Month January 2022

My (last two) Week in Books (w/e 30th Jan 2022) #booknews #bookupdates #booklove

yvonnembee 2 Comments

Well, it has certainly been an interesting couple of weeks, last weekend I couldn’t actually get to my computer to sort out my post for my weekly update of books I had read. We had the builders in sorting out the internal wall insulation. Moving furniture was fine, the work they did was great, but the dust afterwards!!!!! A couple of days to move stuff out of the way for them, a week to put it all back again. It hasn’t been fun, but it has given me a chance to sort through a lot of the clutter.

So this is what I read over the past two weeks…

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I am really enjoying reading Gillian Godden‘s books and Diamond Geezer is another fabulous crime read. Once again this author has done an amazing job with her latest gangland crime thriller. This one was so addictive that I read it in one sitting, it then took me several hours to digest the finale! Definitely did not see that coming! Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour.

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Another author who I really enjoy reading is Rosie Clarke and A New Dawn Over Mulberry Lane is the latest one in the series. The author has gradually woven the stories of the family and friends in this series through the years. The author enters another decade, London 1958 sees another generation stepping up and stepping out to embark on their own lives and careers. Another one that is part of a Blog Tour.

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Years ago I used to love reading the Judge Dee books by Robert Van Gulik, so I was intrigued when this cover. The Shadow of the Empire by Qiu Xiaolong is a historical fiction mystery novel set in 7th CEntury China. A slower-paced but enthralling read that I really enjoyed. It was good to be able to revisit this character.

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Samantha Tonge has woven a wonderful story around three generations of women who come to live together, in, Under One Roof. This was a story that deals with different opinions, views and perspectives as well as revealing some home truths. There are some tough subjects that are dealt with, but it has been wonderfully blended with a touch of humour and sarcasm. Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour.

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Vampires do not exist. Everyone knows this. So it’s particularly annoying when they start popping up around Manchester . . . this is such a great tag line for This Charming Man by C. K. McDonnell for the second book in The Stranger Times series. The Stranger Times is a newspaper that reports on the obscure, the weird, the wonderful and the unbelievable. A wonderful second book that I was extremely fortunate to receive a paperback copy of from the Publishers. A full review will be in the middle of February.

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Jane Linfoot is an author who writes some wonderful heartwarming contemporary fiction novels. Her latest one is Tea For Two at the Little Cornish Kitchen. This is a gorgeous story about restarting life, a new setting and finding the belief that you are enough as you are. I had originally requested and been approved for this one via NetGalley but saw there was a spot on the Blog Tour that the organiser was happy for me to take. The full review will be in a couple of weeks.

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Alison Menzies got in touch regarding a science book she had. She does know I do like the odd science book and she wondered if I would like a copy of Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Universe… And Our Place Within it by Andrew Newsam. While I am not scientifically minded or understand much about it, I am however curious. As I have been interested in watching the news about the James Webb telescope, this book was the perfect thing for me to read. I have to say that it was also really a brilliant book to read. Broken down into basics from the dawn of time through to an almost present day. A journey across time and space, the birth of stars, planets and also what the future may hold. My full review will be out in the middle of February.

There we have it, two weeks worth of reading.

Hopefully, normal service will be resumed now I can finally reach my computer again 🙂

Take Care, have a great week ahead

Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Takeover by Edie Baylis @ediebaylis @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #boldwoodbloggers #crime #gangland #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Takeover by Edie Baylis. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I am so glad there are plenty more for me to read.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book.

She’s the boss now…

Daddy’s girl Samantha Reynold hadn’t bargained on unexpectedly needing to step into her father’s shoes and take over the family casino business.

Pampered and spoiled, Sam knows nothing about the rules of this glamorous but deadly new world. She has a lot to learn and even more to prove. But she won’t let her family down, especially when it looks like they could lose everything to their biggest rivals – the Stoker family.

Eldest son Sebastian hasn’t got time to pander to pretty girl Samantha as she plays at being boss. Rumours are swirling around the streets of Birmingham that have the power to rip the Stoker family apart and destroy everything they’ve built.

And Seb will stop at nothing to ensure that in this takeover, only one will succeed.

A gripping new gangland story perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.

MY REVIEW

Wow-what a brilliant introduction to this author Takeover was. I am delighted to see there are other books for me to catch up on.

This is a gangland crime and I adored it from start to finish. There is a brief intro before speeding forward 30 years as Samantha gets ready for her Birthday at her fathers’ casino. Samantha is sort of aware that there are things about his business she does really know about, but her focus is on building her own career as a graphic designer.

As the synopsis suggests, she is definitely plunged in at the deep end and has to learn the ropes fast when she unexpectedly finds herself at the helm of her fathers business. She does have support, but it is up to her to find out who she can trust!

This is where the author did an amazing job of not only throwing a wonderful twist in the early stages but also delivering a great deal of intrigue and mistrust from the first few chapters. Being a gangland story there is more than one family in the area, so there are a few characters to get to know as well as the hangers-on. I do think the author has kept the main players to the key roles and has other loitering with intent around the edges.

Family is key in these Birmingham based businesses, but when things start to get tough then it is those that are close to you who can know which buttons to press. With family tensions and also areas being taken over the intensity does build.

As this is my first time with this author I was interested to see different elements in her story, the intensity is not only within the thriller side of the story but also in a rather tasty romantic side. Something I wasn’t expecting but it definitely added another edge.

I adored this story a lot and if you like hard-hitting, gangland, crime thrillers then this will be one for you to look out for. I am so glad I read this one and it gives me another author to add to my list. Takeover is a book I would definitely recommend.

About the Author

Edie Baylis is a successful self-published author of dark gritty thrillers with violent
background settings. She lives in Worcestershire, has a history of owning daft cars
and several motorbikes and is licensed to run a pub. She has signed a five-book deal
with Boldwood.

Social Media Links – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Resistance (Book #1 Liberty) by Eilidh McGinness @eilidhmcginness @RandomTTours #historicalfiction #Resistance #bookreview

yvonnembee 5 Comments

I have been waiting for what feels like such a long time to share my review. Today is the day when I finally can, it’s also the last post for the Blog Tour for this fabulous story. My review today is for Resistance by Eilidh McGinness, this is the first book in the trilogy – Liberty, with Equality and Fraternity to follow. A historical fiction set in the Dordogne area of France during World War II.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of this wonderfully poignant book.

Bravery, courage, fear, treachery and love in a time of war.


A chance meeting draws Sabine Faure into the shadowy world of the French Resistance. Whilst acting as courier she meets four youths of her own age who wish to also join the Resistance. She is drawn to one in particular, Hérisson, who becomes her lover. Family loyalties are stretched to the limits as Sabine’s family try to navigate safely through the occupation.


Set in Dordogne in South-west France during World War II, the friends’ relationships and strengths are tested to the limits as life changes in horrific ways, The friends find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.


Vivid and powerful in its illumination of a time and place filled with atrocities but also humanity and extraordinary bravery, Eilidh McGinness’s novel may leave readers asking themselves – “what would I have done?”
The novel is the first part of a trilogy set in southwest France during WW2 and is a family saga.

MY REVIEW

I do like my historical fiction and I am always on the lookout for authors that can bring something different. This author has done just that with this first book in the Resistance series.

Set during WWII, the story concerns a young woman, Sabine and a resistance fighter known as Hérisson. The two meet as Hérisson is looking to join the resistance in the fight against Hitler. Sabine finds herself doing her part to help and is uniquely placed to do so.

This is a fabulous read and one where I found myself thinking about consequences, it is something that the characters battle with as there are reprisals from the German forces when attacks are made from the resistance. Trying to keep their activities secret means keeping an eye out at all times. No one is safe especially when Germany occupies the French town of Saint Antoine de Double, while the town is fictional, many of the events are not.

The author has woven fiction around the factual and has created a book that flits between Sabine and Hérisson. They make two very distinct sides of the same story, one trying to carry on as normal and trying not to court any attention while the other is putting himself in harm’s way.

The author has created a story that shows the fear and also the proud determination a this most horrendous point in history. Persecution, torture, execution, deportation and death is something that all are in fear of and this is something that comes across very well in the story as well as the disbelief of some of the events that happen.

This is a wonderful start to this series and I am definitely looking forward to continuing it. It is one for readers who like their historical fiction to be based around or to include actual events. It is hard reading in some places and it had me on edge as I read about the two main characters and the people they know. It is one I would definitely recommend.

About the Author

Eilidh was born and brought up in the Highlands of Scotland. She studied law at Aberdeen University. She practiced as a lawyer for twelve years, latterly specializing in criminal defense. Eilidh then moved to South-West France with her then-husband and four children. She established an independent estate agency business which she ran for twelve years before concentrating on writing- a long-held dream. Eilidh has always been fascinated by history and ordinary people who achieve extraordinary things.

Twitter – Website

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That Certain Spark by Isobel Hart @IHartauthor @rararesources #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for That Certain Spark by Isobel Hart. This is a wonderful contemporary fiction story that I really enjoyed.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this book.

That Certain Spark
A one-bedroom apartment with creeping damp.
Depressed cat, complete with litter tray.
Neither was part of Claire’s five-year plan.
Nor, for that matter, was divorce.
Left with a comfort eating habit that’s costing her a small fortune in ice cream, and panic attacks flooring her in front of the supermarket meals-for-one, Claire turns to her mum and Mindfulness in the hope that one of them can help her find real happiness.
She thinks she’s cracked it… but then her past comes creeping back.
Now she has to work out what really makes her happy or risk a life where Ben & Jerry are the only men who matter.


Purchase Link – Amazon UK or US
Only 99p for a limited time!

MY REVIEW

What a fabulous story this was to read and one that I am sure many people may have a connection to. Claire is alone after her husband left her for another woman. Claire, is, well, to put it bluntly, she is wallowing in self-pity and negative thoughts. When things go wrong it is easiest to listen to the negative thoughts that squirm into your head.

Thank goodness for Claire’s mum and some fabulous friends who she meets at a Mindfulness course. Working through her own and listening to others speak and discuss their experiences helps Claire to see that she needs to put herself first and stop blaming herself for things that were out of her control.

AS someone who suffers from anxiety and who has had panic attacks I found this such a wonderful and relatable story. While my experiences are different to Claire’s I could see the benefits that came across from her taking the course and using positive exercises.

The story itself is just a pleasure to read as Claire and her friends get to know each other, they see signs in behaviours and attitudes. Realising that they are friends they are able to form bonds and it is a lifeline for them in one way or another.

There are so many wonderful moments in this book and I found myself chuckling away several times. While this is a story about positivity and well being it is also about living your life the best way you can and realising how to get rid of those things that drag the negativity back in.

A fabulous story and one that fans of contemporary fiction, family and friends will really enjoy. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in London, Isobel Hart’s childhood was spent in the Middle East before being sent to boarding school. It meant she had a lot of time to read. Now based in the UK, she writes about what she knows – real women, with flaws.

A romantic at heart, happily married for nearly twenty-five years, her novels focus on relationships – good and bad – and the women at the heart of them. She is ever hopeful others will find their happy-ever-afters or Happy-For-Now’s too.


Social Media Links – Facebook – Twitter – Website

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour

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One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardener @CenturyBooksUK @rachel90kennedy #crime #mystery #thriller #FrankieElkin #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardener. This is the 2nd book in the Frankie Elkin series and I would suggest picking up and reading the first book as it does give an insight into Frankie.

My huge thanks to Rachel Kennedy for my copy of this fabulous book via the publisher Century Books.

A young man disappears during a stag weekend in the woods. Years later, he’s still missing.

But his friends who were with him that day are still searching for him. Still hunting.

They hike deep into the wilderness.

With them is missing person specialist Frankie Elkin.

What they don’t know is that they are putting their own lives in terrifying danger, and may not come back alive . . . 

MY REVIEW

This is the 2nd book in the Frankie Elkin series and WOW! A one-sitting read for me, I really was unable to put this one down.

Frankie Elkin has her demons, she constantly battles to keep them at bay, but she manages and is 10+ years sober. She is such an interesting character and I am so glad that I had read the previous book Before She Disappeared.

Frankie lives a transient lifestyle, she has a job but it does not pay. She has no car, no possessions apart from what she can carry with her and she looks for people who are lost or missing. She decides to help in the search for a young man who went missing several years ago.

This is such a dark book and one that had me absolutely riveted. The way the author gradually increases the tension is great, but to be honest there is tension from the outset as Frankie joins the search. This isn’t a walk in the park, this is more dangerous and extreme than that. The territory is harsh, has no phone signal is rugged and only those with experience tackle the area.

Having to prove herself to be fit for the week-long search shows how tough this job will be. A gruelling hike, camping out, wild animals and bitterly cold nights are just the beginning. The author does a brilliant job of describing the area and instilling the dangers as I read. At the same time, there is a mystery to solve, one that nags at Frankie as she learns more about the other people in the group and more about the missing man.

This is a story that is dark, it is devious and I did sort of twig on to the “who” but it was more of an ” I wonder if it could be…” but I never saw the complete picture until the author was good and ready to fill in the details.

This is a fabulous read and one that makes me want to read more and more in this series. Gradually learning more about Frankie and her drive to search for the missing. If you like suspense and nerve-jangling thrillers then this is one you should definitely look out for. I would suggest reading the first book as it helps to see the journey Frankie has taken and about her past. Brilliant book and one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Anything You Can Do by B.R. Maycock @BRMaycock @rararesources #romcom #family #bookrevier

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Anything You Can Do by B.R. Maycock. I have read a couple of this author’s books before and found them very enjoyable, so I was delighted to get a spot on the One Day Blog Blitz for her latest book.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blitz and for arranging my e-copy of this book.

Anything You Can Do
What would you do if the stars aligned to put everything right in your home?
If Roles Were Reversed …

Caroline and Noel Morton are two people who need a change. One wants to escape the rat race while the other hopes to join it!

When Noel is asked to begin working from home he’s quick to say yes. More time with his three children? How could he not? Meanwhile, Caroline is considering starting a new job. How amazing would it be to hit goals and targets and have people actually thank you for a change? And when she receives an offer from the failing Eden Street box company, an organisation in chaos, she’s ready to change the world!

But is an organisation brimming with employees who are tired, disillusioned and waiting to be let go of what she really needs? And can Noel work from a chaotic home with three children, an obsessed work colleague and a disillusioned mother ready to thwart his plans at every turn?

Join Caroline and Noel as we return to Riverside to see if everyday changes can guide a relationship back to solid ground or if they’ll further tear it apart!

For fans of Fiona Gibson, Christie Barlow and Tracy Bloom this is a laugh out loud comedy you won’t want to miss!

Purchase Links – AMAZON – UK – GERMANY– AU –US

MY REVIEW

At 168 pages this is an enjoyable quick read that I sat and read over a couple of hours or so. A family of Mum, Dad and three children. Mum stays at home while Dad goes to work, normal run of the mill stuff but Mum, Caroline is feeling like she is at everyone’s beck and call, while Dad, Noel can’t understand why the housework isn’t all done and a meal ready for when he gets home!

This is one of those scenarios that many of us will be aware of, it doesn’t matter if you are a stay at home Mum or Dad you will get this as you not only juggle school schedules, visits from people and try to keep on top of everything. Not only that, but you can feel like you are starting to lose yourself and your identity as the rest of the family expect things to be done, cleaned, organised or washed when they need it.

A snapshot of family life is something that does work well in stories and this one had me chuckling, especially when the roles are reversed, yes I sniggered as I saw the realisation set in for Noel. But, I was also aware that this was not the only change, Caroline had become the one going out to work and little bits of her were also starting to show signs as well.

This is a role reversal story, but one that has a few other elements in it. Working parents, relationships, friendships and family are all things that need to be managed, it is easy to see how a little thing like a wet sock, a missing lunch box or a forgotten item can throw the day into disarray before it has even begun!

Enjoyable read and one that will appeal to readers who like lighter contemporary fiction and family life story. One I would happily recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi Readers, I’m Berni and I’m a rom-commer!
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and The Saddle Club before drifting into adulthood where I found Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick-lit, rom-com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small-town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line…
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
  Connect with me below on social media…

Social Media Links – WEBSITE – BLOG – TWITTER

Other Parents by Sarah Stovell @HQstories #PublicationDay #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Other Parents by Sarah Stovell. This is a brilliant book and one that is so addictive. It is a contemporary fiction that definitely gets darker as the story progresses.

My huge thanks to HQ Stories for my copy of this book. Also, Happy Publication Day to Sarah and the HQ team.

They all have opinions.
They all have secrets.


In a small town like West Burntridge, it should be impossible to keep a secret. But the problem with having your nose in everyone’s business is that you can miss what’s staring you in the face.

Rachel Saunders knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce – and the fact that her new girlfriend has moved into the family home.

Laura Spence lives in a poky bedsit on the wrong side of town. She and her son Jake don’t really belong, and his violent tantrums are threatening to expose the very thing she’s trying to hide.

When the local school introduces a new LGBTQ+-friendly curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate. But the problem with having your nose in everyone else’s business is that you often miss what’s happening in your own home.

MY REVIEW

This is the first time I have read a book by this author, although I do have a couple of books on my kindle waiting to be read!

This is a dark read that consists of various parents and their opinions, views, the way they live and how they interact. The school gate is shown as quite a vicious arena for the parents in this story. What one parent see’s as wrong another see’s as being ok. Opinion divides and it also cements in this story.

The parents, well the focus is on the mothers and what a cross-section they are. Set in a rural area where the school is outstanding and therefore the pressure of fitting in with what is seen as “the norm” is very apparent. So when one parent bucks the trend and does something that doesn’t go down well.

There are various themes dealt with in this book, one is based around a same-sex couple and the views of bigotted parents with regards to teaching an all-inclusive curriculum that also includes LGBTQ+. While this is a large focus of the story it is done from various perspectives, that of the couple involved, the family dynamics and also the opinions of others.

This is sort of the crux of the story but one that is gradually expanded as other characters are drawn in. The story is told from the viewpoint of these characters and so it did take me a while to get all the characters set in my memory. This meant it had a slower start for me but then suddenly I was completely hooked.

This book explores the opinions and views of the characters and each one is entitled to their own opinion. However, their opinions go from private to public and this leads to some interesting interactions. There are times when you need to make a stand, times when you need to wait and see what the larger picture is and once battle lines are drawn then you stand up for what is right.

This story deals with social and class issues. It shows very different sides to parenting and how people deal with bringing up their children and how they support them. This almost had a noirish feel to it, there was subtle intimidation feel giving it a slight psychological feel to it.

I really enjoyed this book, it is tense, dark and focuses on 5 women. It is one for those who enjoy contemporary fiction and one that I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain #NetGalley @HeadlineFiction #histfic #contemporaryfiction #mystery #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain. This is a wonderful book that is a mix of past and present with a strong mysterious streak within it.

My huge thanks to Headline Fiction Books for granting my request to read this book via NetGalley.

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Secrets won’t stay silent forever.

2020. A recently widowed architect moves into the home she and her late husband designed, heartbroken that he will never cross the threshold. But when disturbing things begin to happen, it’s clear that someone is sending her a warning. Who is trying to frighten her away, and why? It is only when she meets an elderly neighbour that she learns the street has a shocking and tragic past. A past that some will go to any lengths to keep hidden.

1964. A young white female student becomes involved in the fight for civil rights in North Carolina, falling in love with one of her fellow activists, in a time and place where an interracial relationship must be hidden from family, friends and especially the reemerging Ku Klux Klan. As tensions rise in the town, she realises not everyone is who they appear to be.

Decades later, past and present are set to collide in the last house on the street…

MY REVIEW


If you like to read books with duel timelines, have historical as well as present-day mysteries, including prejudice, political and social injustice, violence, mistrust and love, then this is a book that should definitely be on your radar.

This is set in North Carolina. The present-day setting is of Kayla and her daughter moving into their new home. It is one that Kayla and her late husband designed and built, so it is a bitter/ sweet occasion. The past is set in the same area and of a young woman Ellie who decides that rather than just report about the social injustices occurring in the US in the ’60s.

How the two connect is something that becomes apparent as the stories start to delve into emerging. As much as I really enjoyed the present-day setting, I found it was the historical setting that I found the most addictive. The author portrays so well the decisions of Ellie and how she felt so moved to stand up for what she believes in. This was also the harder of the two stories to read. It shows so many different aspects of life in the US at the time.

Without giving too much away, the 1960s in the US was a turbulent and troubled time. It was an era that challenged peoples perceptions, rights and beliefs. Protests, speeches, demonstrations during the Civil Rights Movement and the backlash from the KKK is something that is very hard to read. But I do think that the author has tackled this very well within the context of the story.

The present-day setting is still an amazing section, it is harrowing and how it is connected to the past is something that again has been done so well. ASs a reader you see links, but it is often why things are linked that keeps you reading. This is where the author has really excelled, bringing the mysteries of the past to the present makes for extremely addictive reading.

This really is a fabulous story to read, it is harrowing and also shows discrimination as its worst. It is one that I found to be addictive and heartbreaking. A mix of past and present that I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂

Remember My Name by Sam Blake @samblakebooks @RandomTTours @CorvusBooks #psychologicalthriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Remember My Name by Sam Blake. This is my first time reading this author and I adored this devious psychological thriller.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book.

If she’d turned off her phone, instead of listening in, perhaps no one would have died…


When Cressida Howard catches her entrepreneur husband playing away from home, she hires security expert Brioni O’Brien to get the evidence she needs for a speedy and financially rewarding divorce.


But what Brioni uncovers goes beyond simple infidelity. Because Laurence Howard is also in bed with some very dangerous people. Bribery and blackmail are the least of his worries as someone comes after the women in his life – someone who is out to destroy Laurence and his empire, whatever the cost.
And Cressida and her teenage daughter could soon be collateral damage if she and Brioni don’t act fast.

PURCHASE LINK – AMAZON UK

MY REVIEW

This is the first time I have read anything by this author so I am pleased to see that there are more books for me to catch up on.

Who would have thought that overhearing part of your husbands’ phone conversation could have such disastrous consequences? Cressida Howard certainly never thought this when she decides it was time to hire someone to see exactly what her husband is up to.

This is a book that I really needed to keep my concentration on as firstly I got to know quite a few characters and the part they have in the story. Then with the ever twisting and evolving plot that seemed to throw up more doubts and questions the further it went. The plot seems quite basic, the wife overhears another woman on her husband’s phone and takes action, but the author has far more levels to her story than the first impression implies.

This is a psychological thriller that is set in Ireland, in a world of high earners and entrepreneurs. What sounds like a fabulous work arrangement is starting to sour. Pressure to join in with another company adds to the risks and there are some topical real-life new links that appear.

This is a good read and one that I found quite addictive, it had many twists and on the whole, I never saw most of them. This felt like a slower-paced book but then as things became established it gradually picked up speed. I found myself avidly turning the pages over the last half of the story to get the connections and the answers.

It is one for those who like devious psychological thrillers and it is one I would recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sam Blake has been writing fiction since her husband set sail across the Atlantic for eight weeks and she had an idea for a book. Her debut novel, Little Bones, was No 1 in Ireland for four weeks and was nominated for Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her standalone psychological thriller, Keep Your Eyes On Me, went straight to No 1 and its follow-up, The Dark Room was an Eason Ireland No 1 for three weeks. Sam is originally from St. Albans in Hertfordshire but has lived at the foot of the Wicklow mountains for more years than she lived in the UK.


Follow her on TWITTER. Visit her WEBSITE for news and events and get a bonus free short story in audio & text when you subscribe to her newsletter.

CHECK OUT THE OTHER STOPS ON THE TOUR

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Week In Books (w/e 16th January 2022) #booklove #booknews #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 6 Comments

I am not quite sure how I managed it, but I read 5 books this week! To be fair though, there hasn’t been much that I have fancied watching on TV so that explains a lot. Not that I watch much TV though.

Here is what I read…

The Garden by the Sea by Amanda James is another gorgeously heart-warming read set in Cornwall. A story of new beginnings and fresh starts as well as people coming together as a community. You can read my full review HERE

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This is a new author to me and Takeover by Edie Baylis was a brilliant introduction. This is a hard-hitting gangland crime thriller that had me hooked. Samantha is not fully aware of exactly what her father does as she has her own career that she is building. Things however are soon made clear when she suddenly finds herself running her fathers empire. Addictive, fast-paced and one for crime thriller fans., Full review at the end of the month.

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Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman is a historical fiction book that the author has woven, myth, fantasy and a wonderful mystery into. I loved the historical setting and context of this story but it was the mystery side of this that really had me hooked. How does a vase, the death of Dora’s parents, an Uncle and jewellery all connect? A brilliant read set in London, 1799. Full review next week.

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Another historical fiction book, The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs was a gorgeous book that mixes fact with fiction. It also provided me with some wonderful follow up reading on the internet. This is set in 1835 and is the story of two women who join to embark on writing a cookery book. Eliza and Ann come from very different backgrounds and yet find a common love of food. This was such a brilliant book and if you are a fan of Historical fiction then you want to think about adding this to your list. Full review as part of the Blog Tour.

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WOW! Off Target by Eve Smith was an amazing read! I am so glad that I replied to the Blog Tour invite for this book. I have not read the authors previous book, Waiting Rooms but have seen loads of great things about it. Off Target is a near-future dystopian thriller that had me hooked. This is a story that is so thought-provoking and in some ways, there are basics of this book that do actually happen. If you could have therapy to remove a gene to prevent your child from developing a serious, fatal or debilitating disease would you go through with it? This is a very basic premise of this book, the route the author took is one that had me hooked as she weaves some serious effects, opinions, outcomes and points of view in this book. Keep an eye out for my full review next month.

There we have it, five books and all fabulous read and all recommended.

Take Care and Keep Safe

Happy Reading

Yvonne 🙂 xx

Many thanks for reading my post,a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx