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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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The Woman in the Moonlight by Patricia Morrisroe

The Woman in the Moonlight

by Patricia Morrisroe 

The Woman in the Moonlight is a beautifully written novel set in Vienna in the early 1800s.

Eighteen-year-old Julie Guicciardi begins taking piano lessons with Ludwig van Beethoven and quickly becomes enamoured with him. He is drawn to her too, but circumstances prevent them from marrying.

Julie is encouraged to marry someone else. However, her husband is unable to give her children so substitute sperm donors (for want of better words) are arranged. The first against Julie’s will, which turned my stomach. I can’t even imagine! The things that went on behind closed doors back in those days are quite shocking, especially within supposedly well-to-do households. The man who eventually fathers her children is much less heinous, and Julie grows to love him although they could never be together. She made a promise to his wife. His wife who arranged for her to have his child as she was unable to do so. Honestly, it seems that it was all going on back then!

Anyway, the story centres around Beethoven, his troubles, and Julie’s unending love for him. How she keeps finding her way back to him, whatever else is going on her life. Goodness knows why really as he isn’t very nice to her for the most part, but he captivates her, and she can’t help her affection for him. And I think he loved her in his own way.

Based on the true events of Beethoven’s life, I found this story compelling. I didn’t know much about him previously. He is a fascinating if not entirely likable man who struggled in his later years having to face going deaf. Particularly devastating for a musician.

It is an unlikely love story. One that certainly endures. I really enjoyed it.

A stirring and romantic historical novel about nineteenth-century Vienna and the tragedy and dynamic passion that inspired Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Vienna, 1800. Countess Julie Guicciardi’s life is about to change forever. The spirited eighteen-year-old is taking piano lessons with Ludwig van Beethoven, the most talented piano virtuoso in the musical capital of Europe. She is captivated by his volatile genius, while he is drawn to her curiosity and disarming candor. Between them, a unique romance. But Beethoven has a secret he’s yet to share, and Julie is harboring a secret of her own, one so scandalous it could destroy their perfect love story.

When Beethoven discovers the truth, he sets his emotions to music, composing a mournful opus that will become the Moonlight Sonata. The haunting refrain will follow Julie for the rest of her life.

Set against the rich backdrop of nineteenth-century Vienna, The Woman in the Moonlight is an exhilarating ode to eternal passion. An epic tale of love, loss, rivalry, and political intrigue. A stirring portrait of a titan who wrestled with the gods and a woman who defied convention to inspire him.

Happy reading!

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Out of Sorts by Aurélie Valognes (Author), Wendeline A. Hardenberg (Translator) 

Out of Sorts

by Aurélie Valognes (Author), Wendeline A. Hardenberg (Translator) 

I really, really enjoyed Out of Sorts. Ferdinand Brun is a cantankerous old git, but I couldn’t help but like him. I can understand how he would frustrate his neighbours though!

He’s a fascinating character and I love how much he loves Daisy. My heart broke for him when he lost her. His attitude towards his daughter and his ex-wife made me sad, but I love how Juliette and Beatrice endeavour to change him. Even at his grand age, they are quite determined!

A heart-warming read. Sad, but funny. Ultimately uplifting. I loved it!

** According to Amazon I purchased the Kindle copy of Out of Sorts on the 3rd of December 2015 **

Ferdinand Brun hasn’t always been a grumpy old man. Many years ago, he was a grumpy young man. Now he’d much rather spend time with his canine companion, Daisy, than any of his nosy neighbors. But as his behavior becomes increasingly peculiar, his daughter grows concerned and begins to consider moving him into a retirement home.

In order to maintain his freedom, Ferdinand must submit to an apartment inspection by his longtime enemy, the iron-fisted concierge, Mrs. Suarez. Unfortunately, he’s never tidied up a day in his life. His neighbors, precocious ten-year-old Juliette and vivacious ninety-two-year-old Beatrice, come to the rescue. And once he lets these two into his life, things will never be the same. After an eighty-three-year reign of grouchiness, Ferdinand may finally learn that it’s never too late to start living.

Happy reading!

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Red Dirt by E.M. Reapy

Red Dirt

by E.M. Reapy

I think Red Dirt is the first book I’ve ever read which doesn’t have chapters. I found this a bit weird at first, but I soon got over it.

I found myself fascinated by these characters and their escapades. I was quite mortified when they left Hopper in the middle of nowhere! I don’t think my conscience would have ever let me sleep again. I can’t actually imagine doing anything this lot do, but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.

This is a difficult one to review because there are no big twists or an intricate plot line, just real people making questionable choices and facing potential danger in order to scrape a living and survive. An interesting read!

** I think I must have won or been gifted this book as I have no record of buying it for myself. So, thank you if you sent it to me **

A group of young Irish migrants leave a man called Hopper for dead on an outback road in Australia. They barely know him; no-one will miss him in their world of hostels, wild nights on cheap wine and grinding work on isolated farms.

In this powerful novel about the discovery of responsibility, three young people – Fiona, Murph and Hopper – flee the collapse of their country’s economy. In the heat and endless spaces of Australia they try to escape their past, but impulsive cruelty, shame and guilt drag them down, and it is easy to make terrible choices.

Happy reading!

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39 Weeks by Terri Douglas @terri_douglas_

39 Weeks 

by Terri Douglas 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a delightful read!

Judy is a fabulous character and one I warmed to straight away. As a Mum of two, both planned, I can’t say I could relate to her when she finds out she’s expecting a baby after a one-night stand. I would probably be terrified in her situation too! I love how she slowly gets used to the idea of being a Mum though, but she certainly doesn’t like to make life easy for herself. Her story from conception to motherhood is full of drama, from her difficult relationship with her mother, problems at work, love life complications, and a friendship with the baby’s uncle who doesn’t even know he’s the uncle!

Honestly it is a truly entertaining tale. Laugh out loud funny at times and frustrating at others (why do people not communicate!?).

Ultimately heart-warming. A proper feel-good read. I loved it!

** According to Amazon I purchased the kindle copy of this book on the 14th of November 2013. It is currently still available for 99p **

To her utter dismay Judy discovers she is pregnant. She knows it’s the end of everything, sex, sleep, going out, and generally having a life. The father was a one night Bacardi induced mistake who’s now long gone, thank goodness.
She struggles with prenatal check-up’s and scans and copes with her first craving and leaky boobs, not to mention her ever increasing waistline, and say’s goodbye to size 10 dresses and pretty underwear, although who’s going to be seeing her in her underwear ever again pretty or not she has no idea, and resigns herself to ‘fat clothes’. All Judy wants is to not be pregnant and to be able to get on with her self-imposed never having another relationship life. ‘I mean who needs some bloke telling you how to do everything, or anything, while they consistently bollocks things up.’
Then to add to her quandary, on a last fling night out before the bump gets too noticeably big, she meets the gorgeous Rob who could have been her ‘The One’ if only she wasn’t pregnant.

Happy reading!

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The Intruders by Louise Jensen 

The Intruders

by Louise Jensen 

Wow! This is an excellent read!

Cass and James make a lovely couple. When an opportunity arises for them to live rent free for a while, giving them a chance to save for their own place, it seems too good to be true. These things often are! The house has been unoccupied for many years after a home invasion resulted in the previous owners losing their lives. Cass and James are to be caretakers of the property for a short while. I’m not sure I’d want to live there, but it does seem a shame when a house sits abandoned.

It isn’t long before weird things start happening. The tension Cass feels, particularly when she’s on her own in the property, is palpable. James seems more inclined to find rational explanations for the window that seems to keep opening itself amongst other things. I was with Cass, something wasn’t right with that house and as creepy as it is I couldn’t stop reading. As the story progresses things become even more disturbing, fast-paced, and jaw-dropping. The chapters seemed to get shorter and the need to find out where the story was heading more urgent. I would never have guessed it in a million years! Absolutely brilliantly written. I loved it!

This was our Instagram Buddy Read Book Club pick for July, chosen by @katies_cosy_reading_corner

Excellent choice, Katie!

Read along with @afsa.ahmed @readswithdanii @erin_reads_alot @fiction_book_reviews @the_bookshelf_2023 @lollysbooknook @mrskp_reads @northyorkshirereader @mrs_n_reads @yorkshire.bookworm & @booknook.mama

** I purchased a paperback copy for the purpose of the buddy read **

They were told to leave. They should have listened.

The perfect opportunity…

A manor house available rent-free to house-sitters is an offer too good to miss for Cass and James, who have been saving for a deposit on their own home for so long.

Although it had been abandoned for almost thirty years, after a home invasion left almost all the inhabitants dead, it is an amazing chance for them to build their future.

But is it worth the price?

Shortly after moving in things take a sinister turn. Objects disappear and turn up in odd places, the clock always stops at the same time, the house is strangely oppressive and sometimes it feels like Cass and James are not alone.

Newington House may have bad energy, and a dark reputation. But surely there’s no reason for history to repeat itself, is there?

Treat yourself

I.C.Y.M.I

#TheSister @Fab_fiction @bookouture @thecrimevault @littlebookcafe #BookReview #PaperbackRelease
The Gift by Louise Jensen @Fab_fiction @bookouture #BlogTour #BookReview

Happy reading!

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The Torments (The Annie Jackson Mysteries Book 2) by Michael J. Malone @michaelJmalone1 @OrendaBooks

The Torments (The Annie Jackson Mysteries Book 2)

by Michael J. Malone 

After reading and thoroughly enjoying The Murmurs (Book one in the Annie Jackson series) I couldn’t resist purchasing book two and bumping it to the top of my TBR list!

Annie is a very likeable character. One with a family curse I don’t envy her for. I’m not surprised she wants to hide away in her remote cottage where she gets some peace from everything.

However, when her adoptive mother begs for her help as her nephew has gone missing, she feels obliged to do whatever she can do to help although her visions don’t really work that way. With the help of her brother, Lewis, she leaves her sanctuary, unaware of the danger she’s about to be confronted with.

This is another fast paced, suspenseful novel which I found to be more than a little creepy. Some of the characters are certainly more than a little creepy! Again, I was completely invested from the very beginning. It was extremely difficult to put down. I would have happily read it in one sitting if I could have. I’m looking forward to book three, The Howling, but that isn’t being released until September. If you haven’t already, I recommend you catch up with the series in the meantime like I have. You won’t regret it!

** I purchased a paperback copy of The Torments on the 18th of June 2025 **

Annie surged forward, but she was too slow, too late.

A hand came over and down, and she felt a sharp pain at the back of her neck.

Then all became smoke, and silence.

Hiding from the world in her little white cottage on the shores of a loch, Annie Jackson is fighting to come to terms with the world of the murmurs, a curse that has haunted female members of her family for centuries.

While she is within the ancient, heavy stone of the old dwelling, the voices merely buzz, but the moment she steps outside the door they clamour to torment her all over again, bringing with them shocking visions of imminent deaths.

Into this oasis comes her adoptive mother, Mandy McEvoy, begging for Annie’s help. Mandy’s nephew Damien has gone missing, after dropping off his four-year old son at his mother’s home.

Unable to refuse, but terrified to leave her sanctuary, Annie, with the help of her brother Lewis, is drawn in to a secretive, seductive world that will have her question everything she holds dear, while Lewis’ life may be changed forever…

The second book in the critically acclaimed Annie Jackson Mysteries series, The Torments is both a contemporary gothic thriller and a spellbinding mystery that deeps deep into a past that should, perhaps, remain undisturbed…

Treat yourself

I.C.Y.M.I

The Murmurs (The Annie Jackson Mysteries Book 1) by Michael J. Malone @michaelJmalone1 @OrendaBooks

Happy reading!

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Happier Days by Marcie Steele @marcie_steele @writermels

Happier Days

by Marcie Steele 

Well, if you’re looking for a beautifully written, feel-good story full of romance and gorgeous characters then look no further. Marcie Steele never fails to write characters who feel completely real. Characters who you find yourself rooting for 100%, praying for their happiness.

I knew I was going to love this book before I even started it, and I wasn’t wrong. There isn’t a single book written by Marcie/Mel that I haven’t adored.

I was completely captivated by Ava and Jack’s love story. They’ve both had their sad times, and grief never really leaves you, but in finding each other again they certainly can look forward to happier days!

Another gorgeous read! One I will happily recommend to anyone who will listen! 😊

** Many thanks to Marcie Steele for my kindle review copy. (Apologies for the delay in publishing my review.) Proud to be part of #TeamSherratt **

Some memories never fade – some hearts never stop hoping

When work as a photographer takes her back to a village she knows well, Ava isn’t expecting Jack to be as picture perfect as he is in her memories from all those years ago.

Set on the outskirts of Somerley, Sapphire Hotel is in need of a makeover. Its owners, Jack’s parents, are not keen on change after the death of his brother, but he encourages them to hire a PR company to boost trade. Whoever is sent to do the job will have their work cut out and, as project manager, will have to answer to him.

An untimely meeting has old friendships and emotions reawakened. Will Ava discover that true love isn’t a burden, but a wonderful thing? And will Jack find a way to let go of the past and risk his heart again?

Treat yourself….

Happy reading!

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The Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle @mikegayle

The Man I Think I Know

by Mike Gayle

What a gorgeous story this is!

When we meet James, he is living with his parents who have been looking after him since his tragic “incident”. He is itching to get his independence back but his parents, and his sister, are naturally worried about him living on his own again.

When we meet Danny, he has no option but to take the first job he can find as he’s having his dole money stopped. He would never have expected to bump into an old school friend at such an establishment.

Two men living completely different lives, but with a similar past. The most unlikely of friends.

However, fate intervenes and what follows is such a beautifully written story of a friendship that blossoms through mutual respect and a mutual need for a new start in life.

I absolutely loved it! It’s heartfelt, emotional, funny, and inspiring. Sad at times but ultimately uplifting. I certainly had a smile on my face at the end.

This is my first ever Mike Gayle book, but it will not be my last. I have all his other books on my Amazon Wishlist now! 😊

Ever since The Incident, James DeWitt has stayed on the safe side.

He likes to know what happens next.

Danny Allen is not on the safe side. He is more past the point of no return.

The past is about to catch up with both of them in a way that which will change their lives forever, unexpectedly.

But redemption can come in the most unlikely ways.

Treat yourself….

Happy reading!

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Borderline by Graeme Cumming @GraemeCumming63 #BookPromotion @BoBookPublicity

When the system isn’t working, work outside the system.

A search for a missing man thrusts Rand Scott into the dark realms of homelessness, drug dealing and sex clubs.

Kirsty Moore wants to find her brother Johnny, a one-time rock star.

The police also want him – for murder.

And there are others looking who don’t play nicely.

A simple job turns deadly as Rand uncovers a world where money talks louder than the screams of innocent bystanders.

Borderline 

by Graeme Cumming 

OUT NOW!

https://mybook.to/7xBagB

Reviews

“Thirty years ago the dominant voice in PI fiction was Robert B. Parker. His ‘Spenser’ novels are probably the best thing since sliced Chandler. Ever since I first read a Spenser novel I’ve wondered about an English Spenser to no particular conclusion, but in Graeme Cumming’s ‘Rand’ Scott (yes, that really is his name) I think we have a contender. Rand is the Spenser mix of borderline criminal and white knight, the hard-case with a heart of gold. That said, Cumming doesn’t pretend to copy Parker’s style, his voice is his own, his dialogue crisp, his sense of place superb … and he doesn’t give a flying F about food (sorry, Robert B.) Borderline is the first book in what I hope becomes a regular series.” – John Lawton, best-selling author of the Inspector Troy and the Joe Wilderness series

“Gritty, sharp-witted, and packing a serious emotional punch! And Rand is a hero worth turning the pages for.” – Lauren North, Author of CLICKBAIT & I’M HER MOTHER

“What an incredible novel. Cumming’s strong and authentic writing explores the murkiest worlds of covert policing in the most gripping and compelling way. Exquisitely plotted and expertly told.” – Graham Bartlett, former detective and Sunday Times bestselling author

“Rand Scott is a character I invested in, he is a man who is pretty complex, with hidden depths for sure. He surprised me at times as the story unfolded. A cracker of a thriller that has the perfect ingredients for a great read!! Gritty, dark and twists that are perfectly placed.” – Beyond the Books, Book Blogger