Welcome to another weekly round-up of books I have read this week. Just a quick one from me this time as I only read three books. Busy doing other stuff and not so much reading.
The Memories in Blood by Guy Cross – this was a fab read, more psychological than horror, but had some pretty creepy moments and was very mysterious. Full review next Monday.
The Cottage on Winter Moss by Allie Cresswell – is a gorgeous story between the past and the present. I adore this author’s books and writing style. Full review also next Monday.
The Discarded by Louise van Schalkwyk – is a tense and mysterious read and one that I found quite captivating. Full review next week.
There we go, I did say it was a quick one this week.
Have a great week ahead,
Happy Reading
Yvonne xx
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I am delighted to share my review today for On the Scent by Paola Totaro and Robert Wainwright. When I received an email from Alison Menzies PR at Elliott & Thompson Publishers about this book I was definitely intrigued. Having had Covid and losing my sense of smell and taste wasn’t nice. I wish I had this book while I had these symptoms, and it has made me realise how important your fifth sense is! A case of – you don’t know what you have until it is gone…
I admit that I hadn’t given the sense of smell much of a thought until I had Covid, if you are one of those lucky enough not to have lost it, then you should consider picking up this book as well. You don’t realise how it can impact your everyday life.
A fascinating exploration of how losing our sense of smell can shape our world, and how the global pandemic transformed our understanding of this mysterious sense.
Paola is on a journey to get her sense of smell back. Before the pandemic, loss of smell was estimated to affect about 5% of adults in the UK but about 40% of Covid sufferers experience anosmia in some form, catapulting this least understood sense into the spotlight.Â
Paola lost her sense of smell just days after London went into the first lockdown, 2 months before anosmia was an officially recognised symptom here. Reporting from the UK on the pandemic for the Australian press, she began to investigate whether this strange and awful symptom might be related to Covid.
On the Scent weaves together Paola’s own story of scent loss and partial recovery, with the latest chemo-sensory research and fascinating facts about the sense we know least about, as well as practical solutions for those experiencing scent loss. It is set against the context of how the British government delayed their acceptance of anosmia as a symptom of C-19; and how the scientific community came together in an unprecedented way to research it.
From Scent Training as a recovery aid to why some anosmics experience radical distortions in how things smell, On the Scent, explains why we ignore the Cinderella of the Senses at our cost: it is a risk factor in depression and significant in the early detection of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.Â
MY REVIEW
This is one of those books that I wish I had when I had Covid. I was one of the many who lost the sense of taste and smell. It’s one of those things that you don’t realise how important it is to your mental well-being as well as being one of the physical senses.
This book made me realise how important the sense of smell is. Without it, things just were not the same. I never appreciated how much of my everyday life revolves around smell until it wasn’t there. I am one of the very lucky ones who only had to deal with this abandonment on a temporary basis, around two weeks before I could start to pick up aromas, perfumes and other strong smells.
The authors of this book have laid everything out in such an easy-to-understand way. Yes, obviously there are science bits, but all done in a way that this non-science-brained reader could get. The authors take the reader through the various terms, the history, and also most recently Covid. In some ways, Covid provided answers for many people who have anosmia – a loss of smell, or parosmia – a distortion of smell. From having only a few volunteers pre-pandemic, researchers had a whole world of people who were suddenly discovering that they had lost their fifth sense.
The authors bring accounts, quotes, and articles from various people around the world. Those who have never had a sense of smell, to those who have a sense of smell but one that is wrong. AS I was reading this book I realised that there is a lot more to having a sense of smell than you first realise. Have you ever smelt a flower, or a perfume and been reminded of a favourite relative or an occasion? Have you ever smelt something starting to burn, or smelt a whiffy nappy? How about your own body smell? Can you smell the rain coming so can go and get your washing in off the line?
Not having this sense for me was a shock. Food became, boring and bland. Cooking a meal felt at times pointless as I knew I would not enjoy it. This book goes through all of these moments and so many more. It makes it such an enlightening read and one that, as I have mentioned, I wish I had before I got Covid.
The treatments, diagnosis, attitudes, advice and realisation have changed since Covid. This means that it will hopefully be given greater importance. If you lost your sight you would be classed as blind, if you couldn’t hear you would be classed as deaf. In both of these cases, you would have access to aids. Now, what about the smell!
This is an educational book that comes across in a very informal way. I was surprised by how much I could identify with, and also how much I really had no idea about. I know I am very lucky to have my sense of smell back because without that my sense of taste is also gone. An interesting read and very accessible. It is one I would definitely recommend.
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I am delighted to share my review today for The Siege by John Sutherland. This is a fabulously tense, thriller that had me absolutely hooked. Also, very Happy Publication Day to you John 🙂
My huge thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging for my copy of this book from the Publisher – Orion Books.
Nine hostages. Ten hours. One chance to save them all.
Lee James Connor has found his purpose in life: to follow the teachings of far-right extremist leader, Nicholas Farmer. So when his idol is jailed, he comes up with the perfect plan: take a local immigrant support group hostage until Farmer is released.
Grace Wheatley is no stranger to loneliness having weathered the passing of her husband, whilst being left to raise her son alone. The local support group is her only source of comfort. Until the day Lee James Connor walks in and threatens the existence of everything she’s ever known.
Superintendent Alex Lewis may be one of the most experienced hostage negotiators on the force, but there’s no such thing as a perfect record. Still haunted by his last case, can he connect with Connor – and save his nine hostages – before it’s too late?
MY REVIEW
This was such a tense book and it soon became obvious to me that I was not going to put it down until it was finished. A brilliant story from start to finish.
As the synopsis shows, there are 9 hostages, and only 10 hours to save them. The story revolves around three main characters, Lee, Grace and Alex.
Lee is a young man who takes the 9 people hostage. Grace is one of the hostages. Alex is a police negotiator.
There are other characters that have supporting roles, but the focus is on these three. How they came to be in the situation they are in. But more importantly, this story gets under the skin of the characters, into their minds and this makes it a fabulously addictive read.
In some respects, this is a slow-paced story, tentative steps, planning, conversations, background and negotiations are all wrapped into the personal lives of the main three. While it is slower-paced, it is also so tense and tight that it feels as if it is a faster pace. I know this sounds very convoluted, but while the essence of the negotiations is controlled the feelings of those concerned felt fraught. I think it is the element of danger, the wonder of what will happen that add a thriller feel.
Each of the characters is introduced, and their individual stories are expanded on throughout the book. As a reader, it is great to see into the minds and lives of people in situations and also into their beliefs. This does have race and immigration at its core, but there is something that is much deeper to this story. It is a story of manipulation and of false or fake news, and how easy it is for people to believe in unsubstantiated facts.
I think this is a fabulous read, the atmospheric tension makes this a page-turner and the characters are so wonderfully portrayed. My thoughts at the beginning of the book were different by the time I had finished it. There is a wonderful message behind the story and it is one that really resonated.
This is a book for fans of tense, suspense-filled crime, thriller and with a wonderful psychological feel to it. I adored every part of this book and I would definitely recommend it. Now I have read a little more “About the Author” I can see this is a guy who definitely knows his stuff, this really shows within this story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JOHN SUTHERLAND is a father of three who lives with his wife and children in south London. For more than twenty-five years he served as an officer in the Metropolitan Police, rising to the rank of Chief Superintendent before his retirement on medical grounds in 2018. John is a sought-after public speaker and commentator on a broad range of issues, who regularly appears on TV and radio and writes for major newspapers. His first book, BLUE, written and published while he was still serving in the Met, was a Sunday Times bestseller. It tells the remarkable stories of his policing life and describes his long road to recovery following the serious nervous breakdown that ended his operational policing career.
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I am delighted to share my review today for The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings. This is a brilliant read set in New Orleans with a wonderfully magical, musical and dangerous vibe.
I also want to add that the author did include a playlist for Spotify, this was so good to listen to. A mix of Jazz and Blues, some remixes and some that were new to me, and some rather modern ones!
My huge thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers for my PB copy of the book from the Publisher – Orbit Books
In a fantastical version of New Orleans where music is magic, a battle for the city’s soul brews between two young mages, a vengeful wraith, and one powerful song in this vibrant and imaginative debut.
Nola is a city full of wonders. A place of sky trolleys and dead cabs, where haints dance the night away and Wise Women keep the order, and where songs walk, talk and keep the spirit of the city alive. To those from Far Away, Nola might seem strange. To failed magician, Perilous Graves, it’s simply home. Then the rhythm stutters.
Nine songs of power have escaped from the magical piano that maintains the city’s beat and without them, Nola will fail. Unexpectedly, Perry and his sister, Brendy, are tasked with saving the city. But a storm is brewing and the Haint of All Haints is awake. Even if they capture the songs, Nola’s time might be coming to an end.
MY REVIEW
This is a book that I adored. A mix of urban fantasy, music, family friends and enemies. They are wrapped around songs and music. New Orleans is an area that has a mix of races, nationalities and ethnicities. Each brings its own traditions, religions, faiths, legends and myths. In this book, the author has mixed all of these together to create a slightly weird, oddball, wacky and wonderful story.
Music is magic and magic is music. In this story, it is what makes Nola a special place to live. It keeps the city thriving, in check and safe, that is until a vengeful spirit decides to cause chaos. It will be down to a group of children and some of their relatives to try to work out what is happening to the magic and the songs.
This is a story that I occasionally wondered ‘what on earth is going on!’ as it flitted from one person to another, and from one group to another. Even though I had trouble following where the author was going I found myself sticking with the book. I didn’t once think of putting it down because I wanted to know the outcomes. I am really glad I did because things gradually started to merge, make sense and become more clear. Did I fully understand everything about the story? No, probably not, but that doesn’t take away the entertainment value of the story. I also really enjoyed the music references such as Stagger Lee, Buddy Bolden and songs from the old Jazz and Blues eras. There are also mentions of spirits, haints, dead cabs, and so many different other things.
Essentially this is a story that starts out as a mystery. Jaylon and Daddy Deke have gone missing. Their respective families or friends are trying to find them and discover that not everything is as they think it is. There is another side that is separated by a thin layer. There is a storm coming, one that could be catastrophic unless the main characters can work out exactly what, how and when to do what they need to do.
I do think this is one of those books that may well divide the readers. It is quirky but I do love quirky, and when it is mixed in with urban fantasy, a rich setting and has some good music vibes running through it then it makes it a book that will catch my eye. In fact, it was the cover that did it for me, it made me think of voodoo, magic and death!
This is a fabulous read, I have been wavering between giving it a 4 or a 5 star. Five for the fact that I really enjoyed the style of the story but a four because I did feel a little lost at times.
This is one for those who like adventure, to take a risk and maybe for those looking for something a little bit different. I really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend it.Â
Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour
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I am delighted to share my review today for The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow. This is the 8th book in the Love Heart Lane series, it can be read as a stand-alone as all of the books can, but they are much better read in order as you get to know the community.
My huge thanks to One More Chapter for the e-copy that I requested via NetGalley.
Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what
All’s fair in love and…medicine?
Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders.
Katie’s the woman Ben loves to hate and until now he’d hoped he’d never set eyes on her again but now she’s back – and living next door!
When a charity boat race down the River Heart puts the two in direct competition, sparks fly. The winner takes it all, but who will it be? And will their prize be far more than they were expecting…Â
MY REVIEW
This is the 8th book in the Loveheart Lane series, and I have read and loved every single one of them. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, and the series is set in the wonderful village of Heartcross.
The story is based at the Peony Practice surgery, taken over and is run by Dr Ben Saunders and receptionist, Helly. Since the retirement of Dr Taylor Ben has been working at full tilt, not any time for time off. He and Helly decide they need another doctor at the practice.
Dr Katie O’Neill was Ben’s nemesis at Uni, she was always top of the class, best of the best, and all-rounder achiever and he always played second best to her. He isn’t best pleased when it turns out that she is going to be the new Doc in the village and it doesn’t take her long to make herself at home.
If you have read any of the books in this series you will realise what an amazing community the author has created. Having read all the books I definitely look forward to returning, it is almost like returning to your favourite holiday spot and catching up with the people.
This story is one that has its share of serious topics, this time it is for family secrets and dementia that have a seat at the table along with the characters. The author has chosen and researched her subject well, as she always does. This one for me felt more personal as I work with the elderly, some of whom have different stages of dementia. The explanations and details the author includes are basic but important and it does give an insight into the different sorts of dementia. I liked how the author highlighted this disease but also mixed it with a storyline that works so well.
There are, as I mentioned family secrets, these were not ones I expected, but my goodness does the author work them so well into this story.
The highlight, or rather the focus of the story is the camaraderie and competitiveness between Katie and Ben, but since their time at Uni, they have changed. They manage a good working relationship, but will it last. How competitive are they really?
This is one for readers who love a heartwarming story, with a fabulous cast of characters and some serious topics. The community spirit is warm and welcoming and I adored this one a lot. I would definitely recommend it.
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I have just realised I didn’t do a book update post last week!!! To be honest I didn’t actually read that much so I will update on what I have read this week.
It has been a good time for the garden flowers and veg. We have a week that had some of the highest temps on Thursday and Friday, followed by rain, wind and a thunderstorm. Not a major storm, just a few rumbles and that was it, quite disappointing really as I do love a good bit of thunder and lightning.
I cautiously went down the garden this morning (Sunday) and was surprised to see that there wasn’t any damage to the flowers. Plenty of loose petals and a few leaves and that was it. Suprised, becuase the foxgloves that are getting towards 6 feet tall and not supported are still upright! Also, from what I can see, the apples are still on the tree 🙂 The veg is looking good, nice and clean looking now the rain has given them a good dousing.
Here are the books I have read…
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow – this is another Love Heart Lane book and I adore this series. Full review tomorrow.
The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings – a weirdly, quirky and brilliant read about magic, and demons, set in New Orleans. Full review on Thursday.
On The Scent by Paolo Totaro – Interesting book that is quite topical given the number of people, me included, that had or still have lost the fifth sense due to Covid. Also a more in-depth look at the sense of smell and the impact or effect it can have on your life. Full review on Friday.
They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark – I have read this book as part of the month-long read-along with #lovebookstours over on Instagram. I have been answering set questions and I will post my full review here on my blog at the end of this month. Historical account based on letters between Dean and Connie Sherman during WWII.
There we go, another week bites the dust.
And, here is a thing… do you know it’s the summer solstice tomorrow! Yes, 21st June is the longest day! How on earth did we get here so quick?
Here are a few facts –
This year it falls on Tuesday, June 21 – when the UK will enjoy 16 hours and 43 minutes of daylight. The sun will rise at 4.43am and set at 9.22pm. This year, it will fall at exactly 10:13am in the United Kingdom.
Also known as midsummer or the estival solstice.
There are two solstices each year – one in the winter and one in the summer. The summer solstice occurs when the tilt of Earth’s axis is most inclined towards the sun and is directly above the Tropic of Cancer.
Under the meteorological definition, which splits the year into four seasons of three full months each based on the Gregorian calendar, winter starts on 1 December every year, and summer starts on 1 June.
Earth isn’t the only planet with solstices and equinoxes, any other planet with a rotational axis would see them, too.
All information was gathered from the internet 🙂
Have a great week, enjoy the longer day, I was going to say enjoy the sun! But, as we all know the weather does its own thing 🙂
Happy Reading,
All the best
Yvonne xx
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
I am delighted to share my review today for We All Have Our Secrets by Jane Corry. I really enjoy this author’s books and this latest one is fabulously addictive and has some wonderful dilemmas that would make for great book club questions.
I received my e-copy of this book from the publisher – Penguin UK that I requested via NetGalley.
Emily made a mistake, a mistake midwifes can’t afford to make. Escaping to her dad’s home in Devon to regroup and check in on him – his dementia has been worsening, and her guilt along with it – she is surprised when a beautiful stranger answers the door. Francoise is her dad’s new carer, but Emily’s father seems to have deteriorated under her care.
Emily doesn’t trust Francoise – but she doesn’t trust herself either. Each has a secret. And one of them will kill to keep it . . .
A suspenseful, darkly emotive domestic thriller from the Sunday Times bestseller about what happens when family ties are pushed to breaking point.
MY REVIEW
I have read all of this author’s books and I have always enjoyed the unexpected twists that she adds to her stories. This latest book I think may be the most twisted one yet!
Emily has returned to her family home in Cornwall. She is a midwife and there has been a mistake, taking a break at her home and catching up with her elderly father. She is surprised when she is greeted by a young woman. Things have changed since her last visit and it is with the suspicion that she tries to work out why this young French woman is a carer for Harold, her dad.
Francoise is a caring woman and has experience looking after the elderly. She is used to their mood swings and has learnt to be patient with them. She soon realised that Emily doesn’t seem to like her and is on her case.
This was a fabulous read and it is one that does at times flit back from present-day to 1945, this fills.in gaps in Harold’s life while continuing in the present time. The story also alternates between Emily and Francoise. This is a great way of seeing different sides to the women and seeing things from their perspective. Do I g this means the author can sow seeds of doubt for the reader. As I thought one thing, the author successfully turned things on their head and I found myself reevaluating, this is where the twists become more evident and sneaky.
The author does a very good job of going through the various aspects of midwifery and also adult care while weaving in her story of the past and the present. The levels of suspicion increase throughout the story and kept drawing me further and further in. No one is quite what they seem and so the title is very appropriate, yes we all have secrets but some are of can have serious repercussions.
This is a fabulous story and became a one-sitting read for me. It has a good psychological angle as well as mysteries. There is also a nice bit of romance running through this story and again it has roots in the past, with more secrets that are to be revealed. I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it.
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
I am delighted to share my review today for The Forgotten Beach by Amanda James. This is an author who writes some fabulous books, and I am really enjoying her latest ones that have a nice twist to them.
This is 2 of 20 in my #20booksofsummer reading challenge.
For Cornish artist Sennen Kellow that moment comes with the discovery of her late gran’s epic love story – a story that happened years before she ever met Sennen’s grandfather.
Now, as Sennen digs into her grandmother’s past and discovers a forgotten beach, a hidden poem, and a love that blazed brightly before Fate intervened, her search for answers leads her on a fated journey of her own. One which sees history repeating itself, and Sennen faced with a chance at the kind of once-in-a-lifetime love her gran experienced…but only if she’s willing to risk everything.
On the forgotten beach at the edge of the land, lies a forgotten treasure beneath the sand. A cup of kindness for Auld Lang Syne, Sweeter than the finest wine. In a parting glass from years gone by, Dwells a magic strange to you and I. Sup it down before you part, to find the truth within your heart.
MY REVIEW
Oh, Amanda James, you have once again written a wonderful book. This one was absolutely fabulous.
Sennen Kellow is a local artist and shop owner. She is given a poem that her grandmother had written, there is a secret beach local to her. The only way to get to it is through the grounds of an old property, when her curiosity finally gets the better of her, Sennen decides to have a look and see what she can find out.
This is where she meets the rather abrupt, aloof and brusque owner of the property. A London lawyer who isn’t exactly charming, but does grant her a tour of the house and grounds. Not wanting to discuss why she actually has an interest in visiting as he doesn’t appear to be very open or pleasant.
The author has woven a tale that spans the generations and gives a wonderful account of families of the past. A time when money and status were paramount and marriage for love was worth nothing. The story gradually emerges and it is one that has some wonderful heartwarming moments as well as moments marred by grief.
While the situation for Sennen is intriguing, the author twists a wonderful comparison between the past and the present. It drew me further into the story and at times left me nervously turning the pages wondering if history would repeat itself.
I loved this sense of tension and the uncertainty that the author injects into this story. Using the past and the present, with mystery and romance and then twisting certain things to create a captivating story.
This is one for readers who love to read a contemporary fiction style story, that has echoes of the past, with a complicated and not necessarily straightforward romantic angle. I have to say this is a fabulous read and I loved to see mentions of characters from other books mentioned. While this is part of a series, you could read this as a standalone. But, if you did you would miss out on some wonderful storytelling from one of my favourite authors.
A cracking read from the first to the last page and also the author’s notes add a wonderful touch at the end. I would definitely recommend this book.
The books in the series are…
Each of these can be read as stand-alone books as they are stories in their own right.
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I am delighted to share my review today for The Gin Sisters Promise by Faith Hogan. I adore this author’s books, although I have not yet read them all, and this latest one is absolutely gorgeous.
My huge thanks to Ayo at Aria Fiction, which is a digital imprint ofHead of Zeus for my wonderful copy of this book.
Three estranged sisters. Six months to come back together.
When Georgie, Iris and Nola’s mother died and their father disappeared into his grief, the sisters made a pact: they would always be there for one another, no matter what.
Now, decades later, they haven’t spoken for years and can barely stand to be in the same room. As his health declines, their father comes up with a plan to bring them back to one another. In his will, he states that before they can claim their inheritance, they must spend six months living together in their childhood home in the village of Ballycove, Ireland, and try to repair their broken relationships.
As the months progress, old resentments boil over, new secrets threaten to come out and each sister must decide what matters more: their pride, or their family. Can they overcome their past and find a way to love each other once more?
Bestselling Irish writer Faith Hogan’s The Gin Sisters’ Promise is an emotional, uplifting story about forgiveness, second chances and the importance of family, for fans of Sheila O’Flanagan, Heidi Swain and Liz Fenwick.
I do adore this author and the books she writes, I will say I have not read them all. The ones I have read have been fabulous and this latest one is no exception.
The Gin Sisters’ Promise is about three sisters. Georgie, Iris and Nola. Once close but now estranged. They live different lives and each one has a gripe about the other. Not happy in their own lives and argumentative and hurtful when brought together.
When their father dies the girls have no choice but to come together for the funeral and the reading of the will. Their father had been successful and had built up a nice portfolio. He has arranged that the three siblings must try to work together and try to rebuild some sort of friendship. This is going to be tough, but he obviously hoped that it was his last chance to do something for the girls.
Each of the sisters has her own life, lifestyle and priorities. Each is very different. So when they have to come and live together for 6 months in their old family home they have no choice but to try and get along. Not easy, and not without its troubles.
The author has created three wonderful characters in the sisters. Oh my goodness each is headstrong and they have an opinion. It is only a matter of time when a barb or a remark makes those opinions known. Having the three together is like waiting for a spark to ignite and the author creates such a brilliant tense vibe as I was waiting for the bang.
While the sisters are living together it is time for them to be honest with each other. I gradually realised that they cannot even be honest with themselves so how on earth are they going, to be honest with each other. They are like rivals and they tiptoe around the issues, little warning shots are frequent though.
The author has created a gorgeous story, it has sadness as the girls deal with grief, but it is a refreshing read though. Even though there is a lot of animosity between the women, there is the hope that they can resolve their issues with each other.
All the way through this book I kept hoping for a good outcome, not only because they are sisters but also for each of them as individuals. It’s a chance to restart their wonderful childhood relationship as adults and make a fresh start of their lives. The thing is can they get over their own stubbornness and see the bigger picture. Can they admit to their own problems and reveal their own insecurities. Well, you are going to have to read the book to find out, aren’t you!
If you have read any of this authors’ books before, then you are going to be a bit like me. You will pick the book up and read it without reading the synopsis, as soon as I see this author’s name I have to read her newest book, it’s as simple as that.
This is one for those who love contemporary fiction, of families and rivalries that are caught up with a few home truths and confronting your innermost thoughts. A fabulous book and a brilliant one-sitting read. It is one I would definitely recommend.
CHECK OUT THE OTHER STOPS ON THE TOUR…
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I am delighted to share my review today for Reputation by Sarah Vaughan. This is a fabulous psychological thriller and is the first book on my #20booksofsummer reading challenge.
I requested this book via NetGalley and I was delighted when my request was accepted.
The bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal returns with a new psychological thriller about a politician whose less-than-perfect personal life is thrust into the spotlight when a body is discovered in her home.
As a politician, Emma has sacrificed a great deal for her career–including her marriage and her relationship with her daughter, Flora. A former teacher, she finds the glare of the spotlight unnerving, particularly when it leads to countless insults, threats, and trolling as she tries to work in the public eye. As a woman, she knows her reputation is worth its weight in gold, but as a politician, she discovers it only takes one slip-up to destroy it completely.
Fourteen-year-old Flora is learning the same hard lessons at school as she encounters heartless bullying. When another teenager takes her own life, Emma lobbies for a new law to protect women and girls from the effects of online abuse. Now, Emma and Flora find their personal lives uncomfortably intersected–but then the unthinkable happens: A man is found dead in Emma’s home, a man she had every reason to be afraid of and to want gone. Fighting to protect her reputation, and determined to protect her family at all costs, Emma is pushed to the limits as the worst happens and her life is torn apart.
MY REVIEW
This is a story that had me hooked, a story that gives the reader a dilemma as they read it, well it did me! I felt conflicted as I read this story, as part of me wanted one outcome while the other thought another should be right. A sort of head or heart dilemma, and one that made for compelling reading.
The focus of the story is on Emma Webster, a one time teacher and now an MP. She does have an agenda, it is one that the rights and safety of women online. Emma is no stranger to the bad side of social media, threats, trolls and being constantly watched add pressure to an already full work/ home life.
The author uses Emma to highlight problems with society and social media. It is something that is quite timely at the moment with a certain celebrity trial. All you have to do is look on any platform and you will see horrendous comments. There are several points the author makes within the story – public figures should be expected to be trolled with comments and criticism, the tabloids have a right to go after a story that is about a politician, and anyone who has a public profile should be expected to take this and not make a stand. While people are allowed opinions, this story deals with when the opinions go beyond what is acceptable.
Using Emma, the author portrays a woman who wants to make a stand, and help to make new laws but also make a difference. Throughout the story, I got to know Emma, her ethics, her beliefs and also her daughter, Flora. The story is told from both of their perspectives and gives a totally different side to their lives, it helps to put things into perspective.
When Emma is brought to trial, the author does a brilliant job of giving the for and against arguments, it is riveting reading and really ramps the tension level up several notches. This is where the real reader dilemma comes into its own – which way do you think it should go? Well, I am keeping my opinion to myself!
The ending of this story was something else as well, it gave a conclusive ending and one that finally answered some lingering questions and thoughts.
This was a fabulous read and if you have read anything by this author before, then I do think you are going to really enjoy this one. It is one for readers who like thought-provoking, psycholologi8cal thrillers. Brilliant book and one I would definitely recommend.Â
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
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Yvonne - Me and My Books 