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The Edge by Lucy Goacher

The Edge

by Lucy Goacher

The Edge had been on my TBR for a while and I started it without even re-reading the blurb, so I had no idea what to expect.

What an emotional read!

Clementine is grieving the loss of her sister, Poppy. Poppy was found on the beach at the bottom of a cliff. This, along with other factors, lead the coroner to have no choice but to rule her death a suicide. Clementine can’t accept that her sister would do that and she lives with the added guilt of missing a call from her that night. I can’t even imagine how you would begin to move on from such a tragedy. My heart broke for Clementine and her parents.

I admired her need to channel her grief into helping other people by being on the end of the phone at a support call centre. When she speaks to a man whose sister died in similar circumstances, but claims to have proof she was murdered, she becomes determined to find evidence that someone pushed Poppy too.

I really felt for her when her parents dismiss her theory and make her feel responsible for not picking up the phone that night (whether consciously or not). I can understand their need for the comfort of closure though. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare.

As the story progresses, and Clementine’s evidence builds, I’m not surprised she becomes overwhelmed and suspicious of everyone. I was suspicious of everyone! I was absolutely gripped and could not wait to find out which direction the story was going to take. I was not at all prepared for the terrifying rollercoaster of emotion this story turned out to be.

Brilliant writing! I loved it!

** According to Amazon I purchased the kindle edition of The Edge on the 4th of October 2022. Small Secrets is now on my wishlist **

Sometimes it’s easier to believe the lie. But is the truth right in front of you?

Everyone says Poppy jumped. My beautiful, creative sister, with her paint-splattered dresses and sunshine smile, took her own life. And I think they’re right. Until the day I get a call from a man with a very similar story.

Everyone says his sister jumped too. But he has proof that she was pushed. And if she was, I have to ask myself: could the same thing have happened to Poppy? In the moments before she died, was she really calling me to say goodbye, or was she calling for my help? Was she really alone on that cliff edge?

When Poppy’s friends tell me she had a serious boyfriend, I feel like I’m losing my grip on reality. If they were so madly in love, wouldn’t she have told me? Wouldn’t there be pictures of them together? And when I find the silver heart necklace he gave her, I feel sick. It’s the same silver heart another murdered girl was given in the weeks before she died.

This can’t be a coincidence. Either I’ve lost my mind, or the man my darling sister loved killed her. And if he could charm his way into her life so easily, what’s to say he’s not already in mine?

Happy reading!

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59 Minutes by Holly Seddon

59 Minutes

by Holly Seddon 

59 Minutes was chosen as our January Buddy Read Book Club read and coincidently, I was lucky enough to win a copy via a giveaway over Christmas, so I had no reason not to join in.

What a rollercoaster of a read!

Told from the point of view of three women of different ages, living different lives in different parts of the country but all suddenly faced with the same trauma of being away from their loved ones/homes when they receive an alert from the government warning system about a nuclear missile due to hit the south of England in 59 minutes.

I can’t even imagine! It must be terrifying!

As I followed each of the women through their journey back to their nearest and dearest I felt their increasing panic. The increasing panic of those around them. Some trying to be kind and helpful, others just trying to fend for themselves. Disaster does often bring out the best in some people and the absolute worst in others. It’s scary how quickly some people resort to looting and losing all sense of respect for their community, and their neighbours. Although, I can understand that they are facing nuclear fallout and would be unlikely to be thinking rationally. As I said, I can’t even imagine. I’m not sure I want to imagine. It doesn’t bare thinking about does it, even though it is a very real threat to us all realistically. I live in hope of those in charge having the sense not to start throwing nuclear missiles around!

I can understand these women recognising the grand scheme of things as things fall apart around them. We are all guilty of complaining about the most unimportant things. It’s just human nature but when catastrophic things happen in life they tend to put things into perspective. At the same time, we learn to appreciate the little things in life which we should all be doing always, but we often forget to.

None of us can know how we would deal with such trauma unless we had to face it, but it’s interesting to think about how we hope we would react. I’d like to hope I wouldn’t resort to stealing and throwing others under the bus so to speak, but who knows. I know I would be panicking if I was elsewhere, away from my husband and children. I would absolutely want us to be together if the end was imminent. I wouldn’t want any of my loved ones to face it alone.

This is such a thought-provoking story. One which I am sure will stay with me and one I will talk about often. I did not foresee where the story would lead and end. A truly compelling read. Fast-paced with very short chapters which helped to propel the story forward. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend.

Great choice @x_charlieeexbooks_x

Read along with –

@afsa.ahmed

@beckyreadsx

@erin_reads_alot

@fiction_book_reviews

@katies_cosy_reading_corner

@life.with.afsa

@mrskp_reads

@northyorkshirereader

@read.crochet.coffee

@yorkshire.bookworm

**Many thanks to Stu Cummins for my paperback copy via his giveaway**

If you knew you had fifty-nine minutes until everything and everyone you love would be lost forever, what would you do with that time?

It’s an ordinary evening. People are coming home from work, cooking dinner for their children, cuddling on sofas with their lovers. And then the message arrives, shattering everyone’s worlds:

Missiles are set to destroy England in fifty-nine minutes. Everyone should seek immediate shelter.

59 minutes follows the journey of three women trying to make it home to and protect their families. The journeys should be simple, but with a lost schoolchild seeking help, a teenage daughter suddenly going missing, and dangerous criminals on the prowl, there is peril at every corner.

Happy reading!

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Whatever It Takes by Mick Williams 

Whatever It Takes 

by Mick Williams 

Whatever It Takes had been on my TBR list for far too long so Mick Williams re-editing and re-releasing it was the kick up the bum I needed to bump it up my reading list!

Apologies to Mick for the late review. The Christmas chaos took over!

What a brilliant read! Not that I’m surprised as I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Mick Williams.

Cory Keller is a fabulous character. Finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time leads to him being the target of some extremely undesirable people (to put it mildly). It takes him a little while to convince the local Sheriff of what he witnessed but it isn’t long before circumstances leave him in no doubt at all of what they’re up against. Luckily for Keller, he knows how to handle himself, but there isn’t only his own life at risk.

Talk about fast-paced and full of action! A compelling plot, brilliant characters, suspense, humour, and a bit of romance. I loved it! There are also many excellently choreographed fight scenes throughout this book which would look fantastic on the big screen.

Another easy five stars for me!

** Many thanks to Mick Williams for my epub review copy **

Watkins Forge is a typical small town. But when widower Cory Keller climbs into a deer stand one autumn morning, he sees something no outsider was meant to witness: a man executed in cold blood.

The sheriff calls him crazy. And when the assassin returns to silence him, Keller realizes he isn’t just a witness—he’s now a target.

Cornered in a place he can’t escape, Keller does the one thing he knows: he fights back.

Hunted across backroads and deep woods, he turns the predator into prey. But every move reveals a deeper truth—the killer isn’t working alone.

Watkins Forge has been compromised.

His only ally is Ashley, a street-smart, feisty waitress who believes him when no one else will. But standing with Keller puts her in the crosshairs.

Outnumbered and outgunned, he’ll have to use every ounce of cunning and grit to survive.

Because in the town he’s grown to love, surrender isn’t an option.

NOTE: This is a new version of a previously released story.

Treat yourself….

Happy reading &

Happy New Year!

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Behind Her Smile by Caroline England @CazEngland

Behind Her Smile

by Caroline England 

Behind Her Smile is an incredibly tense read. I could just feel that there was more than meets the eye to this story and that it was going to take a disturbing turn at some point. I couldn’t wait to find out how!

It’s a difficult book to review as I don’t want to give anything away, but I was absolutely gripped, as I expected to be with another one of Caroline’s books.

If you love a psychological crime thriller with intriguing characters, complicated relationships, both family and romantic, an extremely clever, twisty plot full of suspense, deceit, love, loss, heart-breaking sadness, and jaw dropping shocks then you will love this book!

I can’t recommend it highly enough.

An easy five stars for me!

**Many thanks to Caroline for my epub review copy**

Buried secrets are dangerous.
Unearthing them might be deadly …

Laurie Dunn has returned to her childhood attic bedroom and her old nightmares have come rushing back. Terrorised by a client-related mugging, her job as a criminal solicitor causes more problems than solutions.

Finn Ballentine yearns for a fresh start, but even the glossy façade of his new law firm can’t protect him from the past he’s running from.

After a disturbing remark by her confused father, Laurie joins forces with Finn to uncover dark truths. But the long-buried secrets they unearth are laced with danger for them both.

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!

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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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Safe at Home by Mel Sherratt 

Safe at Home

by Mel Sherratt 

Safe at Home is one of Mel Sherratt’s standalone novels. I have loved every book she has published, and this one has been no exception.

Clara has had a troubled past and she battles daily with her inner demons. She just wants to be loved and accepted. To find a home where she feels safe and secure. To do some good in the world, so she can finally feel good about herself. This was never going to be easy for Clara though and my heart went out to her, especially as I got to know her better. She’s done things she’s not proud of and paid for them. I really liked her though. I was rooting for her to find peace and the life she was craving. It’s understandable that others might be wary though when they learn of her past.

Safe at Home is a highly emotional read, featuring characters you could so easily have living in your street. Struggling in ways you might never know. Mel Sherratt always manages to write flawed characters you can’t help but like, and can easily empathise with, despite what they might have done.

Character driven psychological fiction at its finest!

I was glued to my kindle, as I always am with Mel’s books.

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

She just wants to belong. But some scars run too deep.

Clara’s past is never far behind—but this time, she’s determined to outrun it. Starting over as a support worker, she finds unexpected refuge in Cedric House, the home of kind-hearted widow Roberta. It feels like a second chance. Maybe even a home.

But Clara is no stranger to damage—nor to the anger simmering just beneath the surface. She’s trying: therapy, anger management, staying out of trouble.

Then everything begins to crack. A workplace confrontation. A neighbourly dispute. And the fragile peace she’s fought so hard for starts to slip through her fingers.

Safe at Home is a raw and moving portrait of a woman on the edge—craving connection, battling inner demons, and trying to prove that even the most broken people deserve a place to belong.

Happy reading!

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#BookLaunch The Fight For Freedom by Stephen Smith #PhilipAstleyProjects #PhilipAstleyCentre #ShowmensGuildofGreatBritain #FunFair #FairgroundHistory

Hi all,

This afternoon my Mum and I attended a very exciting book launch in our hometown of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. The launch was held at the Philip Astley Centre, in our town centre, which was the perfect venue for this book….

The Fight For Freedom by Stephen Smith

There was a reception from 1pm where we enjoyed complimentary coffee and cake before being treated to a fascinating talk from Steve outlining the history and inspiration behind his book.

Speaking of history, for those who don’t already know, Steve Smith was my High School history teacher (and form tutor for my 5 years at Chesterton Community Sports College). We have stayed in touch since and he has always made an effort to attend anything we have invited him to. He attended our wedding reception in 2002! He also came along when we attempted to organise a 20 year school reunion. There were a grand total of 9 of us there, if memory serves, and that includes my husband, Steve, coming with me. Needless to say we didn’t even try for a 30 year reunion, which is a shame really! He also came along to my 40th Birthday drinks, and most recently, Steve’s 50th Birthday celebrations. So, I am so glad I was able to show my support and attend his book launch today 🙂 (Although I didn’t expect to be the only ex-student in attendance!)

The event was very well attended though. Guests included the Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme Cllr Barry Panter….

….as well as Showmen, Showpeople, enthusiasts, collectors, authors, historians, and experts from all around the UK. It was great to see a full venue of support for Steve and his passion for this subject. A thoroughly enjoyable event. I look forward to reading the book and learning more.

You can purchase a copy of Steve’s book by contacting….

https://www.traditionalrides.com/fairgroundsociety/sales.html

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Before I Let You In by Jenny Blackhurst @JennyBlackhurst

Before I Let You In

by Jenny Blackhurst 

Before I Let You In is a compelling psychological thriller. One that held my interest throughout and kept me guessing to the end.

The story begins when Karen (a psychiatrist) meets a new client for the first time, Jessica. Something is off about Jessica from the get-go, and it soon becomes apparent that she knows Karen and her friends etc. Karen is faced with a dilemma. She should refer her to a different psychiatrist really, but curiosity gets the better of her.

I can’t say I warmed to Karen. She comes across as a bit of a control freak, but I did enjoy the dynamic between her and her friends. They couldn’t be more different to each other. I found them all fascinating, and I couldn’t wait to see where the story would lead.

Jessica put me on edge. I desperately wanted to learn her story!

This book is pacey, with short chapters which add to the pace and tension. It succeeded in shocking me and I loved it!

** I read the paperback edition of Before I Let You In. I’m not sure where I bought it from though as it wasn’t Amazon. Unless it was sent to me via my Wishlist at some point. Thank you if you sent it to me **

She knows you better than you know yourself.

Karen is meant to be the one who fixes problems.

It’s her job, as a psychiatrist – and it’s always been her role as a friend.

But Jessica is different. She should be the patient, the one that Karen helps.

But she knows things about Karen. Her friends, her personal life. Things no patient should know.

And Karen is starting to wonder if she should have let her in . . .

Happy reading!

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Outside In: Nature Poems by Daniel Thompson @AuthorDThompson Julia Murray (Illustrator) @LollyPopPR

Outside In: Nature Poems

by Daniel Thompson (Author) Julia Murray (Illustrator)

Wow! Just, wow!

I think this might be Daniel Thompson’s most gorgeous book to date!

These poems are all about nature and they are just so brilliant.

I love being outside, especially when we get some sunshine. I love being by the sea, by a river, by a lake, surrounded by trees, walking through the countryside, sitting on a beach…. I love it all, but even just sitting in my back garden in the morning, or at dusk, listening to the bird’s tweeting away. There is something quite magical about that.

This book will help the youngsters in your life, and yourselves, to appreciate the wonderful world we live in and will certainly inspire you to spend more time outdoors enjoying it.

The hardcover edition of this book is stunning! My photos don’t do it justice. The illustrations throughout the book are just beautiful and compliment the poetry perfectly. I highly recommend you buy the hardcover edition to be able to enjoy it in all its glory. It’s one to re-read again and again.

** Many thanks to Lorraine Keating for sending me my review copy. It will stay in my permanent collection. **

Inspiring poems to connect with nature

This collection of 50 poems will spark a love of nature, bring calm and happiness and let the outside in.

Beautifully illustrated, it is filled with poems for children to read alone or enjoy with the whole family.

With poems about the seasons, senses, wildlife, weather and the joys of mud, it’s the perfect gift book for children to treasure.

From poet, Daniel Thompson, author of Being You: Poems of Positivity – 2023 City Kids Green Awards Winner and selected for the Reading Agency’s 2023 Summer reading challenge.

Treat yourself

Happy reading!