story by the very lovely Rachael Stewart!

If you need a little shot of sunshine and smiles in your life, you should read this.

**Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my review copy**

Temptation under the summer sun…

After her home and livelihood are demolished by developers, Fae agrees to house and dog-sit for her wealthy stepsister in Bondi Beach. She’s a fish out of water in this glamorous setting, and her guard is up when she encounters gorgeous neighbour Rick and his adorable Great Dane. But the philanthropic billionaire quickly challenges her perceptions, and their intense chemistry explodes into a passionate—but strictly temporary—flirtation. Because it’s clear Rick doesn’t trust easily…and Fae can never truly belong in his affluent world—can she? Yet it’s increasingly hard to imagine their trysts ever ending!

Happy reading!

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Watchers (Audible Audiobook – Unabridged) Dean Koontz (Author, Narrator), Edoardo Ballerini (Narrator)

Watchers  

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Dean Koontz (Author, Narrator), Edoardo Ballerini (Narrator)

Watchers is the first book by Dean Koontz I’ve read since the first in the Odd Thomas series years ago. I hope it isn’t too long until I get the chance to read more. It’s easy to see why this is his most popular novel. Einstein is such a fabulous character. Easily my favourite! He’s not your average golden retriever and as the story progresses we learn why. I love how Travis takes him in and soon realises just how special he is. He soon becomes determined to do all he can to prevent him from being found by the wrong people. This leads to a newfound happiness, but also much danger.

A brilliant story, which I thoroughly enjoyed listening to.

I have a physical copy on my bookshelf also, so I may read it again sometime.

Happy reading/listening!

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The Counsellor by Gillian Jackson @GillianJackson7

The Counsellor 

by Gillian Jackson

Maggie Sayer is a very likable character. I really felt for her, being widowed at only 29 years old. Her experience of such devastating grief, however, eventually leads her to a new vocation as a therapeutic counsellor. A vocation perfect for her.

This book focuses on several of her clients and the relationships she builds with them. Each with their differing troubles, but all trusting Maggie to help them get back on the right track.

This novel is about learning to live again after heart-breaking loss, friendships, professionalism, and hope. There’s even some romance.

A great start to a series, but unfortunately it seems to be no longer available. It is one that had been in my kindle library for quite some time.

The author does have more recent books to explore though 😊

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0092SATG6/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=3e485a92-e933-4d37-b6bf-a43eb2d3e8ed&ref_=ap_rdr

Happy reading!

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The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe (Author), Lilit Zekulin Thwaites (Translator) @Antonioiturbe9

The Librarian of Auschwitz

by Antonio Iturbe (Author), Lilit Zekulin Thwaites (Translator) 

The Librarian of Auschwitz is based on the true story of Dita Kraus.

Dita is now 95 years old, but was only 14/15 years old as her story is told in this book. Honestly, I don’t really know how to properly review books like this one, when based on such horrific circumstances that really happened, not that long ago. I think it’s essential that these books are read by anyone and everyone though. It’s quite scary to think how many people think these atrocities never happened.

Dita is quite a feisty girl, considering what she endures on a day-to-day basis whilst at Auschwitz. She is tasked with the responsibility of looking after Block 31’s library. It might have only consisted of eight books, but she vows to guard them with her life, quite literally. If they were to be found, the consequences wouldn’t even bare thinking about. How terrifying that must have been! How courageous she was to take on this responsibility.

I found her story inspiring whilst also being reminded of the horrific conditions these people endured and the terrifying things they witnessed during these times. It isn’t an easy read by any means, but beautifully written. Dita sounds like an amazing lady who has gone on, thankfully, to live a long life.

I agree with a friend of mine who said that it’s almost as if God has granted some of these survivors a long life for the purposes of making sure they can tell as many people as possible, for as long as they possibly can, what happened at Auschwitz.

We should never forget.

If you get the chance to read this, please do, then pass it on to someone else who should read it too.

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Baby Teeth: The emotional, thought-provoking novel about motherhood, secrets and lies by Celia Silvani @celia_silvani #NetGalley

Baby Teeth: The emotional, thought-provoking novel about motherhood, secrets and lies

by Celia Silvani 

Baby Teeth is a unique story which I found quite unnerving for the most part. It might be a difficult read for anyone with fertility problems, and/or for those who have suffered the loss of a baby. It’s a thought-provoking story though and one I think will stay with me.

I still can’t decide if I liked Claire, or not, but I did find myself immersed in her story. I was thrilled for her when she finally finds out she’s expecting, but I didn’t really understand her reluctance to talk to her husband, or her other family. I do understand her loneliness as I experienced both of my pregnancies with a lot of time on my own as my husband was in the Army at the time. I had no access to the internet back then though, so there was no danger of me falling into the same trap as she does.

Honestly, it’s terrifying how many so-called experts there are online and how many people take their word as gospel. I absolutely agree that mothers should be listened to, always, and pregnancy shouldn’t be treated as an illness, when everything is straight forward. However, I can not begin to imagine refusing any health checks or treatment when required. I do not understand why any mother would put their child, and themselves, at such unnecessary risk. The attitudes of some of these mothers frightened me and their attitudes towards anyone who doesn’t agree with them, well…. Just scary! And when the worst happens, still blaming everyone else but yourselves for which, quite frankly, is neglect in my opinion…. Unbelievable, but sadly entirely believable!

I’m so glad Claire comes to her senses after the trauma she witnesses, but that ending! I wanted to shake her all over again!!

Brilliantly written! This story really got under my skin, in the best possible way. It won’t be easily forgotten that’s for sure.

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **


They said a mother knows best and I believed them. Was I wrong?

It is supposed to be a dream. James and I have been trying for years. But now it is starting to feel like a nightmare.

Doctors don’t ask questions, or care about how you’re feeling. They just tell you what to do. They never listen.

Mam and James don’t understand either. James thinks I’m being anxious and Mam says it’ll pass. It always does. That’s what she did when Dad died.

I’ve never felt more alone. Or scared.

Then I joined an online group for mothers. A sisterhood, really. They might be on a screen, but sometimes it feels like they know me better than James. They listen, they care. It’s all I could have asked for.

Until the worst happens and I see them for who they are. But if I leave, what if they come for me next?

Readers are loving Baby Teeth

‘Propulsive’ Chris Bridges
‘A compelling read’ 5* Reader Review
‘Horribly relatable’ Lucy Ayrton
‘It is dark and intense and such a fabulous read’ 5* Reader Review

*Trigger Warning: This book contains discussions and references to pregnancy and infertility. There is also a scene of pregnancy loss*

Happy reading!