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…
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!
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**
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!
Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
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.
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 😊
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.
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*
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 February 2024 + a link to previous February FBFs….
Stevie Buchanan has a difficult upbringing, at least where her mother is concerned. She has a lovely relationship with her dad, but her mum is very cold and sometimes cruel to Stevie. This made it a difficult read at times as I just wanted to jump in there and give Stevie a hug. There seemed to be absolutely no reason for the mother’s behaviour towards Stevie other than perhaps her being jealous of the relationship she has with her dad.
Things go from bad to worse when there’s a work accident which leaves Stevie devastated and her mother bereft. Refusing help or comfort from anyone other than alcohol she shuts herself and Stevie away from everyone and poor Stevie must bear the brunt.
As Stevie becomes a young adult, she discovers a family secret, and her mother can no longer control her in the same way, so off she goes in search of the person who turned her life and the lives of her family upside down….
I absolutely did not expect the twists this story took, or the truths Stevie discovers. It certainly explains, although does not condone, her mother’s behaviour.
My heart went out to Stevie and all she has had to endure. I understood her decision at the end, as well as her doubts. She’s a brilliant character. This is a brilliant, character driven, story.
It’s a shame it’s no longer available to purchase because I very much recommend it.
I have no idea how long it must have been on Kindle for, but I am glad I finally read it.
I have found the author though and added book one of a more recent series of theirs to my Wishlist.
Stevie Buchanan’s family has a secret. Catherine Stone has a secret. Stevie knows nothing. Catherine knows everything. Set between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, this is the story of an innocent life thrown into the deep. When their worlds collide and the real truth is laid bare, no one could have imagined how very dark the secret really is. As Stevie grows from a curious little girl into a strong young woman, the secret is revealed. And so her journey begins. A journey that takes her to Catherine’s door.
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