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The Blitz Secret (John Cook, book 3) by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson #NetGalley

The Blitz Secret (John Cook, book 3) 

by Stephen Ronson 

I was very much looking forward to reading The Blitz Secret having really enjoyed books one and two in this series.

John Cook is a brilliant, no-nonsense character. A bloke I would definitely want on my side. He reminds me of Reacher. I picture Alan Ritchson when I read these books.

In this book we see Cook spending most of his time in London. Now, I didn’t live through the blitz, but I feel like I did after reading this book. I’m glad I really didn’t. It must have been terrifying. I was particularly disturbed by the cutting of corners where building air raid shelters was concerned. I would not be at all surprised if that actually happened!

I was mortified by the behaviours of some of the characters in this book. People who should have been safe to trust. It just goes to show, you never know what might go on behind closed doors. What Ruby goes through is nothing short of horrific!

I’m impressed by Cook’s determination to succeed in everything he does. He’s like a dog with a bone who won’t let go. I admire this so much, as so many other people would take the easy way out and just give up at the first hurdle. He will not rest until he gets satisfactory results. A man on a mission!

Lady Margaret is brave. I couldn’t do what she does. I’d be useless!

There is so much tension throughout this book, I don’t think I relaxed once. Fast paced and full of suspense it kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending left me well and truly intrigued for book four!

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

I.C.Y.M.I

The Last Line by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson
The Berlin Agent (John Cook, Book 2) by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson #NetGalley

Happy reading!

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Past Mistakes (Detective Allie Shenton Gritty Crime Thrillers Book 8) by Mel Sherratt @writermels

Past Mistakes (Detective Allie Shenton Gritty Crime Thrillers Book 8)

by Mel Sherratt 

Allie Shenton is back!! I absolutely love this series so I was very excited to learn there would be a book eight. I only wish I had read it sooner.

I had so many mixed feelings about this story. Imagine being sixteen years old and jailed for something you didn’t do. I can’t even imagine how that might affect someone’s mental health and general outlook on life. My heart went out to teenage Jamie, especially when he realises he is going to lose his Mum too. However, as much as I understand his anger and rage, his revenge plans are brutal. It would have been lovely to have seen him turn his life around after his release and live his best life. Show his so-called friends from back then that he wasn’t going to let them ruin his life any further. I realise this is so easy for me to say though and it also wouldn’t make as dramatic a storyline. Lol!

A woman is attacked in her home. A man is murdered in his own home, and another man is stabbed. Detective Allie Shenton and her team soon work out what is happening and have their work cut out to find the culprit before he gets to anyone else. I was rooting for them the whole time and although I had little sympathy for those who lied in the past no-one deserves to be murdered in their own home.

This is such a fast-paced crime thriller featuring a perpetrator who knows exactly what he’s doing as he’s had a long time to plan things. I could barely keep up! I thought I had it sussed though, and I did to a certain extent, but there are moments throughout that I absolutely did not see coming! My heart was in my mouth on more than one occasion and just when I thought it was over, BAM, another jaw-dropping shock. One that really had me panicking!

Just brilliant! I loved it! I can’t wait for book nine!

** Many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my digital review copy **

#TeamSherratt

They left him to rot, but now he’s back for revenge.Jamie Sanderson walked out of prison with a score to settle. Fifteen years later, he’s back in his hometown and it isn’t long before the bodies start piling up. A man stabbed in an alley. Another found dead in his own home. A woman barely clinging to life. Someone is working through a bloody list, and nothing will stand in their way.

Detective Allie Shenton and her team know who they’re hunting but finding him is another matter. With every day that passes, the danger grows for the people he will come after. And then the worst happens.

As the investigation stretches the team to their limits, Allie faces a brutal reminder that the past never really lets go. Because someone comes for her, and survival is no longer guaranteed.

Past Mistakes is the eighth novel in the bestselling Allie Shenton series from the multi-million selling crime writer, Mel Sherratt, the author of The Estate Series and Grace Allendale books.

Treat yourself!

Happy reading!

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The Winter Job by Antti Tuomainen (Author), David Hackston (Translator) 

The Winter Job

by Antti Tuomainen (Author), David Hackston (Translator) 

I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I started reading The Winter Job, but I really enjoyed it!

Antii Tuomainen is a new-to-me author, and I like his writing style.

Ilmari Nieminen takes on a one-off job to deliver a sofa to earn enough money to buy his daughter the piano he has promised her for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong!?

Ilmari is a likable character, and his journey turns out to be far more eventful than he could have possibly imagined. He doesn’t expect to bump into an old friend who ends up tagging along and he certainly doesn’t expect to find himself being followed. Turns out there’s more to this sofa than meets the eye and there are others who want it too. He is determined to deliver it to the destination he has been given though otherwise he won’t get paid and his daughter won’t get her piano. He’s a recently divorced father who wants to fulfil his promise to his daughter. Woe betide anyone who tries to get in his way.

Set in Finland in 1982 this is a brilliant story, full of suspense, and peppered with dark humour. I was rooting for Ilamari the whole way through. The ending really made me smile.

** Many thanks to Orenda Books for my digital review copy **

Sofas, secrets and a snowbound road to trouble…

Helsinki, 1982. Recently divorced postal worker Ilmari Nieminen has promised his daughter a piano for Christmas, but with six days to go – and no money – he’s desperate.

A last-minute job offers a solution: transport a valuable antique sofa to Kilpisjärvi, the northernmost town in Finland.

With the sofa secured in the back of his van, Ilmari stops at a gas station, and an old friend turns up, offering to fix his faulty wipers, on the condition that he tags along. Soon after, a persistent Saab 96 appears in the rearview mirror. And then a bright-yellow Lada.

That’s when Ilmari realises that he is transporting something truly special.

And that’s when Ilmari realises he might be in serious trouble…

A darkly funny and unexpectedly moving thriller about friendship, love and death – The Winter Job tears through the frozen landscape of northern Finland in a beat-up van with bad steering, worse timing, and everything to lose…

Treat yourself

Happy reading!

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Filthy Rich Temptation (Filthy Rich Billionaires Book 1) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52 @BoldwoodBooks

Filthy Rich Temptation (Filthy Rich Billionaires Book 1)

by Rachael Stewart 

WOW! What a story this is!

It’s probably a good job my husband doesn’t read my book reviews because I think I love Theo. I fell in love with him in chapter one. He’s just the most delicious character. I defy anyone to resist his charms!

Theo is a self-made billionaire, but this is far from the focus of this story. It’s barely mentioned really, although there are obvious nods to it such as him living in a London penthouse apartment overlooking the Thames, and owning a beach house in Pembrokeshire with a live-in housekeeper. He’s a modest character though, and he’s trying his best to support his best friend by helping her younger sister and her three-year-old daughter after fleeing an abusive relationship. The problem is, he has been attracted to Sadie for longer than he cares to admit. How is he supposed to live in such close proximity to her and keep his feelings under control!?

Sadie has always carried a torch for Theo and eventually makes her feelings quite clear, making her so much more difficult for Theo to resist….

The way Theo is with Sadie reminds me very much of how my husband is with me, which is why I think I am completely besotted with him. The chemistry between these two is off the charts! I hope they’re still the same 26 years later as we are.

With scorching scenes (hot is an understatement!) as well as heart-meltingly romantic ones I absolutely loved Theo’s and Sadie’s story. They have their stumbling blocks along the way, of course, but they get there in the end and that’s the most important thing. Who doesn’t love a happy ending!?

I adored this book and will have no problem recommending to anyone and everyone.

** I won a paperback copy of Filthy Rich Temptation in a recent giveaway. Thank you to Rachael Stewart and Boldwood Books **

Theo

Making my first billion? Easy. Surviving Sadie — and her three-year-old — moving in? Pure torture. She’s my best friend’s little sister, the one girl I should never touch. Especially after that reckless kiss seven years ago…the kiss that ruined everything.

Now she’s here, under my roof, in every corner of my thoughts. Vulnerable. Off-limits. And so beautiful it hurts. I promised myself I’d protect her, keep my distance. But every laugh, every accidental touch, makes it harder to remember why I ever said no.

Sadie

I ran to Theo for safety, but the moment I walked through his door, I knew I wasn’t just in danger from my ex—I was in danger of falling again. He thinks he’s protecting me, keeping his distance. But every smouldering look says otherwise.

And every night, I wonder: what if I kissed him again? He thinks he’s just helping. But he doesn’t see how he’s rewiring my heart—how my daughter already adores him. I’m supposed to be surviving, not falling. But I know what I want…him. His hands. His mouth. His body. Even if it’s the one thing he swore I couldn’t have…

Treat yourself

Happy reading!

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Christmas with the Princes by Hannah Langdon #PublicationDay #NetGalley #NetGalleyUK

Christmas with the Princes

by Hannah Langdon 

I wouldn’t usually read a Christmas book this early in the year, but I requested this on NetGalley when I found out that Hannah Langdon had very sadly passed away, suddenly and unexpectedly, after a short illness. Her author friends were keen to get as many people as possible to pre-order and/or request on NetGalley so, of course, I was more than happy to support. My heart goes out to Hannah’s family, friends, and colleagues.

This book is a gorgeous read! I was completely swept away with the romance of it, and it didn’t matter to me at all that we’re a little way off Christmas yet. I don’t think there’s any reason why this book would have to be read exclusively at Christmas time, although it would certainly enhance your enjoyment of the festive season.

Laura is a private nurse who is embarking on a new position at the estate of Lyonscroft. She is to care for Marilise, who is a wonderful character. The two of them hit it off straight away and Laura soon settles in. She is struggling with grief and immersing herself in her work seems to be her only option for now. She is also trying to avoid her sister’s wedding plans for as long as possible. A sister who is the polar opposite of Laura, self-centred and entitled.

When Laura first meets Nick Prince, and his beloved dog, in a hedge rescue situation, she doesn’t realise he is the heir to Lyonscroft. As she gets to know him further, he does nothing much to warm himself to her initially, but she soon has a softening effect on him, and he starts to grow on her.

As their romance blossoms, Lyonscroft begins to embrace Christmas like never before, bringing light, laughter, love, and excitement to a house previously devoid of joy. A brighter future for the heir indeed.

A beautiful story which I loved!

I need to catch up with books one and two now. I wish I had discovered Hannah Langdon before now.

** Many thanks to the publisher for my ARC via NetGalley **

A swoon-worthy tale of second chances and Christmas magic that will have you believing in holiday miracles!

When Laura Wilde arrives at the snow-dusted English estate of Lyonscroft for Christmas, she’s fleeing her sister’s wedding chaos and seeking refuge in her job as a private nurse. But this enchanting manor holds secrets – not least why the devastatingly handsome heir, Nick Prince, seems determined to keep everyone at arm’s length…

Nick wants nothing more than to escape Christmas and sell the family estate, but Laura’s arrival changes everything. As she cares for his beloved grandmother, the spirited Princess Marilise, Laura finds herself caught between two worlds: the warmth and wisdom of an extraordinary woman with stories to tell, and the guarded heart of a man with a past he doesn’t want to talk about.

But when Laura transforms the cold, unwelcoming house into a magical Christmas wonderland, something shifts. Between unexpected dog rescues and stolen moments under the mistletoe, Laura must decide: will she play it safe and stick to her carefully ordered life, or risk everything for a love that could heal them both?

Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Beth Moran and Phillipa Ashley.

Happy reading!

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Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure by Caroline James @CarolineJames12

Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure

by Caroline James 

What a fabulous, feel-good story this is! I absolutely loved it!

I love Atticus. My heart went out to him at the start. He doesn’t find much joy in life since he lost the love of his life. His son has taken over his farm and turned it into a thriving business, but Arnott just isn’t interested in it much. He takes himself off for walks with his dog, Ness, and generally just tries to stay out of everyone’s way. So sad.

One day though his grandson convinces him to renovate his old campervan, giving it a new lease of life. Atticus decides to bite the bullet and drive it to Spain. I’m not sure I’d be that brave at my age, let along 70. Little did he know just how much this was going to change the rest of his life.

His daughter welcomes the change in him and supports his sense of adventure.

His son, not so much. He’s not the most likable of characters although I can understand how some children, however old they are, find it difficult to accept a parent moving on after the death of the other. Brother and sister couldn’t be any different to each other.

I loved joining Atticus on his travels, meeting his new friends, letting his hair down, and learning to embrace life again. I would absolutely follow his Instagram account!

A beautifully written, heart-warming read which left me with a smile and happy tear.

** Many thanks to Caroline James for my gifted Kindle copy **

When seventy-year-old Atticus Arnott drives his beloved campervan from the rainy hills of Cumbria to the golden coast of Spain, his village is left reeling. With only his loyal collie, Ness, by his side, Atticus sets out in search of sunshine and serenity—but his journey of travel and self-discovery in Spain soon brings surprises he never imagined.

Back in Ireland, Atticus’s daughter Mary is facing a crisis of her own. As her picture-perfect life starts to crumble, she must find the courage to put herself first for once and rediscover the dreams she set aside long ago.

From a later in life romance to an uplifting women’s fiction story about family, Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure is a heartwarming travel romance story perfect for fans of escapist holiday read fiction. Proof that it’s never too late to start over, this delightful romcom will inspire readers to embrace the unknown with open arms.

Happy reading!

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The Harbinder Kaur series, books 2-4 by Elly Griffiths

I am SO behind with writing reviews I thought I would write one overview for the rest of the DS Harbinder Kaur series which I have listened to consecutively on Audible recently….

The Postscript Murders 

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elly Griffiths (Author), Nina Wadia (Narrator), Quercus (Publisher)

When an elderly lady with a heart condition dies suddenly, as sad as it is, you’d be forgiven for assuming there’s nothing suspicious with that. Peggy is a fascinating character, and Harbinder soon realises that not all is as it first seems.

Another excellent crime thriller with plenty of twists and turns.

Bleeding Heart Yard 

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elly Griffiths (Author), Candida Gubbins (Narrator), Jane Collingwood (Narrator), Nina Wadia (Narrator), Quercus (Publisher)

I really enjoyed the unusual storyline of this book. Centred around DS Caitlin Fitzgerald. A detective with a secret of her own. A secret she’s had to bury in order to function and live a ‘normal’ life. I can’t even imagine how anyone would begin to do that. Thirty years later, she finds herself attending a school reunion where things take a sinister turn and I couldn’t wait to find out how it was all going to end. Shocked!

The Last Word 

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elly Griffiths (Author), Nina Wadia (Narrator), Quercus (Publisher)

This book focuses more on characters featured in book two, The Postscript Murders, Natalka and Edwin, with Harbinder more of a featured character. Natalka and Edwin now run a private detective agency and Natalka now lives with Benedict.

I like that these characters are awarded their own book in the series, although I did miss Harbinder.

Another enjoyable whodunnit which reminded me of The Thursday Murder Club in a way.

I really like Harbinder as a person and a detective. This book/series is full of fabulous characters and compelling storylines. I really liked the narrator of this series too. Does anyone know if there will be a book five?

I.C.Y.M.I

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths. Audible Audiobook – Unabridged #BookReview

Happy reading/listening!

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Geneva by Richard Armitage 

Geneva

by Richard Armitage 

Geneva was our Buddy Read Book Club choice for September. It isn’t a book that had been on my radar beforehand, but I really enjoyed it in the end.

If I’m honest I did find it a bit slow to start, but I soon found myself invested. My heart went out to Sarah Collier. A brilliant scientist facing early onset dementia. I can only imagine. It must be terrifying!

I could understand Sarah’s interest in a potentially life-changing new treatment. I could understand her reluctance to endorse it without knowing exactly what it involves though. I could understand her husband being desperate to go to Geneva in the hope of this new technology being what might save his wife. It was always going to be a challenging trip for them though.

Little did I know.

As the story progressed, I was desperate to find out what was going on and I was praying for Sarah the whole time. I had an uneasy feeling as I turned the pages, but I had no idea why. As I started to realise, I felt a bit sick. Honestly, it’s shocking how deceitful some people can be and the lengths they are prepared to go to get what they want.

A good read!

Our September Buddy Read Book Club pick, Geneva by Richard Armitage, chosen by @the_bookshelf_2023

Read along with –

@beth.booksandblankets

@readswithdanii

@northyorkshirereader

@read.crochet.coffee

@mrs_n_reads

When you have it all
Sarah Collier has been lucky: she’s got a glittering scientific career and a husband who loves her more than anything.
And you start to lose it
But now she’s showing signs of early Alzheimer’s, and the only hope for a cure is in a controversial new technology being unveiled in Switzerland.
You’d go anywhere for help
In Geneva, as events turn dangerous and her memory loss worsens, Sarah has to decide who to trust: the people around her – or, despite her symptoms, herself.

Happy reading!

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Coming Up Trumps: A Memoir by Jean Trumpington 

Coming Up Trumps: A Memoir 

by Jean Trumpington 

What a fascinating lady who led a remarkable life! I admit that I didn’t know who she was before I read this book. I must have picked it up at a book sale somewhere as I love a good memoir and I’m glad I did as it was highly entertaining!

Told with candour and wit it very much reads like you’re sitting with her over tea and cake whilst she regales you with stories from her life. And what a life! A mostly charmed childhood, a land girl followed by work at Bletchley Park. A successful marriage, motherhood, a political career, and a stint as the mayor. There isn’t much she didn’t pack in to her 96 years! This book takes us past her 90th Birthday as she determines to continue to enjoy her life to the max whilst she can. Quite the inspiration with a cracking character! She also loved Staffordshire pottery so she’s alright by me 😉

I hope she is resting in peace after her very long and full life.

Forthright, witty and deliciously opinionated, Jean Trumpington’s Coming Up Trumps is a wonderfully readable account of a life very well lived.

In this characteristically trenchant memoir, the indomitable Jean Trumpington looks back on her long and remarkable life. The daughter of an officer in the Bengal Lancers and an American heiress, Jean Campbell-Harris was born into a world of considerable privilege, but the Wall Street Crash entirely wiped out her mother’s fortune.

At fifteen the young Jean Campbell-Harris was sent to Paris to study but two years later, with the outbreak of the Second World War, she became a land girl. However, she quickly changed direction, joining naval intelligence at Bletchley Park, where she stayed for the rest of the war. After the war she worked first in Paris and then on Madison Avenue, New York, with advertising’s ‘mad men’. It was here that she met her husband, the historian Alan Barker, and their marriage, in 1954, ushered in the happiest period of her life before embarking on her distinguished political career, as a Cambridge City councillor, Mayor of Cambridge and, then, in 1980, a life peer.

Happy reading!

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Everyday Kindness: A Collection of Uplifting Tales to Brighten Your Day Audible Audiobook – Unabridged LJ Ross – editor 

Everyday Kindness: A Collection of Uplifting Tales to Brighten Your Day Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

LJ Ross – editor 

Everyday Kindness is a lovely collection of short stories, all of which will certainly brighten your day. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them all! I’m not sure I could choose a favourite out of so many but some of them are written by some of my favourite authors who never disappoint, so I knew I’d be on to a winner with this collection. Each one has a narrator which really suits the story they’re reading too. LJ Ross edited it and if anyone knows a good story she does! If you haven’t read her DCI Ryan series yet, then you are seriously missing out. (Start with Holy Island.)

This book has something for everyone, and I can’t imagine anyone not loving it. Plus, proceeds from the book are donated to Shelter, a charity that helps millions of people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness so, why not treat yourself or it would make the perfect gift.

Perfect for dipping in and out of and I really enjoyed the Audible edition. I do have a hardcover copy too, which I will read at some point. I’ll probably treat myself to a story per day and enjoy them all, all over again.

Everyday Kindness is a charity anthology of short, fictional stories of kindness, edited by LJ Ross. These uplifting tales of hope and of small, everyday kindnesses are intended to support wider, positive mental health goals and foster wellbeing through the act of reading tales of goodwill inspired by others. Featuring authors across the spectrum of literature, some international bestsellers and award-winning writers amongst them, this is a unique collection of words.

Proceeds from the book will be donated to Shelter, a charity that helps millions of people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

Authors include: LJ Ross, Adam Hamdy, Alex Smith, Alexander Gordon Smith, Alison Stockham, Anne O’Leary, Barbara Copperthwaite, J.D. Kirk, C.L. Taylor, Caroline Mitchell, Chris McDonald, Claire Sheehy, Clare Flynn, Darren O’Sullivan, David Leadbeater, Debbie Young, Deborah Carr, Emma Robinson, Graham Brack, Hannah Lynn, Heather Martin, Holly Martin, Ian Sainsbury, Imogen Clark, James Gilbert, Jane Corry, Jean Gill, J.J. Marsh, Judith O’Reilly, Kelly Clayton, Kim Nash, Leah Mercer, Liz Fenwick, Louise Beech, Louise Jensen, Louise Mumford, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Marcia Woolf, Mark Stay, Marcie Steele, Natasha Bache, Nick Jackson, Nick Quantrill, Nicky Black, Patricia Gibney, Rachel Sargeant, Rob Parker, Rob Scragg, S.E. Lynes, Shelley Day, Casey Kelleher, Sophie Hannah, Victoria Connelly, Victoria Cooke, Will Dean.

Happy reading!